cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical and physiological plasticity of hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract ABSTRACT Stem cells from a variety of tissues have recently been shown to be capable of differentiating into cells characteristic of a separate tissue, apparently in response to microenvironmental signals. This is hierarchical plasticity. We have shown that both human and murine neurosphere cells with potential for differentiating into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes can produce hematopoietic stem cells when engrafted into fetal sheep or murine day 3.5 blastocysts, respectively. We have also demonstrated an alternative form of stem cell plasticity: functional plasticity at different points in cell cycle transit and at different phases of a circadian rhythm. We have shown that long-term engraftment varies reversibly as primitive murine stem cells (lineage-negative rhodamine low Hoechst low ) transit the cell cycle under stimulation by interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, IL-11, and steel factor, with engraftment being defective in late S/early G2. Engraftment also varies markedly with circadian time. Presumptive mechanisms for these phenotypic shifts include alteration in adhesion protein expression with consequent changes in marrow homing. Most recently, we have also demonstrated that stem cell differentiation varies markedly with cell cycle transit. There are other features of the hematopoietic stem cell which suggest that it is a highly plastic cell with the ability to rapidly change its membrane phenotype, while exhibiting extraordinary directed motility. These data suggest that cell cycle and circadian plasticity should be considered additional major features of the hematopoietic stem cell phenotype.
Microfluidic electroporation of robust 10-μm vesicles for manipulation of picoliter volumes

We present a new way to transport and handle picoliter volumes of analytes in a microfluidic context through electrically monitored electroporation of 10-25 microm vesicles. In this method, giant vesicles are used to isolate analytes in a microfluidic environment. Once encapsulated inside a vesicle, contents will not diffuse and become diluted when exposed to pressure-driven flow. Two vesicle compositions have been developed that are robust enough to withstand electrical and mechanical manipulation in a microfluidic context. These vesicles can be guided and trapped, with controllable transfer of material into or out of their confined environment. Through electroporation, vesicles can serve as containers that can be opened when mixing and diffusion are desired, and closed during transport and analysis. Both vesicle compositions contain lecithin, an ethoxylated phospholipid, and a polyelectrolyte. Their performance is compared using a prototype microfluidic device and a simple circuit model. It was observed that the energy density threshold required to induce breakdown was statistically equivalent between compositions, 10.2+/-5.0 mJ/m2 for the first composition and 10.5+/-1.8 mJ/m2 for the second. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using giant, robust vesicles with microfluidic electroporation technology to manipulate picoliter volumes on-chip.
Investigations of the optical properties of ZnO-metal oxide core-shell nanowire arrays for use in advanced optoelectronics

The structural and optical properties of ZnO-metal oxide core-shell structures were investigated and distinctive features were induced by the shell coatings. In particular, the photoluminescence of the ZnO nanowire cores can be enhanced or depleted by the shell, depending on the choice of shell material. The thickness of the shell was found to be a minor factor in comparison to the shell material, so very thin coatings may transform the properties of the native cores in core-shell nanostructures. A fundamental understanding of the effects of thin shell layers on the optical properties of nanomaterials will improve their stance in advanced applications such as photovoltaic devices.
The effect of exchange orientation on close relationships

In a longitudinal investigation of dating couples, I examined two types of exchange orientation for their associations with quality and stability of relationship. One type is concern that one is not the underbenefited partner in an inequitable relationship (underbenefiting exchange orientation, or UEO); the other is concern that one is not the overbenefited partner in an inequitable relationship (overbenefiting exchange orientation, or OEO). I found only slight support for Murstein et al.'s exchange orientation theory, which states that a high exchange orientation decreases satisfaction in close relationships. Underbenefiting exchange orientation, however, did not predict change in relationship quality over time, nor did it predict stability versus dissolution of the relationship. In support of a modified exchange orientation theory, overbenefiting exchange orientation was associated positively (rather than negatively, as was UEO) with some measures of relationship quality. OEO, however also led to very little change in relationship quality over time and did not affect relationship stability versus dissolution of the relationship.
Surgical therapy for anorectal melanoma

