cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using neural networks for robot positioning control

Abstract Automation of manufacturing processes often involves integrating some type of robot with the manufacturing system. Dynamic interactions between the robot and its environment introduce the importance of robot process capability (RPC) and the complication of robot control. In this research, a learning algorithm with a simple neural network was proposed not only for robot learning but also for simplifying control and improving the RPC in on-line processing. The proposed neural network has a modified two-layer counterpropagation network (MTL-CPN). Before the MTL-CPN learning algorithm was built, five algorithms were studied: Kohonen's neighborhood, DeSieno's conscience, error-range, and three-dimensional counterpropagation network (3D-CPN) learning algorithms. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for learning control.
Multiaction maintenance under Markovian deterioration and incomplete state information

Much research been devoted to modeling the replacement problem under incomplete state information. Almost no work has been done on the maintenance problem under incomplete information with multiple maintenance actions that may not return the system to as good as new. We model this problem and derive structural results concerning the optimal maintenance policy. For the case where the effect of maintenance actions is state dependent, we give conditions under which the optimal policy is finitely computable. Where maintenance is state independent we show a specific structure, consisting of monotonic waiting times and constant maintenance actions, to be optimal.
Conscious and unconscious lexical retrieval blocking in younger and older adults

The effects of orthographically overlapping prime words in a word fragment completion task (modified from S. M. Smith & D. R. Tindell, 1997) were studied in younger and older adults. Participants studied words and then completed word fragments corresponding to those words. Fragments were preceded by a blocking, unrelated, or neutral prime. In Experiment 1, all participants were slower and less likely to complete the word fragments correctly in the blocking prime condition. Older adults also were more likely to use the blocking prime to incorrectly complete the word fragment compared with younger adults, even when warned against doing so (Experiment 2). Experiment 3 used a masked priming paradigm in younger adults to examine whether conscious processing of the prime word was necessary to produce blocking effects. Reliable blocking effects were obtained, including an intrusion rate similar to that observed in older adults in the first two experiments. These results suggest that certain aspects of word-finding failures in normal aging may be related to the reduced ability to control the activation of a lexical competitor when attempting to retrieve a target word. Accurately retrieving words from memory is a constant activity in conversation. Speakers use syntactic, phonological, and semantic cues from the context of a discourse to produce appropriate and fluent responses. Although lexical retrieval is normally effortless, it sometimes fails. Such lexical retrieval failures are often accompanied by an unsettling feeling of knowing, as well as access to partial cues about the target word, such as its initial sound, syllable structure, or related words, as if one is aware of the target word yet cannot produce it (e.g., A. S. Brown, 1991; R. Brown & McNeill, 1966). Although lexical retrieval difficulties appear to be univer
Critical behavior of epitaxial half-metallic ferromagnetic CrO 2 films

Critical behavior of the epitaxial ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{2}$ film, a half metallic ferromagnet, has been determined by magnetometry with the magnetic field along the uniaxial anisotropy axis. The critical temperature has been determined to be ${T}_{C}=386.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05\mathrm{K}.$ The critical exponents of $\ensuremath{\beta}=0.371\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}=1.43\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ indicate that ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{2}$ is a Heisenberg ferromagnet.
Genetic correlation of ram sexual performance with ewe reproductive traits of four sheep breeds

Rams express differences in sexual performance during the breeding season. Breeding rams with high sexual performance scores as measured during a sexual performance test can improve flock fertility. Whether selecting rams for high sexual performance score will indirectly improve ewe reproductive performance is not known. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic correlation between sexual performance scores of rams and reproduction of ewes. Sexual performance scores of rams and reproductive performance (number of lambs born per ewe exposed and number of lambs weaned per ewe exposed) from four breeds were analyzed with univariate and bivariate animal models using REML. A total of 4685 records for sexual performance scores of rams were obtained from the US Sheep Experiment Station (Columbia, n = 807; Polypay, n = 1668; Rambouillet, n = 1208; and Targhee, n = 1002). Reproductive performance of ewes was based on 35,154 records (Columbia, n = 7693; Polypay, n = 9229; Rambouillet, n = 10,954; and Targhee, n = 7278). Estimates of heritability for sexual performance score of rams were larger for the Columbia (0.31 ± 0.09) and Polypay (0.30 ± 0.08) than that for Rambouillet (0.14 ± 0.07) and Targhee breeds (0.17 ± 0.08). Overall breed heritability estimate was 0.22 ± 0.04. Heritability estimates for number of lambs born were larger (0.05–0.11) than for number of lambs weaned (0.02–0.05). Estimates of genetic correlation between sexual performance score and number of lambs born were near zero (−0.09 to 0.02) except for the Columbia breed (0.24 ± 0.20). Estimates of genetic correlation between sexual performance score of the ram and number of lambs weaned varied by breed (Columbia, 0.28 ± 0.26; Polypay, 0.00 ± 0.25; Rambouillet, −0.17 ± 0.25; and Targhee, 0.32 ± 0.28). Overall breed genetic correlations of sexual performance of rams with number of lambs born and weaned were 0.00 ± 0.10 and 0.00 ± 0.12, respectively. Because of the low heritability of ewe reproductive traits and their apparently nil to low genetic correlation with sexual performance scores of rams, selection and use of rams with high
Image registration and modeling of Ga-68 EDTA for determination of BBB permeability changes induced by pharmacological intervention (RMP7) in tumor patients

