cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tolerance of Staphylococcus epidermidis grown from indwelling vascular catheters to antimicrobial agents.

During a prospective study of indwelling vascular catheter-related infections, 134 isolates ofStaphylococcus epidermidis were grown from 700 catheter tips.In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of these isolates to oxacillin, vancomycin and ofloxacin was performed using the standard broth microdilution technique. These results were compared to those for the same organisms grown in biofilm before the addition of antimicrobial agents. In 96-well flat bottom microtiter plates, 104–105 colony forming units ofS. epidermidis in 0.1 ml broth were grown for 18 h at 37°C, at which time a biofilm was observed for all isolates. Different concentrations of antimicrobial agents (0.1 ml) were then added to the plates. The plates were incubated for 18 h at 37°C. Since MICs could not be estimated in these plates, all the wells were subcultured after mixing the biofilm with the broth. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were defined as 99.9% reduction in colony forming units. For organisms grown in suspension, 100% of the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, 81% to ofloxacin and 40% to oxacillin. MBCs of susceptible isolates were within four-fold differences for vancomycin (53%), oxacillin (50%), and ofloxacin (51%). When grown as a biofilm, 78%, 93% and 71% of isolates had MBCs of ≥2048 μg ml−1 of oxacillin, vancomycin and ofloxacin respectively. These data demonstrate the reduced bactericidal activity of antimicrobial agents againstS. epidermidis in a biofilm and a simple method for its detection in the microbiology laboratory.
Exploiting Application Tunability for Efficient, Predictable Resource Management in Parallel and Distributed Systems

Parallel and distributed computing is becoming increasingly mainstream, driven both by the widespread availability of commodity small-scale symmetric multiprocessors and high-performance cluster platforms, as well as the growing use of parallelism and distribution in networked applications such as image recognition, media processing, virtual reality, and telepresence. However, many of these applications impose soft timeliness and output quality constraints on top of the traditional performance requirements, necessitating efficient, predictable management of system resources. Existing techniques are inadequate to simultaneously support these twin requirements of efficiency and predictability. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for increasing system efficiency while meeting application timeliness and quality constraints. Our approach exploits the application tunability found in many general-purpose computations. Tunability refers to an application's ability to trade off resource requirements over several dimensions including time, quality, and resource type; the resulting flexibility enables the underlying resource management system to choose an application operating point best suited to available resource characteristics. We describe language and scheduler extensions to support tunability in the MILAN metacomputing environment and then systematically characterize performance benefits of tunability using a parameterizable task system. Our results show that application tunability is easily expressible and can significantly improve resource utilization.
Control of carbon mineralization to CH4 and CO2 in anaerobic, sphagnum-derived peat from Big Run Bog, West Virginia

The mineralization of organic carbon to CH4 and CO2 inSphagnum-derived peat from Big Run Bog, West Virginia, was measured at 4 times in the year (February, May, September, and November) using anaerobic, peat-slurry incubations. Rates of both CH4 production and CO2 production changed seasonally in surface peat (0–25 cm depth), but were the same on each collection date in deep peat (30–45 cm depth). Methane production in surface peat ranged from 0.2 to 18.8 μmol mol(C)−1 hr−1 (or 0.07 to 10.4 μg(CH4) g−1 hr−1) between the February and September collections, respectively, and was approximately 1 μmol mol(C)−1 hr−1 in deep peat. Carbon dioxide production in surface peat ranged from 3.2 to 20 μmol mol(C)−1 hr−1 (or 4.8 to 30.3 μg(CO2) g−1 hr−1) between the February and September collections, respectively, and was about 4 μmol mol(C)−1 hr−1 in deep peat. In surface peat, temperature the master variable controlling the seasonal pattern in CO2 production, but the rate of CH4 production still had the lowest values in the February collection even when the peat was incubated at 19°C. The addition of glucose, acetate, and H2 to the peat-slurry did not stimulate CH4 production in surface peat, indicating that CH4 production in the winter was limited by factors other than glucose degradation products. The low rate of carbon mineralization in deep peat was due, in part, to poor chemical quality of the peat, because adding glucose and hydrogen directly stimulated CH4 production, and CO2 production to a lesser extent. Acetate was utilized in the peat by methanogens, but became a toxin at low pH values. The addition of SO42− to the peat-slurry inhibited CH4 production in surface peat, as expected, but surprisingly increased carbon mineralization through CH4 production in deep peat. Carbon mineralization under anaerobic conditions is of sufficient magnitude to have a major influence on peat accumulation and helps to explain the thin ( 13,000 yr) peat deposit found in Big Run Bog.
Lack of evidence for fecal shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in calves born to fecal culture positive dams.

