cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance and scalability of discriminative metrics for comparative gene identification in 12 Drosophila genomes.

Comparative genomics of multiple related species is a powerful methodology for the discovery of functional genomic elements, and its power should increase with the number of species compared. Here, we use 12 Drosophila genomes to study the power of comparative genomics metrics to distinguish between protein-coding and non-coding regions. First, we study the relative power of different comparative metrics and their relationship to single-species metrics. We find that even relatively simple multi-species metrics robustly outperform advanced single-species metrics, especially for shorter exons (≤240 nt), which are common in animal genomes. Moreover, the two capture largely independent features of protein-coding genes, with different sensitivity/specificity trade-offs, such that their combinations lead to even greater discriminatory power. In addition, we study how discovery power scales with the number and phylogenetic distance of the genomes compared. We find that species at a broad range of distances are comparably effective informants for pairwise comparative gene identification, but that these are surpassed by multi-species comparisons at similar evolutionary divergence. In particular, while pairwise discovery power plateaued at larger distances and never outperformed the most advanced single-species metrics, multi-species comparisons continued to benefit even from the most distant species with no apparent saturation. Last, we find that genes in functional categories typically considered fast-evolving can nonetheless be recovered at very high rates using comparative methods. Our results have implications for comparative genomics analyses in any species, including the human.
The value of serial human chorionic gonadotropin testing as a diagnostic tool in ectopic pregnancy.

Abstract This study examines the sensitivity of serial human chorionic gonadotropin determinations in the detection of ectopic pregnancy for patients who present with human chorionic gonadotropin titers
Respite care for families of children with severe handicaps: An evaluation study of parent satisfaction

Respite care services provided by foster parents to 68 children with severe handicaps between 1976 and 1979 were systematically studied to determine parent satisfaction. A variety of rest options were made available to the parents of handicapped children for purposes of revitalizing themselves to deal with their child's daily needs. The respite options included short periods of time varying from 2 to 15 consecutive days, i. e., taking a much needed vacation, a week-edn or two a month off, a few days off during the week, or time away from the child due to an emergency. Consumer satisfaction was measured by survey questionnaires developed specifically for respite care and mailed to parents of handicapped children who had used the service. Results indicated that consumer opinion acquired via the follow-up questionnaire method was extremely positive, A most important consideration was to collect data on scheduled intervals about children subsequently receiving care from the same program to determine whether ratings increased or decreased. By focusing on specific respite care activities over time, it was possible to align optimum versus actual satisfaction. Through an analysis of observer variance, the modification of documented weaknesses can decrease the difference between optimum and actual consumer satisfaction levels.
Consistent decentralized graphical SLAM with anti-factor down-dating

This report presents our recent and ongoing work developing a consistent decentralized data fusion approach for robust multi-robot SLAM in dangerous, unknown environments. The DDF-SAM 2.0 approach extends our previous work by combining local and neighborhood information in a single, consistent augmented local map, without the overly conservative to avoiding information double-counting in the previous DDF-SAM approach. We introduce the anti-factor as a means to subtract information in graphical SLAM systems, and illustrate its use to both replace information in an incremental solver and to cancel out neighborhood information from shared summarized maps. Evaluations in a synthetic example environment demonstrate that we avoid double-counting information.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and hyaline membrane disease (HMD)

A prospective study was planned to determine whether or not DIC contributes to the pathogenesis of HND and to ascertain the possible role of DIC in the production of the intra-cranial hemorrhages (ICH) frequency found at autopsy in HMD. In order to deterct DIC, platelet counts, fibrinogen, factors V and VIII levels, ethanol gelation tests and tanned red cell hemoagglutination inhibition immuno-assays were performed on the first or second day of life in 11 premature infants with the typical clinical and radiological findings of severe HMD. In 5 infants the tests were repeated on one or more occasions during the first 10 days of life. 16 normal premature infants of similar gestational and postnatal ages were also studied and served as controls; none of these infants had evidence of DIC and they all survived. Conclusive evidence of DIC was found only in 2 infants with HMD: one had DIC on day 1 and died; the other developed DIC on day 8 while on the respirator and survived. Four of the remaining 9 infants with HMD died; autopsy was performed in 3 and showed extensive HMD in all and severe ICH in 2. These data, although preliminary, suggest that DIC does not play a major role in the pathogenesis of HMD and that its is not an important contributing factor in the high mortality and frequent ICH in babies with HMD.
Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cattle after intrauterine administration of a prostaglandin F2α receptor antagonist 4 days after insemination.