Abstract Background Anorectal melanoma is a rare but highly lethal malignancy. Historically, radical resection was considered the "gold standard" for treatment of potentially curable anorectal melanoma. The dismal prognosis of this disease has prompted us to recommend wide local excision as the initial therapeutic approach. The purpose of this study was to review our results in patients who underwent wide local excision or radical surgery (abdominoperineal resection [APR]) for localized anorectal melanoma. Study design We reviewed the charts of all patients referred for resection of anorectal melanoma between 1988 and 2002. Endpoints included overall survival, disease-free survival, and local, regional, or systemic recurrence. Results Fifteen patients underwent curative-intent surgery; four underwent APR and 11 underwent wide local excision. Eight patients (53%) are alive; 7 (47%) are disease-free (followup 6 months to 13 years). Of 12 patients who have been followed for more than 2 years, 4 are alive (33%) and 3 are disease-free (25%). Seven patients have been followed for more than 5 years and two are alive and disease-free (29%). All of the longterm survivors underwent local excision as the initial operation. There were no differences in local recurrence, systemic recurrence, disease-free survival, or overall survival between the APR group and the local excision group. Local recurrence occurred in 50% of the APR group and 18% of the local excision group; regional recurrence occurred in 25% versus 27%. Distant metastases were common (75% versus 36%). Conclusion In patients who have undergone resection with curative intent for anorectal melanoma, most recurrences occur systemically regardless of the initial surgical procedure. Local resection does not increase the risk of local or regional recurrence. APR offers no survival advantage over local excision. We advocate wide local excision as primary therapy for anorectal melanoma when technically feasible.
Modulation of age-related loss of glucagon-promoted lipolysis by food restriction

Abstract Male Fischer 344 rats were fed ad libitum (Group A) or 60% of the ad libitum intake (Group R) starting at 6 weeks of age. The latter is a dietary manipulation that prolongs life. At 6, 10 and 15 weeks of age, rats were killed, free adipocytes prepared, and lipolytic, adenylate cyclase, and phosphodiesterase activities of adipocytes measured. The ability of glucagon-to promote lipolysis markedly declined between 6 and 15 weeks of age in adipocytes from Group A rats but not in those from Group R rats. Glucagonpromoted adenylate cyclase activity paralleled lipolytic activity. Phosphodiesterase activities increased with age, to a greater extent in adipocytes from Group A rats than in those from Group R rats. It is concluded that the loss in glucagon-promoted lipolysis with age in adipocytes from Group A rats is primarily the result of either a loss of or a change in the characteristics of the glucagon receptors or an alteration in the system coupling the receptors with adenylate cyclase and that food restriction prevents these changes. The relevance of these findings in analysis of the mode by which food restriction delays the aging process is discussed.
Frendak to Phenis to Breivik: An Examination of the Imposed Insanity Defense

The imposition of the insanity defense is a complicated psycho-legal scenario. Globally, definitions of insanity differ from country to country. In a multitude of cases, a determination of insanity at the time of a criminal act means the offender will not be considered responsible for his or her action(s). In many jurisdictions, concerns have been raised that the insanity defense has been used to mitigate punishment, usually after a particularly heinous crime. In this review, the authors use three cases - FRENDAK, PHENIS, and BREIVIK to demonstrate how the imposition of the insanity defense has been used for legal purposes in the past and present. In an effort to give more background to each of the above-mentioned cases, the writers have provided some details to aid comprehension. The authors offer recommendations for the ethical forensic evaluator unburdened by partisan allegiance and invested in the search for truth. This review article relies on peer-reviewed articles available from PubMed, Meharry Online Library and legal dictionaries. We also cross-referenced reputable news sources to ensure the validity of the facts we present.
Genetic deletion of the mitochondrial phosphate carrier desensitizes the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and causes cardiomyopathy

The mitochondrial phosphate carrier (PiC) is critical for ATP synthesis by serving as the primary means for mitochondrial phosphate import across the inner membrane. In addition to its role in energy production, PiC is hypothesized to have a role in cell death as either a component or a regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) complex. Here, we have generated a mouse model with inducible and cardiac-specific deletion of the Slc25a3 gene (PiC protein). Loss of PiC protein did not prevent MPTP opening, suggesting it is not a direct pore-forming component of this complex. However, Slc25a3 deletion in the heart blunted MPTP opening in response to Ca2+ challenge and led to a greater Ca2+ uptake capacity. This desensitization of MPTP opening due to loss or reduction in PiC protein attenuated cardiac ischemic-reperfusion injury, as well as partially protected cells in culture from Ca2+ overload induced death. Intriguingly, deletion of the Slc25a3 gene from the heart long-term resulted in profound hypertrophy with ventricular dilation and depressed cardiac function, all features that reflect the cardiomyopathy observed in humans with mutations in SLC25A3. Together, these results demonstrate that although the PiC is not a direct component of the MPTP, it can regulate its activity, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for reducing necrotic cell death. In addition, mice lacking Slc25a3 in the heart serve as a novel model of metabolic, mitochondrial-driven cardiomyopathy.
Major effect of pyrrolic N-benzylation in norbinaltorphimine, the selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist.