Abstract The objective was to detect presence of calves excreting Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in their feces as a consequence of being born to MAP fecal culture positive (vs. negative) dams. For each cow that was about to calf, approximately 10 g of feces was collected manually by the herdsmen from the rectum using a disposable plastic examination sleeve within 48–72 h prior to actual calving. Between 1 and 3 d of birth, herd personnel collected approximately 10 g of fecal samples followed by monthly visits to the farm at which time 10 g of fecal samples were again collected by study investigators from each calf at approximately 30, 60 and 90 d of age. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was recovered from 8% (5/60) of the cows that gave birth to calves. However, MAP was not recovered from any of the fecal samples (0/240) collected from study calves. Findings of the present study suggest lack of evidence for fecal excretion of MAP in calves born to fecal culture positive (vs. negative) dams in a heavily infected herd.
The two duplicated insecticyanin genes, ins-a and ins-b are differentially expressed in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Two gene-specific probes were generated from the unique sequences in the 3' non-coding regions of the two insecticyanin genes, ins-a and ins-b to study the developmental expression of these genes in Manduca sexta. Both genes were initially transcribed in the freshly hatched first instar larvae and then expressed in the epidermis and to a lesser degree in the fat body during every larval feeding stage. In the epidermis of the 4th and 5th instar larvae, both mRNAs appeared shortly before ecdysis and accumulated to maximal levels within a day. As the larval epidermis became pupally committed on day 3 of the 5th (final) instar, INS-a mRNA quickly decreased, whereas INS-b mRNA showed a second peak of accumulation. In the fat body, both genes showed a similar expression pattern within the 4th instar to that of the epidermis except that levels were lower and ins-b mRNA dominated. In the final instar, only ins-b mRNA was present in significant amount. These findings not only reveal that the two duplicated insecticyanin genes have diverged in their expression pattern but also demonstrate, for the first time, that fat body also expresses insecticyanin genes.
Cytochrome content of kidney mitochondria in experimental lead poisoning.

Abstract Cytochromes aa 3 , b , c 1 , and c were quantitated in isolated renal mitochondria of control and lead poisoned rats. Lead poisoning was induced by ingesting a diet containing 1% lead as lead acetate. Concentration of cytochrome aa 3 was decreased in the lead-poisoned animals when related to mitochondrial protein. On the basis of kidney DNA, cytochrome aa 3 , and b were also significantly reduced. The protein content of mitochondria from the experimental animal was decreased 18%. Kidney homogenate protein was decreased by about 11%. The lead effect is attributed to inhibition of either porphyrin synthesis or protein synthesis. It is suggested that the observed reduction in cytochrome content may be at least in part responsible for the respiratory abnormality that occurs in renal mitochondria of lead-poisoned rats.
Impact of tissue volume and purification on clinical autologous islet transplantation for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Autologous islet transplantation after total pancreatectomy is an excellent treatment for painful chronic pancreatitis. Traditionally, islets have been isolated without purification; however, purification is applied when the tissue volume is large. Nevertheless, the impact of tissue volume and islet purification on clinical outcomes of autologous islet transplantation has not been well examined. We analyzed 27 cases of autologous islet transplantation performed from October 2006 to January 2011. After examining the relationship between tissue volume and portal pressure at various time points, we compared islet characteristics and clinical outcomes between cases with complications (complication group) and without (noncomplication group), as well as cases with purification (purification group) and without (nonpurification group). Tissue volume significantly correlated with maximum (R = 0.61), final (R = 0.53), and delta (i.e., difference between base and maximum; R = 0.71) portal pressure. The complication group had a significantly higher body mass index, tissue volume, islet yield, and portal pressure (maximum, final, delta), suggesting that complications were associated with high tissue volume and high portal pressure. Only one of four patients (25%) in the complication group became insulin free, whereas 11 of 23 patients (49%) in the noncomplication group became insulin free with smaller islet yields. The purification group had a higher islet yield and insulin independence rate but had similar final tissue volume, portal pressure, and complication rates compared with the nonpurification group. In conclusion, high tissue volume was associated with high portal pressure and complications in autologous islet transplantation. Islet purification effectively reduced tissue volume and had no negative impact on islet characteristics. Therefore, islet purification can reduce the risk of complications and may improve clinical outcome for autologous islet transplantation when tissue volume is large.
Psychological Treatments for Pain Management in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury: Cognitive Therapy and Self-Hypnosis Training

A number of nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management, based on a biopsychosocial model of pain, are available for treating pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). This article will focus on two of the most promising of these treatments, cognitive therapy and self-hypnosis training. After reviewing the biopsychosocial model of pain, the article describes these treatments, summarizes the empirical support justifying their application to SCI pain, and provides suggestions for incorporating them into the overall pain management program for persons with SCI pain.
The Selective Recovery of Alcohols from Fermentation Broths by Pervaporation