To study the effects of RMP7, an bradykinin analog, on BBB permeability changes in brain tumor patients, Ga-68 EDTA PET was used for quantitative determination of tumor tissue permeability, two dynamic Ga-68 EDTA PET scans (with and without RMP7) were performed for each patient. Changes between the results of the two scans were used to assess the effect of the drug. MRI was also performed to provide the anatomical information. Patient movement during the dynamic PET studies were corrected by frame-to-frame PET image registration. Due to different orientation among PET and MRI images, all PET images were co-registered to the MRI images of the corresponding patient. All frames of a dynamic scan were summed before registering to the MRI images. The main features for registration were boundaries of skull and tumor. After registration, region of interest (ROI) was defined on MRI images and was copied to registered PET dynamic images. The whole tumor radioactivity was calculated based on each plane's tumor ROI. The transport constant from plasma to tissue (Ki) that is related to BBB permeability was estimated by a two-compartmental model. The PET-MRI registration method developed by Lin et al was found to work well for Ga-68 PET-MRI image registration. Estimated whole tumor Ki was 0.0002 +/- 0.0019 (s.d.)ml/min/g for the baseline study and was increased by 46 +/- 42 (s.d.)% with RMP7.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Functional activities of various preparations of human intravenous immunoglobulin against type III group B streptococcus

Two preparations of human immunoglobulin modified for intravenous use (iv immunoglobulin) by different methods (reduction-and-alkylation, or pH 4 treatment) were evaluated for in vitro and in vivo activity against a strain of type III group B Streptococcus (GBS). Both preparations contained similar amounts of total IgG and specific IgG antibody against the type-specific polysaccharide. In vitro, opsonophagocytic studies revealed that pH 4-treated iv immunoglobulin was significantly more effective than reduced-and-alkylated iv immunoglobulin in supporting neutrophil-mediated killing of the type III GBS strain. In vivo, both preparations resulted in similar levels of serum antibody in newborn rats, but pH 4-treated iv immunoglobulin was significantly more protective against the type III GBS strain. This was demonstrated by the lower magnitude of bacteremia, improved survival, and lower protective dose (PD50) in recipients of pH 4-treated iv immunoglobulin. Thus, reduced-and-alkylated iv immunoglobulin was less effective in vitro and in vivo against the strain of type III GBS than was pH 4-treated iv immunoglobulin. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms for this apparent discrepancy in functional activities of iv immunoglobulin.
ULTRASONOGRAFÍA 3D EN LA EVALUACIÓN DEL LABIO LEPORINO: SERIE CLÍNICA

Antecedentes: La fisura labiopalatina (FLP) es la malformacion facial mas comun, afectando a 1,8/1000 nacimientos. En sus inicios, la ultrasonografia 2D (US2D) diagnosticaba FLP en 5,3% de los casos, siendo actualmente el 71,5-95%. Se ha reportado la utilidad de la ultrasonografia 3D (US3D) y del doppler color (DC) para evaluar el compromiso palatino. Objetivo: Reportar la utilidad de US3D y del DC en el estudio de FLP durante el control fetal prenatal. Pacientes: Estudio de serie de casos de labio leporino pesquisados prenatalmente por US2D, que concurrieron a ecografia rutinaria del segundo trimestre del embarazo a la Clinica de la Mujer de Vina del Mar, entre enero de 1997 y abril de 2009. A todos se les realizo US3D por un operador. Se realizo consejo genetico, apoyo psicologico y educacion prenatal. Resultados: Se detectaron 7 casos de fetos con labio leporino, siendo confirmados al nacer. Uno presento compromiso palatino. En un caso se realizo imagen DC, que permitio descartar la presencia de compromiso palatino, lo cual se correspondio con la US3D, siendo comprobado al nacimiento. Conclusion: La US3D permite estudiar la region facial, complementando la US2D en la observacion del defecto labial y compromiso palatino. La deteccion prenatal de FLP disminuye el impacto psicologico que provoca en los padres.
Image Quality of CRTs Under Ambient Glare: Assessing the ISO 9241-7 Ergonomic Standard