Indolic N-benzylation of naltrindole reportedly extends the duration of δ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonism. Similar modification of the κ-opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist norBNI (1a) and its 17,17‘-diNMe analogue (1d), a low potency μ-opioid receptor (MOR) partial agonist, was found to affect predominantly their MOR activity. When administered systemically in mouse antinociceptive assays, N-benzyl-norBNI (1b) had only MOR agonist activity of relatively short duration whereas on central administration it had only a KOR-antagonist action of extremely long duration.
Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease

As the US population has continued to age, the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has dramatically increased. Faced with this increase, clinicians need a better understanding of what an elevated serum creatinine level represents and a simple codified approach to evaluating renal failure. Creatinine, a muscle waste product, has an imperfect but predictable association with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Although other markers of GFR exist, including cystatin C, urea, inulin, and radioisotopic methods, their role in estimating GFR remains a matter for debate, especially that of cystatin C. Diagnosis and management of CKD are challenges for the nonspecialist. We describe a systematic approach that can be used by the nonspecialist to identify most but not all causes of renal insufficiency. Although this approach should allow for earlier recognition of treatable causes of CKD, it does not eliminate the involvement of a nephrologist in the care and management of the conditions causing the renal insufficiency. The nonspecialist should also be able to recognize the 9 therapies that are helpful in preservation of renal function in all patients with CKD.
Ensemble-Based Forecast Uncertainty Analysis of Diverse Heavy Rainfall Events

Abstract This study examines widespread heavy rainfall over 5-day periods in the central and eastern United States. First, a climatology is presented that identifies events in which more than 100 mm of precipitation fell over more than 800 000 km2 in 5 days. This climatology shows that such events are most common in the cool season near the Gulf of Mexico coast and are rare in the warm season. Then, the focus turns to the years 2007 and 2008, when nine such events occurred in the United States, all of them leading to flooding. Three of these were associated with warm-season convection, three took place in the cool season, and three were caused by landfalling tropical cyclones. Global ensemble forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Ensemble Prediction System are used to assess forecast skill and uncertainty for these nine events, and to identify the types of weather systems associated with their relative levels of skill and uncertainty. Objective verification metrics and subj...
GATA-3 locks the door to the B-cell option

T-cell early developmental stages and alternative options: GATA-3 is depicted as an intrathymically induced, specific inhibitor of access to the B-lineage pathway. Recognized stages in early intrathymic T-cell development are shown, along with the degrees of access to the B-cell program and other alternative programs that the cells can demonstrate at these stages if the extrinsic barrier of Notch/Dll4 signaling (red line) is removed. Red bricks represent GATA-3 when expressed at critical levels, and purple bricks represent other T-lineage commitment factors (eg, Bcl11b) that are activated later. Not shown are the positive roles of GATA-3 that permit the efficient generation of DN2 cells. Full commitment is complete by the DN2b stage.
Facial nerve grading systems (1985-2002): Beyond the House-Brackmann scale

OBJECTIVE To assess methods of evaluating the function of the facial nerve that have been introduced over the past 15 years, particularly in comparison with the House-Brackmann scale. DATA SOURCES A Medline search was undertaken of the English-language medical literature between 1983 and 2000 to identify proposed methods of evaluating facial nerve function. STUDY SELECTION Although all grading systems were considered, attention was focused on the systems that provided improvements in either precision or ease of use. CONCLUSIONS Because of the limitations and subjectivity of the House-Brackmann scale, several new scales of various degrees of objectivity and ease of use have been introduced. The Nottingham system offers a more objective but easy-to-use facial nerve grading system that has been demonstrated to be valid and that would be easy for the average practitioner to adopt. The authors propose a more systematic evaluation of this system to determine whether its widespread application is appropriate.
Characterization of micromachined silicon membranes for immunoisolation and bioseparation applications

Abstract The application of microfabrication technology to create precise separation and isolation membranes for biomedical applications is described. By utilizing fabrication techniques commonly employed in the microelectronics industry (MEMS), membranes can be fabricated with well-controlled and uniform pore sizes, allowing the optimization of membrane parameters for biomedical applications in cell immunoisolation and viral filtration. Using bulk and surface micromachining to create diffusion membranes, pore sizes down to 18 nm have been attained through deposition and subsequent etching of sacrificial layers on silicon. Membranes were shown to be sufficiently permeable to small biomolecules such as oxygen, glucose, and insulin, while excluding the passage of larger proteins such as immunoglobulin G (IgG). The semipermeability of microfabricated membranes, their biocompatibility, ease in sterilization, along with their thermal and chemical stability, may provide a significant advantages for biomedical applications. Microfabrication technology may also be applied to other materials of interest for the development of highly controlled membranes.
Mate location, population growth and species extinction

The effects of mate location efficiency on the dynamics of population growth and extinction were modeled with a view towards future species conservation efforts. Mate location is shown to be based on the Allee principle. Higher population densities produce greater mate location success rates. Low population densities generate population growth rates that are smaller than mortality rates, and, thus, produce a condition leading to species extinction. A survey of animal phyla suggests that selection for behaviors, morphology and physiology, which either temporarily increase mating season population densities or effectively increase population densities by increasing the distance from which a mate can be recognized, has shaped the evolution of species. A mechanism is provided for understanding this process of extinction, and a framework is presented for constructing a management plan for species at risk.
Evaluation Metrics and a Tool for Control Panel Design

