cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Association between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Anxiety Vulnerability Factors: Body Vigilance and Discomfort Intolerance

Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) endorse greater negative affect, including anxiety psychopathology. To examine the role anxiety plays in the maintenance and exacerbation of IBS the links between IBS and two anxiety related constructs, body vigilance and discomfort intolerance, were examined. A non-treatment seeking college sample (N = 476) completed measures that assessed IBS symptomatology, vigilance to bodily sensations and ability to tolerate physical discomfort. A total of 4.2 percent of the sample met Rome II criteria for IBS. Consistent with the hypotheses, IBS symptoms were associated with increased vigilance to bodily sensations and increased desire to avoid these sensations.
Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22): A predictor of postsurgical improvement in patients with chronic sinusitis

Abstract Background A number of factors are critical when considering the expected benefit of surgical intervention in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who have failed medical therapy. Objective To evaluate the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and other patient demographic characteristics as predictors of postsurgical improvement in patients with CRS. Methods Consecutive adult subjects presenting to the Otolaryngology Clinics at the University of Virginia with refractory CRS that required surgery were included. Patients were excluded if they had not completed both preoperative and postoperative SNOT-22 evaluations. Demographic and baseline measures, including asthma and smoking status, total immunuglobulin E (IgE), absolute eosinophil counts, and Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) scoring were also obtained for each subject. Regression analyses were performed. Results One hundred four subjects met criteria and were included. These subjects showed a 51% overall improvement in postsurgical SNOT-22 evaluations (95% confidence interval [CI]: [45, 57%], P P P P = .015, respectively). Neither Lund-Mackay CT scoring, total IgE, nor absolute eosinophil counts correlated with improvement in postsurgical SNOT-22 scores. Conclusion Physicians can use components of the SNOT-22 to predict likelihood of symptom improvement after surgical intervention in subjects with CRS.
Electronic structure of the complex hydride NaAlH 4

Density-functional calculations of the electronic structure of the complex hydride ${\mathrm{NaAlH}}_{4}$ and the reference systems NaH and ${\mathrm{AlH}}_{3}$ are reported. We find a substantially ionic electronic structure for ${\mathrm{NaAlH}}_{4},$ which emphasizes the importance of solid-state effects in this material. The relaxed hydrogen positions in ${\mathrm{NaAlH}}_{4}$ are in good agreement with the recent experiment. The electronic structure of ${\mathrm{AlH}}_{3}$ is also ionic. Implications for the binding of complex hydrides are discussed.
Synthesis of Chitin in Cell-free Extracts of Prodenia eridania

LITTLE information has been published on the biosynthesis of chit in insects despite the fact that this polymer is an important constituent of the exoskeleton1. Glaser and Brown2 demonstrated the presence of a particulate enzyme in Neurospora crassa that catalysed the synthesis of chitin from uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine (UDPAG) labelled with carbon-14. They demonstrated that chitin formation occurred by the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine from UDPAG to a chitodextrin fraction used as a primer. Recently, Candy and Kilby3 reported investigations on the synthesis of chitin in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). Their work indicated a rapid increase in the formation of chitin during and immediately after the moult of the 5th instar larvae. Similar patterns were found using the thorax, abdomen, and hind leg of the locust. Chitin formation in the wings of the locust was investigated also and dramatic increases in chitin content were found as the locust matured into its adult stage. In the comprehensive work of Candy and Kilby, the presence of enzymes leading to the formation of UDPAG was established unequivocally. They were unable, however, to demonstrate the conversion of 14C-UDPAG into chitcin. Developmental investigations at present being made in our laboratories have indicated that chitin synthetase is present in cell-free extracts of Prodenia eridania, and the results of the preliminary work are reported here.
Messenger RNA targeting to endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling sites

Deficiencies in the protein-folding capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in all eukaryotic cells lead to ER stress and trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR). ER stress is sensed by Ire1, a transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease, which initiates the non-conventional splicing of the messenger RNA encoding a key transcription activator, Hac1 in yeast or XBP1 in metazoans. In the absence of ER stress, ribosomes are stalled on unspliced HAC1 mRNA. The translational control is imposed by a base-pairing interaction between the HAC1 intron and the HAC1 5' untranslated region. After excision of the intron, transfer RNA ligase joins the severed exons, lifting the translational block and allowing synthesis of Hac1 from the spliced HAC1 mRNA to ensue. Hac1 in turn drives the UPR gene expression program comprising 7-8% of the yeast genome to counteract ER stress. Here we show that, on activation, Ire1 molecules cluster in the ER membrane into discrete foci of higher-order oligomers, to which unspliced HAC1 mRNA is recruited by means of a conserved bipartite targeting element contained in the 3' untranslated region. Disruption of either Ire1 clustering or HAC1 mRNA recruitment impairs UPR signalling. The HAC1 3' untranslated region element is sufficient to target other mRNAs to Ire1 foci, as long as their translation is repressed. Translational repression afforded by the intron fulfils this requirement for HAC1 mRNA. Recruitment of mRNA to signalling centres provides a new paradigm for the control of eukaryotic gene expression.
Economic incentives for database normalization