The effects of five illumination conditions (dark, 200 lux diffuse, 500 lux diffuse, 800 lux diffuse, and 2000 cd/m2 specular) and two screen contrast polarities on reading times and perceived image quality judgments were assessed for seven CRT/anti-reflection filter configurations. Judgments and times were compared to ISO classifications and metrics. The findings show that specular reflections degrade image quality more than diffuse reflections. Therefore, the ISO procedure underemphasizes the contribution of the specular reflection luminance ratio' and overemphasizes the contribution of the screen image luminance ratio to compliance classification calculations.
Effect of fibronectin on healing of replanted teeth in monkeys: a histologic and autoradiographic study.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fibronectin application on healing of replanted teeth. Three rhesus monkeys were used. Maxillary and mandibular incisors and premolars were extracted and replanted. Teeth were extracted with forceps and placed in saline solution. After 5 minutes, each tooth was returned to its socket and immobilized by interproximal acid-etch splints, which were removed after 1 week. Of the forty-eight teeth replanted, twenty-four control teeth were replanted as described. On each of the remaining teeth, the root surface and the inner walls of the socket were bathed with 1 ml of fibronectin in saline solution (400 μg/ml) during the 5-minute interval between booth extraction and its replantation. Replanted teeth and animal killings were scheduled to provide observations 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 45 days after replantation. Each monkey received an intravenous injection of tritiated thymidine, 1 μCi/g of body weight, 1 hour before it was killed. Tissue specimens were processed for histologic and autoradiographic evaluation following standard procedures. For each of the six points of time, four pairs of contralateral teeth were available for evaluation; four teeth were treated with fibronectin and four without it. The findings of this study indicate that fibronectin use resulted in enhanced healing by (1) early replacement of the fibrin clot, (2) increased connective tissue cell proliferation, (3) reduction of the inflammatory response, and (4) inhibition of both cementum resorption and dentoalveolar ankylosis.
Nursing librarian: an educator of future nurses

The importance of “information literacy” in the education of nursing students continues to increase. In response, partnerships between nursing faculty and librarians are developing. The shortage of nurses and the rapid changes in information technology have created opportunities for librarians to educate nursing faculty and students about locating information, evaluating resources, and managing information. The type of instruction and support needed varies, depending on the level of the nursing student. Become a partner with the nursing faculty by attending meetings, having an office in the college of nursing, participating in social networking, and exploring ways in which a librarian can provide assistance. These partnerships provide benefits to nursing programs, nursing faculty and librarians.
Monte Carlo charged-particle tracking and energy deposition on a Lagrangian mesh.

A Monte Carlo algorithm for alpha particle tracking and energy deposition on a $RZ$ cylindrical computational mesh in a Lagrangian hydrodynamics code used for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) simulations is presented. The straight line approximation is used to follow propagation of ``Monte Carlo particles'' which represent collections of alpha particles generated from thermonuclear deuterium-tritium (DT) reactions. Energy deposition in the plasma is modeled by the continuous slowing down approximation. The scheme addresses various aspects arising in the coupling of Monte Carlo tracking with Lagrangian hydrodynamics; such as non-orthogonal severely distorted mesh cells, particle relocation on the moving mesh and particle relocation after rezoning. A comparison with the flux-limited multi-group diffusion transport method is presented for a polar direct drive target design for the National Ignition Facility. Simulations show the Monte Carlo transport method predicts about $30\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{picosecond}$ earlier ignition than predicted by the diffusion method, and generates higher hot spot temperature. Nearly linear speed-up is achieved for multi-processor parallel simulations.
Changing Places: American Planning Policy for the 1990S

: Millions of Americans have cast their urban agenda ballots by voting with their feet and moving out of the core of the nation's cities. Suburbanization has weakened the urban and social and economic fabric; the problems of metropolitan America are spread and not arrested. As the nation divides, it reduces its capacity to address the fundamental requirements of national aspirations for a just and economically equitable society. The Los Angeles riots were a vivid reflection of the flawed logic of current urban policy that increases social, economic, and physical distance. The authors offer an explanation of the problems and a set of recommendations for urban planning and policy to address the issues of urban decline. There are no panaceas in their prescriptions. Only a total rethinking of the nation's priorities and a reinvestment in social and human capital can transform urban life. Due to the momentary public concern over Los Angeles and other big cities, the next Administration will face perhaps the best and last chance to alter the fortunes of the nation's urban areas.
Diffraction of SV waves by underground, circular, cylindrical cavities

The scattering and diffraction of plane SV waves underground, circular, cylindrical cavities at various depths in an elastic half space is studied in this paper. The cavities, studied here, are at depths of two to five cavity radii, measured from the surface to the center of the cavity. Fourier-Bessel series are used to satisfy the wave equation and the boundary conditions. When the angle of incidence of the plane SV wave exceeds the critical angle, surface waves are generated, which are expanded in terms of Fourier series, which also involve Bessel functions. The surface displacement amplitudes and phases that are presented show that the results depend on the following parameters: (1) The angle of incidence, θβ; (2) the ratio cavity depth to the cavity radius, ha; (3) the dimensionless frequency of the incident SV wave, η; and (4) Poisson's ratio, v. The presence of the cavity in the half space results in significant deviation of both the displacement amplitudes and phases on the nearby half space surface from that of a uniform half space.
Enhancing the second step of the trans excision-splicing reaction of a group I ribozyme by exploiting P9.0 and P10 for intermolecular recognition

