cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet activating factor treatment of spermatozoa enhances rabbit oocyte fertilization following subzonal sperm insertion

Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spermatozoal platelet activating factor (PAF) treatment on fertilization rates employing subzonal sperm insertion in the rabbit.
Predicting adolescent suicidality: comparing multiple informants and assessment techniques.

Abstract Adolescent suicidality is a serious problem among American youth. Common risk factors for adolescent suicidality include depression and conduct problems but there is little agreement on the best means to assess these factors. We compared multiple informants (mothers, fathers, the adolescent and a sibling) and multiple assessment techniques using a sample of more than 460 families. Assessment techniques included paper–pencil instruments, observer ratings, and diagnostic interviews. Suicidality was assessed concurrently and two years after the risk assessment. Adolescent-reported paper–pencil instruments and diagnostic interviews were strongly associated with concurrent and future suicidality. Parents' report of adolescent feelings and behaviors were also useful. Observed behaviors were not useful in assessing suicidality risk factors. Clinical recommendations include utilizing paper–pencil and diagnostic adolescent risk factor assessment and focusing on emotions.
Remote Characterization Of Tight Gas Formations With A New NMR Logging Tool

A new nuclear magnetic resonance logging technique under development at Los Alamos National Laboratory has characteristics which afford several operating and measurement advantages in tight western gas sand formations over existing nuclear magnetic logging tools. Among these are (1) elimination of the need to condition borehole fluids prior to logging a hole, (2) higher sensitivity per unit sample volume, (3) shorter instrumental dead time, and (4) potential for greater formation penetration. The new technique has been laboratory tested in tool geometry. A prototype tool utilizing permanent magnets is under construction and design has started on advanced tools using superconducting magnets.
Activation of budding yeast replication origins and suppression of lethal DNA damage effects on origin function by ectopic expression of the co-chaperone protein Mge1

Initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotes requires the origin recognition complex (ORC) and other proteins that interact with DNA at origins of replication. In budding yeast, the temperature-sensitive orc2-1 mutation alters these interactions in parallel with defects in initiation of DNA replication and in checkpoints that depend on DNA replication forks. Here we show that DNA-damaging drugs modify protein-DNA interactions at budding yeast replication origins in association with lethal effects that are enhanced by the orc2-1 mutation or suppressed by a different mutation in ORC. A dosage suppressor screen identified the budding yeast co-chaperone protein Mge1p as a high copy suppressor of the orc2-1-specific lethal effects of adozelesin, a DNA-alkylating drug. Ectopic expression of Mge1p also suppressed the temperature sensitivity and initiation defect conferred by the orc2-1 mutation. In wild type cells, ectopic expression of Mge1p also suppressed the lethal effects of adozelesin in parallel with the suppression of adozelesin-induced alterations in protein-DNA interactions at origins, stimulation of initiation of DNA replication, and binding of the precursor form of Mge1p to nuclear chromatin. Mge1p is the budding yeast homologue of the Escherichia coli co-chaperone protein GrpE, which stimulates initiation at bacterial origins of replication by promoting interactions of initiator proteins with origin sequences. Our results reveal a novel, proliferation-dependent cytotoxic mechanism for DNA-damaging drugs that involves alterations in the function of initiation proteins and their interactions with DNA.
Generalized estimating equations for multivariate response with the variates having different distributions.

This paper addresses the problem of analyzing multivariate response with the variates having different distributions. We use the generalized estimating equations proposed by Prentice and Zhao (1) to estimate mean and covanance parameters. Wald statistics are used to test hypotheses about the parameters. Data from a two-group study of competing programs to increase memory recall in geriatric patients are analyzed. We are interested in determining whether there is a simultaneous increase in test scores with one variate being continuous and another being dichotomous. In a second example comparisons of before-and-after treatment serum cholesterol levels and number of snacks eaten per day are made in an experiment to determine efficacy of a program aimed at simultaneously reducing both measurements.
Adaptive vector integration to endpoint : self-organizing neural circuits for control of planned movement trajectories

Abstract A neural network model is described for adaptive control of arm movement trajectories during visually guided reaching. The model clarifies how a child, or infant robot, can learn to reach for objects that it sees. Piaget has provided basic insights with his concept of a circular reaction . As an infant makes internally generated hand movements, the eyes automatically follow this motion. A transformation is learned between the visual representation of hand position and the motor representation of hand position. Learning of this transformation eventually enables the child to accurately reach for visually detected targets. Grossberg and Kuperstein (1989) have shown how the eye movement system can use visual error signals to correct movement parameters via cerebellar learning. Here it is shown how the arm movement system can endogenously generate movements which lead to adaptive tuning of arm control parameters. These movements also activate the target position representations that are used to learn the visou-motor transformation that controls visually guided reaching. The arm movement properties obtain in the Adaptive Vector Integration to Endpoint (AVITE) model an adaptive neural circuit based on the VITE model for arm and speech trajectory generation of Bullock and Grossberg (1988a).
Ozone exposures during trans-continental and trans-pacific flights