Abstract Pervaporation can be successfully utilized to recover various alcohols from fermentation broths and dilute process streams. Hydrophobic membranes, such as silicone-based polymers, have been employed in this application to produce an enriched product. Research in this field has increased dramatically in the past five years and a review of this work is warranted. Fermentations of n-butanol, ethanol, and isopropanol all yielded positive results. The direct integration of a membrane with a bioreactor makes the process more efficient and reduces the effects of product inhibition. A majority of researchers have investigated selective organic permeation from binary aqueous mixtures. These results provide an excellent data base on the permeabilities of alcohols through various membranes. This paper specifically addresses the application of pervaporation to the selective permeation of alcohols from dilute mixtures with particular reference to fermentation broths.
One-stage repair of extensive thoracic aortic disease

Objective Staged procedures for extensive aneurysmal disease of the thoracic aorta are associated with substantial cumulative mortality for the 2 procedures and death in the interval in between, often from aortic rupture. We have used a 1-stage procedure for operative repair of most, or all, of the thoracic aorta. Methods Ninety-five patients were treated using a bilateral anterior thoracotomy with transverse sternotomy, hypothermic circulatory arrest, and reperfusion of the arch vessels first to minimize brain ischemia. Fifty-six patients had chronic type A aortic dissections (all but 2 patients had a previous operation), 36 patients had degenerative aneurysms, and 3 patients had chronic type B aortic dissections with proximal extension. The ascending aorta and aortic arch were replaced in all patients combined with resection of varying lengths of descending aorta. Results In-hospital mortality was 8.4% (8 patients). Morbidity included reoperation for bleeding (11%), mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours (48%), tracheostomy (17%), and renal dialysis (8%). Stroke occurred in 1 patient (1%). Seven of the 93 operative survivors (7.6%) have undergone successful reoperation on the graft (4 patients) or the contiguous aorta (3 patients). Conclusions The 1-stage, arch-first technique is a safe and suitable alternative to 2-stage procedures for repair of thoracic aortic disease. Its effectiveness relative to more recently developed hybrid procedures awaits further analysis of long-term performance.
The immunocytochemical localization of gonadotropin, its subunits, and thyrotropin in the teleost, Xiphophorus maculatus

Abstract An immunoperoxidase method has permitted the identification of gonadotropin (GtH)- and thyrotropin (TSH)-producing (containing) cells in the caudal pars distalis of the pituitary gland of mature platyfish ( Xiphophorus maculatus ). The results corroborate earlier reports where the locations of these cells were determined by the use of basic staining methods. The immunoreactivity of antisera generated against a number of teleostean gonadotropins and their subunits and against human TSH was examined. To verify the specificity of the response, controls were employed which included the substitution of normal rabbit serum for the specific antiserum and/or the absorption of the final dilution of antiserum with corresponding homologous or heterologous antigens. Antiserum to carp GtH (anti-cGtH) displayed the highest degree of specificity when compared to other preparations (trout and salmon) produced against the intact GtH molecule. Antiserum against the α subunit of carp GtH (anti-cGtH-α) cross-reacted with both thyrotrops and gonadotrops whereas the β subunit antiserum (anti-cGtH-β) displayed immunoreactivity with gonadotrops but not with thyrotrops. Antiserum against human TSH (anti-hTSH) cross-reacted only with thyrotrops. Our results indicate that the use of suitable antisera permits the localization of thyrotrops and gonadotrops. This report is presumably the first to show that the α subunit of carp GtH is a chain common to both TSH and GtH in fish. It is also the first demonstration of antigenic similarity between human and fish TSH.
Biophysical chemistry: unravelling capsid transformations.

The interactions between a virus capsid and its cargo are essential for viral infection as well as in the design of synthetic virus-like particles. Now a combination of analytical techniques has unravelled key steps in the transformation of a model virus and the release of its RNA cargo.
Bacterial interference with urine osmolality measurements

We report bacterial interference with urine osmolality measurements using an instrument based on the principle of freezing point depression. Although the exact nature of the interfering activity has not been defined, the phenomenon is associated with a bacterium, identified as Pseudomonas putida , and is removed from the specimens by filtration at 0.45 μm. The bacteria led to osmometer dysfunction presumably by acting as a nidus for crystallization and preventing proper supercooling of specimens.
Fibrin, γ′-Fibrinogen, and Transclot Pressure Gradient Control Hemostatic Clot Growth During Human Blood Flow Over a Collagen/Tissue Factor Wound