In the use of control panels for the automotive industry, consistency and usability are of major importance. General qualitative guidelines exist for the designer, but there is currently a lack of quantitative human factors data for control panel designs. A state of the art design tool which provides the designer with ergonomic usability guidelines and structure is needed. As part of the current research, a computer-based tool which provides a quantitative analysis of the ergonomic quality of a control panel layout has been created. This tool is a tailored Auto-CAD1 program for the IBM PC2 which provides features to encourage consistency and structure in the design of control panel layouts. Extending the work by Tullis (1983) on alphanumeric display metrics, four graphical metrics for the overall and functional design levels are included as part of the design tool. These metrics are: 1) Overall Density - ratio of free space to occupied space, 2) Local Density - how closely placed the design entities are t...
Local definitions in degree structures: the Turing jump, hyperdegrees and beyond

There are Π 5 formulas in the language of the Turing degrees, D , with ≤, ⋁ and ⋀, that define the relations x ″ ≤ y ″, x ″ = y ″ and so x ∈ L 2 ( y ) = { x ≥ y ∣ x ″ = y ″} in any jump ideal containing 0 (ω) . There are also Σ 6 & Π 6 and Π 8 formulas that define the relations w = x ″ and w = x ′, respectively, in any such ideal I . In the language with just ≤ the quantifier complexity of each of these definitions increases by one. On the other hand, no Π 2 or Σ 2 formula in the language with just ≤ defines L 2 or x ∈ L 2 ( y ). Our arguments and constructions are purely degree theoretic without any appeals to absoluteness considerations, set theoretic methods or coding of models of arithmetic. As a corollary, we see that every automorphism of I is fixed on every degree above 0 ″ and every relation on I that is invariant under double jump or joining with 0 ″ is definable over I if and only if it is definable in second order arithmetic with set quantification ranging over sets whose degrees are in I . Similar direct coding arguments show that every hyperjump ideal I is rigid and biinterpretable with second order arithmetic with set quantification ranging over sets with hyperdegrees in I . Analogous results hold for various coarser degree structures.
Myogenic regulatory factor response to resistance exercise volume in skeletal muscle

This study examined the impact of resistance exercise volume on myoD and myogenin in rodent quadriceps muscle. Six-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (316 +/- 2 g) performed either low-volume (LV; 10 sets x 10 contractions) or high-volume (HV; 20 sets x 10 contractions) resistance exercise at 75% one-repetition maximum. Muscles were analyzed for myogenin and myoD mRNA and protein expression 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-exercise. In red quadriceps (RQ), myogenin mRNA was significantly elevated at 6 h following LV and this response was greater than HV at 6 h, while myogenin protein was significantly increased at 6 and 12 h following LV but only at 12 h following HV (P < 0.05). MyoD mRNA was increased at 6 and 12 h following LV and at 12 h following HV, while myoD protein was slightly decreased (LV; P < 0.05) or unchanged over time (HV). No changes were detected within the white quadriceps muscle. We conclude that acute resistance exercise can activate myogenin and myoD expression levels in RQ, but when exercise volume is doubled these myogenic responses are not proportional but delayed and blunted possibly because of excessive damage/injury. Further work is needed to determine the consequences of these specific myogenic responses on muscle hypertrophy following high-volume resistance exercise training.
Antibotulinal activity of methyl and ethyl fumarates in comminuted nitrite-free bacon

Mono- and dimethyl and ethyl esters of fumaric acid were evaluated for their antibotulinal efficacy in cans of comminuted nitrite-free bacon. At 0.125%, all were equal or superior to 120 ppm nitrite in preventing toxin formation in cans incubated at 30°C for 8 wk. No cans swelled or became toxic when mono- or dimethyl fumarate was added. With monoethyl fumarate, two cans out of twenty swelled but were nontoxic. The least effective ester was diethyl fumarate but its activity was equal to that of 120 ppm nitrite.
Isolation of Brachymonas petroleovorans CHX, a novel cyclohexane-degrading β-proteobacterium

A new bacterium that grows aerobically on cyclohexane was isolated from the wastewater plant of a petroleum refinery. This strain grows on a range of light hydrocarbons (C5–C10) as well as on some aromatic compounds such as toluene and m-cresol. Growth on hydrocarbons requires the presence of yeast extract and other complex media components that are not substrates for growth themselves. Strain CHX is resistant to cyclohexane and grows at concentrations up to 2 g l−1. Strain CHX branches deeply within the Comamonadeae family of β-proteobacteria and is tentatively assigned to the Brachymonas genus as Brachymonas petroleovorans CHX.
Drug withdrawals and the utilization of therapeutic substitutes: The case of Vioxx