Abstract Database systems are central to business information processing. The conceptual basis for most commercial database managers is the relational model. Little research exists concerning the cost effectiveness of relational database normalization, but there is anecdotal evidence that normalization-induced fragmentation may create inefficiencies. Supply and demand for normalization is investigated given management policies for response time, database capacity, and deletion policies. On the supply side, normalization reduces costs associated with insertion, deletion, and change anomalies. The expected cost of removing change anomalies is linearly proportional to both minimum database size and to database capacity. The occurrence rates of either insertion or deletion anomalies are shown to be moderate for all but microcomputer sized databases. But because insertion or deletion anomalies tend to result in significant cost, even small probabilities of occurrence can result in significant costs. On the demand side, normalization can create retrieval inefficiencies where a comparatively small amount of information is being sought and retrieved from the database. Both an increase in clustering, and an increase in database size will exacerbate these inefficiencies. This can result in fragmentation inefficiencies and information overload. It is suggested that normalization reduces the opportunity cost associated with information retrieval from a database by improving recall and is most pronounced when recall is low. Where retrieval rates are high with respect to update events, the database fragmentation caused by normalization costs end users through slower retrieval response.
Carbon Nanotube Inter- and Intramolecular Logic Gates

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been used as the active channels of field effect transistors (FET). The next development step involves the integration of CNTFETs to form logic gates; the basic units of computers. For this we need to have both p- and n-type CNTFETs. However, without special treatment, the obtained CNTFETs are always p-type: the current carriers are holes and the devices are ON for negative gate bias. Here we show that n-type CNTFETs can be prepared not only by doping but also by a simple annealing of SWNT-based p-FETs in a vacuum. We use our ability to prepare both p- and n-type nanotube transistors to build the first nanotube-based logic gates: voltage inverters. Using spatially resolved doping we implemented this logic function on a single nanotube bundle.
Pulse distortion in MR and GMR playback heads

Distortion of the playback pulse shape due to saturation is studied via a 3-D micromagnetic model for both MR/SAL and spin-valve heads. The deviation from linearity is examined as a function of both the Mr/spl delta/ of the recording medium and the off-track position of the device. Playback voltages for isolated transitions of both polarities are calculated and their shapes are compared to linear references. The differences in structure between MR and GMR sensors result in very dissimilar distortions of the playback pulse shape under large applied fields.
Need for achievement, need for affiliation and the academic performance and career intentions of accounting students

Abstract Booming enrollments have caused many universities to limit the size of accounting programs, with selection usually being determined by intellectual and past performance variables. It is proposed that two nonintellectual variables, need for achievement and need for affiliation also be considered as selection criteria. In this study, need for achievement correlated positively with overall GPA, the course grade in auditing, and intent to make public accounting a career. Need for affiliation correlated negatively with overall GPA and the course grade in auditing, and positively with time spent socializing with friends.
Superconducting State Properties of the High Tc Oxides: Penetration Depth and Surface Impedance

We discuss several methods which explore the temperature dependence of the penetration depth, muon spin relaxation, dc magnetization, and rf surface impedance, together with the experimental results obtained on (RE) Ba2Cu3O7-δ, where the rare earth (RE) element is Y or Gd. The observations are in basic agreement with the predictions of the BCS theory, but deviations from an exponential temperature dependence are observed at low temperatures. The available experiments do not rule out unconventional pairing mechanisms or strong coupling effects. The surface resistance is orders of magnitude larger than calculated on the basis of the Mattis-Bardeen theory, and also displays an unusual temperature dependence at low temperatures.
Expression of a Familial Alzheimer's Disease-Linked Presenilin-1 Variant Enhances Perforant Pathway Lesion-Induced Neuronal Loss in the Entorhinal Cortex

