cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tradeoffs in the evolution of caste and body size in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole.

The efficient investment of resources is often the route to ecological success, and the adaptability of resource investment may play a critical role in promoting biodiversity. The ants of the “hyperdiverse” genus Pheidole produce two discrete sterile castes, soldiers and minor workers. Within Pheidole, there is tremendous interspecific variation in proportion of soldiers. The causes and correlates of caste ratio variation among species of Pheidole remain enigmatic. Here we test whether a body size threshold model accounts for interspecific variation in caste ratio in Pheidole, such that species with larger body sizes produce relatively fewer soldiers within their colonies. We evaluated the caste ratio of 26 species of Pheidole and found that the body size of workers accounts for interspecific variation in the production of soldiers as we predicted. Twelve species sampled from one forest in Costa Rica yielded the same relationship as found in previously published data from many localities. We conclude that production of soldiers in the most species-rich group of ants is regulated by a body size threshold mechanism, and that the great variation in body size and caste ratio in Pheidole plays a role in niche divergence in this rapidly evolving taxon.
ANALYSIS OF POSITIONS OF SUBSTITUTION OF O-ACETYL GROUPS IN PARTIALLY O-ACETYLATED CELLULOSE BY THE REDUCTIVE-CLEAVAGE METHOD

Abstract Described herein are methods for determining the degree of substitution (ds) and the positions of substitution of O -acetyl groups in commercial samples of partially O -acetylated cellulose. Sequential neutral methylation of the polymers, base-catalyzed ethylation, and reductive cleavage gives eight products that are analyzed as their O -acetyl derivatives by gas-liquid chromatography. Alternatively, the permethylated polymers are subjected to reductive cleavage directly, under conditions that reduce O -acetyl groups to O -ethyl groups, to give the same eight products. The ds values obtained by these two methods were in good agreement with values obtained by integration of the O -acetyl and O -trimethylsilyl resonances of the fully O -trimethylsilylated polymers.
Lithographic process monitoring using diffraction measurements

Optical diffraction is an attractive process with which to non-invasively examine materials and structures. Waves diffracted by a periodic structure carry information about geometrical characteristics of the diffracting structure as well as intrinsic properties of the material comprising the structure. These features make optical diffraction from surface relief gratings appealing as a monitor for lithographic processes. Considering that lithographic processes are usually quite stringently controlled, a search for 'departures' from a set of expected design values can linearize the highly non-linear relationship between parameter values and diffraction measurements, and hence permits analyses using classical linear methods. We therefore propose a linear inversion technique to determine key parameters of a periodic structure from an analysis of diffraction data that seeks to determine the departures from a set of expected design values. The approach is validated for the retrieval of three geometrical parameters (groove depth, line width, and sidewall angle) based on simulations performed using the rigorous coupled-wave theory (RCWT). The results obtained are very encouraging and highlight the potential of a linear inversion technique in scatterometry.
Numerical and experimental results for coupled heat and mass transfer between a desiccant film and air in cross-flow

Abstract Heat and mass transfer with a uniformly distributed falling liquid desiccant film in a cross-flow parallel plate gas-liquid heat exchanger is predicted, and the results compared with experiment. The process air is in cross-flow over the desiccant film. Refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger tubes and removes the heat of absorption for dehumidification and supplies the heat for regeneration. The governing equations, boundary conditions, and interfacial equilibrium conditions for the concentration, temperature and pressure are presented. The problem is more complex than for cocurrent or countercurrent flow, as it is fully three-dimensional.
A phenomenologically oriented approach to rhetorical criticism

This paper provides an introduction to rhetorical criticism‐ based upon the phenomenological interest in cognitive structuring. The concept of mental imagery is discussed in relation to communication, examples of such imagery are provided, and certain implications for criticism are suggested.
Polymer Degradation and Stabilization

This is a series of columns that addresses various topics within the realm of polymer degradation and stabilization. Topics that could be covered in one of these columns include those dealing with thermal degradation and fire retardancy, photodegradation and stabilization, or bio-degradation. Because my principal area of work is in thermal degradation and fire retardancy, that is the topic of most of these columns.
Age-related change in short-term synaptic plasticity intrinsic to excitatory striatal synapses.