Objective—Biological and physical factors interact to modulate blood response in a wounded vessel, resulting in a hemostatic clot or an occlusive thrombus. Flow and pressure differential (ΔP) across the wound from the lumen to the extravascular compartment may impact hemostasis and the observed core/shell architecture. We examined physical and biological factors responsible for regulating thrombin-mediated clot growth. Approach and Results—Using factor XIIa-inhibited human whole blood perfused in a microfluidic device over collagen/tissue factor at controlled wall shear rate and ΔP, we found thrombin to be highly localized in the P-selectin+ core of hemostatic clots. Increasing ΔP from 9 to 29 mm Hg (wall shear rate=400 s−1) reduced P-selectin+ core size and total clot size because of enhanced extravasation of thrombin. Blockade of fibrin polymerization with 5 mmol/L Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro dysregulated hemostasis by enhancing both P-selectin+ core size and clot size at 400 s−1 (20 mm Hg). For whole-blood flow (n...
Ankle dorsiflexion as an fMRI paradigm to assay motor control for walking during rehabilitation

The ability to walk independently with the velocity and endurance that permit home and community activities is a highly regarded goal for neurological rehabilitation after stroke. This pilot study explored a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation paradigm for its ability to reflect phases of motor learning over the course of locomotor rehabilitation-mediated functional gains. Ankle dorsiflexion is an important kinematic aspect of the swing and initial stance phase of the gait cycle. The motor control of dorsiflexion depends in part on descending input from primary motor cortex. Thus, an fMRI activation paradigm using voluntary ankle dorsiflexion has face validity for the serial study of walking-related interventions. Healthy control subjects consistently engaged contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex (S1M1), supplementary motor area (SMA), premotor (PM) and cingulate motor (CMA) cortices, and ipsilateral cerebellum. Four adults with chronic hemiparetic stroke evolved practice-induced representational plasticity associated with gains in speed, endurance, motor control, and kinematics for walking. For example, an initial increase in activation within the thoracolumbar muscle representation of S1M1 in these subjects was followed by more focused activity toward the foot representation with additional pulses of training. Contralateral CMA and the secondary sensory area also reflected change with practice and gains. We demonstrate that the supraspinal sensorimotor network for the neural control of walking can be assessed indirectly by ankle dorsiflexion. The ankle paradigm may serve as an ongoing physiological assay of the optimal type, duration, and intensity of rehabilitative gait training.
Quark model calculations of meson baryon scattering

In an SU(3) symmetric quark model, the high energy scattering of pseudo-scalar mesons with the baryons is investigated in the crossed t-channel. Under the assumption that the physical baryon octet is given by: 8 (physical) = 8′ cos θ + 8 sin θ, where 8′ and 8 baryons arise from 3 ⊗ 3 and 3 ⊗ 6 respectively, we find good agreement between the experimental data and the quark model predictions for θ = 20°.
Effect of fluoxetine on disease progression in a mouse model of ALS.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants are often prescribed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients; however, the impact of these prescriptions on ALS dis...
EDRF role in renal function and blood pressure of normal rats and rats with obstructive uropathy

EDRF role in renal function and blood pressure of normal rats and rats with obstructive uropathy. There is a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) after release of bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) of 24 hours duration. The present studies examine the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in the renal hemodynamics of sham-operated rats (SOR) and rats in which BUO of 24 hours duration was unilaterally released. In both groups of rats, renal function and blood pressure were measured in the awake state under basal conditions and after administration of L-arginine (L-arg), the substrate for EDRF synthesis, followed by N W NAME, an L-arg antagonist, or after administration of N W NAME followed by L-arg. Administration of L-arg alone to SOR did not affect renal function, MAP or RVR. In SOR given L-arg and then N W NAME, there was significantly decreased GFR and ERPF and increased MAP and RVR. When N W NAME was given initially, similar changes were obtained, and these were reversed by the administration of L-arg. Rats given L-arginine immediately after unilateral release of BUO of 24 hours duration had significantly greater GFR and ERPF values and lower MAP and RVR than temporal controls. N W NAME given to BUO rats decreased renal function further and increased MAP and RVR. We found a dose-dependent increase in GFR and ERPF and a dose-dependent decrease in MAP and RVR in both SOR and rats with BUO given increasing amounts of L-arg. There was also a dose-dependent decrease in GFR and ERPF and an increase in MAP and RVR in SOR and rats with BUO given increasing amounts of N W NAME or N G NMA, the two different antagonists of L-arg. In another set of experiments, SOR and rats with BUO were given L-arg preoperatively (that is, 24 hr prior to study). Both groups of rats had significantly higher GFR and ERPF values and lower MAP and RVR than control rats. Sham-operated rats given N W NAME 24 hours prior to study had significantly lower GFR and ERPF and higher MAP and RVR than untreated rats. Rats with BUO given N W NAME prior to obstruction had no measurable renal function and had significantly higher values for MAP after release of obstruction. These studies confirm the role of L-arg administration, and presumably EDRF, in the regulation of MAP and renal function in sham-operated rats. The results of this study also suggest decreased availability of arginine for EDRF synthesis in rats with BUO. We suggest that decreased EDRF activity has a role in the renal hemodynamic changes seen following ureteral obstruction.
Mutation detection in FGFR2 craniosynostosis syndromes

