cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Older adults' satisfaction with a medication dispensing device in home care

IntroductionOlder adults with multiple chronic conditions face the complex task of medication management involving multiple medications of varying doses at different times. Advances in telehealth technologies have resulted in home-based devices for medication management and health monitoring of older adults. We examined older adults' perceptions of a telehealth medication dispensing device as part of a clinical trial involving home healthcare clients, nurse coordination and use of the medication dispensing device.MethodsNinety-six frail older adult participants who used the medication dispensing device for 12 months completed a satisfaction survey related to perceived usefulness and reliability. Results were analyzed and grouped by themes in the following areas: Ease of Use, Reliability, Medication Management Assistance, Routine Task Performance and Acceptability.ResultsNearly all participants perceived the medication dispensing device as very easy to use, very reliable and helpful in the management of th...
Evaluation of Three Influenza A and B Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays and a New 2009 H1N1 Assay for Detection of Influenza Viruses

The performance characteristics of three real-time influenza A/B virus reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays and two real-time 2009 H1N1 RT-PCR assays were evaluated using previously characterized clinical specimens. A total of 150 respiratory specimens from children (30 influenza A/H1 virus-, 30 influenza A/H3 virus-, 30 2009 H1N1-, and 30 influenza B virus-positive specimens and 30 influenza virus-negative specimens) were tested with the CDC influenza A/B PCR (CDC), ProFlu(+) multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay (ProFlu(+)), and MGB Alert Influenza A/B & RSV RUO (MGB) assays. A second set of 157 respiratory specimens (100 2009 H1N1-, 22 seasonal influenza A/H1-, and 15 seasonal influenza A/H3-positive specimens and 20 influenza-negative specimens) were tested with a new laboratory-developed 2009 H1N1 RT-PCR and the CDC 2009 H1N1 assay. The overall sensitivities of the CDC, ProFlu(+), and MGB assays for detection of influenza A and B viruses were 100%, 98.3%, and 94%, respectively. The ProFlu(+) assay failed to detect one influenza A/H1 virus-positive specimen and yielded one unresolved result with another influenza A/H1 virus-positive specimen. The MGB assay detected 84/87 (96.5%) of influenza A and B viruses and 26/30 (86.6%) of 2009 H1N1 viruses. The new laboratory-developed 2009 H1N1 RT-PCR assay detected 100/100 (100%) 2009 H1N1 virus-positive specimens, while the CDC SW Inf A and SW H1 PCR assays failed to detect one and three low-positive 2009 H1N1-positive specimens, respectively. The CDC influenza A/B virus assay and the newly developed 2009 H1N1 RT-PCR assay with an internal control can be set up in two separate reactions in the same assay for routine clinical testing to detect influenza A and B viruses and to specifically identify the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
Iterative Denoising using Jensen-Renyi Divergences with an Application to Unsupervised Document Categorization

Iterative denoising trees were used by Karakos et al. (2005) for unsupervised hierarchical clustering. The tree construction involves projecting the data onto low-dimensional spaces, as a means of smoothing their empirical distributions, as well as splitting each node based on an information-theoretic maximization objective. In this paper, we improve upon the work of (Karakos et al., 2005) in two ways: (i) the amount of computation spent searching for a good projection at each node now adapts to the intrinsic dimensionality of the data observed at that node; (ii) the objective at each node is to find a split which maximizes a generalized form of mutual information, the Jensen-Renyi divergence; this is followed by an iterative Naive Bayes classification. The single parameter α of the Jensen-Renyi divergence is chosen based on the "strapping" methodology, which learns a meta-classifier on a related task. Compared with the sequential information bottleneck method, our procedure produces state-of-the-art results on an unsupervised categorization task of documents from the "20 Newsgroups" dataset.
Investigation of Thermal High Cycle and Low Cycle Fatigue Mechanisms of Thick Thermal Barrier Coatings

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings have attracted increased attention for diesel engine applications. The advantages of using the ceramic coatings include a potential increase in efficiency and power density and a decrease in maintenance cost. Zirconia-based ceramics are the most important coating materials for such applications because of their low thermal conductivity, relatively high thermal expansivity and excellent mechanical properties. However, durability of thick thermal barrier coatings (TBCS) under severe temperature cycling encountered in engine conditions, remains a major question. The thermal transients associated with the start/stop and no-load/full-load engine cycle, and with the in-cylinder combustion process, generate thermal low cycle fatigue (LCF) and thermal high cycle fatigue (HCF) in the coating system. Therefore, the failure mechanisms of thick TBCs are expected to be quite different from those of thin TBCs under these temperature transients. The coating failure is related not only to thermal expansion mismatch and oxidation of the bond coats and substrates, but also to the steep thermal stress gradients induced in the coating systems. Although it has been reported that stresses generated by thermal transients can initiate surface and interface cracks in a coating system, the mechanisms of the crack propagation and of coating failure under the complex LCF and HCF conditions are still not understood. In this paper, the thermal fatigue behavior of an yttria partially stabilized zirconia coating system under simulated LCF and HCF engine conditions is investigated. The effects of LCF and HCF on surface crack initiation and propagation are also discussed.
Improved spectral flatness and sub-two-cycle pulse generation in octave-spanning Kerr frequency combs using micro-resonators with two zero-dispersion wavelengths