Abstract The lack of research on how the 2004 safety-related withdrawal of the drug Vioxx affected consumer drug utilization or outcomes for competitors is a missed opportunity to learn from the largest drug withdrawal event in history. Our study fills this void using state-level repeated cross section data from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization (SDU) database of fee-for-service Medicaid claims for prescription drugs, and individual-level panel data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) which is a nationally representative survey that contains information on medication use across two years. We find that the withdrawal of Vioxx had both positive and negative effects for specific substitute drugs in its own class (COX-2s), and that it led to an overall increase in the usage of both its most direct competitor class (NSAIDs) and in a class of older similar therapy (Analgesics). We argue these shifts in drug usage represent what could be viewed as an appropriate response to the events. However, aggregate use of drugs in the COX-2 and related classes declined overall, suggesting that some consumers may have over-reacted to the withdrawal events in ways that lessened the health benefits they could receive from this family of drugs. These findings about medication utilization changes in response to negative information are highly relevant for policy design and for determining thresholds for regulatory interventions.
Incidence of Drug Intolerance to Antituberculosis Chemotherapy

The records of 200 consecutive patients who received various antituberculosis chemotherapy regimens were reviewed for drug intolerance. The drug intolerance rate was 17.5 percent for all cases; streptomycin intolerance occurred in 12.9 percent, and was approximately twice as frequent as with PAS and five times as frequent as with INH. Three fourths of all the drug intolerance observed occurred within 30 days of the initiation of therapy.
A Study of the Relationships Among Effective Supervision, Organizational Culture Promoting Evidence-Based Practice, and Worker Self-Efficacy in Public Child Welfare

The professional literature has not documented the relationship between effective supervision, an organizational culture promoting evidence-based practice, and self-efficacy in child welfare practice. Secondary analysis of survey data from one public child welfare agency was conducted to examine the relationship between these constructs. Results suggest that for inexperienced workers, there is a difference in their self-efficacy based on the effectiveness of the supervision they receive. Respondents receiving effective supervision were more likely to perceive their organizational culture as promoting evidence-based practice. Further, there was a significant difference in levels of self-efficacy based on this perception of organizational culture. This exploratory study supports further research into these promising organizational strategies for performance and outcome improvement.
Type specimens and identity of the described species of Conus VII. The species described 1810–1820

During the first decade of the 19th Century, eight authors described 98 new species of Conus, bringing to 437 the number of proposed species-group names in this genus by 1810. This study analyses the descriptions of these nominal species, and die specimens on which they were based, and evaluates the status of each. All Conus species names introduced by Bosc in 1801, Gebauer in 1802, Schroter in 1803 and Renier in 1804 are synonyms of previously described species or nomina dubia. One of the six species described by Holten in 1802 is valid, as is one of the six described by Fischer in 1807. The one species described by Peron in 1807 is valid. Of the 20 species proposed by Link in 1807 and 1808, two are valid. Only five type specimens of the 56 species described by these authors could be located. The remaining 42 new tonus species proposed during die decade were described by Lamarck in 1803 and 1810; 15 of these represent valid, previously undescribed species, but Lamarck used preoccupied names for two of diem. Type specimens of 20 of Lamarck's species exist in Geneva (12) and Paris (8), and neotypes of four odier species have been designated. At the present time, 141 valid species of Conus are recognized from the species described between 1758 and 1810. Of diese 133 are extant and eight are known only as Tertiary fossils.
Mode-locking phase diagram in sliding-charge-density-wave conductors

An experimental phase diagram for mode locking is obtained for the charge-density-wave conductor Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$. Mode-locked Shapiro steps are obtained within an amplitude window of the external ac field with a reentrant unlocked regime at higher amplitudes. The results are compared to the models of the dynamics of the charge-density-wave condensate.
Influenza vaccination among chiropractic patients and other users of complementary and alternative medicine: are chiropractic patients really different?

Abstract Objective Previous studies suggest a possible association between using chiropractic care and lower influenza vaccination rates. We examined adult influenza vaccination rates for chiropractic patients to determine if they are different than those for users of other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Method We used the 2007 National Health Interview Survey to examine influenza vaccination rates among adult respondents who were considered high priority for the influenza vaccine (n = 12,164). We separated respondents into clinically meaningful categories according to age and whether or not they had recently used chiropractic care, some other type of CAM, or neither. We used adjusted logistic regression to determine whether user status predicted influenza vaccination. Results Only 33% of younger and 64% of older high priority Chiropractic Users were vaccinated in 2007; these rates approximated those of Non-CAM Users. However, younger Non-Chiropractic CAM Users were more likely than Non-CAM Users to have been vaccinated (p-value = 0.05). In adjusted logistic regressions, we found statistically insignificant differences when comparing Chiropractic Users to Non-CAM Users for younger adults (OR = 0.93(95% CI:0.76–1.13), or for older adults OR = 0.90 (95% CI:0.64–1.20). Conclusion Chiropractic Users appear no less likely to be vaccinated for influenza; whereas, younger Non-chiropractic CAM Users are more likely than Non-CAM Users to be vaccinated.
Edge Sensors For A Segmented Mirror