Aging disrupts the expression of synaptic plasticity in many central nervous system (CNS) structures including the striatum. We found age differences in paired-pulse plasticity to persist at excitatory striatal synapses following block of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)A and GABAB receptors, a property that was independent of the number of afferents activated. High Mg2+/low Ca2+ artificial cerebral spinal fluid (ACSF) reduced release probability and consequently the size of the evoked excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP). High Mg2+/low Ca2+ ACSF also increased the expression of paired-pulse facilitation and eliminated the age difference seen previously in normal ACSF. These data suggest that age differences in paired-pulse plasticity reflect an alteration in release probability at excitatory striatal synapses. In support of this hypothesis, we found age differences in another presynaptic form of plasticity referred to as synaptic augmentation. Examination of the synaptic depression that developed during the conditioning tetanus also revealed an age-related increase in synaptic depression. These data indicate that age-related changes in facilitation may be due in part to a reduction in the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. Dendritic structure (spine density and dendritic length) was correlated with short-term synaptic plasticity, but these relationships depended upon the variance associated with age (hierarchical regression). Post-hoc within-age group regressions demonstrated relationship between spine density and paired-pulse plasticity. No other age-specific correlations were found. These findings imply an age-dependent association between altered dendritic morphology and changes in synaptic plasticity. Synapse 27:57–68, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Deciphering media independence: The gulf war debate in television and newspaper news

This article explores the relationship between media form and content in the context of media autonomy in the United States. A functioning democracy relies on the media to provide information indep...
Crystal structure of a biosynthetic sulfo-hirudin complexed to thrombin.

The leech-derived anticoagulant hirudin is post-translationally sulfated on tyrosine 63, resulting in a >10-fold increase in its affinity for thrombin. We report the structure of a biosynthetic sul...
Abstract B161: SLC1A5 inactivation induces apoptosis-mediated cells death in non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: We recently reported that solute carrier family A1 member 5 (SLC1A5) controls glutamine (GLN) uptake and modulates cell growth, oxidative stress and mTOR signalling pathway. SLC1A5 is a transmembrane, high affinity glutamine transporter that is overexpressed and located at the plasma membrane in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). GLN deprivation has been shown to induce cell death in several types of cancers, however the exact mechanism by which SLC1A5 targeting affects NSCLC survival remains unknown. We hypothesize that inhibition of SLC1A5 deprives cells from GLN which induces autophagy which eventually leads to cell starvation and ultimately apoptotic cell death. Methods: To test our hypothesis we targeted SLC1A5 by siRNA or by its specific inhibitor, GPNA, in a panel of 6 NSCLC lung cancer cell lines (express high level of SLC1A5). For comparison 2 human bronchial epithelial cell lines (HBEs) (express low level of SLC1A5) were used. The effects of targeting SLC1A5 on growth, GLN uptake, ATP level, autophagy, and cell death were examined. Markers of autophagy and cell death were analysed using western blot, nuclear staining and cell cycle analysis. Results: SLC1A5 inactivation by GPNA or by siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in cellular GLN uptake in NSCLC cell lines, while HBE cell lines were unaffected. Decrease in GLN uptake was accompanied by an increase in autophagy as evident by decrease in cell size, increase of LC3-II and decrease if LC3-I markers of autophagy. In addition, we observed a significant drop in ATP levels by 2 folds with increasing doses of GPNA. Markers of internal apoptotic pathway that include decrease of mitochondrial potential and cleaved caspases-3 and 9 were detected in response to increasing doses of GPNA. No change was observed in external apoptotic markers, caspases 8 or 1. In addition a 2-10 fold increase (based on the cell line) of sub-G1 was observed in NSCLC cell lines but not in HBE cell lines. Conclusion: Our results show that targeting SLC1A5 in NSCLC cells induces apoptotic cell death. Cells starve due to GLN deprivation and undergo autophagy which leads to a decrease in ATP level resulting in apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that targeting SLC1A5 may have therapeutic implications in NSCLC. Grant funding: Lung Cancer Research Foundation Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B161. Citation Format: Mohamed Hassanein, Jun Qian, Megan Hoeksema, Marie Jacobovitz, Fredrick T. Harris, Bradford Harris, Pierre P. Massion. SLC1A5 inactivation induces apoptosis-mediated cells death in non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B161.
Predictability of doripenem susceptibility in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates based on other carbapenem susceptibilities and blaOXA gene status.