UNLABELLED: Ozone concentrations were passively monitored in passenger cabins of commercial airliners flying domestic, Pacific, and south-east Asian routes. One-hundred and six flight segments were monitored for either the full duration and/or approximately 3 h during the middle portion of the flight for a total of 145 time-integrated measurements. Over all samples the mean (+/-SD) concentration was 80 p.p.b. (30.1). Twenty percent of the measurements exceeded 100 p.p.b., the FAA-recommended level. Eleven percent of the measurements exceeded 120 p.p.b., the US EPA's short-term National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. Ozone concentrations measured on Pacific flights were substantially higher during mid-flight than over the full flight (95 p.p.b. vs. 56 p.p.b). Ozone concentrations on the northern Pacific routes were higher than concentrations for other Pacific flights. Season comparison showed that ozone levels were higher during the winter and spring than for the summer and fall. Our study shows that even in aircraft with catalytic ozone converters, passengers and flight crew may be exposed to elevated ozone levels on domestic and international flights. Given the frequency of ozone excess, it is recommended that (1) ozone converters should be required equipment on all commercial passenger aircraft for mid and high latitude routes (2) improved maintenance procedures should be required for catalytic converters (e.g., more frequent servicing/replacement), and (3) ozone should be routinely monitored on all mid and high latitude flights. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The authors have demonstrated elevated ozone concentrations in passenger cabins. They give several practical recommendations to help solve the problem.
The d-Logic of the Rational Numbers: A Fruitful Construction

We present a geometric construction that yields completeness results for modal logics including K4, KD4, GL and GL n with respect to certain subspaces of the rational numbers. These completeness results are extended to the bimodal case with the universal modality.
On the subsample bootstrap variance estimation

In this paper we further elaborate on the subsample bootstrap result of Politis and Romano. Combining the jackknife and bootstrap ideas we were able to establish a wide consistency for the subsample bootstrap variance estimator. This was confirmed by simulations.
Covalent-Bond-Based Immobilization Approaches for Single-Molecule Fluorescence

INH: We report two new approaches, using click-chemistry and disulfide bond bridges, to surface-immobilize nucleic acids for single-molecule fluorescence experiments using covalent bonds and self-assembled monolayers. Both approaches are specific and yield comparable results to the avidin-biotin linkage, but offer new surface chemical properties that might be advantageous to prevent non-specific binding of biopolymers to the surface and to expand the range of fluorescent probes that can be employed in single-molecule studies.
Tourism training in developing countries. The social and cultural dimension.

Abstract Tourism training in developing countries has narrowly focused on vocational and technical skills. Little thought has been given as to how this education fits into an existing socio-cultural environment, the problems of communication between guest and host, or to the demands and stresses placed upon those in the front lines of the industry. Part One of this paper looks at the need for the development of programs which broaden the scope of training. Such programs need to take into account the potential social and cultural risks of tourism for the industry worker, and the barriers to communication rising from different backgrounds, values, and expectations between hosts and foreign visitors. Part Two looks at some important considerations in educational development strategy, giving an example of such a program developed by the author in East Africa.
Failure of naloxone to prevent the emetic activity of apomorphine in dogs.

Apomorphine is derived from morphine by acid hydrolysis (DiChiara & Gessa, 1978), and for many years has been used in both human and veterinary medicine as an effective agent for induction of emesis, primarily in cases of poisoning. Since apomorphine is derived from morphine, it was initially thought that it was an opiate receptor agonist similar to morphine. As a result, several medical and veterinary medical pharmacology textbooks recommend reversal of the emetic activity of apomorphine hydrochloride by administration of naloxone hydrochloride, a narcotic antagonist (Klaassen, 1980; Meyers, Jawetz & Goldfien, 1980).
Real time diagnosis of bladder cancer with probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is an emerging technology for in vivo optical imaging of the urinary tract. Particularly for bladder cancer, real time optical biopsy of suspected lesions will likely lead to improved management of bladder cancer. With pCLE, micron scale resolution is achieved with sterilizable imaging probes (1.4 or 2.6 mm diameter), which are compatible with standard cystoscopes and resectoscopes. Based on our initial experience to date (n = 66 patients), we have demonstrated the safety profile of intravesical fluorescein administration and established objective diagnostic criteria to differentiate between normal, benign, and neoplastic urothelium. Confocal images of normal bladder showed organized layers of umbrella cells, intermediate cells, and lamina propria. Low grade bladder cancer is characterized by densely packed monomorphic cells with central fibrovascular cores, whereas high grade cancer consists of highly disorganized microarchitecture and pleomorphic cells with indistinct cell borders. Currently, we are conducting a diagnostic accuracy study of pCLE for bladder cancer diagnosis. Patients scheduled to undergo transurethral resection of bladder tumor are recruited. Patients undergo first white light cystocopy (WLC), followed by pCLE, and finally histologic confirmation of the resected tissues. The diagnostic accuracy is determined both in real time by the operative surgeon and offline after additional image processing. Using histology as the standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of WLC and WLC + pCLE are calculated. With additional validation, pCLE may prove to be a valuable adjunct to WLC for real time diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Neutron instrument simulations in the next millennium