We previously reported that a group I intron-derived ribozyme can catalyze the excision of targeted sequences from within RNAs in vitro and that dissociation of the bridge-3' exon intermediate between the two reaction steps is a significant contributing factor to low product yields. We now analyze the effects of increasing the length, and thus the strength, of helices P9.0 and P10, which occur between the ribozyme and the bridge-3' exon region of the substrate, on this trans excision-splicing reaction. Using substrates where lengthy targeted regions are excised, these modifications can significantly increase product yields, specifically by enhancing the second reaction step. A threshold for product formation is obtained, however, at around five base pairs for P10 and eight base pairs for P9.0. Nevertheless, elongating P9.0 appears to be the more effective strategy, as both substrate binding and the rate of the second reaction step increase. In addition, P10 is required when P9.0 is not elongated. Also, a strong P9.0 helix cannot replace a weaker P10 helix, indicating that P9.0 and P10 play somewhat distinct roles in the reaction. We also show that second-step inhibition stems from the formation of an extended P1 helix (P1ex), consisting of as little as a single Watson-Crick base pair, as well as the mere presence of substrate nucleosides immediately downstream from P10. Both of these inhibitory components can be overcome by utilizing P9.0 and P10 elongated ribozymes. This work sets forth an initial framework for rationally designing more effective trans excision-splicing ribozymes.
Role played by NK2 receptor and cyclooxygenase activation in bradykinin B2 receptor mediated-airway effects in guinea pigs

We have investigated the effects of SR-48968, an NK2 receptor antagonist, and indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, against bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage induced by bradykinin (BK) in anesthetized guinea pigs. In addition, we have determined whether these effects were mediated via bradykinin B2 receptor activation, using a B2 receptor antagonist HOE 140. Lung resistance (RL) and extravasation of Evans blue dye into airway tissues were used as indexes of airway caliber and microvascular leakage, respectively. BK (15 nmol/kg i.v.) induced a significant increase in RL and leakage of dye at all airway levels, responses which were completely abolished by HOE 140 (0.13 mg/kg i.v.). SR-48968 (1.5 mg/kg i.v.) had no effect against BK-induced airway effects. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.v.) completely blocked the increase in RL and significantly inhibited the leakage of dye in peripheral intrapulmonary airway. In conclusion, bronchoconstriction induced by i.v. BK is mediated by release of cyclooxygenase products but not by stimulation of NK2 receptors, while the airway microvascular leakage only partly involves cyclooxygenase activation. Cyclooxygenase activation may occur following bradykinin B2 receptor stimulation.
STUDIES OF SUMMER WEIGHT TROPICAL WORSTED FABRICS MADE WITH POLYESTER FIBERS AND BLENDS OF POLYESTER FIBERS

(1952). STUDIES OF SUMMER WEIGHT TROPICAL WORSTED FABRICS MADE WITH POLYESTER FIBERS AND BLENDS OF POLYESTER FIBERS. Journal of the Textile Institute Proceedings: Vol. 43, No. 8, pp. P670-P680.
Inhibition of chicken myeloblastosis RNA polymerase II activity in vitro by N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-valerate.

The anthracycline antibiotic adriamycin is a new, yet widely used, antineoplastic drug. It has proved effective in the treatment of various solid tumors as well as acute leukemias [ 11. The cytotoxic effect of adriamycin has been correlated with its potent inhibition of cellular DNA and RNA synthesis, presumably by the mechanism of intercalation of the drug molecule into the double helix of DNA and hence interference with the DNA template activities [2-51. We have found that adriamycin could inhibit the activity of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II of chicken myeloblastosis (leukemic) cells [6]. This enzyme used denatured DNA, instead of native DNA, as a preferred template for in vitro RNA synthesis [7]. Since denatured DNA would provide fewer intercalation sites for the drug, it would appear that intercalating to DNA template might not be the only mechanism by which adriamycin exerts its inhibitory effect on the leukemic RNA synthesis. This hypothesis has subsequently been substantiated by the following observations [6]: (1) The template activity of single-stranded DNA purified from denatured calf thymus DNA through two consecutive hydroxyapatite column chromatographies, appeared qually as sensitive to adriamycin inhibition as denatured DNA; (2) The single-stranded DNA thus purified bound little, if any, adriamycin, as revealed by sucrose gradient centrifugation studies.
Interaction of supercritical carbon dioxide with polymers. II. Amorphous polymers

In continuation of our goal to implement supercritical fluid (SCF) technology for various applications such as precision cleaning, foaming, and impregnation of materials, a systematic study has been performed involving amorphous polymers. Eleven different polymers of amorphous nature have been subjected to supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) treatment under a wide pressure and temperature range (1000–3000 psi and 25–70°C, respectively). The influence and impact of such treatment on the appearance, weight change, and thermal and mechanical properties were followed systematically. In addition, the effect of treatment conditions and dimension of the samples on weight changes were also monitored. It has been found that amorphous polymers can absorb carbon dioxide to a greater extent than crystalline polymers and, in turn, the phenomenon of plasticization was also very high. In addition to morphology, the polarity of the polymer is also crucial in determining the solubility in carbon dioxide. Comparison was also made with the behavior of crystalline polymers. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Proptosis secondary to pneumocele of the maxillary sinus