Study Objective. To better define the utility of surrogate markers for doripenem susceptibility relative to gold standard microbiology tests. Design. In vitro experiment. Setting. Large tertiary-care academic medical center. Organisms. One hundred twenty-five randomly selected, unique clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii collected between 2005 and 2008. Measurements and Main Results. In vitro activity of doripenem, imipenem, and meropenem was examined by agar dilution, and the carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase gene, blaOXA, status was determined by polymerase chain reaction for clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Positive predictive values for doripenem susceptibility were evaluated according to imipenem susceptibility, meropenem susceptibility, the doripenem Etest, and blaOXA gene status. Imipenem had the greatest activity against all A. baumannii isolates tested (51% susceptible), followed by meropenem and doripenem (44% and 29% susceptible, respectively). The positive predictive value for doripenem susceptibility was 68% with meropenem susceptibility by agar dilution, 56% with imipenem susceptibility by agar dilution, and 82% with the doripenem Etest. Doripenem Etest susceptibilities yielded eight major errors when compared with agar dilution. The blaOXA genes were present in 52 isolates (42%). Expression of either blaOXA-23 or blaOXA-40 was 100% predictive of resistance to doripenem, imipenem, and meropenem. In isolates not harboring blaOXA genes, 49% were susceptible to doripenem. Among the 125 isolates, carbapenem discordance existed in 22% (28 isolates), all of which were susceptible to imipenem but not to doripenem. Conclusion. In the A. baumannii isolates tested in this study, the doripenem Etest resulted in eight susceptibility misclassifications yet remained the most accurate predictor of doripenem susceptibility. The blaOXA genes in A. baumannii appeared to confer resistance against doripenem, imipenem, and meropenem and may be the best existing surrogate marker to accurately predict resistance to these drugs. Further study is necessary to better characterize the full genotypic carbapenem resistance profile of A. baumannii relative to newer carbapenem agents, such as doripenem.
Spectrosomes and Fusomes Anchor Mitotic Spindles during Asymmetric Germ Cell Divisions and Facilitate the Formation of a Polarized Microtubule Array for Oocyte Specification inDrosophila

Abstract In the Drosophila ovary, membrane skeletal proteins such as the adducin-like Hts protein(s), spectrin, and ankyrin are found in the spectrosome, an organelle in germline stem cells (GSC) and their differentiated daughter cells (cystoblasts). These proteins are also components of the fusome, a cytoplasmic structure that spans the cystoblast's progeny that develop to form a germline cyst consisting of 15 nurse cells and an oocyte. Spectrosomes and fusomes are associated with one pole of spindles during mitosis and are implicated in cyst formation and oocyte differentiation. Here we show that the asymmetric behavior of the spectrosome persists throughout the cell cycle of GSC. Eliminating the spectrosome by the hts l mutation leads to randomized spindle orientation, suggesting that the spectrosome anchors the spindle to ensure the asymmetry of GSC division; eliminating the fusome in developing cysts results in defective spindles and randomized spindle orientation as well as asynchronous and reduced cystocyte divisions. These observations suggest that fusomes are required for the proper formation and asymmetric orientation of mitotic spindles. Moreover, they reinforce the notion that fusomes are required for the four synchronous divisions of the cystoblast leading to cyst formation. In hts l cysts which lack fusomes and fail to incorporate a hts gene product(s) into ring canals following cyst formation, polarized microtubule networks do not form, the dynamics of cytoplasmic dynein is disrupted, and oskar and orb RNAs fail to be transported to the future oocyte. These observations support the proposed role of fusomes and ring canals in organizing a polarized microtubule-based transport system for RNA localization that leads to oocyte differentiation.
Network characterization from stress–strain behavior at large extensions

The stress–strain properties of natural rubber and synthetic cis-polyisoprene vulcanizates have been investigated over a large range of extensions. The results are in qualitative agreement with those of Mullins, in that the upturn of a Mooney-Rivlin plot is ascribed to finite extensibility effects. It is further found that the stress–strain curves can be adequately described by a modification of existing non-Gaussian theory. Analysis of the curves shows significant finite extensibility effects even at extensions well below the upturn. Thus, division of stress–strain curves into Gaussian and non-Gaussian regions is to be avoided. Values for n, the number of statistical segments between crosslinks, were calculated using the proposed treatment. The values of n found were relatively unaffected by temperature. Further, the molecular weight of a statistical segment was found to be about the same for synthetic cis-polyisoprene as for natural rubber despite differences in the crystallization behavior. Crystallization effects are therefore thought to be of little importance in determining the position of the upturn. The equivalent statistical segment was found to be 4.3 isoprene units for natural rubber and cis-polyisoprene.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and cerebral vasospasm.

Experimental cerebral vasospasm was studied in cat and monkey models. In the cat, the basilar artery was exposed by a transclival approach and spasm induced by the application of blood to the vessel. In the monkey, spasm was produced by injecting blood into the subarachnoid space. Vessel size was determined in the cat by direct observation and, in the monkey, by cerebral angiography. Several agents known to alter the synthesis and degradation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) were used to modify the vasospasm produced. Isoproterenol (Norisodrine) and aminophylline were effective in reversing cerebral vasospasm when applied topically and when administered parenterally. It is suggested that manipulation of the cyclic AMP pathways may be an effective method of controlling cerebral vasospasm.
The Impact of Pulse Enereization on Electrostatic Precipitation Peformance