Abstract The Neutron Instrument Simulation Package (NISP) is available on the world-wide web at URL http://strider.lansce.lanl.gov/NISP/Welcome.html. With more than 20 years of development, there is a certain amount of maturity in the code, but also the potential for a great deal of growth. As requirements for more sophisticated simulations grow, NISP can be expanded or modified to meet those needs. This report describes features of the NISP structures that make it possible for users to contribute algorithms. Any interaction that can be coded as a Fortran-callable subroutine can be included as a region type in the simulations. New ideas are always solicited, and may be sent by e-mail to
Changes in plasma membrane enzyme activities during liver regeneration in the rat.

Changes in activities of plasma membrane enzymes during liver regeneration may be related to the maintenance of hepatic function or to the regulation of cell proliferation. Plasma membranes were isolated from rat livers at various times after partial hepatectomy, and the specific activities of alkaline phosphatase, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, leucine aminopeptidase, 5′-nucleotidase, and adenylate cyclase (basal and with glucagon or epinephrine) were measured. Alkaline phosphatase and (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity increased 3.6-fold and 2-fold respectively, during the first 48 h after partial hepatectomy. The time of onset and duration of change suggest that these increases in activity are involved in the maintenance of bile secretion. Decreases in leucine aminopeptidase activity at 48–108 h and in 5′-nucleotidase activity at 12–24 h were observed, which may be involved in the restoration of protein and accumulation of RNA. The basal activity of adenylate cyclase increased after partial hepatectomy. The response of adenylate cyclase to epinephrine showed a transitory increase between 36 and 108 h after surgery, while the response to glucagon was decreased by approximately 50% at all time points through 324 h after surgery. These changes in the hormone responsiveness of adenylate cyclase are similar to those previously observed in fetal and preneoplastic liver.
Moritaʼs duality for split reductive groups

Abstract In this paper, we extend the work in [Z. Qi, C. Yang, Moritaʼs theory for the symplectic groups, Int. J. Number Theory 7 (2011) 2115–2137 [7] ] to split reductive groups. We construct and study the holomorphic discrete series representations and the principal series representations of a split reductive group G over a p -adic field F as well as a duality between certain sub-representations of these two representations.
LINEAR FEEDBACK SYSTEM DESIGN

Via fractional representation methods, this paper tries to clarify the role of various conditions used in the feedback system design and stability with respect to the well-posedness of the system, the existence of a solution for stability and design, and the parameterization of the set of complete solutions. The design criterion for stable feedback system design can be used for filters design, as shown in Section 5.
Sparse representation for vehicle recognition

The Sparse Representation for Classification (SRC) algorithm has been demonstrated to be a state-of-the-art algorithm for facial recognition applications. Wright et al. demonstrate that under certain conditions, the SRC algorithm classification performance is agnostic to choice of linear feature space and highly resilient to image corruption. In this work, we examined the SRC algorithm performance on the vehicle recognition application, using images from the semi-synthetic vehicle database generated by the Air Force Research Laboratory. To represent modern operating conditions, vehicle images were corrupted with noise, blurring, and occlusion, with representation of varying pose and lighting conditions. Experiments suggest that linear feature space selection is important, particularly in the cases involving corrupted images. Overall, the SRC algorithm consistently outperforms a standard k nearest neighbor classifier on the vehicle recognition task.
Explicitly Stochastic Parameterization of Nonorographic Gravity Wave Drag

AbstractA straightforward methodology is presented for converting the deterministic multiwave parameterizations of nonorographic gravity wave drag, currently used in general circulation models (GCMs), to stochastic analogs that use fewer waves (in the example herein, a single wave) within each grid box. Deterministic discretizations of source-level momentum flux spectra using a fixed spectrum of many waves with predefined phase speeds are replaced by sampling these source spectra stochastically using waves with randomly assigned phase speeds. Using simple conversion formulas, it is shown that time-mean wave-induced drag, diffusion, and heating-rate profiles identical to those from the deterministic scheme are produced by the stochastic analog. Furthermore, in these examples the need for bulk intermittency factors of small value is largely obviated through the explicit incorporation of stochastic intermittency into the scheme. When implemented in a GCM, the single-wave stochastic analog of an existing dete...
Spectrum of Adrenal Dysfunction in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Evaluation of Adrenal and Pituitary Reserve with ACTH and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Testing

Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reported to develop abnormalities of the endocrine system and in particular of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. To define the abnormalities of HPA function in AIDS patients better, we performed ACTH and ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH) testing in a group of AIDS patients and oCRH testing in a group of healthy subjects. Our study found that in AIDS patients with normal ACTH testing, oCRH testing revealed a variety of subclinical abnormalities of ACTH and cortisol responses. Although we did not find frank adrenal insufficiency in any of these AIDS patients, it remains to be determined if any of the subclinical abnormalities we identified are predictive of clinically significant adrenal insufficiency; it may be that as AIDS patients live longer, the subclinical abnormalities will progress to adrenal insufficiency. (Trends Endocrinol Metab 1997;8:173-180). (c) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.
The influence of gravity on the formation of amyloplasts in columella cells of Zea mays L.

Columella (i.e., putative graviperceptive) cells of Zea mays seedlings grown in the microgravity of outer space allocate significantly less volume to putative statoliths (amyloplasts) than do columella cells of Earth-grown seedlings. Amyloplasts of flight-grown seedlings are significantly smaller than those of ground controls, as is the average volume of individual starch grains. Similarly, the relative volume of starch in amyloplasts in columella cells of flight-grown seedlings is significantly less than that of Earth-grown seedlings. Microgravity does not significantly alter the volume of columella cells, the average number of amyloplasts per columella cell, or the number of starch grains per amyloplast. These results are discussed relative to the influence of gravity on cellular and organellar structure.
Buprenorphine increases intake of freely available and operant-contingent food in satiated rats.

Abstract Opiate administration increases short-term free feeding in satiated rats. The feeding effects of the mixed opioid receptor agonist/antagonist buprenorphine were examined in both free-feeding and operant chamber paradigms. Buprenorphine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) produced significant increases in short-term free feeding (i.e., 4 h), an effect enhanced by repeated administration. Buprenorphine's effects on operant responding were examined in satiated rats using a fixed ratio (FR) 80 (initial pellet) FR 3 (subsequent pellets) reinforcement schedule. Buprenorphine (0.03–0.3 mg/kg) decreased latency to begin responding for food and increased total number of pellets consumed in a 1-h session. Increases in food intake relative to control were caused by continued responding for food as sessions progressed. Naloxone suppressed both the free-feeding and operant-contingent intake induced by buprenorphine. Thus, buprenorphine increases both freely available and lever-press contingent food intake.
The cyclic stress-strain behavior of nickel-base superalloys—I. Polycrystals

Abstract The cyclic stress-strain behavior of the single crystal nickel-base superalloy Mar-M200 has been investigated at ambient temperature and 843°C under constant strain rate cycling at 10−2 and 10−3/s. At ambient temperature, the cyclic stress-strain curve exhibits a clear strain rate independent plateau regime similar to that observed for f.c.c. metal single crystals and other coherent precipitate strengthened systems. At elevated temperature, the cyclic stress-strain curves are reduced to power law functions with the higher strain rate curve exhibiting a higher slope, or work hardening exponent than the lower strain rate curve. The forms of these curves, the cyclic hardening behavior and details of hysteresis behavior are rationalized with respect to substructural observations. At ambient temperature, the substructure consists of widely spaced, well defined slip bands which shear the γ′ precipitates and extend completely through the crystal on {111} planes. At 843°C and 10−2/s, the slip bands initially shear the γ′ which then reform around the slip bands. In addition, a more homogeneous tangled structure which cages the γ′ and provides a work hardening component is found. The lower strain rate at elevated temperatures produces a homogeneous substructure throughout the crystal with evidence of less well defined bands. These results are compared and contrasted with the results of a companion study (Part I) on a representative polycrystalline superalloy.
Two cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection for high specific gravity

The results of two cycles of recurrent selection for high specific gravity clearly indicate the effectiveness of this method for this attribute. An average gain of about .004 units of specific gravity of the second cycle over the first as measured in two locations in two seasons was significant beyond the .005 level. The results of seedling hill selection show that small gains can be made, but that these are not consistent enough for general application to seedling selection. In the situation where selection is for extremely high specific gravity, a moderate selection threshold would be generally effective. The coefficients of inbreeding and parentage of the selections of each cycle are presented.
Development of intersubjectivity in the dyadic play of preschoolers

This study was designed to examine a hypothesis built on the theories of Piaget, 1945 , Piaget, 1965 , Vygotsky (1978) , and Parten (1932) that children's play becomes increasingly intersubjective during preschool years. The notion of intersubjectivity is defined as joint understanding established between players. The structural features and negotiations of social play are used as indicies of intersubjectivity. The data for the analyses derived from the play sessions of twelve 3-year-olds and twelve 4 1/2-year-olds who engaged in videotaped 20 min play in same-age and same-sex dyads. The results provide support for the hypothesis that social play of preschoolers becomes increasingly shared from 3 to 4 1/2 years of age.
Lysis of allogeneic tissue cultured colorectal cancer cells by blood group isoantibody in normal human serum.