Abstract Previous research has determined that PGF2α detrimentally affects pregnancy via direct effects on early embryonic development. Because early embryonic loss is relatively prevalent in lactating dairy cows, we hypothesized that pregnancy retention (and resulting conception rates) would be improved by administering a PGF2α receptor antagonist (AL-8810) shortly after insemination. Multiparous, lactating Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to receive one of four intrauterine treatments: (1) control group–untreated cohort (CON; n = 93); (2) control group–vehicle infusion (CON-V; n = 90); (3) 2000 nM AL-8810 infusion (AL-2000; n = 96); or (4) 10,000 nM AL-8810 infusion (AL-10,000; n = 93). Treatments were administered transcervically 4 days after insemination in the horn ipsilateral to the CL. There was no effect of treatment on conception rate (36.6%, 38.9%, 25.0%, and 35.5% for CON, CON-V, AL-2000, and AL-10,000, respectively) or calving rate (24.7%, 24.4%, 16.7%, and 28.0% for CON, CON-V, AL-2000, and AL-10,000, respectively). There was a significant effect of treatment on return to estrus with CON-V (23.6 ± 0.6) and AL-10,000 (23.3 ± 0.6) groups having a longer interval to next estrus over the CON group (21.5 ± 0.6; P
The response of a global food model to possible climate changes: A sensitivity analysis

This paper describes some ways in which global simulation models of relationships between envrionment, economics and population, might be used to examine the impacts of climate change on the world food system. The paper presents an analysis of the response of the International Futures Simulation model to changes in crop yields as a surrogate for climate. This sensitivity analysis provides a range of scenarios of how global and regional food systems might respond to a variety of climate changes. It also demonstrates how these models can respond in an unrealistic or unstable way to certain types of variation. The analysis provides some insight into the complex responses of actual food systems to changes in food production.
Adaptations for living deep: a new bathypelagic doliolid, from the eastern North Pacific

Adapting to the bathypelagic habitat imposes serious challenges for taxa that originate in shallower depths. We describe a new doliolid that has successfully made the transition into deep water. Nine specimens of Pseudusa bostigrinus have been found at depths between 1164 and 1890 m in three distinct regions of the eastern North Pacific. This new thaliacean has exchanged the typical doliolid body plan for one resembling a craspedote hydromedusa. This adaptation allows it to collect sinking particles by simply directing its large buccal opening upward. The development of a hydromedusa-like velum allows it to trap zooplankton prey and to propel itself with considerable force and control. While carnivory is not unknown in tunicates, this is the first report of a carnivorous doliolid. The endostyle of P. bostigrinus is greatly reduced, there are no ciliated bands, and there is no spiral gland; all evidence that mucus feeding filters have been abandoned by this species. Anatomy, diet, behaviour, and habitat distinguish this doliolid from all others described to date.
Communicator Style as an Effect Determinant of Attraction

This research reports the results of three independent studies which investigate the relationship between attraction and communicator style (the way a person communicates). Study 1 compares the communicator styles of "best liked" and "least liked" friends. The "best liked" friend's style differed significantly from that of the "least liked" friend, scoring higher on attraction, communicator image, open, attentive relaxed. and dramatic/animated. In study 2, four specific styles were studied in relation to attraction. The dominant/open style was seen by subjects as the most attractive; the not-dominant/not-relaxed style was seen as least attractive. In study 3, teachers rated students representing the four styles investigated in study 2 on a nine-item attraction measure entailing physical, personality, and liking dimensions. Again, the dominant/open style emerged as most attractive. The three studies provide strong evidence that communicator style is an important effect determinant of attraction.
Coronary artery disease progression assessed by electron-beam computed tomography

The ability to observe changes in atherosclerotic plaque burden over time should provide an accurate measure of efficacy for different cardiovascular therapies. Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT), by quantification of coronary artery calcification, is a noninvasive measure of atherosclerosis burden. This article summarizes data from abstracts and publications related to coronary artery calcium measurement and its use in progression studies. The issues related to interscan variability and reproducibility of this measure are detailed. The limitations of multidetector spiral computed tomography (high radiation dose and poor reproducibility) are also addressed. Several studies of progression using 2 scans, administered ≥1 year apart, demonstrate significant annual progression (22% to 52% per year). All studies demonstrate that therapy with cholesterol-lowering agents slows the atherosclerotic process, and that it may lead to regression of coronary calcium over time. There are 2 small prognostic studies that demonstrate that coronary events predominantly occur in those patients who exhibit significant progression of coronary artery calcium. Large multicenter trials are underway to evaluate the prognostic significance of coronary artery calcium progression. The progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis can be observed noninvasively by monitoring the progression of coronary calcification with EBCT. With annual progression rates of 22% to 52% and a median interscan variability of only 5% to 8%, this technology provides an opportunity to noninvasively monitor patients to assess the clinical efficacy of medical therapies in studies as short as 1 year.
Construction of Multivariate Tight Frames via Kronecker Products