The third known case of a pneumocele of the maxillary sinus is reported. Radiographic findings included hyperlucency of a maxillary sinus with generalized expansion of its borders. Bone dehiscence was also visible with tomography. The present case emphasizes a gradual onset of clinical signs manifested primarily by proptosis. Possible mechanisms in the production of this deformity are discussed.
Cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair preserve the stability of the human genome

Chemical carcinogenesis in the regenerating rat liver is cell-cycle-dependent. Proliferating hepatocytes were maximally susceptible to initiation by a single dose of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide I when at the G1/S border. Hepatocytes in early G1 or late S/G2/M were less susceptible and non-proliferating G0 hepatocytes were resistant to initiation. Radiation clastogenesis in proliferating human fibroblasts also is cell-cycle-dependent. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) induced maximal frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in synchronized cells that were at the G1/S border. Cells in early G1 or G2 were significantly less sensitive. For both initiation of chemical carcinogenesis and UV-clastogenesis, it appears that replication of damaged DNA is required and DNA repair before replication reduces cellular risk. If DNA repair is protective, cell cycle checkpoints which delay DNA replication and mitosis should augment this protective influence by providing more time for repair. The contribution of cell cycle checkpoint function to DNA repair during cell cycle-dependent clastogenesis was studied using ataxia telangiectasia (AT) fibroblasts. The AT cells displayed a defect in the coupling of DNA damage to checkpoints which control the G1/S and G2/M transitions and the rate of replicon initiation in S phase cells. UV-clastogenesis in AT cells was cell-cycle-dependent with irradiation at the G1/S boundary inducing 3-times more aberrations than treatment in G0 at the time of release into the cell cycle. Thus, DNA excision repair during the pre-replicative G1 phase was protective even in cells with defective checkpoint function. However, following irradiation at the G1/S border, AT cells displayed about 6-fold increased levels of UV-induced chromosome aberrations in comparison to normal human fibroblasts that were treated at this time. These observations indicate that secondary and tertiary DNA lesions that are produced during replication of UV-damaged DNA (replicative gaps and double-strand breaks) also depend on checkpoint function for repair. The replicon initiation and G2-delay checkpoints that operate after initiation of S phase appear to play a major role in protection against UV-clastogenesis.
Application of the adiabatic-nuclei approximation to energy-loss cross sections for collisions with molecules

A general expression is derived for the energy-loss, or stopping, cross section for particles incident on linear or symmetric-top molecules, within the context of the adiabatic-nuclei approximation for vibration and rotation, or only rotation. The derivation is an alternative to that of Shimamura, and confirms his proof that the cross section is, when summed over all final rotor states, independent of the initial rotor state. It involves a sum rule for Clebsch-Gordan coefficients that, if not newly derived here, is certainly unfamiliar. The expression relating body-frame (fixed-nuclei) and laboratory-frame cross sections for linear and symmetric-top molecules is generalized to the asymmetric-top molecule, and it is shown that for this case the cross section for transitions between any rotational states can be written as a simple linear combination of the cross sections for the ground rotational state only in special circumstances. Application of Shimamura's theorem to this case leads to a general expression, applicable to all three classes of molecules, that is ideally suited to use with the results of standard fixed-nuclei scattering calculations. Applications near threshold and/or for polar molecules are discussed and illustrated for electron collisions with CO.
Teleseismic detection of a slow precursor to the great 1989 Macquarie Ridge earthquake

Low-frequency spectra for the 1989 Macquarie Ridge earthquake (magnitude 8.2) show an amplitude increase and a phase-delay decrease below 6 millihertz that require a short-term slow precursor. This earthquake can be modeled as a compound event in which a fast-rupturing, ordinary earthquake was initiated by an episode of slow, smooth deformation that began more than 100 seconds before the main shock. The moment released in the slow precursor was large, about 3 x 10 exp 20 newton-meters, equivalent to an event of magnitude 7.6. The data are consistent with the precursor being generated in a region of the oceanic upper mantle below the main rupture.
From Inner City to Ivory Tower Does My Voice Matter in the Academy

The author draws on principles of critical race theory to reflect on his elementary education at a successful urban Catholic school. He contends that his education was built on the integration of two epistemological pillars: centric and conflict theories. The implementation of this matrix of theories served as the necessary ingredients to foster his movement from the inner city to the ivory tower and a career in mathematics education research. The article concludes with a discussion of the tension created by his "voice" within traditional academic discourse.
INTESTINAL ADAPTATION DURING LACTATION IN THE MOUSE: ENHANCED UPTAKE OF DIETARY PROTEIN ANTIGEN