Abstract Established tissue culture colorectal cancer lines were evaluated for the presence of cell surface blood group isoantigen activity. Four tumor cell lines obtained from donors of blood groups A or AB were used as targets in complement-dependent cytotoxic antibody and mixed hemagglutination assays. The presence of cell surface isoantigen A-like activity was demonstrated on these lines by a micromixed hemagglutination reaction. The majority of sera obtained from type O normal donors was cytotoxic. The B sera were less frequently reactive. Despite the presence of isoantigen B-like activity on one cell line, sera from normal A donors were not reactive. Human serum was an adequate source of complement in these reactions. The specificity of these reactions was confirmed by erythrocyte absorption experiments. Blood group isoantigen activity represents another area of potential confusion in the study of human tumor cell surface antigens using allogeneic colorectal cancer cells.
All Monofilament Knots Assume Sliding Conformation In Vivo

Background Surgeons are not always cognizant of the knots they tie. It has been thought that suture material does not determine what types of knots are tied. Design Experienced surgeons were asked to tie square monofilament knots that were salvaged and microscopically evaluated. Results Tightly cinched monofilament knots assume sliding conformation in vivo regardless of configuration, instrumentation, suture polymer, or surgeon. Conclusions When monofilament suture is securely cinched in vivo, kinetic energy forces even a flat throw into sliding conformation. A well-crafted, intentionally sliding square knot appears compacter than any other monofilament knot.
Improved Component-Mode Representation for Structural Dynamic Analysis

The new method described in this paper employs an incomplete set of free-boundary normal modes of vibration, augmented with a low-frequency account for the contribution of neglected (residual) modes. The "residual effects" improve the accuracy of forced dynamic response in a manner which is related to the benefit of the mode-acceleration method. The new method adds residual inertial and dissipative effects to the residual flexibility introduced by MacNeal. All effects are derived from the solution of a special statics problem, followed by removal of the contributions of the retained modes. A structural component can then be represented in a stiffness-matrix form for various applications, one of which is modal synthesis. Numerical results of modal analysis for a cantilevered rod show the new method to yield superior accuracy to several other methods (including those of Hurty, Bamford, and MacNeal). All parameters for the new representation can be derived from test; this is not true for most other methods. Required are the free-boundary normal modes and the dynamic flexibility matrix vs frequency for the boundary points. Consequently, any desired mix of analytically derived and experimentally derived parameters can be employed.
Siderite at lower mantle conditions and the effects of the pressure-induced spin-pairing transition

evidenced by a sharp volume collapse of about 10%. The initially colorless crystals assume an intense green color after the transition, which progressively turns to red above 60 GPa. We present clear evidence for the instability of an intermediate spin state in siderite at ambient temperature. At the transition pressure, domains of high and low spin siderite coexist. The unit cell volume difference between magnesite and siderite is significantly decreased by the spin transition, enhancing the solubility between the two calcite-type minerals. A siderite component in magnesite at lower mantle pressure would significantly increase its density and slightly increase the carbonate bulk modulus. Citation: Lavina, B., P. Dera, R. T. Downs, V. Prakapenka, M. Rivers, S. Sutton, and M. Nicol (2009), Siderite at lower mantle conditions and the effects of the pressure-induced spinpairing transition, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L23306, doi:10.1029/ 2009GL039652.
Parametric surface denoising