Integer-translates of compactly supported univariate refinable functions φi, such as cardinal B-splines, have been used extensively in computational mathematics. Using certain appropriate direction vectors, the notion of (multivariate) box splines can be generalized to (non-tensor-product) compactly supported multivariate refinable functions Φ from the φi's. The objective of this paper is to introduce a Kronecker-product approach to build compactly supported tight frames associated with Φ, using the two-scale symbols of the univariate tight frame generators associated with the φi's.
Selective protection against AMPA- and kainate-evoked neurotoxicity by (3S,4aR,6R,8aR)-6-[2-(1(2)H-tetrazole-5-yl)ethyl]decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (LY293558) and its racemate (LY215490)

Glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity is linked to the activation of multiple receptors including those activated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kainate. In this study, the novel glutamate receptor antagonist, as its active isomer (3S,4aR,6R,8aR)-6-[2-(1(2)H-tetrazole-5-yl)ethyl]-decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ((−)LY293558) and it's ± racemate (LY215490), was examined for neuroprotectant effects against excitotoxic injury in vitro and in vivo. This agent selectively protected against AMPA and kainate injury in cultured primary rat hippocampal neurons, an in vivo rat striatal neurotoxicity model, and against agonist-evoked seizures in mice. Thus, (3S,4aR,6R,8aR)-6-[2-(1(2)H-tetrazole-5-yl)ethyl]decahydroisguinoline-3-carboxylic acid represents a novel receptor selective and potent systemically active AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist for exploring neuroprotection via non-NMDA receptor mechanisms.
n ↔ n transition operators and their matrix elements in the MIT bag model

Abstract We give the general set of six-quark operators which can contribute to n ↔ n transitions and calculate their matrix elements, using the MIT bag model.
Examining the construct validity of the elemental psychopathy assessment

Lynam and colleagues recently developed a new self-report inventory for the assessment of psychopathy, the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment (EPA). Using a sample of undergraduates (N = 227), the authors examined the construct validity of the EPA by examining its correlations with self and stranger ratings on the Five-Factor Model, as well as self-reported ratings of personality disorders, social cognition, and love styles. The EPA psychopathy scores manifested expected correlations with both self and stranger ratings of the Five-Factor Model, particularly with the domains of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, and were significantly related to various forms of personality pathology such as narcissism and antisocial personality disorders. The EPA also manifested expected relations with aggressive social cognitions. Finally, the EPA psychopathy scores were correlated with romantic love styles indicative of game playing and infidelity. The current results provide further evidence of the construct validity of the EPA as it manifests relations consistent with the nomological network of psychopathy.
A Comparison of Within- and Across-Activity Choices for Reducing Challenging Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Offering children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) choices between activities (e.g., working on math or English), instructional materials (e.g., using a pen or pencil), or environmental arrangements (e.g., where to sit) has been shown to reduce challenging behavior maintained by escape from task demands. However, the majority of research investigating choice-based interventions for challenging behavior has examined across-activity choices (i.e., choosing between activities) and relatively few studies have examined within-activity choice (i.e., choosing between instructional materials or environmental arrangements). The purpose of this study is to replicate and extend previous research on choice-based challenging behavior interventions by comparing the effects of across-activity choices and within-activity choices on the escape-maintained challenging behavior of 4 children with ASD. An alternating treatment design was embedded within the “B” phase of an ABAB design in which the “A” phase represented a no-choice baseline condition. Both choice formats resulted in less challenging behavior than the baseline condition for all participants. Across-activity choice resulted in less challenging behavior than within-activity choice for 3 participants. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Thy-1-mediated T-cell activation requires co-expression of CD3/Ti complex.

In addition to monoclonal antibodies against the CD3 (T3)-T-cell antigen receptor (CD3/Ti) complex1–3, several other monoclonals directed towards distinct cell surface structures on human (CD2 (T11)4 and Tp445,6) and murine (Thy-17–9, TAP10, and Ly-611) T lymphocytes are capable of activating T cells. It has been proposed that such structures may function as alternative pathways of stimulation. To examine directly whether any relationship exists between Thy-1-dependent activation phenomena and T-cell activation mediated through the CD3/Ti complex, we have transfected several CD3/Ti– variants12,13 of the human T-cell line Jurkat with the murine Thy-1.2 gene. Our data indicate that in CD3/Ti–, Thy-1.2+ transfectants, monoclonal antibodies against Thy-1.2 can induce a rise in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i), but fail to stimulate interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. The only defect in these variant cell lines responsible for the inability to produce IL-2 in response to Thy-1 stimulation was in the expression of the CD3/Ti complex, because replacement of defective Ti α- or β-chain genes reconstributed both surface expression of CD3/Ti and responsiveness to Thy-1 in the IL-2 production assay.
Androgen-related behavior in the squirrel monkey: An issue that is nothing to sneeze at

This study investigated a purported scent-marking behavior, sneezing, in the squirrel monkey. Sneezing occurred more often in males than in females, varied in frequency with the phase of the reproductive cycle in both males and females, and was positively correlated with male testosterone levels during the period when the most sneezing occurred. These results suggest androgen involvement in sneezing and are consistent with the notion that sneezing is a scent-marking behavior in this species.
Under-use of smoking-cessation treatments: results from the National Health Interview Survey, 2000.