During lactation, dietary protein ingested by the mother may be transferred to the nursing infant. In this study, we sought to determine whether the uptake of protein was enhanced in lactating vs control mice. Lactating BDF1 mice (6-9 days postpartum) and age-matched nulliparous controls were gavaged with ovalbumin (OVA 10 mg in 0.5 ml saline). Blood was taken 15, 30, 60, and 120 min later and the serum concentration of OVA was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The concentration of OVA in the serum of lactators was significantly greater at 30 and 60 min. There was no difference in serum (iOVA) on day 1 of lactation, but the differences noted at mid-lactation were maintained through day 18. Plasma volume and clearance of OVA from the circulation may influence serum OVA concent ration. The plasma volume of lactators was found to be 2-fold greater than that of controls. The rate of clearance of unlabelled OVA injected intravenously was not different in the 2 groups. We conclude that the difference in serum concentration of OVA was associated with greater protein uptake from gut in lactating versus control mice.
Narrative boundaries and the dynamics of ethnic conflict and conciliation

Abstract Fiercely competing identity narratives provide the foundation for what often appear to be intractable ethnic conflicts. This article considers how an ethnically mixed group from the region of Istria, a site of violence between Italians and Slavs in the first half of the 1900s, has overcome persisting conflict through changes in their original identity narratives. I employ the network representation of life-stories to examine the relations among abstract elements located within the conceptual boundary between the narratives of Italian and Yugoslav Istrians who meet in New York. With their countervailing ties, boundary elements act as bridges to otherwise unconnected narratives. Their bridging ties transform the meaning of boundary elements, while their multiple ties to their original narratives open up opportunities for importing new meaning into existing narrative structures.
Driving a Car in Saudi: An Illustration of the Power of Norms and Values Using Multicultural Data.

The sociological literature on teach ing and learning includes a number of dis cussions devoted to the importance of multi cultural education (Lucal 1996; Martin 1996; Moremen 1997). Much of this litera ture encourages educators to revise the cur riculum and shows how the experience of multicultural education can stimulate stu dents' sociological imaginations (Thompson and Tyagi 1993). Beyond its role within the discipline, multicultural education is fre quently cited as a primary objective of lib eral arts and general education programs, placing sociology squarely in the realm of responsibility for fostering multicultural knowledge. To this end, some scholars have focused on transforming the curriculum as a whole, while others have hoped to improve it through the development of specific activi ties to promote multicultural awareness. Of those who promote multicultural awareness, some use actual cross-cultural interactions while others create artificial cultures in their
Erythrocytic enzymes and glycolytic intermediates in the normal bovine and in bovine erythropoietic porphyria.

Abstract 1. 1. Erythrocyte metabolism in normal and erythropoietic porphyric cattle was studied by determining enzyme activities and concentrations of metabolic intermediates. 2. 2. In the normal bovine cells, HK activity was the lowest of the glycolytic enzymes and concluded to be rate limiting. 3. 3. HK, PFK and PK reactions were also found to be displaced greatly from their equilibria as determined by their substrate-product concentrations. 4. 4. In the porphyric erythrocytes, PFK activity was decreased and GPI, aldolase, GAP-D, 6PG-D and GR activities were greater than in normal erythrocytes. 5. 5. Statistically significant inverse correlations were found between erythrocyte COPRO and in PROTO concentrations and PFK, GPI, PGAM and PK activities, and between erythrocyte PROTO concentrations and enol. activity. 6. 6. Porphyrin induced decrease in enzyme activities, possibly PFK alone, was considered to be a major determinant of erythrocyte survival in bovine erythropoietic porphyria.
The Role of Measurement in Establishing Evidence

Measurement outcomes are frequently used as evidence in favor of or against medical and surgical interventions, health policies, and system designs. Indeed, in the medical and health services research literature, outcomes are the currency of policy debate and decision making. Yet in the philosophy of science and philosophy of medicine, the measures used in evidence-based medicine (EBM) are rarely discussed. Rather, the focus here is almost exclusively on study design and hierarchies of evidence. This concentration on the methodology of study design has meant that for practical purposes the measures used in randomized controlled trials, observational studies, audits, and so forth, appear as a "black box." Yet as I argue in the first part of this article, an engagement with measurement can improve our understanding of EBM and the quality of our evidence. In the second part of the article, I develop such an engagement with one aspect of measurement, namely, the validity of patient-reported outcome measures. Here, I illustrate some of the complexity that is required to improve the validity of these measures and hence the validity of our study outcomes, that is, evidence. The concentration in philosophy of science on study design over measurement methodology perhaps reveals the interest that many philosophers of medicine have in causation, but there is more to the production of high-quality scientific evidence than securing the causal inference.
Realism in Interactive Tutors

Software learnability, a central aspect of usability, can be improved by including a tutorial. Existing research suggests that interactive, gamified tutorials are more effective than passive ones in increasing user engagement and learning. There is disagreement, however, as to whether the tutor should present a reduced or full interface of the tutored program. To determine if either approach offers an advantage, we have created an interactive tutor for the Git revision control system that uses the user's own installation of the program for maximal realism. We intend to compare this tutor to one that uses a simpler, but less accurate simulation of Git. In a pilot study, participants, despite having challenges with secondary programs used by the real Git, remained engaged and were able to discover and learn commands not available in the simplified interface. These findings suggest that designing for authenticity in interactive tutorials may be beneficial.
Prenatal ultrasound findings in affected and unaffected pregnancies that are screen-positive for trisomy 18: the California experience.