Three dimensional (3D) surfaces can be sampled parametrically in the form of range image data. Smoothing/denoising of such raw data is usually accomplished by adapting techniques developed for intensity image processing, since both range and intensity images comprise parametrically sampled geometry and appearance measurements, respectively. We present a transform-based algorithm for surface denoising, motivated by our previous work on intensity image denoising, which utilizes a non-separable Parseval frame and an ensemble thresholding scheme. The frame is constructed from separable (tensor) products of a piecewise linear spline tight frame and incorporates the weighted average operator and the Sobel operators in directions that are integer multiples of 45°. We compare the performance of this algorithm with other transform-based methods from the recent literature. Our results indicate that such transform methods are suited to the task of smoothing range images.
Gender differences in body composition deficits at diagnosis in children and adolescents with Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an idiopathic, destructive, chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In children with CD, reduced caloric intake, malabsorption, micronutrient deficiencies, delayed puberty, decreased physical activity, glucocorticoid therapy, and increased production of inflammatory cytokines may contribute to poor growth and alterations in body composition. Manifestations include poor weight gain, linear growth, and bone accrual, as well as alterations in fat mass and lean mass. Decreased body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) is a recognized complication of CD. However, decreased BMI does not distinguish between deficits in lean mass and fat mass, which are distinct markers of protein and energy reserves.1,2 Growth and development are characterized by age-, gender-, maturation-, and race-specific increases in lean mass and fat mass. In adults, lean mass deficits are associated with demonstrable morbidity, including poor physical functioning, altered energy metabolism, and increased susceptibility to infections.3 In children and adolescents, muscle forces are a key determinant of bone mass accrual.4 We recently reported that deficits in lean mass were strongly associated with deficits in whole-body bone mineral content in a prevalent cohort of children and young adults with CD compared with healthy controls.5 Previous studies of lean mass and fat mass in children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were performed in small numbers of patients and produced conflicting results. 6–14 More recently, we reported the results of a cross-sectional study of growth and body composition in 104 children and young adults with CD, evaluated an average of 4 years after disease diagnosis.5 CD was associated with significant deficits in BMI and height for age compared with healthy controls. Whole-body lean mass was significantly lower in subjects with CD, adjusted for age, height, and maturation; however, fat mass was preserved, consistent with inflammatory cachexia.15–17 This earlier study was the first to describe inflammatory cachexia in pediatric CD. Given the variable disease duration in these patients, and the fact that the majority had received glucocorticoid therapy, it was not possible to distinguish between disease and treatment effects on lean mass and fat mass in this prevalent cohort. The aims of the present study were to assess lean mass and fat mass in children and adolescents with CD at the time of disease diagnosis compared to healthy controls, and to identify determinants of lean mass and fat mass deficits in this incident cohort.
Framework for Evaluating Advance-Detection Designs for High-Speed Intersection Approaches

This paper describes a framework for evaluating an advance-detection design. The framework can be used to identify the most effective configurations for a given detection design. It accounts for the detection layout, including number and position of detectors; traffic conditions, including volume and speed; and controller settings, including passage time and operation of the stop line detector after queue clearance. The framework is demonstrated by application to six advance-detection designs used in Texas. The framework is based on measures of control delay, probability of ending the green phase through max-out, and probability of providing indecision-zone protection during green-phase gap-out. The latter measure is defined as "detection coverage." These measures are useful for quantifying the operational and safety performance of a detection design. The framework can be used (a) to select an advance-detection design for an intersection approach with a given 85th percentile traffic speed and (b) to deter...
Infrared photometry of galaxies in the Butcher–Oemler cluster 0024 + 1654

On presente la photometrie IR de 21 galaxies qui ont spectroscopiquement ete confirmees comme membres de l'amas Cl 0024+1654 a z=0,39. On a analyse la distribution des couleurs dans le plan (U-V)/(V-K)
Using RNAi to investigate orthologous homeotic gene function during development of distantly related insects

Gene product distribution is often used to infer developmental similarities and differences in animals with evolutionarily diverse body plans. However, to address commonalties of developmental mechanisms, what is really needed is a method to assess and compare gene function in divergent organisms. This requires mutations eliminating gene function. Such mutations are often difficult to obtain, even in organisms amenable to genetic analysis. To address this issue we have investigated the use of double-stranded RNA interference to phenocopy null mutations. We show that RNA interference can be used to phenocopy mutations of the Deformed orthologues in Drosophila and Tribolium. We discuss the possible use of this technique for comparisons of developmental mechanisms in organisms with differing ontogenies.
Revisiting tolerance induced by autoantigen in incomplete Freund's adjuvant.

Injection of autoantigens in IFA has been one of the most effective ways of preventing experimental, T cell-mediated, autoimmune disease in mice. The mechanism that underlies this protection has, however, remained controversial, with clonal deletion, induction of suppressor cells or of type 2 immunity being implicated at one time or another. Using high resolution enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) analysis, we have revisited this paradigm. As models of autoimmunity against sequestered and readily accessible autoantigens, we studied experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, proteolipid protein, myelin basic protein, and renal tubular Ag-induced interstitial nephritis. We showed that the injection of each of these Ags in IFA was immunogenic and CD4 memory cells producing IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5, but essentially no IFN-γ. IgG1, but not IgG2a, autoantibodies were produced. The engaged T cells were not classic Th2 cells in that IL-4 and IL-5 were produced by different cells. The IFA-induced violation of self tolerance, including the deposition of specific autoantibodies in the respective target organs, occurred in the absence of detectable pathology. Exhaustion of the pool of naive precursor cells was shown to be one mechanism of the IFA-induced tolerance. In addition, while the IFA-primed T cells acted as suppressor cells, in that they adoptively transferred disease protection, they did not interfere with the emergence of a type 1 T cell response in the adoptive host. Both active and passive tolerance mechanisms, therefore, contribute to autoantigen:IFA-induced protection from autoimmune disease.
Pricing and Capacity Sizing for Systems with Shared Resources: Approximate Solutions and Scaling Relations