Objective To describe the use of treatment for tobacco dependence in relation to insurance status and advice from a healthcare provider in a population-based national sample interviewed in 2000. Methods Analyses are based on 3996 adult smokers who participated in the National Health Interview Survey in 2000, and who provided information on tobacco-cessation treatments used at their most recent quit attempt occurring in the last year. Age-adjusted and weighted categorical analysis was used to compute prevalence estimates of self-reported treatments (pharmacotherapy and behavioral counseling) for tobacco dependence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with use of treatments. Results Overall, 22.4% of smokers who tried to quit in the previous year used one or more types of cessation aid compared to 15% in 1986. Treatment usually involved pharmacotherapy (21.7%) rather than behavioral counseling (1.3%). Smokers attempting to quit were more likely to use cessation aids if covered by private (25.4%) or military (25.0%) insurance than by Medicare (17.8%), Medicaid (15.5%), or no insurance (13.2%). In a multivariate analysis of factors related to use of cessation aids, advice from a healthcare provider to quit smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day were significant predictors of treatment use, regardless of insurance status. Conclusions Cessation aids are under-used across insurance categories. Advice by a healthcare provider to quit is associated with increased use of effective therapies for tobacco dependence. Systematic efforts are needed to eliminate barriers to appropriate treatment.
An intracellular opiate receptor

Abstract The adrenal medulla contains an intracellular opiate receptor associated with the chromaffin granule. This receptor may participate in regulation of the catecholamine content of the granule.
Longitudinal Analysis of Age Changes in Speed of Behavior

From 1973 to 1989, 1318 subjects ranging in age from 20 to 96 years completed auditory reaction time (RT) tasks as part of the extensive test battery of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. In addition to central tendency, higher moments of reaction time frequency distributions (variability and skewness) were analyzed to (1) determine changes in the shape of the frequency distribution not revealed by analysis of central tendency alone, which could explain a portion of the slowing effect, and (2) examine differences in cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches. Cross-sectional results revealed significant age increases for median simple reaction time (SRT) and median disjunctive reaction time (DRT), as well as SRT and DRT variance. Males were significantly faster and less variable than females for both SRT and DRT tasks. SRT distributions were much more positively skewed than DRT distributions, and DRT distributions became more positively skewed with age. Increased variability appears to account fo...
Reactivity of isolated rat and canine pulmonary arteries to prostaglandins.

Abstract In this investigation, the sensitivity and contractility of isolated rat and canine pulmonary arteries to a variety of prostaglandin compounds (PGs) were studied. Based on EC50's and threshold concentrations, the contractile sensitivity of rat pulmonary arteries to PGs was; PGB2⪢ PGA2 > PGF2σ≊ PGE2> PGB1≊ PGAI1⪢ PGF1∝≊PGE1 PGD2. In terms of the ability to generate a maximum contractile responses on rat pulmonary arteries, the PGs were also variable, where PGB2 was the most potent and PGD2the least potent agonist.None of these contractile responses were tachyphylactic on rat pulmonary arteries. Surprisingly, except for PGB2, none of the PGs elicited reproducible contractile responses on canine pulmonary arteries.The present data, therefore, clearly indicate that there are species differences with respect to the contractile action of PGs on pulmonary vessels. In addition, these findings suggest that a clear structure-activity relationship exists for the contractile action of PGs on rat pulmonary arteries. The latter differential reactivity may be important in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and allergic hypersensitivity phenomena in certain mammals.
Experimental Test of the Theory of the Proximity Effect in Superconductors

We have measured the transition temperatures of superimposed films of indium and thallium to test the theory of the proximity effect. There is good agreement between the experimental results and the theory. We have also measured the transition temperatures of superimposed films of lead and indium, for which strong electron-phonon coupling might invalidate the theory. The agreement with theory is again good, as found by other investigators.
Overview of nondestructive evaluation technologies

The infrastructure in the US and the world is aging. There is an increasing awareness of the need to assess the severity of the damage occurring to the infrastructure. Limited resources preclude the replacement of all structures that need repairs or have exceeded their life times. Methods to assess the amount and severity of damage are crucial to implementing a systematic, cost effective approach to repair and/or replace the damaged structures. The challenges of inspecting aging structures without impairing their usefulness rely on a variety of technologies and techniques for nondestructive evaluation (NDE). This paper will briefly describe several nondestructive evaluation technologies that are required for inspecting a variety of systems and structures.
Single Mesowire Transistor From Perylene Tetracarboxylic Diimide