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex that is manifested by progressive memory impairment and cognitive decline. Autosomal-dominant, familial forms of AD (FAD) are caused by mutations in genes encoding amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1 (PS1), and presenilin 2. Although it is established that expression of mutant PS1 variants leads to increased production of highly fibrillogenic amyloidbeta42 (Abeta42) peptides that deposit in the brains of patients with AD, the mechanism(s) by which Abeta deposition and expression of mutant genes induce lamina- and region-specific vulnerability of neuronal populations is not known. We have examined the hypothesis that expression of transgene-encoded FAD-linked mutant PS1 variants in entorhinal cortex neurons exacerbates the vulnerability of these cells to lesion-induced neuronal loss. To test this notion, we transected the perforant pathway (PP) of transgenic mice harboring either wild-type human PS1 (PS1HWT) or the FAD-linked mutant PS1DeltaE9 variant and examined neuronal survival in layer II of the entorhinal cortex (ECL2). Remarkably, PP transections lead to marked reductions in the numbers of ECL2 neurons in the ECL2 of mice expressing mutant PS1, compared with ECL2 neurons in PP-lesioned PS1HWT mice. Finally, and in contrast to studies in nontransgenic mice and in mice expressing PS1HWT, ECL2 neurons that express mutant PS1 and the calcium binding protein calbindin-D28k in ECL2 are also susceptible to lesion-induced neuronal loss. We conclude that expression of FAD-linked mutant PS1 variants enhances the vulnerability of neurons in the entorhinal cortex to PP lesion-induced cytotoxicity.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of esophageal leiomyomatosis.

Leiomyomata are the most common benign neoplasms of the esophagus, but they are still very rare in comparison to malignant tumors of this organ. We report on the aspiration cytology findings of a case of esophageal leiomyomatosis in a 19-yr-old man. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;21:197-199.
Transition state flexibility in nucleophilic attack on carbon

Abstract Multi-directional transition state theory qualitatively explains steric effects with hindered nucleophiles.
Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation of Promising Oil-Bearing Marine Algae Parachlorella Kessleri

Parachlorella kessleri is a unicellular alga which grows in fresh as well as marine water and is commercially important as biomass/lipid feedstock and in bioremediation. The present study describes the successful transformation of marine P. kessleri with the help of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Transformed marine P. kessleri was able to tolerate more than 10 mg l−1 hygromycin concentration. Co-cultivation conditions were modulated to allow the simultaneous growth of both marine P. kessleri and A. tumefaciens. For co-cultivation, P. kessleri was shifted from Walne’s to tris acetate phosphate medium to reduce the antibiotic requirement during selection. In the present study, the transfer of T-DNA was successful without using acetosyringone. Biochemical and genetic analyses were performed for expression of transgenes by GUS assay and PCR in transformants. Establishment of this protocol would be useful in further genetic modification of oil-bearing Parachlorella species.
Dosing algorithm for concomitant administration of sirolimus, tacrolimus, and an azole after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BackgroundAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients are at risk of invasive fungal infections and prophylaxis with azole agents is common practice. The concomitant use of these agents ...
fused-somites-like mutants exhibit defects in trunk vessel patterning

We identified four mutants in two distinct loci exhibiting similar trunk vascular patterning defects in an F3 genetic screen for zebrafish vascular mutants. Initial vasculogenesis is not affected in these mutants, with proper specification and differentiation of endothelial cells. However, all four display severe defects in the growth and patterning of angiogenic vessels in the trunk, with ectopic branching and disoriented migration of intersegmental vessels. The four mutants are allelic to previously characterized mutants at the fused-somites (fss) and beamter (bea) loci, and they exhibit comparable defects in trunk somite boundary formation. The fss locus has been shown to correspond to tbx24; we show here that bea mutants are defective in the zebrafish dlC gene. Somitic expression of known vascular guidance factors efnb2a, sema3a1, and sema3a2 is aberrantly patterned in fss and bea mutants, suggesting that the vascular phenotype is due to loss of proper guidance cues provided by these factors. Developmental Dynamics 235:1753–1760, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Forecasting the technology revolution

Purpose – This article gives managers and executives a way to think about how their organizations can benefit from the technology revolution.Design/methodology/approach – Results are presented of an improved Delphi forecasting method that forecasts breakthroughs in all fields of science and technology.Findings – Breakthroughs are expected that will transform business over the next 20 years.Practical implications – Managers should develop a similar system to guide their strategic planning and product development.Originality/value – An improved Delphi method has been used to pool the knowledge of 100 experts working online around the globe to forecast breakthroughs in all fields of science and technology. Results show that major advances are under way everywhere, which are likely to transform business and society over the next 20 years. Managers are shown how they can develop a similar method to guide their strategic planning and product development, thereby benefiting from the coming technology revolution.
Control of Congestion in High-Speed Networks*

The problem of controlling congestion in high-speed communication networks is introduced. An easy-to-implement explicit rate congestion control algorithm is presented, and its stability properties are discussed. The algorithm is decentralized and is robust to network delays. Furthermore, it does not require per-flow information. It is shown that the network level implementation of this algorithm leads to a “hybrid” control system, whose analysis for stability presents challenges in a control context. A variant of the same algorithm is used in the paper to demonstrate the possibility of an Internet implementation using “marking” with the proper choice of a rate update function.
Toward a postmodern correspondence theory of truth