The operation of utility electrostatic precipitators is described, and recent technology aimed at improving performance is discussed. By considering the detailed physics of the precipitation process, the rationale for the use of pulse energization is advanced. The use of a suite of theoretical models which permits the description of the salient elements of the precipitation process in both space and time is outlined and such a modeling process ia applied to pulse energization. By this means the advantages, shortcomings, and future possibilities are examined in detail and implications for precipitator control are discussed.
Multiplying with DNA

A functional machine is not only an assembly of parts, but also an assembly of processes. The processing of each part must obey laws that respect to the property of this part. For example, building any kind of computer entails selecting appropriate components and assembling their properties to function in computation. Here, we describe computation using a DNA strand as the basic unit and we have used this unit to achieve the function of multiplication. We exploit the phenomenon of DNA hybridization, in which each strand can represent two individual units that can pair to form a single unit. We represent the numbers we multiply in binary, with different lengths representing each digit present in the number. In principle, all combinations of the numbers will be present in solution. Following hybridization, there is present a collection of duplex molecules that are tailed by single-stranded ends. These intermediates are converted to fully duplex molecules by filling in the ends with DNA polymerase. The lengths that are present represent the digits that are present, and they may be separated by denaturing PAGE. The results give a series of bands for each power of two. The number of bands in the size domain for a particular power of two is converted to binary and the sum of all present bands is then added together. Experimentally, the result of this process always yields the correct answer.
Natural superinfection of Parascaris equorum in a stall-confined orphan horse foal.

Abstract At 4 days of age, an orphan horse foal born on a pasture was placed in a parasite-free stall. It was euthanized at 205 days of age and examination revealed numerous Parascaris equorum specimens, ranging from 3.0 mm to adult size, indicating reinfections in the stall over an extended period of time. Initial infection of the foal was from stages on pasture. The foal had been observed repeatedly eating its own feces and the question is posed as to whether ‘recycling’ of P. equorum eggs several times by coprophagy allowed time for embryonation and reinfection to occur.
Theorems for a finite sequence from a two-state, first-order Markov chain with stationary transition probabilities.

Various theorems are obtained forN-trial sample sequences from the general two-state, first-order Markov chain with stationary transition probabilities. Four lemmas which facilitate the derivations are given. A brief discussion of applications to binary data, estimation, and evaluation is given, including a maximum-likelihood procedure for estimating transition probabilities which are restricted by inequalities.
Hybrid-conventional finite element for gradient-dependent plasticity

The hybrid-conventional finite element method is applied to the analysis of quasi-static, gradient-dependent elastoplastic problems in solid mechanics. The stresses within the element domain and the displacements on the boundary are simultaneously and independently approximated using Trefftz constraints, which lead to boundary integrals. The plastic multipliers are conventionally approximated with regard to C 0 continuity of the multiplier field of the gradient-dependent plasticity. The finite element formulation is derived using a Galerkin-weighted residual approach. The plastic boundary conditions are examined and plastic radiations are set to zero on the plastic boundaries. The effectiveness of the present method is demonstrated with three numerical applications.
Systemic insecticides, soil fumigation and nitrogen fertilization for Verticillium wilt control.

Fumigation of Verticillium infested soils with Telone®+chloropicrin in 1966 increased yields of Russet Burbank potatoes 178 and 147 cwt/a (200 and 165 q/ha) over yields in unfumigated plots near Othello and Prosser, Washington, respectively. Systemic insecticides disulfoton and aldicarb banded at planting, sidedressed after planting, or applied in combination treatments did not increase yield at either location. Plots fumigated with Telone®+chloropicrin and fertilized with ammonium nitrate (150 and 350 lb N/a−168 and 392 kg N/ha) in 1967 significantly increased yields over that of the unfumigated, fertilized plots. Application of disulfoton and aldicarb to plots fertilized with ammonium nitrate (150 and 350 lb N/a−168 and 392 kg N/ha) did not increase yields over that of fertilized plots receiving no systemic insecticide.
Duration of the enhanced activity of the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing enzyme system and rate of ethanol degradation in ethanol-fed rats after withdrawal.

Abstract The activities of ethanol-oxidizing enzymes, drug-metabolizing enzymes and rates of ethanol disappearance from the blood were determined in rats after 14 days of ethanol feeding and after withdrawal. The microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system, cytochrome P-450, aniline hydroxylase and the rates of ethanol disappearance from the blood were enhanced by ethanol feeding. Alcohol dehydrogenase remained unchanged. After withdrawal, the rates ofethanol disappearance from the blood returned to control values in 2 days, while the activities of the microsomal enzymes did not fall to control values until 7 days. The lack of parallelism in the fall of the rates ofethanol disappearance from the blood and the microsomal enzymes suggests that factors other than the enhanced activity of the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing enzyme system are responsible for the increases in rates of ethanol degradation after ethanol feeding.
Dynamic battery state aware approaches for improving battery utilization