This paper considers pricing and capacity sizing decisions, in a single-class Markovian model motivated by communication and information services. The service provider is assumed to operate a finite set of processing resources that can beshared among users; however, this shared mode of operation results in a service-rate degradation. Users, in turn, are sensitive to the delay implied by the potential degradation in service rate, and to the usage fee charged for accessing the system. We study the equilibrium behavior of such systems in the specific context of pricing and capacity sizing under revenue and social optimization objectives. Exact solutions to these problems can only be obtained via exhaustive simulations. In contrast, we pursueapproximate solutions that exploitlarge-capacity asymptotics. Economic considerations and natural scaling relations demonstrate that the optimal operational mode for the system is close to "heavy traffic." This, in turn, supports the derivation of simple approximate solutions to economic optimization problems, via asymptotic methods that completely alleviate the need for simulation. These approximations seem to be extremely accurate. The main insights that are gleaned in the analysis follow: congestion costs are "small," the optimal price admits a two-part decomposition, and the joint capacity sizing and pricing problem decouples and admits simple analytical solutions that are asymptotically optimal. All of the above phenomena are intimately related to statistical economies of scale that are an intrinsic part of these systems.
An alternative proof of Kharitonov's theorem

An alternative proof is presented of Kharitonov's theorem for real polynomials. The proof shows that if an unstable root exists in the interval family, then another unstable root must also show up in what is called the Kharitonov plane, which is delimited by the four Kharitonov polynomials. This fact is proved by using a simple lemma dealing with convex combinations of polynomials. Then a well-known result is utilized to prove that when the four Kharitonov polynomials are stable, the Kharitonov plane must also be stable, and this contradiction proves the theorem. >
Exploring your neighborhood: Comparing connection strategies in swarming networks through evolving graphs

The swarm-based P2P networks research area evolved to a mature state due to studies related to algorithms for efficient data exchange. However, comparatively less attention has been given to the overlay network topological characteristics, which result from connections between peers. In swarm-based networks, there are three known connection management strategies: inactive, preemptive and pro-active. So far, there has been no previous work comparing these three strategies under the same scenarios. This paper presents a model based on evolving graphs to describe the resulting system topology according to network configuration and connection management strategies. Base on this model, we analyze the robustness and performance potential of topologies under different peer arrival patterns and network reachability ratios in two distinct moments: at the end of the arrival period and in the steady-state period. Our findings show that, in all scenarios, the preemptive and pro-active strategies generate topologies with higher robustness, because they distribute more uniformly connections among all peers, and better performance due to greater centralization of the content source in the overlay topology.
Somali Women's Reflections on the Adjustment of Their Children in the United States

Somali women were interviewed regarding their children's adjustment. Qualitative analysis revealed 5 themes: cultural comparisons, concerns about children, parents' loss of disciplinary authority, available support, and the future. The women discussed changes in their children, such as loss of respect and threats to use law enforcement against parents. They also discussed their loss of parental authority and the lack of support from U.S. institutions. Implications for schools and mental health professionals are presented. Se entrevisto a mujeres Somalies con respecto a la adaptacion de sus hijos. Los analisis cualitativos revelaron 5 temas: comparaciones culturales, preocupaciones sobre los ninos, la perdida de autoridad disciplinaria de los padres, apoyo disponible y el futuro. Las mujeres hablaron sobre los cambios en sus hijos, como la perdida de respeto y las amenazas de usar las fuerzas del orden contra sus padres. Tambien hablaron de la perdida de su autoridad paterna y la falta de apoyo por parte de las instituciones de los Estados Unidos. Se presentan las implicaciones para escuelas y profesionales de la salud mental.
A 21 day Daniel Fast improves selected biomarkers of antioxidant status and oxidative stress in men and women

Background Dietary modification via both caloric and nutrient restriction is associated with multiple health benefits, some of which are related to an improvement in antioxidant status and a decrease in the production of reactive oxygen species. The Daniel Fast is based on the Biblical book of Daniel, is commonly partaken for 21 days, and involves food intake in accordance with a stringent vegan diet. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on biomarkers of antioxidant status and oxidative stress.
Modulation of benzo[a]pyrene-induced p53 DNA activity by acrolein