The correspondence theory of truth no longer holds the privileged place it once held. In a postmodern world there simply does not appear to be any objective reality to which our ideas might correspond in order to be true. Thus, today other theories of truth have become popular. Most theists bemoan the loss of correspondence and muster arguments to oppose the postmodern perspective. This paper argues that even given the postmodern perspective of our age a correspondence theory of truth is still a viable.
New Horizons Risk Communication Strategy, Planning, Implementation, and Lessons Learned

This paper discusses the risk communication goals, strategy, planning process and product development for the New Horizons mission, including lessons from the Cassini mission that were applied in that effort, and presents lessons learned from the New Horizons effort that could be applicable to future missions.
Determination of Magnesium in Magnesium Sulfate and Solution of Magnesium Citrate

Abstract Magnesium Citrate Solution and Magnesium Sulfate were assayed by oxine and by pyro‐phosphate procedures and the results compared. Precipitation of the magnesium as the oxyquinolate is recommended as the preferred method.
Distances flown by Cicadulina spp. (Hem., Cicadellidae) in relation to distribution of maize streak disease in Rhodesia.

Distances moved by Cicadulina spp. were investigated at Salisbury, Rhodesia, during 1968–69, by using small plots of oats to trap adults dispersing from populations breeding in Pennisetum clandestinum or Eleusine indica grasses. The shape of the curves constructed for fall of numbers with distance confirmed laboratory findings that populations are composed of long and short distance fliers. The curve for numbers of infective Cicadulina punctures estimated from the gradient of maize streak infection falling from adjoining cereals was also of similar shape. Mean flight times indicated that a steep fall for about 10 m from source is due largely to short distance fliers making trivial movements, and the subsequent gentle fall is due to long distance fliers which may disperse many kilometres depending on the wind speed. There were higher proportions of long distance fliers amongst C. mbila (Naude) compared to C. storeyi China, and amongst females compared to males dispersing downwind. A predominance of long distance fliers dispersing from drying grasses during April–September, and of short distance fliers present in irrigated grasses and cereals during October–March, causes seasonal differences in the patterns of maize streak infection and in the effectiveness of barriers of clear ground as a preventive measure.
Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I-Associated Uveitis in an African American

Purpose/Methods In an African American woman with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I associated with uveitis, clinical and ocular findings were correlated with detection of viral genome by polymerase chain reaction, and by viral antigen detection in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results/Conclusions High levels of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I gene expression in multiple samples over a two-year period strongly support the diagnosis of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I uveitis. Systemic corticosteroid therapy resulted in partial remission.
Estimation in a semiparametric model by the method of minimum distance

Abstract Minimum distance estimation of the parameter θ that governs the degree of association in Clayton's bivariate model is considered. A weighted Cramer-von Mises distance between the empirical survival function and the assumed model is minimized to produce estimators θn that are asymptotically normal. It is proved that if the weight function is a certain function of the efficient score for θ, then θn is asymptotically efficient.
Consonant/vowel ratio as a cue for voicing in English

Several experiments investigate voicing judgments in minimal pairs likerabid-rapid when the duration of the first vowel and the medial stop are varied factorially and other cues for voicing remain ambiguous. In Experiments 1 and 2, in which synthetic labial and velar-stop voicing pairs are investigated, the perceptual boundary along a continuum of silent consonant durations varies in constant proportion to increases in the duration of the preceding vocalic interval. In Experiment 3, it is shown that speaking tempo external to the test word has far smaller effects on a closure duration boundary for voicing than does the tempo within the test word. Experiment 4 shows that, even within the word, it is primarily the preceding vowel that accounts for changes in the consonant duration effects. Furthermore, in Experiments 3 and 4, the effects of timing outside the vowel-consonant interval are independent of the duration of that interval itself. These findings suggest that consonant/vowel ratio serves as a primary acoustic cue for English voicing in syllable-final position and imply that this ratio possibly is directly extracted from the speech signal.
Basketball injuries in children.

Basketball is a popular, worldwide sport played outdoors and indoors year-round. Patterns of injury are related to abrupt changes in the athlete’s direction, jumping, contact between athletes, the hard playing surface and paucity of protective equipment. Intensity of play and training in the quest of scholarships and professional careers is believed to contribute to an increasing occurrence of injury. Radiologists’ appreciation of the breadth of injury and its relation to imaging and clinical findings should enhance the care of these children. Some of the patterns of injury are well known to radiologists but vary due to age- and size-related changes; the growing skeleton is affected by differing susceptibilities from biomechanical stresses at different sizes. Beyond screening radiographs, the accuracy of MRI and CT has improved diagnosis and treatment plans in this realm. Investigations to detect symptoms and signs in an attempt to prevent the tragedy of sudden cardiac death in basketball players may lead to MRI and CTA studies that compel radiologists to evaluate cardiac function along with myocardial and coronary artery anatomy. Worthy of mention also is the female athlete triad of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis that is observed in some young women participating in this and other sports.
The Alienating Mirror: Toward a Hegelian Critique of Lacan on Ego-Formation