In this paper we introduce novel battery state aware strategies that improve the performance of battery operated systems. In our analysis, we consider the total amount of work done (or service) as the metric instead of considering just the lifetime. Based on our analysis using service curves, we formulate our static approach which generalizes many of the battery aware approaches introduced in the literatures. The results show that the static approach increases the battery utilization by 600% over a non battery aware approach. Furthermore, we show that our dynamic battery state aware approach improves upon the static approach by dynamically adapting the system performance level based on batteryes voltage slope. The results indicate that the dynamic approach achieves improvement of up to 20% over the static approach.
The wily ways of a parasite: induction of actin assembly by Listeria

The intracellular pathogen Listeria has a spectacular mode of transport within and between host cells. By inducing host cell actin to assemble from its surface, the bacterium forms a tail composed of many short, crossbridged actin filaments. With this tail Listeria is propelled across the cytoplasm like a comet streaking across the sky. Here we discuss the antics of Listeria and some of the bacterial genes instrumental in maintaining it in the host.
An exact transient analysis of dislocation emission and fracture

Abstract D islocation-crack interaction studies have led to the development of criteria for fracture in terms of dislocation emission from crack edges, and to consideration of crack edge shielding effects due to dislocations. These studies have generally been quasi-static. To illustrate, therefore, the extension of the basic concepts involved to dynamic situations, three exact analytical results are presented. These involve screw dislocation motion near a crack which may be growing, and which may be subjected to dynamic loading due to SH-wave diffraction. Study of these results allows some useful insights. In particular, fracture initiation and dislocation emission times and, thus, their order of occurrence, can be determined. Moreover, it is shown that crack edge shielding can be temporary, and that parameters such as the dislocation force and the distance traveled by an emitted dislocation prior to arrest can have pronounced dynamic overshoot effects. Finally, it is found that this arrest distance depends only implicitly upon the applied loading.
Mediastinal arteriovenous fistulae in the adult: case report and review of the literature.

An adult with an asymptomatic mediastinal arterio-venous fistula is presented. The diagnosis was established using angiography and oximetry after noninvasive imaging failed to identify the source of a continuous murmur. The literature is reviewed. © 1994 Wiley-Liss,Inc..
Interfacial Interactions of DCl with Salty Glycerol Solutions of KI, NaI, LiI, and NaBr

Gas−liquid scattering experiments are used to explore the role of interfacial ions in controlling collisions and reactions of DCl molecules with ∼2.5 M KI, NaI, LiI, and NaBr glycerol solutions. DCl molecules that thermalize upon collision with the surface of each solution follow one of three pathways: they may desorb immediately as DCl, undergo D → H exchange in the near-interfacial region and desorb as HCl, or dissolve and dissociate in the bulk. We find that each salt amplifies the differences among the channels: the fraction of DCl molecules that desorb intact increases from 9% for pure glycerol to 18% on average for the salt solutions, interfacial DCl → HCl exchange increases from 3 to 7%, and bulk dissolution drops from 87 to 75%. Dissolved ions may enhance nonreactive DCl desorption and interfacial D → H exchange by tying up glycerol OH groups, which will impede both DCl−OH bonding and migration of D+ and H+ away from Cl- after DCl ionization. Despite differences in the sizes of the ions and thei...
Stochastic 2-D Navier-Stokes Equation ∗

In this paper we prove the existence and uniqueness of strong solutions for the stochastic Navier-Stokes equation in bounded and unbounded domains. These solutions are stochastic analogs of the classical Lions-Prodi solutions to the deterministic Navier-Stokes equation. Local monotonicity of the nonlinearity is exploited to obtain the solutions in a given probability space and this significantly improves the earlier techniques for obtaining strong solutions, which depended on pathwise solutions to the Navier-Stokes martingale problem where the probability space is also obtained as a part of the solution.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic respiratory illness that affects quality of life, productivity, and other comorbid conditions, including asthma. Treatment should be based on the patient’s age and severity of symptoms. Patients should be advised to avoid known allergens and be educated about their condition. Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective treatment and should be first-line therapy for mild to moderate disease. Moderate to severe disease not responsive to intranasal corticosteroids should be treated with second-line therapies, including antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nonpharmacologic therapies (e.g. nasal irrigation). With the exception of cetirizine, second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause sedation and impair performance. Immunotherapy should be considered in patients with a less than adequate response to usual treatments. Evidence does not support the use of miteproof impermeable covers, air filtration systems, or delayed exposure to solid foods in infancy.
Insulin Action in Brain Regulates Systemic Metabolism and Brain Function