Five autosomal dominant craniosynostosis syndromes (Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, Jackson-Weiss and Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans) result from mutations in FGFR genes. Fourteen unrelated patients with FGFR2-related craniosynostosis syndromes were screened for mutations in exons IIIa and IIIc of FGFR2. Eight of the nine mutations found have been reported, but one patient with Pfeiffer syndrome was found to have a novel G-to-C splice site mutation at –1 relative to the start of exon IIIc. Of those mutations previously reported, the mutation C1205G was unusual in that it was found in two related patients, one with clinical features of Pfeiffer syndrome and the other having mild Crouzon syndrome. This degree of phenotypic variability shows that the clinical features associated with a specific mutation do not necessarily breed true.
Mutant of Escherichia coli which blocks T7 bacteriophage assembly: accumulation of short T7 DNA.

Abstract A mutant strain which blocks bacteriophage T7 assembly, presumably at the phage DNA packaging process, was isolated from Escherichia coli D10 F − . This mutant, Y49, was selected for its ability to plate T7 + phage but not T7 gene 0.7 mutant phage (T7K − ). The plating efficiency of T7 + phage on strain Y49 was over 50% of that on the parental strain but the yield of T7 + phage was less than 10%. Upon infection with T7 + or T7K − phage, Y49 cells synthesized T7-specific RNA and protein almost normally but the synthesis of T7 progeny DNA was slightly reduced, about 70 to 80% of the amount synthesized by the parental strain. In Y49 cells infected with T7 + or T7K − phage, T7 progeny DNA appeared first as concatemers larger in size than the mature T7 phage DNA but it later was converted to pieces about 30%, shorter than the size of T7 phago DNA. When Y49 cells were infected with T7 mutant phages known to accumulate concatemeric T7 progeny DNA in the normal host cells, T7 progeny DNA also accumulated as concatemers and was not cleaved to smaller pieces. These results suggest that the cleavage of concatemeric T7 DNA in T7 + or T7K − phage-infected Y49 cells, which generates short DNA species, appears to be site-specific and probably results from a blockage of the phage DNA packaging process due to the host mutation, implying that a host function is involved in the T7 phage DNA packaging process.
Further comments on the nature and measurement of anxiety sensitivity: A reply to Taylor (1995b)

Abstract In a recent article in this journal, Taylor raised a number of important issues regarding our review of research on anxiety sensitivity (AS). Nonetheless, we content that (a) Taylor's claim that the relationship between the ASI and self-report measures of fear-proneness is not attributable to method variance is unconvincing; (b) Taylor is incorrect that the expectancy model of anxiety predicts that only the main effect of AS, rather than the interaction between AS and anxiety expectancy, influences fear-proneness; (c) Taylor's analyses examining the interaction between AS and trait anxiety are questionable; (d) Taylor's assertion that the relationship between the ASI and panic disorder cannot be dismissed as tautological does not withstand close scrutiny; and (e) Taylor's claim that the ASI is unifactorial rather than multifactorial is not supported by available evidence. We discuss the implications of Taylor's analysis examining the hierarchical relation between AS and trait anxiety, and suggest research designs for elucidating the association between these two constructs.
Poly(dichlorophosphazene): Thermomechanical behavior

Abstract : Dynamic mechanical data (about 1 Hz) for the inorganic polymer polydichlorophosphazene (NPCl2)n are presented for the temperature range - 180 to 350C. Transitions are located and the effect of high temperature on the transitions and the thermomechanical behavior are examined.
Shorter disease duration correlates with improved long-term deep brain stimulation outcomes in young-onset DYT1 dystonia.

BACKGROUND Treatment with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus in children with DYT1 primary torsion dystonia is highly effective; however, individual response to stimulation is variable, and a greater understanding of predictors of long-term outcome is needed. OBJECTIVE To report the long-term outcomes of subjects with young-onset DYT1 primary torsion dystonia treated with bilateral globus pallidus DBS. METHODS Fourteen subjects (7 male, 7 female) treated consecutively from 2000 to 2010 at our center were included in this retrospective study. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale was performed at baseline and at 1, 2, and up to 6 years postoperatively. RESULTS Pallidal DBS was well tolerated and highly effective, with mean Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement scores improving from baseline by 61.5% (P < .001) at 1 year, 64.4% (P < .001) at 2 years, and 70.3% (P < .001) at the final follow-up visit (mean, 32 months; range, 7-77 months). Disability scores also improved significantly. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant influence of duration of disease as a predictor of percent improvement in Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement score at long-term follow-up (duration of disease, P < .05). Subjects with fixed orthopedic deformities (4) had less improvement in these regions. Location of the active DBS electrode used at final follow-up visit was not predictive of clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the sustained benefit from DBS and the importance of early referral for DBS in children with medically refractory DYT1 primary torsion dystonia, which can lead to improved long-term benefits.
‘Are we not [Civilized] Men?’: The Formation and Devolution of Community in Northern Mexico