This article brings out certain philosophical difficulties in Lacan’s account of the mirror stage, the initial moment of the subject’s development. For Lacan, the “original organization of the forms of the ego” is “precipitated” in an infant’s self-recognition in a mirror image; this event is explicitly prior to any social interactions. A Hegelian objection to the Lacanian account argues that social interaction and recognition of others by infants are necessary prerequisites for infants’ capacity to recognize themselves in a mirror image. Thus mutual recognition with another, rather than self-recognition in a mirror, is what makes possible subsequent ego-formation and self-consciousness. This intersubjective critique suggests that many of the psychoanalytic consequences that Lacan derives from the mirror stage (e.g., alienation, narcissism, and aggressivity) may need to be rethought.
High nonlinearity glass photonic crystal nanowires

We present the tapering of photonic crystal fibers formed from SF6 glass to 400 nm core diameter. We generate supercontinuum in the tapers using pump pulse energies as low as 65 picojoules.
Isohedral Polyomino Tiling of the Plane

A polynomial time algorithm is given for deciding, for a given polyomino P , whether there exists an isohedral tiling of the Euclidean plane by isometric copies of P . The decidability question for general tilings by copies of a single polyomino, or even periodic tilings by copies of a single polyomino, remains open.
Cognitive Styles and Learning Disabilities

Research is reviewed relating the cognitive style dimensions of field dependence and reflection-impulsivity to underachievement, process deficits (minimal brain dysfunction), and hyperactivity. In general, field independence and a reflective cognitive style are associated with better performance. The importance of modifying the learner's cognitive style and matching the learning environment to the learner's cognitive style also are examined.
The Use of Models in Experimental Psychology

In this paper I shall not be concerned with a formal analysis of the function of models in psychology. The problem has been considered on many occasions by both psychologists and philosophers, and I am not inclined to add to the voluminous literature in this area. Instead, I shall describe a fairly simple model of behavior and illustrate the method of application to a complex problem in decision making. By examination of this particular case we will be able to indicate the role of mathematical models in determining programs of psychological research and specifying the types of empirical observations to be made.
Explanation of Variation and Detection of Covariation: The Purpose and Logic of Comparative Analysis

Two research strategies, the most similar systems and the most different systems, have each been promoted as being the correct method for conducting comparative research. These two strategies are s...
A Randomized Phase 1 Study of Testosterone Replacement for Patients with Low-Risk Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Even in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the androgen pathway remains biologically relevant. In preclinical models, androgen therapy for CRPC leads to growth arrest, apoptosis, and tumor shrinkage. Objective This study sought to determine the toxicity and feasibility of a testosterone therapy in early CRPC. Design, setting, and participants Prostate cancer patients with progressive disease following androgen ablation, antiandrogen therapy, and withdrawal and no to minimal metastatic disease who were followed at the University of Chicago were randomized to treatment with three doses of transdermal testosterone. Intervention Patients were treated with transdermal testosterone at 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5mg/day. Measurements Toxicity, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), imaging, quality of life (QoL), and strength were monitored. Treatment was discontinued for significant toxicity, clinical progression, or a 3-fold increase in PSA. Results and limitations Fifteen men with a median age of 73 yr (range: 62–92) and a median PSA of 11.1ng/ml (range: 5.2–63.6) were treated. Testosterone increased from castrate to median concentrations of 305ng/dl, 308ng/dl, and 297ng/dl for dosages of 2.5mg/day ( n =4), 5.0mg/day ( n =5), and 7.5mg/day ( n =5), respectively. One patient was taken off of the study at 53 wk due to grade 4 cardiac toxicity. There were no other grade 3 or 4 toxicities related to the study medication, and the grade 2 toxicities were minimal. Only one patient experienced symptomatic progression, and three (20%) patients demonstrated a decrease in PSA (largest was 43%). Median time to progression was 9 wk (range: 2–96), with no detectable difference in the three dose cohorts. There was no significant improvement in QoL, and there was a borderline statistically significant improvement in hand-grip strength with treatment. The study was limited by sample size, single arm, and variability of baseline patient characteristics. Conclusions Testosterone is a feasible and reasonably well-tolerated therapy for men with early CRPC. A larger, randomized trial is under way to further characterize efficacy and impact on QoL measures.
The effect of estradiol on the expression of estrogen, progesterone, androgen, and prolactin receptors in human peritoneal fibroblasts