Insulin receptors, as well as IGF-1 receptors and their postreceptor signaling partners, are distributed throughout the brain. Insulin acts on these receptors to modulate peripheral metabolism, including regulation of appetite, reproductive function, body temperature, white fat mass, hepatic glucose output, and response to hypoglycemia. Insulin signaling also modulates neurotransmitter channel activity, brain cholesterol synthesis, and mitochondrial function. Disruption of insulin action in the brain leads to impairment of neuronal function and synaptogenesis. In addition, insulin signaling modulates phosphorylation of tau protein, an early component in the development of Alzheimer disease. Thus, alterations in insulin action in the brain can contribute to metabolic syndrome, and the development of mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Diagnostic Testing for Encephalitis, Part II

Abstract Encephalitis is characterized by both its pleomorphic clinical presentation and its diagnostic challenges. Fever, headache, and alteration of consciousness are classically present; however, the diversity of neurological symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish encephalitis from other infectious and non-infectious central nervous system conditions. Identification of a specific pathogen has important therapeutic and prognostic implications for an individual patient and has broader public health significance in potentially identifying a need for prophylaxis of contacts or environmental control of arthropod vectors. Despite the availability of nucleic acid amplification-based tests, a specific pathogen is identified in less than 50% of cases. This two-part review will focus on issues in diagnostic testing, such as specimen selection and optimal use of serology and PCR techniques for pathogens causing encephalitis in North America. Part I introduces basic features of encephalitis, including the initial evaluation of patients with possible encephalitis, and then discusses aspects of diagnostic testing for encephalitis caused by specific agents, including herpes simplex virus, the non-simplex Herpesviridae , enteroviruses, and agents associated with tick-borne diseases, specifically, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.
Rietveld refinement of the kaolinite structure at 1.5 K

The crystal structure of Keokuk kaolinite, including all H atoms, was refined in space group C1 using low-temperature (1.5 K) neutron powder diffraction data (~ = 1.9102 A) and Rietveld refinement/ difference-Fourier methods to R,,,p = 1.78%, reduced x 2 = 3.32. Unit-cell parameters are: a = 5,1535(3) /~, b = 8.9419(5) &, c = 7.3906(4) &, a = 91.926(2) ~ = 105.046(2) ~ 7 = 89-797(2) ~ and V= 328.70(5) ik ~. Unit-cell parameters show that most of the thermal contraction occurred along the (001) direction, apparently due to a decrease in the interlayer distance. The non-H structure is very similar to published C1 structures, considering the low temperature of data collection, but the H atom positions are distinct. The inner OH group is essentially in the plane of the layers, and the inner-surface OH groups make angles of 600-73 ~ with the (001) plane. Difference-Fourier maps show minor anisotropy of the inner-OH group in the (001) direction, but the inner-surface OH groups appear to have their largest vibrational (or positional disorder) component parallel to the layers. Although no data indicate a split position of any of the H sites in kaolinite, there is support for limited random positional disorder of the H atoms. However, these data provided no support for a space group symmetry lower than C1.
A non‐directed, hydroxylamine‐generated suppressor mutation in the P3 pairing region of the bacteriophage T4 td intron partially restores self‐splicing capability

Summary Hydroxylamine (HA) mutagenesis of an HA-induced splicing-defective bacteriophage T4 td intron mutant with a mutation in the intron P3 RNA pairing region was used to generate pseudorevertants. Because HA can only cause GC to AT transitions, the original mutant (H104A) could not undergo true reversion, yet the compensatory mutation on the opposite side of the P3 helix, which was complementary to the original H104A mutation, could occur. A pseudorevertant was isolated that contained both the original H104A mutation and the compensatory mutation HS9. By phenotypic and molecular genetic criteria, this double mutant (H104A-HS9) was shown to be able to undergo significant RNA splicing, thus confirming the existence and functional importance of the long-range P3 pairing region in this phage intron. The second-site suppressor mutation (HS9) was isolated by phage cross and also exhibited some self-splicing ability. A correlation exists between the strength of P3 helix Watson-Crick base pairing and the apparent level of splicing when wild-type, H104A, HS9, and H104A-HS9 are compared. This suggests that the primary role of the P3 RNA pairing region in the T4 td intron is structural in contributing to the critical RNA secondary structure.
Have the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial results influenced the number of lymph nodes removed during sentinel lymph node dissection

Abstract Background The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial results have the potential to bias the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) surgeons remove and axillary lymph node dissections (ALNDs) performed. Methods A single-institution prospectively collected database was queried for T1 to T2 clinically node-negative breast cancer patients. Results A total of 923 patients underwent breast conserving therapy with SLN biopsy. The mean number of SLNs retrieved before the trial's presentation (June 2010) was 2.7 compared with 2.6 after ( P = .19). The mean number of SLNs retrieved before the trial's publication (February 2011) was 2.7 compared with 2.5 after ( P = .10). Overall, the rate of completion ALND in patients with SLN macrometastases decreased from after presentation (84% to 63%; P P Conclusions There was no difference in the number of SLNs harvested after either the Z0011 trial presentation or publication; however, surgeons should be aware of the potential for bias. The trial appears to influence practice management with fewer completion ALNDs performed after its release.
The promoting role of a tumour-secreted chemorepellent in self-metastatic tumour progression