This study investigated whether significant differences in ultrasound findings exist between trisomy 18 affected and unaffected pregnancies positive by serum screening. Ultrasound reports were reviewed for 335 screen-positive women. This represented 65% of all trisomy 18 screen-positive patients who had follow-up services at any of 117 Californian state-approved Prenatal Diagnosis Centers during a six-month period from November 1, 1995 to April 30, 1996. Ultrasound reports were available for 100% of trisomy 18 fetuses diagnosed during the six month period (n=23). Ultrasound findings were reported as normal in 35% of the fetuses affected with trisomy 18. The number and type of abnormalities observed in the affected and unaffected groups are described. When compared to unaffected cases, the trisomy 18 affected fetuses had a greater re-dating discrepancy on follow-up ultrasound evaluation and significantly lower femur length to biparietal diameter (FL/BPD) ratio measurements. We recommend that all women who are screen positive for trisomy 18 be encouraged to have amniocentesis, regardless of ultrasound findings, since affected fetuses may not be detected otherwise. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth restriction in children with type B Niemann-Pick disease

Abstract Objectives To compare growth of children with type B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) with disease variables including genotype, organomegaly, bone age, and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Study design A cross-sectional analysis of growth was performed in 23 children and adolescents with enzymatically and genotypically confirmed NPD. Liver and spleen volumes were measured by quantitative computed tomography and skeletal age by a wrist radiograph. Results The mean Z scores for height and weight were −1.24 (29th percentile) and −0.75 (34th percentile). The mean liver and spleen volumes were 2.06 and 13.46 times normal for weight, respectively. Skeletal age was delayed by an average of 2.5 years, and serum IGF-1 level was at or below the 2nd percentile in 8 of 12 patients. Short stature and low weight were significantly correlated with large organ volumes, delayed bone age, and low IGF-1 levels. In contrast to patients with other mutations, individuals homozygous for the ΔR608 mutation had normal height and weight, markedly less hepatosplenomegaly and bone age delay, and normal IGF-1 levels. Conclusions Abnormal linear growth and delayed skeletal maturation are common in children and adolescents with type B NPD; however, homozygosity for ΔR608 is associated with normal growth. (J Pediatr 2003;142:424-8)
Jagged1 is essential for osteoblast development during maxillary ossification

Maxillary hypoplasia occurs due to insufficient maxillary intramembranous ossification, leading to poor dental occlusion, respiratory obstruction and cosmetic deformities. Conditional deletion of Jagged1 (Jag1) in cranial neural crest (CNC) cells using Wnt1-cre; Jagged1(f/f) (Jag1CKO) led to maxillary hypoplasia characterized by intrinsic differences in bone morphology and density using μCT evaluation. Jag1CKO maxillas revealed altered collagen deposition, delayed ossification, and reduced expression of early and late determinants of osteoblast development during maxillary ossification. In vitro bone cultures on Jag1CKO mouse embryonic maxillary mesenchymal (MEMM) cells demonstrated decreased mineralization that was also associated with diminished induction of osteoblast determinants. BMP receptor expression was dysregulated in the Jag1CKO MEMM cells suggesting that these cells were unable to respond to BMP-induced differentiation. JAG1-Fc rescued in vitro mineralization and osteoblast gene expression changes. These data suggest that JAG1 signaling in CNC-derived MEMM cells is required for osteoblast development and differentiation during maxillary ossification.
The binding of opioid peptides to the Mcg light chain dimer: Flexible keys and adjustable locks

Enkephalins and beta-casomorphins (opioid peptides) were found to bind in a variety of conformations to a human light chain (Bence-Jones) dimer from a patient (Mcg) with amyloidosis. The peptides were diffused into crystals of the protein and their positions, relative occupancies and modes of binding were determined at 2.7 A resolution by difference Fourier analyses. Collectively, the opioid peptides occupied practically all of the available space in the concave, internal parts of the binding region, as well as flat or convex external surfaces around the rim of the binding cavity. Suitable ligands ranged in size from four to seven residues. As many as five residues could be accommodated inside the binding region, and there was space for at least four residues on the external surfaces. External binding was influenced by solvent effects and local packing interactions among adjacent protein molecules in the crystal lattice. In the enkephalin series the presence of amino-terminal tyrosine was necessary, but not sufficient for binding. [Met]-enkephalin, a pentapeptide, showed two different modes of binding in overlapping subsites. In one subsite, preferred over the second in a ratio of 1.3:1.0, the side chain of amino-terminal tyrosine penetrated through the floor of the main cavity to lodge in the deep binding pocket about 20 A from the entrance. The remainder of the peptide spanned the length of the main cavity in an extended conformation. In the second subsite the amino end was restricted to the main cavity and the peptide backbone turned abruptly upward at residue 3 to interact with external surfaces. An (Arg-6, Phe-7) heptapeptide extension of [Met]-enkephalin entered the deep pocket and assumed an extended conformation in the main cavity like the pentapeptide. Its last two residues flattened against the external surfaces. [Leu]-enkephalin and its analogues displayed a combination of internal and external binding like [Met]-enkephalin in its secondary subsite. Enkephalin analogues with D-amino acids in position 2 generally adopted conformations which were more convoluted than those in the L-isomers. Moreover, external interactions tended to be more prominent in the D-derivatives. The beta-casomorphin-7 heptapeptide penetrated into the deep pocket and traversed the main cavity in as extended a conformation as the presence of two proline residues would permit. On removal of the ligand there was an unexpected hysteresis effect involving permanent structural alterations in the walls of the binding region. beta-casomorphins-4 and -5 were bound in the main cavity with the carboxyl ends protruding from the entrance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Pebbling with an Auxiliary Pushdown