We show spectral flatness of Kerr frequency combs can be improved with a power fluctuation of <20 dB over one-octave bandwidth, using flattened dispersion profile with two ZDWs. Sub-two-cycle optical pulses (7.5 fs) are generated from the combs.
"Aujourd'hui est le jour des droits de l'Homme": Ruth First, les droits de l'Homme et les Nations Unies

It is not well known that Ruth First found an opening to debates on the world stage by working as a consultant for the United Nations whilst she was still in South Africa and whilst in exile. The author describes the projects she was engaged on and her motivation in this work. She links Ruth's participation to the emergence of human rights discourse, seen as a means to condemn apartheid in South Africa, whilst also regarded sceptically.
On free boundary problems in two dimensions

Let L be a linear elliptic operator in two dimensions with analytic coefficients and of second order, andu(x, y) a solution of Lu=0 in a simply connected domain ω with rectifiable boundary Γ. Suppose ψ(x, y) analytic on ω∪Γ and L ψ≠0 there.H is shown that ifu and ψ coincide with first derivatives on an open portion Γ0 of Γ, then Γ0 permits the representation λ=x (θ),y=y (θ) withx(θ),y(θ)analytic functions of a real parameter θ.
Optimization of a hydrophobic solid‐phase extraction interface for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) probe surfaces derivatized with octadecanethiol (C18) can be used as hydrophobic solid-phase extraction devices to isolate and desalt biopolymers directly on the probe surface. Using quantitative MALDI, it was possible to determine the approximate amount of peptide that bound to C18 surfaces and thus to calculate a surface density. It was determined that the amount of peptide bound at the probe surface was independent of the analyte concentration in the immersion solution (from high- to sub-ng ml-1 concentrations), but rather was dependent on the immersion time of the surface as it was exposed to the analyte. The capacity of C18-derivatized probes to bind biopolymers in fixed amounts frees the analyst from the necessity for adjusting analyte concentration through multiple step procedures such as serial dilution or vacuum drying. This time savings result in an overall increase in the efficiency of the MALDI technique.
Single incision approach for splenic diseases: a preliminary report on a series of 8 cases

There is a current trend to reduce the invasiveness of minimally invasive procedures, and the single-incision laparoscopic approach (SILS) has been proposed for several intra-abdominal surgical interventions. The spleen poses specific problems for techniques, such as SILS, due to its volume and texture, and little clinical information is available on the topic. We describe our initial experience using SILS for the management of splenic diseases. Between December 2008 and September 2009, we attempted SILS in eight patients: four men and four women with a median age of 44 (range, 26–73) years, and body mass index of 24.5 (range, 18–31). Preoperative diagnosis was malignancy (n = 3), ITP (n = 1), HIV-related hypersplenism (n = 1), spherocytosis (n = 1), and splenic cyst (n = 2). SILS was attempted transumbilically in four cases and through a 15-mm subcostal single incision in the other four. As entry port we used either three trocars (one of 12 mm and two of 5 mm) inserted through the single-site incision or the umbilicus, or a multiport (Triport, Olympus) device. Instrumentation used consisted of curved instruments, a flexible-tip 10-mm scope, and the harmonic scalpel. Visualization of the spleen and standard dissection of attachments was accomplished, and splenectomy was completed by stapling of the splenic hilum. The spleen was extracted through the single-site incision. In two cases, unroofing of a splenic cyst was performed transumbilically. The SILS procedure was successful in six of the eight patients (75%). Conversion to conventional laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) was required in two patients due to adhesions and spleen size. Median operative time was 97 (range, 60–150) min. There were no postoperative complications, and median stay was 4 (range, 2–5) days. Median spleen weight was 485 (range, 340–590) g. SILS access can be safely used for operative visualization, hilum transection, and spleen removal, further reducing parietal wall trauma. The definitive clinical, esthetic, and functional advantages require further analysis.
Hydrologic Transport of Thermal Energy from Pavement