Purpose To assess the ability of fibroblasts isolated from normal peritoneum and adhesion tissues to express various hormone receptors when cultured with exogenous estradiol.
Binding of Toxic-Shock-Syndrome Toxin-1 to Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Toxic-shock-syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), produced by Staphylococcus aureus and associated with toxic shock syndrome, functions in vitro as both a lymphoproliferative and immunosuppressive protein for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMs). We analyzed TSST-1-target cell interactions by receptor-ligand binding analyses. In competitive binding experiments, 2 X 10(5) human PBMs or purified cell populations were incubated in the presence of small amounts of (5-50 ng) of 125I-labeled TSST-1 and increasing amounts of unlabeled TSST-1 (25-10,000 ng). Data were analyzed by the method of Scatchard. Toxin-specific receptors were shown to exist on T lymphocytes within the PBM population. T4+ cells had 27.5 X 10(6) receptors per cell, and T8+ cells had 9 X 10(6) receptors per cell. T4+ and T8+ receptors had dissociation constants of 2.58 X 10(-8) M and 1.8 X 10(-8) M, respectively. These studies confirm earlier work showing that TSST-1 causes the functional activation of a population of T lymphocytes involved in suppression of immunoglobulin responses.
The Molecular Machinery for the Biogenesis of Lysosome-Related Organelles: Lessons From Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) defines a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by defects in lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes and platelet dense granules. The genes that are defective in each of the different forms of HPS in humans, or in HPS-like disorders in mice, are thought to encode components of a putative molecular machinery required for the formation of specialized organelles of the lysosomal system. This review discusses the biochemical and functional properties of the products of identified HPS genes, which include subunits of the AP-3 complex and the novel proteins HPS1p, HPS3p, HPS4p, pallidin and muted.
A comparison of tests for randomness

This paper compares five distance-based statistics (Hopkins, Cox-Lewis, Eberhardt and two T-square statistics) which reflect the degree to which a set of d-dimensional points is random. The objectives are to identify the most promising statistic for intensive study and to establish performance bounds for situations involving little prior information. The sizes and powers of tests of several aggregation models vs. randomness and several regularity models vs. randomness are estimated using theoretical thresholds to define tests of hypothesis. Both hypercubic and hyperspherical sampling windows are examined with a sampling frame of uniform thickness. The Hopkins statistic is the best overall statistic, but the thresholds must be established by Monte Carlo means for more than five dimensions. The sampling window has a greater effect on tests for regularity than on tests for aggregation.
Solitary and social play in wild Mus musculus (Mammalia)

Play behaviour was observed in wild caught Mus musculus housed in a semi-natural environment. The behaviour of interest (1) is very exaggerated and jerky in appearance. (2) occurs almost exclusively in highly enriched areas of the observation room, (3) disappears under stressful conditions and (4) occurs primarily in juveniles. Solitary and social play were observed. Aggressive and pouncing play were the two major types of social play seen. Juveniles were found to play with littermates significantly more often than with non-littermates but did not show a significant preference with respect to the sex of their play partners.
Regulation of chloroplast phosphoribulokinase by the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system.

Abstract A newly found form of chloroplast phosphoribulokinase (designated the “regulatory form”) required reduced thioredoxin for activity. A second form of the enzyme (the “nonregulatory form”) was not appreciably affected by thioredoxin. The thioredoxin required for activation of the regulatory enzyme could be reduced (i) photochemically by chloroplast membranes that were supplemented with ferredoxin and ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductase or (ii) chemically in the dark with the sulfhydryl reagent dithiothreitol. Following activation by reduced thioredoxin, phosphoribulokinase was deactivated by the soluble chloroplast oxidants dehydroascorbate and oxidized glutathione. The results suggest that the regulatory form of phosphoribulokinase resembles fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase in its mode of regulation by the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system.
Migration of green turtles Chelonia mydas from Tortuguero, Costa Rica

During 1955–2003, flipper tags were attached to 46,983 green turtles and ten turtles were fitted with satellite transmitters at Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Eight satellite-tracked turtles stayed within 135 km of the beach and probably returned to nest after release. The internesting area is more extensive than previously documented. Post-nesting migration routes of satellite-tracked turtles varied. Seven turtles swam close to the coast and three turtles swam through oceanic waters before moving toward nearshore areas. Sea surface height anomaly maps indicate that oceanic movements were consistent with the southwestern Caribbean gyre. Circling and semi-circling turtles could have been disoriented but submergence and surface times suggest they may have been feeding in Sargassum sp. concentrations. Rapid post-nesting migrations (mean 2.2 km hr−1) ended on benthic feeding grounds in shallow waters (<20 m) off Belize (n=1), Honduras (n=1) and Nicaragua (n=8). The spatial distribution of migration end points (n=10) and tag returns (n=4,669) are similar. Fishermen in Nicaragua target green turtles along migratory corridors and on foraging grounds. Management efforts are urgently needed in Nicaragua, particularly in the high-density feeding areas south and east of the Witties (N14°09 W82°45). The proximity of foraging grounds to the nesting beach (mean 512 km) may permit female turtles to invest more energy in reproduction and hence the Tortuguero population may have greater potential for recovery than other green turtle nesting populations. Recovery of the Tortuguero green turtle population will benefit countries and marine ecosystems throughout the Caribbean, especially Nicaragua.
Age and gender effects on lower extremity kinematics of youth soccer players in a stop-jump task.