Abstract The paper engages several of the issues raised by Cohn and Dirks’ statement on The Nation State, Colonialism and the Technologies of Power’ (“Beyond the Fringe’1988). It presents an account of the relationship between a community of armed peasants and the state in northern Mexico. The argument is that despite cyclic periods of coincidence and antagonism between the politico-ideological projects of state and community, an historical analysis of the experience of the people and town of Namiquipa, Chihuahua, reveals certain continuities in the forging of an alternative political-cultural space, regardless of the character of the community's relationship to the state at any time. In Mexico - as everywhere - the function of the State is the maintenance of the existing order, i.e. the maintenance of social inequality. A task for the social scientist is to document and analyse the regional strategies of the State, through the study of both the federal government and the actors who receive delegated power from it…. [T]he State apparatus is also in charge of distributing differential benefits among the population. The logic of this distribution transcends rural aspects and regional boundaries and refers to the historical dynamics of the Mexican nation, which manifests itself in the configuration of the State at different periods of time and is conditioned by the existing correlation among international forces. But from such macro-political panorama one must descend to its implications for regional development (Guillermo de la Pefia 1981: 259–260). Neither the peasants nor the State is an autonomous entity. Both are associated with other complex dependencies, with other forces and pressures. Both are stratified within and divided by interests that often contradict each other. The contradiction between the peasants and the State is not the only one in the country, and thanks to a coalition of many interests, it is not even the most apparent. However, it is the essential one in the sense that the changes that would radically and basically affect the entire situation can only be generated within it (Arturo Warman 1980:7).
Phenotypic effects of the circadian gene Cryptochrome 2 on cancer-related pathways

Circadian genes continue to gain attention as important transcriptional regulators with the potential to influence a variety of biological pathways, including many cancer-related processes. The core circadian gene cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) is essential for proper circadian timing, and is a key component of the negative arm of the circadian feedback loop. As such, aberrant expression of CRY2 may influence carcinogenic processes and thereby impact cancer susceptibility. We silenced CRY2 in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) using small-interfering oligos (siRNA) and measured the impact of CRY2 knockdown on a number of cancer-relevant parameters. Cell cycle distribution, cell viability, and apoptotic response were measured in CRY2 knockdown (CRY2-) and normal (CRY2+) cell populations using flow cytometry in cells with and without exposure to a mutagen challenge. DNA damage accumulation was measured using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, and damage was quantified using the Olive tail moment, which considers the amount and distance of DNA migration away from the nucleus, indicative of DNA strand breaks. Expression changes in cancer-relevant transcripts were measured by whole genome microarray. The Student's t-test was used for statistical comparisons, and P-values obtained from the microarray were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate correction, in order to obtain an adjusted Q-value for each observation. The comet assay results indicated that upon exposure to the same dose of chemical mutagen, CRY2- cells accumulate significantly more unrepaired DNA damage than CRY2+ cells (P = 0.040), suggesting that CRY2 may be important for DNA repair. In addition, a number of transcripts with relevance for DNA damage repair displayed altered expression following CRY2 silencing. These included BCCIP (Q = 0.002), BCL2 (Q = 0.049), CCND1 (Q = 0.009), CDKN1A (Q < 0.001), GADD45A (Q = 0.002), HERC5 (Q < 0.001), MCM5 (Q = 0.042), PPP1R15A (Q < 0.001), SUMO1 (Q < 0.001), and UBA1 (Q = 0.023). However, no significant influence of CRY2 knockdown on cell cycle distributions, cell cycle checkpoints in response to mutagen challenge, or apoptotic response was detected. In total, these data suggest a limited, but potentially important role for CRY2 in the regulation of DNA damage repair and the maintenance of genomic stability. Future investigations may focus on identifying the mechanisms by which CRY2 may regulate the expression of transcripts with known relevance for carcinogenesis.
Testosterone-binding protein in reproductive tracts of fetal rats.