The measurement of the relative orientations of mirror segments is the basis for the active control of a segmented mirror. We describe a system of capacitive displacement sensors which will be used to make these measurements in the University of California Ten Meter Telescope. The global sensing system design and the control algorithm are summarized. The detailed mechanical and electronic designs of a sensor are described along with the performance of prototype sensors under a variety of tests. The relationship between the sensor characteristics and the image quality of the segmented mirror is described. The sensor output is 1 millivolt per nanometer of displacement. This sensitivity and the small noise, drift, and thermal sensitivity are adequate to allow essentially continuous figure control to the precision required for optical and infrared astronomy.
Influenza A virus nucleoprotein selectively decreases neuraminidase gene-segment packaging while enhancing viral fitness and transmissibility

The influenza A virus (IAV) genome is divided into eight distinct RNA segments believed to be copackaged into virions with nearly perfect efficiency. Here, we describe a mutation in IAV nucleoprotein (NP) that enhances replication and transmission in guinea pigs while selectively reducing neuraminidase (NA) gene segment packaging into virions. We show that incomplete IAV particles lacking gene segments contribute to the propagation of the viral population through multiplicity reactivation under conditions of widespread coinfection, which we demonstrate commonly occurs in the upper respiratory tract of guinea pigs. NP also dramatically altered the functional balance of the viral glycoproteins on particles by selectively decreasing NA expression. Our findings reveal novel functions for NP in selective control of IAV gene packaging and balancing glycoprotein expression and suggest a role for incomplete gene packaging during host adaptation and transmission.
The relationship of explanatory flexibility to explanatory style.

Traditional cognitive vulnerability-stress models regarding the etiology of depression emphasize the content of the depressed individual’s thoughts. One important cognitive content index, explanatory style, represents the habitual way that individuals assign causes to events that occur in their lives. A more contemporary model, however, emphasizes the cognitive process by which these attributions are made and to what extent the individual can make different attributions depending on the particular context of the event. This process is referred to as explanatory flexibility. Given that both indices of causal explanation are derived from the same assessment instrument, the Attributional Style Questionnaire, the current investigation sought to examine the extent to which the two variables can be differentiated from one another. Results indicated that explanatory style (a measure of cognitive content) and explanatory flexibility (a cognitive process measure) are empirically related, but distinct, constructs.
Shapes of streamlined islands on Earth and Mars: Experiments and analyses of the minimum-drag form

Streamlined islands in rivers and comparable landforms in the Channeled Scabland of Washington and in the outflow channels on Mars have shapes that are closely similar to symmetrical airfoils with length:width ratios averaging 3 to 4. A review of measurements of drag on airfoils demonstrates that a minimum total drag is achieved at such length:width ratios, supporting the hypothesis that these islands acquired shapes that minimized the drag or resistance to the flowing fluid when they were formed. This minimum drag is achieved by the reduction of the wake while maintaining a small skin friction. Flume experiments were undertaken with model islands to examine how they achieve their streamlined form. When the island is not fully submerged, a combined bow wave and hydraulic drop play a major role in their erosion, but most of the streamlining is brought about by deposition filling the wake region. When the island is submerged, the flow over the top can become supercritical, producing a hydraulic jump in the island lee and focusing the erosion in that region, rapidly eroding the island to a streamlined shape. These experiments are consistent with the prototype streamlined islands, duplicating many of their features.
Optimality of Periodicity

Often the timing of certain activities has a strong periodic element. Due to circumstances an activity is sometimes made outside the regular cycle, but it does not break the cycle. Thus, the timing of future activities is highly predictable. We provide a stochastic model where the data are not seasonal yet the optimal behaviour has a strong periodic element.
Diamine oxidase activity in human decidua and endometrium

The activity of diamine oxidase, the enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of putrescine, spermidine, histamine, and other substances involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and immune responses, increases up to 1000-fold in blood of pregnant women. In vivo experiments have shown that progestins stimulate diamine oxidase in the rodent uterus. We examined diamine oxidase activity in human endometrium at different phases of the menstrual cycle and in decidua from first-trimester pregnancies. Enzyme activity was also assayed in tissues and media of cultured human endometrium and decidua in the presence of estradiol or medroxyprogesterone acetate. Enzyme activity in first-trimester decidual tissues (286 ± 86 mU of diamine oxidase per milligram of DNA; mean ± SEM) was considerably higher (p −8 mol/L) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 −6 mol/L) did not. Kinetic analysis showed a Michaelis constant of 7.4 × 10 −6 mol/L with putrescine as the substrate. Spermidine and histamine were competitive inhibitors of putrescine with an inhibition constant of 1.1 × 10 −4 and 3.5 × 10 −6 mol/L, respectively. These results demonstrate synthesis and export of diamine oxidase by decidua in organ culture, stimulation of activity by serum factors, and competition of histamine, spermidine, and putrescine for the enzyme.
Bilateral carotid artery occlusion resulting from giant cell arteritis