We have recently fabricated new nano/mesowires of perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) without side chains by self-assembling them from a gas phase. In this letter, we discuss a single PTCDI mesowire transistor that was successfully fabricated, characterized, and modeled. This organic n-channel field effect transistor shows good output and transfer characteristics. Our transistor model includes the Poole-Frenkel electric field dependence of charge carrier mobility in organic materials and fits all experimental output characteristics of the transistor. The zero-field charge carrier mobility of the PTCDI mesowire is found to be 0.72 cm2/(V·s). The experimental results are promising for the further development of single nanowire transistors and advancement of organic nanoelectronics.
Exchange rate systems and relative prices

Abstract The article relaxes one of the assumptions required for exchange-rate-system neutrality, without abandoning flexible prices. It assumes that taxes or restrictions on international transactions are expected to differ under pegged and flexible exchange rates. Governments are more willing to impose restrictions or taxes when they have a low level of international reserves and operate under a system of pegged exchange rates where further losses are possible. Expectations about these policy reactions change the behavior of equilibrium relative prices: they may vary less under pegged than under flexible exchange rates, as they appear to do in the real world.
Aspirin and exercise as a prophylaxis for heart disease. Is it safe

Aspirin's ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis influences a multitude of physiological processes, such as temperature regulation, respiration, body fluid homeostasis and glucoregulation (Cryglewski 1974; Dunn & Zambraski 1980; Saynavalammi et al. 1979). Exercise produces marked perturbations in the above processes (Hermansen et al. 1967; Nadel 1978; Senay 1975; Wasserman & Whipp 1975). Since both aspirin and exercise are antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, and markedly alter homeostasis, could then their combined therapy safely be instituted? This article reviews the existing scientific evidence on the effects of a combined aspirin-exercise treatment on various physiological systems.
Potentiometric pH response of membranes prepared with various aminated-poly (vinyl chloride) products

The preparation and potentiometric pH response properties of membranes formulated with various aminated-poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-NH2) products are described. Products containing secondary and/or primary amino functional groups are obtained by modifying PVC with mono- and/or diamines, respectively. Blank membranes prepared with either type of aminated-polymer exhibit nearly Nernstian potentiometric pH responses over different pH ranges. In general, membranes based on diamino products exhibit pH response over a wider range (5–10.5) than membranes formulated with monoamino products (<8.0). These potentiometric results are used to estimate the basicity of the various primary and secondary amino sites in the membrane phases.
Abraham Colles: Fracture of the carpal extremity of the radius

Colles' fracture of the wrist is among the most common bony injuries encountered in emergency practice, and accounts for 10% to 20% of all fractures. Described in an excellent clinical treatise some 8 decades before the advent of radiographs, this fracture of the distal radius continues to pose a source of some disability to large numbers of patients. Complications include residual deformity, loss of mobility, median and ulnar nerve injury, shoulder-hand syndrome, and rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon. Although encountered in patients of either sex and in all age groups, this injury classically affects postmenopausal women, who are predisposed to it as a consequence of osteoporosis. The technique of immobilization appears not to be as important in influencing final outcome as does the precision of reduction.
A Cognitive Spectrum Assignment Protocol using Distributed Conflict Graph Construction

The availability of multiple interfaces and channels in wireless devices is expected to alleviate the capacity limitations that exist in traditional single channel wireless mesh networks. Although having multiple radio interfaces and available channels can generally increase the effective throughput, a problem arises as to what is the best strategy to dynamically assign available channels to multiple radio interfaces for maximizing effective network throughput by minimizing the interference. This paper presents a distributed and localized interference-aware channel assignment framework for multi-radio wireless mesh networks in a cognitive network environment. The proposed framework uses a novel interference estimation method by utilizing distributed conflict graphs at each network interface to model the interference. Extensive simulation studies in 802.11 based multi-radio mesh networks have been performed. The results indicate that for both local and multi-hop traffic, the proposed protocol can facilitate a large increase in network throughput in comparison with a Common Channel Assignment mechanism that is used as a benchmark in the literature.
Electrochemical/electrospray mass spectrometric studies of I-and SCN- at gold and platinum electrodes : Direct detection of (SCN)3-

Results on the electrochemistry of I- and SCN- at gold and platinum electrodes using an electrochemical cell coupled to an electrospray mass spectrometer are reported. We demonstrate that our appar...
Cyclosporin A in orthotopic canine hepatic transplants.