BackgroundGender differences in lower extremity motion patterns were previously identified as a possible risk factor for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in sports.HypothesisGender differences in lower extremity kinematics in the stop-jump task are functions of age for youth soccer players between 11 and 16 years of age.Study DesignDescriptive laboratory study.MethodsThree-dimensional videographic data were collected for 30 male and 30 female adolescent soccer players between 11 and 16 years of age performing a stop-jump task. The age effects on hip and knee joint angular motions were compared between genders using multiple regression analyses with dummy variables.ResultsGender and age have significant interaction effects on standing height (P = .00), body mass (P = .00), knee flexion angle at initial foot contact with the ground (P = .00), maximum knee flexion angle (P = .00), knee valgus-varus angle (P = .00), knee valgus-varus motion (P = .00), and hip flexion angle at initial foot conta...
Evolving software applications using genetic programming -- PushCalc: the evolved calculator

This paper describes PushCalc, a system that evolves a Calculator, a complete software application. PushCalc is a modified version of Clojush, the clojure implementation of the PushGP genetic programming system1. PushCalc supports the definition and storage of names and functions via its naming mechanism, tags. The goal of this system is to utilise this ability to evolve an individual that can create the modular parts of the calculator and also know when and in what situations to use which modular functions and perform the correct operations depending on the input given to the system.
Racial differences in fracture risk

Blacks appear to have a lower risk of fractures than whites, but there has been little research regarding racial differences in the risk of fractures at sites other than the hip. We used Medicare claims to investigate the risks of fractures of the hip, distal forearm, proximal humerus, and ankle among American whites and blacks over 65 years old. Each of these fractures occurred more frequently in women than in men and (except for ankle fracture) displayed an increase in risk with age. Blacks had a lower risk than whites, although these differences were smaller for fractures of the ankle and were less pronounced among men. The most likely explanation for this is a constitutional or metabolic factor prevalent in blacks that particularly influences the risk of osteoporotic fractures in women.
The effect of anions on K(+)-binding in aHalobacterium species.

Trinitrocresolate (TNC) at a concentration of 2×10−3m brings about rapid loss of K from starvingHalobacterium cells. Higher concentrations of other anions such as salicylate, thiocyanate, and perchlorate produce a similar effect. The TNC-induced K loss is not significantly reversed when TNC is removed from the ambient medium. The rate of K loss in the presence of 2×10−3m TNC is only slightly increased by the temperature in the ranges of 30 to 40°C and 0 to 20°C; between 20 and 30°C, however, the rate increases 10-fold. The K loss was partly replaced by Na+. These data are interpreted in terms of the hypothesis that K is retained in starvingHalobacterium sp. not by active transport, but rather by selective binding on loci which are modified by TNC.
A 28 kV + 0.020% 200 kW DC Power Supply

Design, construction and testing of a prototype HV power supply for the klystrons of the 300 MeV racetrack microtron (MUSL) of the University of Illinois are described. Regulation of 0.02% is achieved with three voltage feedback loops. Two loops to thyristor phase control circuits on the ac primary of a 12-phase rectifier transformer regulate its output to within ± 0.2% (line regulator). A third loop controls a series-connected tetrode to bring the output to within ± 0.02% of the preset value. The voltage drop across the tetrode can be set between 800 V and 1600 V; this setting is maintained by one of the loops to the line regulator. Other unique features are protective circuits that limit the fault current to 150% of the rated current when the klystron and/or the tetrode spark over. Voltage spikes generated by the thyristors are attenuated with LP-filters.
Utility of routine postoperative chest radiography in pediatric tracheostomy.

Abstract Objectives Routine chest radiography following pediatric tracheostomy is commonly performed in order to evaluate for air-tracking complications. Routine chest radiography affords disadvantages of radiation exposure and cost. The primary objective of this study was to determine the utility of routine postoperative chest radiography following tracheostomy in pediatric patients. Secondary objectives were to compare the rates of postoperative complications by various patient and surgeon characteristics. Methods All infants and children 18 years of age or less (n = 421) who underwent tracheostomy at a single tertiary-care medical center from January 2000 to April 2009 were included in the study. A combination of data obtained from billing and administrative systems and review of electronic medical records were recorded and compiled in a database for statistical analysis. Results Three air-tracking complications (2 pneumothoraces and 1 pneumomediastinum) were identified in our population of 421 pediatric patients, for an incidence of 0.71% (95% CI: 0.1–2.0%). No significant relationships were found between the incidence of air-tracking complication and surgical specialty, patient age, or type of procedure (elective, urgent/emergent). Conclusions Our study identified a low rate of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum following pediatric tracheostomy. In all three cases, the pneumothorax was suspected clinically. This finding suggests that postoperative chest radiography should be reserved for cases where there is suspicion of a complication on the basis of intraoperative findings or clinical parameters.
Changes in morphine self-administration after brainstem lesions in rats.