A 65-year-old woman with subacute global deterioration of neurological function had bilateral occlusion of the internal carotid arteries demonstrated by angiography. Postmortem examination showed isolated giant cell arteritis involving the carotid siphon bilaterally.
Using capillary electrophoresis to study the chemical conditions within cracks in aluminum alloys

The environment-assisted cracking (EAC) susceptibility of some aluminum alloys used for airplane structural components currently limits their use in the peak strength condition. Understanding the mechanism of EAC will facilitate the development of crack-resistant alloys with optimum mechanical properties. One component towards understanding the fundamental processes responsible for EAC is a comprehensive knowledge of the chemical conditions within cracks. The present work uses capillary electrophoresis (CE) to quantify the crack chemistry in order to provide insight into the nature of the mechanism controlling cracking. The highly restricted geometry of cracks in metals means that a crack typically contains less than 10 microliters of solution. The high mass sensitivity combined with the inherently robust nature of CE makes it an ideal analytical technique for this application. Complicating factors in the accurate determination of the crack environment include high levels of sodium present from the test solution. Low sample volume and analyte matrix complexity necessitated the development of specific sampling, extraction and analysis methods. Analysis of the crack solutions in EAC-susceptible material revealed high levels of Al3+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Cl- near the crack tip. Cations arise from the anodic dissolution of the alloy, whereas chloride ingress from the external environment occurs to maintain solution electroneutrality within the crack. In contrast, EAC-resistant material exhibited significantly lower concentrations of dissolution products.
Energy and tourism in Hawaii

Abstract This paper explores the linkage between energy use and a tourism destination experiencing a rapid growth in visitors arrivals and changing visitor mix. The approach taken is to estimate the derived demand for a primary input (energy) using input-output analysis. The main finding of the study is that tourists account for a significant share (averaging 60%) of total energy and fuel use in Hawaii. Since foreign and domestic tourists, on average, use energy and fuel with different intensity, a rising proportion of foreign tourists in the total mix of tourists is predicted to increase the demand for energy and fuel in Hawaii by the end of the century.
Predictive factors and management of rectal bleeding side effects following prostate cancer brachytherapy.

Purpose To report on the incidence, nature, and management of rectal toxicities following individual or combination brachytherapy following treatment for prostate cancer over a 17-year period. We also report the patient and treatment factors predisposing to acute ≥grade 2 proctitis. Methods and Materials A total of 2752 patients were treated for prostate cancer between October 1990 and April 2007 with either low-dose-rate brachytherapy alone or in combination with androgen depletion therapy (ADT) or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and were followed for a median of 5.86 years (minimum 1.0 years; maximum 19.19 years). We investigated the 10-year incidence, nature, and treatment of acute and chronic rectal toxicities following BT. Using univariate, and multivariate analyses, we determined the treatment and comorbidity factors predisposing to rectal toxicities. We also outline the most common and effective management for these toxicities. Results Actuarial risk of ≥grade 2 rectal bleeding was 6.4%, though notably only 0.9% of all patients required medical intervention to manage this toxicity. The majority of rectal bleeding episodes (72%) occurred within the first 3 years following placement of BT seeds. Of the 27 patients requiring management for their rectal bleeding, 18 underwent formalin treatment and nine underwent cauterization. Post-hoc univariate statistical analysis revealed that coronary artery disease (CAD), biologically effective dose, rectal volume receiving 100% of the prescription dose (RV100), and treatment modality predict the likelihood of grade ≥2 rectal bleeding. Only CAD, treatment type, and RV100 fit a Cox regression multivariate model. Conclusions Low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy is very well tolerated and rectal bleeding toxicities are either self-resolving or effectively managed by medical intervention. Treatment planning incorporating adjuvant ADT while minimizing RV100 has yielded the best toxicity-free survival following BT.
Circannual rhythms of food consumption, body mass, and metabolism in yellow-bellied marmots

Abstract 1. 1. Food consumption, body mass (Bm). and metabolic rate (MR) were measured under constant laboratory conditions over 25 months for montane-mesic (MM) marmots, while food consumption and Bm were measured over 18 months for lowland-xeric (LX) marmots. 2. 2. Marmots exhibit circannual cycles in all three parameters with maximum (max) and minimum (min) values of MR preceding the max and min values of food consumption by at least 1 month and the max and min values of Bm by at least 2 months. 3. 3 The max food consumption and Bm of the LX population occur at least 2 months prior to those of the MM group. This interpopulation phase difference in cycles corresponds well with observed differences in above-ground activity between the two populations. 4. 4. The circannual cycle of MR is suggested as the driving force underlying the cycles of food consumption and Bm.
Sobriety, friends, and gay men