Testosterone-binding proteins may mediate the induction of Wolffian duct differentiation by testicular testosterone. The presence of such protein(s) was sought in reproductive tracts of 14.5–21.5-day-old fetal rats. Supernatant fractions (127,000 × g) were equilibrated with [3H]testosterone ([3H]T) ± radioinerttestosterone inTris. HCl:EDTAbuffer, pH 7.4, (∼0.1 mg protein/0.5 ml) at 4 C for 16 hours. Bound and free [3H]T were separated by charcoaldextran adsorption or Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. The results with 14.5–15.0-day-old tracts were: a) specific binding to protein was saturated with increasing [3H]T concentration; b) Scatchard plot analysis indicated the presence of a single class of binding sites with high affinity (apparent Kd =2 nM) and limited capacity (∼16 fmol/mg protein) for [3H]T; c) specific uptake was limited to [3H]T and [3H]5α-dihydrotestosterone; d) [3H]T uptake by the tract supernatant was tissue-specific; e) pronase treatment abolished binding capacity for [3H]T; f) bound radioac...
Applications of Byzantine agreement in database systems

In this paper we study when and how B Byzantine agreement protocol can he used in general-purpose database management systems. We present an overview of the failure model used for Byzantine agreement, and of the protocol itself. We then present correctness criteria for database processing in this failure environment and discuss strategies for satisfying them. In doing this, we present new failure models for input/output nodes and study ways to distribute input transactions to processing nodes under these models. Finally, we investigate applications of Byzantine agreement protocols in the more common failure environment where processors are assumed to halt after a failure.
Children's Methods of Coping with Stress: A Twin Study of Genetic and Environmental Influences

The relative importance of environmental and hereditary factors in how children cope with stress was examined. Emotion-focused, problem-focused, and additional coping variables were assessed in 44 monozygotic (MZ) and 30 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, aged 9-16 years. The effects of heritability, shared environment, and unshared environment were examined in structural modelling analyses. Genetic factors accounted for a majority of the reliable variance in four of seven coping variables, while effects of twins' shared environment were negligible for all but one coping variable. Environmental factors important to individual differences in coping strategies were primarily unique to each child (unshared between the twins), highlighting the importance of individual experiences in shaping coping behaviors.
Protos: an examplar-based learning apprentice

Building Protos, a learning apprentice system for heuristic classification, has forced us to scrutinize the usefulness of inductive learning and deductive problem solving. While these inference methods have been widely studied in machine learning, their seductive elegance in artificial domains (e.g. mathematics) does not carry-over to natural domains (e.g. medicine). This paper briefly describes our rationale in the Protos system for relegating inductive learning and deductive problem solving to minor roles in support of retaining, indexing, and matching exemplars. The problems that arise from “lazy generalization” are described along with their solutions in Protos. Finally, an example of Pro tos in the domain of clinical audiology is discussed.
The effects on mouse development of interactions of 5‐fluorouracil with Strong's luxoid gene and its plus and minus modifiers

Pregnant females of five lines of mice selected for plus- and minus-modifying genes of the limb-skeleton effects of Strong's luxoid gene (lst) were each injected ip on days 8–11 of gestation with a single dose of 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 mg of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The incidence and degree of expression of effects (cleft palate, neural hernia, eye defects, radial and tibial hemimelia, polydactyly, ectrodactyly, tail kinks, etc) varied according to the day of injection, dose of 5-FU, genotype of the embryo ( + / +, + lst, lst/lst), and residual genotype (plus- or minus-modifying genes of lst). 5-FU increased the expression of the effects of lst on the skeleton. This action of 5-FU was inhibited by minus and promoted by plus-modifying genes of lst. Thus, 5-FU and 1st may affect skeleton development in similar ways.
Granular computing: From topology to category theories based models

Current state of granular computing (GrC) is summarized. The historical development of infinitesimal granules is reviewed for future lessons. A category theory based GrC model, that nearly realizes (we believe it will realize) all classical examples of GrC, is re-examined; all early models are derived. Some possible future directions are proposed.
Anticipating Happiness in a Future Negotiation: Anticipated Happiness, Propensity to Initiate a Negotiation, and Individual Outcomes

We examined the role of anticipated happiness in negotiation settings. Anticipated happiness is the happiness that individuals expect to experience in the future if certain events do or do not occur. In two studies, we tested the argument that anticipated happiness initiates an approach goal, leading individuals to promote economic interests. Study 1 revealed that anticipated happiness was positively related to the propensity to initiate a negotiation, mediated by an approach goal. In Study 2, we found that anticipated happiness about reaching the target value increased the individual negotiation outcome, mediated by actual target value. Our studies provide insight into how anticipated happiness influences motivation, behavior, and ultimately individual outcomes in negotiations.
Who’s Watching Your Food? A Flexible Framework for Public Health Monitoring