It has been proposed that cancer cells, in particular glioma tumour cells, secrete a chemorepellent factor that guides cell migration away from the tumour, facilitating migration and invasion. We present a hybrid continuous-discrete mathematical model of tumour growth and the chemotropism phenomenon to show that such a chemorepellent factor can also act as a promoter of self-metastases, a mechanism for tumour expansion we have previously shown can explain several essential kinetic dependencies of tumour growth. A sufficient criterion for this expansion was found to be the passive migration of peripheral cancer stem and non-stem cells away from the main tumour mass, where migrating cancer stem cells form new clusters. We show here how the introduction of an active repellent trait serves to accelerate peripheral migration and thus, by the self-metastases principle, accelerate tumour growth. These results provide a mechanistic basis for the proposal that chemorepellent action in gliomas may underlie their rapid growth.
The perils of partition: Difficulties in retrieving magma compositions from chemically equilibrated basaltic meteorites

The chemical compositions of magmas can be derived from the compositions of their equilibrium minerals through mineral/magma partition coefficients. This method cannot be applied safely to basaltic rocks, either solidified lavas or cumulates, which have chemically equilibrated or partially equilibrated at subsolidus temperatures, i.e., in the absence of magma. Applying mineral/ melt partition coefficients to mineral compositions from such rocks will typically yield 'magma compositions' that are strongly fractionated and unreasonably enriched in incompatible elements (e.g., REE's). In the absence of magma, incompatible elements must go somewhere; they are forced into minerals (e.g., pyroxenes, plagioclase) at abundance levels far beyond those established during normal mineral/magma equilibria. Further, using mineral/magma partition coefficients with such rocks may suggest that different minerals equilibrated with different magmas, and the fractionation sequence of those melts (i.e., enrichment in incompatible elements) may not be consistent with independent constraints on the order of crystallization. Subsolidus equilibration is a reasonable cause for incompatible- element-enriched minerals in some eucrites, diogenites, and martian meteorites and offers a simple alternative to petrogenetic schemes involving highly fractionated magmas or magma infiltration metasomatism.
Exposure to prison sexual assault among incarcerated Black men

Despite the enactment of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), human rights abuses involving sexual assaults abound in US prisons. Exposure to these assaults may contribute to posttraumatic stress and antisocial behavior among incarcerated Black men, because their rates of incarceration are disproportionately high. However, research on exposure to sexual assault in US prisons is limited. An anonymous self-report questionnaire on prison sexual assault exposure was administered to 134 randomly selected incarcerated Black men. Forty-three percent reported hearing sexual assaults occurring within the facility and 16 % visually witnessed them. Sexual orientation was associated with witnessing sexual assault (χ2 = 3.68, df = 1, p < 0.05). Findings from this study suggest that sexual assaults may be common in US prisons despite the PREA directive to eliminate such incidents. Conventional violence prevention programs and interventions may not meet the unique needs of prison populations given the high exposure to sexually coercive behaviors reported.
Presence and correlates of racial disparities in adherence to colorectal cancer screening guidelines.

Objectives We examined the presence and correlates of Black/White racial disparities in adherence to guidelines for colorectal cancer screening (CRCS).
A Comparison of Several Methods for Analyzing Censored Data