Cyclosporin A, a potent yet selective immunosuppressant, does not appear to predispose to the infectious and metabolic complications seen with conventional immunosuppression. The purpose of this work is to determine the efficacy and dose requirements of Cyclosporin A in canine orthotopic hepatic transplantation and to assess potential toxicity in the hepatic allograft. Twenty dogs received orthotopic hepatic transplantation and survived 5 or more days postoperatively. Nine dogs received azathioprine 4–6 mg/kg, nine Cyclosporin A, 20 mg/kg incrementally decreased by 50% at 14 day intervals, and two dogs received no immunosuppression. Serial determinations of serum bilirubin, alkaline phophatase, WBC, Hgb, Hct, and serial percutaneous liver biopsies were performed. Average survival for the control dogs (no immunosuppression) was 11 days, the azathioprine group, 16.9 days, and the Cyclosporin A dogs, 37.7 days (P < 0.05). Liver function studies at 7, 14, and 21 days were remarkably preserved in the Cyclosporin A-treated group compared to the controls and azathioprine group. No histologic or biochemical evidence of rejection appeared until the daily dose of Cyclosporin A fell below 20 mg/kg. No histologic or biochemical evidence of renal or hepatic toxicity was evident in the Cyclosporin A-treated dogs. Cyclosporin A at 20 mg/kg was found to be efficacious in canine hepatic transplants with significantly improved survival and liver function compared to azathioprine.
Oral immunization of mice with the live vaccine strain (LVS) of Francisella tularensis protects mice against respiratory challenge with virulent type A F. tularensis.

Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, and the causative agent of tularemia. The infection can be initiated by various routes and can manifest itself in several clinical forms with the disseminated typhoidal form initiated by inhalation being most fatal. The attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS), developed almost 50 years ago, remains the sole effective tularemia vaccine, which is still only available as an investigational new drug for at-risk individuals. This vaccine, when given by scarification, appears to provide solid protection against subsequent systemic infection with clinical strains of F. tularensis, but its efficacy against respiratory infection is less satisfactory. In this study, we evaluated the potential of oral immunization with LVS for eliciting protection against systemic and respiratory infection with virulent F. tularensis strains in a mouse model of tularemia. Oral LVS immunization was highly effective at protecting Balb/c mice against lethal systemic or respiratory challenges with type A and type B F. tularensis. Compared to sham-immunized mice, oral LVS-immunized mice showed significant reductions in burdens of virulent F. tularensis in the lung and spleen and milder tissue damage and inflammation in the liver. The immunization induced F. tularensis-specific antibody responses in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, as well as antigen-specific splenocyte proliferation and IFN-γ and IL-2 production. The protective efficacy was related to the size of the immunizing dose but not the number of doses administered. Like other routes of LVS immunization in mice, the protective immunity induced by oral immunization was relatively short-lived. These results suggest that oral immunization should be explored further as an alternative vaccination strategy to combat tularemia.
Biologic exposure to dental materials.

Abstract A pilot study was initiated to determine the effect of aerosolized dental dust on the respiratory tissues of laboratory animals. Controlled exposure to four dental materials demonstrated histologic evidence of random focal hemorrhage in the lung tissue of 70 per cent of the animals. Those animals exposed to a fifth dental material presented a marked hyperplastic reaction of the cellular walls in the terminal bronchioles. This reaction consisted of altered cell morphology and staining characteristics indicative of a dysplastic process to irritation. It was thought that the reaction occurred because of the asbestos fiber content of this material. Known association of asbestos inhalation and lung cancer, coupled with the results of this pilot investigation, warrants further studies of aerosolized dental materials.
Normal and shear interactions between high grafting density polymer brushes grown by atom transfer radical polymerization

The normal and shear interactions in toluene of polystyrene polymer brushes with ultra-high surface coverage ranging from 15 to 70 mg m−2 formed by atom transfer radical polymerization were measured with a surface force apparatus. Significant hysteresis was observed between compression and separation cycles over the experiment time scale for all surface coverages. The magnitude of the hysteresis increased with increasing film thickness. The experimental relaxation time of the thickest brush layer was at least four orders of magnitude longer than that predicted by the Rouse model. Remarkably, the shear performance of the thickest brushes still demonstrated very good lubricity under compressions down to 35% solvent content. These findings are consistent with a reduction in solvent quality with compression leading to a shrinkage or collapse of the brush under high compression, while still maintaining a region of well solvated chains in the overlap region between the brushes. The results suggest the hysteresis in compression is primarily due to intra-brush entanglements and collapse of the brush layer rather than inter-brush entanglements and brush–brush interpenetration.
Dependency of Pollination on Patterns in Monarda (Labiatae)

THE members of the genus Monarda are usually pollinated by bees and wasps. The latter will also nip holes into the backs of the expanded corolla tubes to take the nectar directly and thus circumvent the process of pollination. Some corollas, like those of M. clinopodia and M. lindheimeri, are very rich in nectar. Nectaries are located in the throat of the corolla tube from the opening downward toward the base, and consist of short hair-like glands. They are protected by a dense ring of non-glandular pubescence at the inner throat opening. In the small and abruptly expanded corolla tubes of the sub-genus Cheilyctis the nectaries extend over a more restricted area than in the larger and more evenly expanded corolla tubes of most species in the sub-genus Monarda.
Husserl's Attitude Problem: Intersubjectivity in Ideas II and the Fifth Cartesian Meditation

(2003). Husserl's Attitude Problem: Intersubjectivity in Ideas II and the Fifth Cartesian Meditation. Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology: Vol. 34, Illusion, Bad Faith and Racism, pp. 74-86.
Lead content of soils along Chicago's Eisenhower and Loop-terminal Expressways.