By responding to potentially life-threatening emergencies such as foodborne illnesses and water contamination, U.S. public health agencies play a vital role in promoting human health and protecting the environment. Local, state, and federal partners must collaborate to strategically plan initiatives, allocate resources, and evaluate emergency response activities. These collaborative decision-making processes can be improved by using web-based mapping applications for visualization and analysis. We developed a web-based GIS framework which is applied to public health data for North Carolina's (NC) Department of Health and Human Services. The application visualizes all state-regulated food service facilities and supports query and analysis tools crucial for food recalls or radiation contamination tracking. Built with PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GeoServer, and a customized GeoExplorer map viewer, the framework delivers a web-based mapping tool that is flexible and Open Source. The flexibility of the framework is an important dimension of its scalability, allowing it to be customizable, modular, and portable so that it is easily configurable to support additional research and education initiatives. This approach reverses a trend toward application-specific web mapping development in Open Source GIS. To demonstrate flexibility, we configured an additional website for forest landowner management to be used by another state agency, the NC Forest Service.
Inhibition of Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase Induces Cell Growth, Hypertrophic Phenotype, and Apoptosis in Neonatal Rat Cardiac Myocytes In Vitro

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of myocardial failure. We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of endogenous antioxidant enzymes can regulate the phenotype of cardiac myocytes. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in vitro were exposed to diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DDC), an inhibitor of cytosolic (Cu, Zn) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD). DDC inhibited SOD activity and increased intracellular superoxide in a concentration-dependent manner. A low concentration (1 micromol/L) of DDC stimulated myocyte growth, as demonstrated by increases in protein synthesis, cellular protein, prepro-atrial natriuretic peptide, and c-fos mRNAs and decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPase mRNA. These actions were all inhibited by the superoxide scavenger Tiron (4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulfonic acid). Higher concentrations of DDC (100 micromol/L) stimulated myocyte apoptosis, as evidenced by DNA laddering, characteristic nuclear morphology, in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end-labeling (TUNEL), and increased bax mRNA expression. DDC-stimulated apoptosis was inhibited by the SOD/catalase mimetic EUK-8. The growth and apoptotic effects of DDC were mimicked by superoxide generation with xanthine plus xanthine oxidase. Thus, increased intracellular superoxide resulting from inhibition of SOD causes activation of a growth program and apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. These findings support a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling and failure.
Prejudice toward immigrants

In the present study, 4 variables (realistic threats, symbolic threats, intergroup ankiety. and negative stereotypes) were used to predict prejudice toward immigrants from Cuba, Mesico. and Asia in samples of students from states in the United States that are affected h) immigration from these areas (Florida, New Mexico, and Hawaii. respectively). All 4 variables were significant (or marginally significant) predictors of attitudes toward these immigrant groups. Evidence is presented that the predictor variables are conceptually and empirically distinct. However, these variables do appear to be tied together by an underlying theme: They all concern threats to the in-group or its members. Some of the implications of the results for intergroup relations are discussed.
Importance of total life consumption of cigarettes as a risk factor for coronary artery disease

Cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular events and mortality. Whether recent smoking history or total life consumption best represents the increased risk due to smoking has not been previously established. Thus, stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relative contributions of these factors to the risk of having significant coronary artery disease in 1,349 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. Six risk factors were analyzed: total pack-years, current packs smoked per day, age, gender, family history and symptomatic status. The results of this analysis showed that total pack-years, but not current packs per day, is a significant independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. This was true in every age group up to but not older than age 70 years. Although the overall risk was lower in younger patients and in patients with less typical symptoms of angina, the relative risk in cigarette smokers relative to pack-years was consistently greater. The risk of total life consumption of cigarettes is thus greater than has heretofore been realized, particularly in persons who would otherwise be categorized as low risk.
Animal Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels appear to be homologous to and derived from the ubiquitous cation diffusion facilitators

Antigen stimulation of immune cells triggers Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, promoting an immune response to pathogens. Defects in a CRAC (Orai) channel in humans gives rise to the hereditary Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) syndrome. We here report results that define the evolutionary relationship of the CRAC channel proteins of animals, and the ubiquitous Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) carrier proteins. CDF antiporters derived from a primordial 2 transmembrane spanner (TMS) hairpin structure by intragenic triplication to yield 6 TMS proteins. Four programs (IC/GAP, GGSEARCH, HMMER and SAM) were evaluated for identifying sequence similarity and establishing homology using statistical means. Overall, the order of sensitivity (similarity detection) was IC/GAP = GGSEARCH > HMMER > SAM, but the use of all four programs was superior to the use of any two or three of them. Members of the CDF family appeared to be homologous to members of the 4 TMS Orai channel proteins. CRAC channels derived from CDF carriers by loss of the first two TMSs of the latter. Based on statistical analyses with multiple programs, TMSs 3-6 in CDF carriers are homologous to TMSs 1-4 in CRAC channels, and the former was the precursor of the latter. This is an unusual example of how a functionally and structurally more complex protein may have predated a simpler one.