Acrolein, a highly electrophilic alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde, is by far the most reactive amongst the aldehydes present in smoke. The relative contribution of acrolein to complex mixture toxicity of smoke at the molecular level remains unknown. The current study examines the ability of acrolein to modulate the effect of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a major carcinogen found in smoke, on p53. Exposure of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells to 1 mM B[a]P for 48 h strongly activated the expression of p53 as seen by western blotting, and its DNA binding as shown by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Treatment of A549 cells with a non-lethal dose of acrolein alone (50 fmol/cell for 0.5 h) depleted 80% of total cellular glutathione but had no effect on basal p53 protein levels. When B[a]P-treated cells (48 h) were exposed to acrolein for 0.5 h there was also no effect on B[a]P-induced p53 protein levels. However, acrolein treatments profoundly inhibited the DNA binding of p53 under both basal and B[a]P-induced conditions. Depleting glutathione with buthionine sulfoximine in B[a]P-treated cells to levels similar to those obtained with acrolein decreased p53 DNA binding substantially less than with acrolein. Using a p53 dual luciferase reporter assay, acrolein caused an 83% decrease in the p53 activity induced by B[a]P (1 mM for 24 h post-transfection). The p53 protein that was immunoprecipitated after acrolein treatment was reactive with an anti-acrolein antibody indicating covalent modification. Results from this study suggest that acrolein can inhibit p53 DNA binding and activity by direct covalent modification as well as alteration of intracellular redox status. As both acrolein and B[a]P are found in cigarette smoke, this type of interaction may play an important role in the initiation of lung cancer by altering the tumor suppressor activity of p53.
Requirements for picture archiving and communications

The current outlook for picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) in day-to-day clinical use is examined. After reviewing the components of a PACS, a set of requirements for a clinically acceptable system is outlined. The PACS concept employed by the US military is presented as an example of an integrated approach to a filmless hospital. Clinical evaluation, future applications, and current limitations of PACS technology are also reviewed. >
Mapping the interactions of the single-stranded DNA binding protein of bacteriophage T4 (gp32) with DNA lattices at single nucleotide resolution: gp32 monomer binding

Combining biophysical measurements on T4 bacteriophage replication complexes with detailed structural information can illuminate the molecular mechanisms of these ‘macromolecular machines’. Here we use the low energy circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescent properties of site-specifically introduced base analogues to map and quantify the equilibrium binding interactions of short (8 nts) ssDNA oligomers with gp32 monomers at single nucleotide resolution. We show that single gp32 molecules interact most directly and specifically near the 3′-end of these ssDNA oligomers, thus defining the polarity of gp32 binding with respect to the ssDNA lattice, and that only 2–3 nts are directly involved in this tight binding interaction. The loss of exciton coupling in the CD spectra of dimer 2-AP (2-aminopurine) probes at various positions in the ssDNA constructs, together with increases in fluorescence intensity, suggest that gp32 binding directly extends the sugar-phosphate backbone of this ssDNA oligomer, particularly at the 3′-end and facilitates base unstacking along the entire 8-mer lattice. These results provide a model (and ‘DNA map’) for the isolated gp32 binding to ssDNA targets, which serves as the nucleation step for the cooperative binding that occurs at transiently exposed ssDNA sequences within the functioning T4 DNA replication complex.
Welfare Reform: What's Relevant for Europe?

This paper reviews the U.S. welfare reform efforts over the 1990s and the effects of these reforms to date. Seven "lessons" of potential interest to European observers are discussed, with particular attention to the conclusions of more recent research. Such research indicates, for example, that more effective programs contain both positive and negative incentives, utilize work-first as well as job training programs, and provide some important supports beyond just job and work skills. The paper ends with some speculations about why European policy-makers are becoming more interested in U.S. welfare reform experiments than they have been in the past.
Lipids: potential regulators of nitric oxide generation

The endothelium is a dynamic organ that secretes several biologically active substances and plays a major functional role in the health of an organism in both physiological and pathological conditi...
Ultrasound training among endocrine oncology surgeons: what is best practice?

Background: We aimed to determine training levels and utilization of surgeon-performed ultrasound (SPUS) among endocrine surgeons. Methods: Survey of American Association of Endocrine Surgeons members and recent endocrine surgery fellowship graduates. Results: Thirty-four percent (165/481) recipients completed the survey. Of 60% endocrine surgery fellowship-trained surgeons, 58% performed ultrasound during fellowship and 18% during residency. Currently, 65% employ SPUS, with significant variability: 31% without biopsy; 60% not in the operating room; 39% for lymph node mapping; 22% for long-term thyroid cancer surveillance. SPUS altered surgical decision making ‘sometimes’ (>50%) or ‘most of the time’ (31%). Support for ‘rich ultrasound exposure’ was nearly universal. Although 76% felt comfortable with SPUS interpretation, 43% nevertheless obtained additional radiology-performed ultrasound. The majority (53%) rated SPUS as ‘indispensable’. Conclusion: Ultrasound is employed by a growing number of endocrine...