Rats were trained to bar press for intravenous infusions of morphine sulfate during 1-h daily test sessions. Rates of morphine self-administration were reduced by bilateral lesions of the substantia nigra and enhanced by lesions of the medial raphe nucleus. Dose-response studies indicated that sensitivity to morphine's rewarding property was increased by substantia nigra lesions and decreased by medial raphe lesions. Lesions of the dorsal raphe nucleus and of the locus coeruleus had no effect on self-administration behavior. An interaction between ascending dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways appears to be involved in the mechanism of morphine reinforcement.
Scintillation proximity assays for mechanistic and pharmacological analyses of HIV-1 integration

Abstract The early events of HIV-1 replication are highlighted by reverse transcription and integration, and the reverse transcriptase and integrase enzymes are important therapeutic targets. Integration proceeds through a series of steps including assembly of integrase on the viral donor DNA ends, 3′-processing, and DNA strand transfer. First generation integrase assays typically included all biochemical reagents in solution where excess donor substrate could serve as the target for DNA strand transfer. These conditions, though valuable for understanding mechanistic aspects of HIV-1 integration, fell short of critical pharmacological designs as most early inhibitors were found to block assembly instead of enzyme function. Second generation designs, which decoupled assembly from DNA strand transfer, afforded the specificity required to identify clinically relevant compounds. Here, we describe versatile scintillation proximity-based assays whereby integrase is assembled onto donor DNA that is immobilized onto the surface of beads. Immobilization and subsequent washing of excess donor DNA eliminates its potential to serve as target DNA, allowing investigation of the DNA strand transfer reaction in isolation. Assembled complexes can be used in high-throughput DNA strand transfer assays if radio labeled target DNA is employed or in integrase binding assays using a suitable radioligand.
Operations planning in a supply chain system with fixed-interval deliveries of finished goods to multiple customers

Raw material ordering policy and the manufacturing batch size for fixed-interval deliveries of finished goods to multiple customers play a significant role in economically managing the supply chain logistics. This paper develops an ordering policy for raw materials and determines an economic batch size for a product at a manufacturing center which supplies finished products to multiple customers, with a fixed-quantity at a fixed time-interval to each of the customers. In this model, an optimal multi-ordering policy for procurement of raw materials for a single manufacturing system is developed to minimize the total cost incurred due to raw materials and finished goods inventories. The carried over inventory of finished goods from the previous cycle is used as initial finished goods inventory, resulting in shifting the production schedule ahead for the next cycle. A closed-form solution to the problem is obtained for the minimal total cost. The algorithm is demonstrated for multiple customer systems.
Photon statistics of the free-electron-laser startup

We show that, for the high electron currents used in present-day free-electron lasers, spontaneous radiation is distributed according to thermal statistics.
Fabrication and gas transport properties of SWNT/polyacrylic nanocomposite membranes

We demonstrate a comprehensive method for the fabrication and characterization of nanocomposite membranes containing vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes. Preparation involves hydrodynamic self-assembly of carbon nanotubes, followed by encapsulation of the oriented CNTs in an in situ polymerized polyacrylic matrix. The top surface of the polymer film is removed by plasma etching to expose the carbon nanotube tips, leading to fast gas transport rates. Because the preparation method is potentially scalable to industrial-size membranes, it offers an attractive approach in the fabrication of single walled carbon nanotube membrane platforms.
Biochemical mechanisms involved in monomethyl succinate-induced insulin secretion.

Esters of succinic acid stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. Using collagenase-isolated rat islets, the transduction mechanisms involved were investigated. In freshly isolated perifused islets, monomethyl succinate (MMSucc), in the presence of basal (2.75 mM) glucose, stimulated insulin release in a biphasic pattern. This secretory response was dependent on extracellular calcium movement into the beta-cell, since the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine (5 microM) abolished it. The glucokinase inhibitor mannoheptulose (20 mM) had no effect on its secretory action, while the protein kinase-C inhibitor staurosporine (20 nM) reduced secretion to MMSucc. In addition, while ineffective alone, the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor monooleoylglycerol (25 microM) potentiated MMSucc-induced insulin release. A similarly amplified response occurred in the presence of forskolin (0.25 microM), a compound that elevates islet cAMP levels. The sodium salt of succinic acid (20 mM) had no effect on insulin...