The lead content of soils along Chicago's two expressways, the Chicago Loop-terminal Expressway and the Eisenhower Expressway, have been determined in various seasons of the year and at various distances from the roadway. The concentration of lead in soils along the Chicago Loop-terminal Expressway and adjoining city streets show positive correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.988) with the average traffic volume near the sampling sites during the same season. The levels of lead in soils along the Eisenhower Expressway, at the same site, vary with the season; the lead levels are the least during fall and winter and they increase during spring and attain peak values during summer. This seasonal variation in the lead levels is similar to the seasonal variations in average monthly traffic volumes on the expressway. The soil contains as much as 7,600 parts per million of lead (micrograms per gram of dried soil) up to 45 feet and 900 parts per million up to 150 feet from the Eisenhower Expressway. There is a need to investigate the contamination of human beings that live or work in buildings within these distances from the expressways and wider buffer zones need to be provided along future expressways.
Association of need for cognition and course performance

For 48 undergraduates mean r was .28 between scores on the Need for Cognition Scale and course test scores, suggesting enjoyment of thoughtful effort should be encouraged.
Re-evaluation of the function of the male specific lethal complex in Drosophila.

A set of proteins and noncoding RNAs, referred to as the male specific lethal (MSL) complex, is present on the male X chromosome in Drosophila and has been postulated to be responsible for dosage compensation of this chromosome – the up-regulation of its expression to be equal to that of two X chromosomes in females. This hypothesis is evaluated in view of lesser known aspects of dosage compensation such as the fact that metafemales with three X chromosomes also have equal expression to normal females, which would require a down-regulation of each gene copy. Moreover, when this complex is ectopically expressed in females or specifically targeted to a reporter in males, there is no increase in expression of the genes or targets with which it is associated. These observations are not consistent with the hypothesis that the MSL complex conditions dosage compensation. A synthesis is described that can account for these observations.
A Novel Design Optimization Method for Obtaining Desired Deformation Behavior in Additively Manufactured Multi-Material Parts

This paper introduces a novel design optimization method to optimize models with multiple material layers and complex cross-sections, for desired behavior. The developed optimization procedure utilizes an upscaling approach to approximate a full scale finite element (FE) model, by only analyzing a small material volume element. This approach requires less modeling efforts and is computationally less expensive than the full scale model. The developed method helps in building computationally efficient models for obtaining desired deformation behavior. The efficacy of the proposed method is illustrated through a couple of example design problems.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Diverse functional networks of Tbx3 in development and disease

The T-box transcription factor Tbx3 plays multiple roles in normal development and disease. In order to function in different tissues and on different target genes, Tbx3 binds transcription factors or other cofactors specific to temporal or spatial locations. Examining the development of the mammary gland, limbs, and heart as well as the biology of stem cells and cancer provides insights into the diverse and common functions that Tbx3 can perform. By either repressing or activating transcription of target genes in a context-dependent manner, Tbx3 is able to modulate differentiation of immature progenitor cells, control the rate of cell proliferation, and mediate cellular signaling pathways. Because the direct regulators of these cellular processes are highly context-dependent, it is essential that Tbx3 has the flexibility to regulate transcription of a large group of targets, but only become a active on a small cohort of them at any given time or place. Moreover, Tbx3 must be responsive to the variety of different upstream factors that are present in different tissues. Only by understanding the network of genes, proteins, and molecules with which Tbx3 interacts can we hope to understand the role that Tbx3 plays in normal development and how its aberrant expression can lead to disease. Because of its myriad functions in disparate developmental and disease contexts, Tbx3 is an ideal candidate for a systems-based approach to genetic function and interaction.
Abnormal Expression and Functional Characteristics of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element Binding Protein in Postmortem Brain of Suicide Subjects