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of several methods for statistically analyzing censored datasets [i.e. datasets that contain measurements that are less than the field limit-of-detection (LOD)] when estimating the 95th percentile and the mean of right-skewed occupational exposure data. The methods examined were several variations on the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and log-probit regression (LPR) methods, the common substitution methods, several non-parametric (NP) quantile methods for the 95th percentile and the NP Kaplan-Meier (KM) method. Each method was challenged with computer-generated censored datasets for a variety of plausible scenarios where the following factors were allowed to vary randomly within fairly wide ranges: the true geometric standard deviation, the censoring point or LOD and the sample size. This was repeated for both a single-laboratory scenario (i.e. single LOD) and a multiple-laboratory scenario (i.e. three LODs) as well as a single lognormal distribution scenario and a contaminated lognormal distribution scenario. Each method was used to estimate the 95th percentile and mean for the censored datasets (the NP quantile methods estimated only the 95th percentile). For each scenario, the method bias and overall imprecision (as indicated by the root mean square error or rMSE) were calculated for the 95th percentile and mean. No single method was unequivocally superior across all scenarios, although nearly all of the methods excelled in one or more scenarios. Overall, only the MLE- and LPR-based methods performed well across all scenarios, with the robust versions generally showing less bias than the standard versions when challenged with a contaminated lognormal distribution and multiple LODs. All of the MLE- and LPR-based methods were remarkably robust to departures from the lognormal assumption, nearly always having lower rMSE values than the NP methods for the exposure scenarios postulated. In general, the MLE methods tended to have smaller rMSE values than the LPR methods, particularly for the small sample size scenarios. The substitution methods tended to be strongly biased, but in some scenarios had the smaller rMSE values, especially for sample sizes <20. Surprisingly, the various NP methods were not as robust as expected, performing poorly in the contaminated distribution scenarios for both the 95th percentile and the mean. In conclusion, when using the rMSE rather than bias as the preferred comparison metric, the standard MLE method consistently outperformed the so-called robust variations of the MLE-based and LPR-based methods, as well as the various NP methods, for both the 95th percentile and the mean. When estimating the mean, the standard LPR method tended to outperform the robust LPR-based methods. Whenever bias is the main consideration, the robust MLE-based methods should be considered. The KM method, currently hailed by some as the preferred method for estimating the mean when the lognormal distribution assumption is questioned, did not perform well for either the 95th percentile or mean and is not recommended.
Two ATP-activated conductances in bullfrog atrial cells

Currents activated by extracellular ATP were studied in single voltage-clamped bullfrog atrial cells. Rapid application of ATP elicited currents carried through two different conductance pathways: a rapidly desensitizing conductance reversing near -10 mV, and a maintained, inwardly rectifying conductance reversing near -85 mV. ATP activated the desensitizing component of current with a K 1/2 of approximately 50 microM and the maintained component with a K 1/2 of approximately 10 microM. Both types of current were activated by ATP but not by adenosine, AMP, or ADP. The desensitizing current was selectively inhibited by alpha, beta-methylene ATP, and the maintained, inwardly rectifying current was selectively suppressed by extracellular Cs. The desensitizing component of current was greatly reduced when extracellular Na was replaced by N-methylglucamine, but was slightly augmented when Na was replaced by Cs. GTP, ITP, and UTP were all ineffective in activating the desensitizing current, and of a variety of ATP analogues, only ATP-gamma-S was effective. Addition of EGTA or BAPTA to the intracellular solution did not obviously affect the desensitizing current. Fluctuation analysis of currents through the desensitizing conductance suggested that current is carried through ionic channels with a small (less than pS) unitary conductance.
Evaluation of mupA Evigene in Comparison to Disk Diffusion for Detection of High-Level Mupirocin Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

High-level mupirocin resistance (H-Mu(r)) in S. aureus is associated with the mupA gene. The mupA Evigene test rapidly identifies this gene. This study assessed the performance of mupA Evigene compared to that of susceptibility disk testing. mupA Evigene detected H-Mu(r) in 6/179 S. aureus isolates, and the results were concordant with those of susceptibility disk testing.
Management of Ebstein’s Anomaly and Pure Tricuspid Insufficiency in the Neonate

Because the pulmonary vascular resistance is very elevated at birth, severe tricuspid regurgitation is poorly tolerated and even life-threatening in the newborn. The etiology may be tricuspid valve papillary muscle rupture or the more ominous Ebstein's anomaly, with its associated dysfunctional right ventricle. After the diagnosis is established and the patient is supported with prostaglandin infusion and nitric oxide, definitive surgical management is undertaken with the expectation of excellent outcomes for isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation. For neonates with Ebstein's anomaly, therapy is tailored to the severity of the malformation and the degree of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, assessed in the context of declining pulmonary vascular resistance. The surgical approach may involve ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus, placement of a systemic to pulmonary shunt, establishment of functional tricuspid atresia, or tricuspid valve repair. With the application of these various approaches, the outlook for neonatal Ebstein's anomaly has improved remarkably.
On the Optimal Structure of Watermark Decoders Under Desynchronization Attacks

Designing watermarking codes that can withstand geometric and other desynchronization attacks is a notoriously difficult problem. One may ask whether these difficulties are due to limitations of current codes, or rather to fundamental limitations on achievable performance. This paper describes our recent results on this problem for blind and nonblind watermarking, and provides examples for which the theory applies.
Work in Progress: Assessing the Teaching of the Science of Design in Computer Science Programs

The Science of Design (SoD) for software intensive systems is a new National Science Foundation initiative. Developing a science of design is a challenging task. Establishment of a solid foundation for this field will require time and careful step by step planning. An essential first step requires us to assess and review the teaching of design to computer science students. This paper discusses essential elements for consideration during the training of software and computer system engineers and a new vision necessary for the field. We articulate our plan to survey the California State University Science programs to assess if and how essential design elements are integrated in their curricula.