Abstract A pebble game on graphs is introduced which bears the same relationship to the ordinary pebble game as auxiliary pushdown machines bear to ordinary machines. The worst-case time-space trade-off for pebbling with an auxiliary pushdown is shown to be T = N exp e( N S ) (where T denotes time, S denotes space and N denotes the size of the graph), which contrasts with T = N exp exp e( N S ) for ordinary pebbling. The significance of this result to various questions concerning relations among complexity classes is discussed.
Epistatic relationships between sarA and agr in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.

Background The accessory gene regulator (agr) and staphylococcal accessory regulator (sarA) play opposing roles in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. There is mounting evidence to suggest that these opposing roles are therapeutically relevant in that mutation of agr results in increased biofilm formation and decreased antibiotic susceptibility while mutation of sarA has the opposite effect. To the extent that induction of agr or inhibition of sarA could potentially be used to limit biofilm formation, this makes it important to understand the epistatic relationships between these two loci. Methodology/Principal Findings We generated isogenic sarA and agr mutants in clinical isolates of S. aureus and assessed the relative impact on biofilm formation. Mutation of agr resulted in an increased capacity to form a biofilm in the 8325-4 laboratory strain RN6390 but had little impact in clinical isolates S. aureus. In contrast, mutation of sarA resulted in a reduced capacity to form a biofilm in all clinical isolates irrespective of the functional status of agr. This suggests that the regulatory role of sarA in biofilm formation is independent of the interaction between sarA and agr and that sarA is epistatic to agr in this context. This was confirmed by demonstrating that restoration of sarA function restored the ability to form a biofilm even in the corresponding agr mutants. Mutation of sarA in clinical isolates also resulted in increased production of extracellular proteases and extracellular nucleases, both of which contributed to the biofilm-deficient phenotype of sarA mutants. However, studies comparing different strains with and without proteases inhibitors and/or mutation of the nuclease genes demonstrated that the agr-independent, sarA-mediated repression of extracellular proteases plays a primary role in this regard. Conclusions and Significance The results we report suggest that inhibitors of sarA-mediated regulation could be used to limit biofilm formation in S. aureus and that the efficacy of such inhibitors would not be limited by spontaneous mutation of agr in the human host.
A Structural Model of the Catalytic Subunit-regulatory Subunit Dimeric Complex of the cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase

Abstract Previous neutron scattering studies elaborated the topographical relationship of the regulatory (RIIα) and catalytic (Cα) subunits of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. We present here the results of a set of computations that lead to an atomic model of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase heterodimer, Δ1–91RIIα-Cα. The first step in the modeling utilized the crystal structures for the porcine Cα and bovine Δ1–90RIαor rat Δ1–111RIIβ, to homology-model structures of the species and isoforms that had been used in the neutron scattering experiments (bovine Cαsubunit and murine Δ1–91RIIαsubunit, respectively). A docking procedure, constrained by the dimensions and positions of the ellipsoids in the neutron-derived R-C model as well as mutagenesis data, was used to develop “best fit” models for the heterodimer. Simulated annealing, molecular dynamics, and energy minimization were then used to refine the side chain packing at the heterodimer interface. For comparison, the calculations were done using the homology models derived from both the RIαand RIIβ crystal structures. Both resultant models had many similarities. Each predicted similar interfaces. The RIα-based model has 25% more hydrogen bonds than that based on RIIβ, with seven of these potential bonds in common. The distribution of hydrophobic, polar, and charged residues at the interface was similar for both models, with a distribution more characteristic of the exposed surface residues than those in the protein interior. The calculated interface area in each is relatively small (<2000 A2). The RIα-based model, however, has a significantly better fit with the scattering data and is therefore the one of distinctly higher probability. With its small interface area that has a high proportion of charged and polar residues, the complex appears poised for dissociation, and each subunit existing as a stable entity. This result is consistent with the known physiological events required for cAMP-dependent activation of the kinase.