The purpose of this study was to learn how sobriety affected friendship circles of gay men recovering from alcoholism. Twenty gay recovering alcoholic men, each with at least 1 year of sobriety, were interviewed in depth. Before sobriety, the typical picture portrayed by the men was that of losing friends, having many heavily drinking acquaintances, and having difficulty meeting the responsibilities in friendships. In sobriety, the typical gay man realized that most of the gay men that he had thought were his friends were actually only drinking buddies. As sobriety time lengthened, the men reported expanding their friendship circles to include primarily gay men of Alcoholics Anonymous and others who were either normal drinkers or abstainers. Finally, nursing implications of this study are discussed.
Tri-Word Presentations With Phonemic Scoring for Practical High-Reliability Speech Recognition Assessment

Speech recognition test reliability is optimized with 450 test items, and the Computer Assisted Speech Recognition Assessment (CASRA) test is a practical approach for achieving this goal by combini...
Emerging inflammatory markers for assessing coronary heart disease risk

Although assessment of traditional coronary heart disease risk factors can often stratify individuals into low- or high-risk categories, additional means are needed to more precisely classify people clinically defined as intermediate-risk, to guide the intensity of risk-reducing therapies. The recognition that inflammatory pathways are important in the progression of atherosclerosis and its complications has prompted investigation to identify circulating risk markers that may be useful in risk stratification. This article summarizes recent studies on the current use of an emerging group of inflammatory markers: soluble CD-40 ligand, interleukin-18, myeloperoxidase, B-type natriuretic peptides, secretory phospholipase A(2), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2), and C-reactive protein. The demonstration that lowering C-reactive protein along with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with statins reduces events beyond cholesterol lowering alone suggests that titration of therapies using other emerging inflammatory markers may further reduce the toll of atherosclerosis in adult populations.
Group testing with a new goal, estimation

SUMMARY The ideas of group testing, i.e. of testing units in batches instead of individually, where each test only indicates whether the tested batch contains only good units or whether it contains at least one defective, is applied to the problem of estimating the probabilityp of an arbitrary unit being defective. A certain class of nested halving procedures is shown to be highly efficient and the saving over the one-at-a-time procedures is even greater for the estimation problem than for the previously treated group-testing problems of classifying all the units in a given finite set. The main criterion used for evaluating efficiency in this paper is the asymptotic cost per unit information when a large number of tests are carried out. This paper deals only with the large-sample aspects of the problem. Tables are given that explicitly describe how to carry out the procedure and other tables indicate how close the results are to those of optimal procedures for certain input parameters.
Local variations in spatial synchrony of influenza epidemics.

Background: Understanding the mechanism of influenza spread across multiple geographic scales is not complete. While the mechanism of dissemination across regions and states of the United States has been described, understanding the determinants of dissemination between counties has not been elucidated. The paucity of high resolution spatial-temporal influenza incidence data to evaluate disease structure is often not available. Methodology and Findings: We report on the underlying relationship between the spread of influenza and human movement between counties of one state. Significant synchrony in the timing of epidemics exists across the entire state and decay with distance (regional correlation = 62%). Synchrony as a function of population size display evidence of hierarchical spread with more synchronized epidemics occurring among the most populated counties. A gravity model describing movement between two populations is a stronger predictor of influenza spread than adult movement to and from workplaces suggesting that non-routine and leisure travel drive local epidemics. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex nature of influenza spread across multiple geographic scales. © 2012 Stark et al.
Analysis of Individual Environmental Particles Using Modern Methods of Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis

Abstract Understanding the composition of particles in the atmosphere is critical because of their health effects and their direct and indirect effects on radiative forcing, and hence on climate. In this manuscript, we demonstrate the utility of single particle off-line analysis to investigate the chemistry of individual atmospheric particles using modern, state-of-the-art electron microscopy and time-of-flight secondary ionization mass spectrometry techniques. We show that these methods provide specific, detailed data on particle composition, chemistry, morphology, phase and internal structure. This information is crucial for evaluating hygroscopic properties of aerosols, understanding aerosol aging and reactivity, and correlating the characteristics of aerosols with their optical properties. The manuscript presents a number of analytical advances in methods of electron probe particle analysis along with a brief review of a number of the research projects carried out in the authors’ laboratory on the chemical characterization of environmental particles. The obtained data offers a rich set of qualitative and quantitative information on the particle chemistry, composition and the mechanisms of gas–particle interactions which are of high importance to atmospheric processes involving particulate matter and air pollution.