Background Cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor that, on phosphorylation by protein kinases, is activated, and in response, regulates the transcription of many neuronally expressed genes. In view of the recent observations that catalytic properties and/or expression of many kinases that mediate their physiological responses through the activation of CREB are altered in the postmortem brain of subjects who commit suicide (hereafter referred to as suicide subjects), we examined the status of CREB in suicidal behavior. Methods These studies were performed in Brodmann area (BA) 9 and hippocampus obtained from 26 suicide subjects and 20 nonpsychiatric healthy control subjects. Messenger RNA levels of CREB and neuron-specific enolase were determined in total RNA by means of quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels and the functional characteristics of CREB were determined in nuclear fractions by means of Western blot and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element (CRE)-DNA binding activity, respectively. In the same nuclear fraction, we determined the catalytic activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate–stimulated protein kinase A by means of enzymatic assay. Results We observed a significant reduction in messenger RNA and protein levels of CREB, CRE-DNA binding activity, and basal and cyclic adenosine monophosphate–stimulated protein kinase A activity in BA 9 and hippocampus of suicide subjects, without any change in messenger RNA levels of neuron-specific enolase in BA 9. Except for protein kinase A activity, changes in CREB expression and CRE-DNA binding activity were present in all suicide subjects, irrespective of diagnosis. These changes were unrelated to postmortem intervals, age, sex, or antidepressant treatment. Conclusions Given the significance of CREB in mediating various physiological functions through gene transcription, our results of decreased expression and functional characteristics of CREB in postmortem brain of suicide subjects suggest that CREB may play an important role in suicidal behavior.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF CLASSIC PHENYLKETONURIA BY DNA ANALYSIS

Prenatal diagnosis of classic phenylketonuria (PKU) was performed in two at-risk families by means of a cloned human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene probe which was used to analyse DNA isolated from cultured amniotic fluid cells. The diagnoses of a PKU fetus in one family and a heterozygous fetus in another family were confirmed after birth. The prenatal diagnosis procedure by DNA analysis can be confidently applied to 90% of caucasian families with previously affected children.
HIV-1 Nef Employs Cellular Autophagy Machinery to Downregulate CD4

During HIV infection, expression of the viral protein, HIV-1 negative regulatory factor (Nef) leads to the lysosomal degradation of CD4 and other surface molecules. In addition, lysosome degradation through autophagy is upregulated. Here, we investigated whether autophagosomes participate in directing CD4 to lysosomes in Nef-expressing cells. Autophagosomes are membrane-bounded structures formed in response to specific stimuli (including starvation and buildup of ubiquitinated protein aggregates). They engulf various cytoplasmic components (i.e., damaged organelles, misfolded proteins and intracellular pathogens), and then fuse with lysosomes for degradation. We found that co-expression of Nef and CD4 in HeLa cells caused significant accumulation of the autophagosomal marker, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) on highly motile subcellular vesicles. This occurred within 2-3 days of Nef expression and could be monitored by imaging of single cells or by flow cytometry in large cell populations. In the absence of Nef, CD4-expressing cells showed very few autophagosomes. LC3-containing vesicles resided in close proximity or overlapped with Nef-containing vesicles in cells co-expressing CD4 and Nef. Since Nef is known to trigger CD4 downregulation, we next looked to see if CD4 was associated with vesicles positive for LC3 and Nef. For this experiment, we inhibited autophagosome fusion with lysosomes using the drugs bafliomycin or chloroquine since this increases autophagosome number within cells. Both drug treatments led to extensive co-localization of CD4 in LC3-positive vesicles. When Nef-expressing cells were treated with 3-methyl adenine to inhibit autophagy, CD4 was still internalized from the plasma membrane but was retained in static endocytic structures rather than being transferred to highly dynamic structures as occurred without the inhibitor. These results suggest that cellular autophagy machinery is involved in transferring CD4 from the endosomal system to lysosomes during Nef-induced downregulation of this protein.
The effect of the cyclopropyl group on the conformation of chemotactic formyl tripeptides.

Abstract Certain formyl peptides are powerful chemoattractants towards neutrophils. In this study, several formyl tripeptides were synthesized and used to investigate the effects of different amino acid residues in position 1 on their ability to stimulate neutrophil chemotaxis. Pig neutrophil chemotaxis towards the formyl tripeptide, HCO–Ac 3 C–Leu–Phe–OMe 1 , where Ac 3 C represents 1-amino-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid, was observed. Pig neutrophil chemotaxis towards a very similar formyl tripeptide, HCO–Aib–Leu–Phe–OMe 2 , where Aib represents α-amino isobutyric acid, was not observed. Compared to the isopropyl group, it was shown that the cyclopropyl group induces a greater percentage of the E conformation about the formamide functionality in these peptides. For 1 and 2 , the E isomer distributions in CDCl3 are 36 and 9%, respectively. Since a major difference between these two peptides is the Z / E isomeric distribution, one implication is that the peptide–receptor site interactions involving the E conformer are more effective than those of the Z conformer. No pig neutrophil chemotaxis towards the formyl tripeptides, HCO–Ala–Leu–Phe–OMe 3 and HCO–Gly–Leu–Phe–OMe 4 was observed. These formyl tripeptides exhibit a low percentage of the E isomer, similar to that of peptide 2 .