Heat island impacts generated from the built (urban) environs have been recognized for decades as a component of climate change. Increasing imperviousness of the urban environments generates a demonstrable impact on hydrologic cycle, chemical and particulate matter loads in rainfall-runoff, and the thermal parameters of the atmosphere and rainfall-runoff of the built environments. From this broader context, a specific monitoring and modeling study was conducted to examine the dynamic, intra-event thermal transfer between pavement and rainfall-runoff for an asphalt-paved urban source area. Measured results were compared with a series of published models. Event-based hydrologic results illustrated a correlation between peak flow and thermal energy flux as well as between initial pavement temperature and thermal energy flux to runoff. Transfer of energy from the pavement to runoff was primarily a flow-limited process, and cumulative volume was correlated with cumulative thermal energy transfer on a storm event basis. Based on 17 events, only the runoff volume from Tropical Storm Fay (August 21, 2008) was heat-limited (water volume was not correlated to heat flux), resulting in a thermal first-flush. Energy balance components in each model were examined for capability to reproduce measured results. All models performed similarly, but models would benefit by field validation of these components using direct measurement, particularly long wavelength radiation.
Infected aortic pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A 38-year-old hemodialysis-dependent diabetic female patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Postoperatively, she developed chronic back pain. Eight months following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, she developed fevers and recurrent bacteremia with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , despite removal of all indwelling intravenous dialysis access. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated a 7-cm pseudoaneurysm extending from the right anterolateral lower abdominal aorta. Following resection of her infected aneurysm and extraanatomic bypass, she cleared her bacteremia and recovered. This first report of an aortic pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is presented in the context of other vascular complications reported following the Same procedure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal: Utilization and Outcomes of Recommended Treatment in the United States

Over the past two decades, recommended treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal has shifted from surgery to primary chemoradiation. Resection is now reserved for persistent or recurrent disease. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate treatment trends over the past 20 years, (2) to assess contemporary treatment utilization, and (3) to examine the impact of recommended vs nonguideline treatment on survival. From the National Cancer Data Base (1985–2005), 38,882 patients with anal canal cancer were identified. Regression models were used to assess factors associated with use of nonguideline treatment (vs chemoradiation ±surgery). Univariate and multivariate methods were used to assess the impact of treatment on survival. From 1985 to 2005, the use of chemoradiation increased significantly with a concomitant decrease in treatment with surgery alone (P < .0001). However, only 74.9% (5014 of 6696) of patients underwent primary chemoradiation therapy in 2003–2005. Overall, 22.7% (1523 of 6696) of patients received treatment that was not concordant with established guidelines: primary surgery (13.0%) and primary chemotherapy or radiation (9.7%). Patients were significantly less likely to receive guideline treatment if male, older, black or Hispanic, more severe comorbidities, or Stage I (vs Stage II or III). Patients undergoing chemoradiation ( ± surgery) had higher 5-year survival rates than patients who received nonguideline treatment (64% vs 58%; hazard ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.77–0.87; P < .0001). Primary chemoradiation therapy has supplanted surgical treatment and is associated with better outcomes; however, nearly a quarter of patients are still receiving treatment that is not concordant with established guidelines.
Cortical projections to nuclei adjacent to oculomotor complex in the medial dien‐mesencephalic tegmentum in the monkey

Cortical projections to cell groups surrounding the oculomotor complex were studied by using the retrograde and anterograde capabilities of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique in old and new world monkeys. Fluid HRP injections or transcannular solid polyacrylamide HRP gel implants were made into the oculomotor nucleus (OMN) and adjacent nuclei to label retrogradely corticofugal neurons that project to this region, and cortical HRP gel implants were made in various areas of the frontal lobe to label anterogradely the trajectories and terminations of cortico-paraoculomotor projections and thus to confirm the retrograde findings. Projections to the paraoculomotor cell groups in the medial dien-mesencephalic tegmentum originate almost exclusively from the frontal lobe. Both retrograde and anterograde studies confirmed that the prearcuate cortex in the concavity of the arcuate sulcus, including the frontal eye field, and, to a lesser extent, suprarcuate rostral dorsal area 6 cortex and the dorsomedial convexity (area 9), project to the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF) in the dorsal region of the prerubral field, nucleus of Darkschewitsch (ND), medial accessory nucleus of Bechterew (NB) and dorsomedial parvocellular red nucleus (dmPRN). The premotor area 6 and motor area 4 cortex, on the other hand, give rise to projections that target a larger portion of the parvocellular red nucleus, extending rostrally into the ventral region of the prerubral field, and a rather intense projection to the ND. The interstitial nucleus of Cajal (IC) was distinguished more by its light, or lack of, projections from the frontal cortex. The inferior parietal lobule (IPL, area 7) which has certain common physiological properties with the frontal eye field (FEF area 8) related to the oculomotor system, lacked retrogradely labeled neurons in all cases where transcannular gel implants into the OMN eliminated the possibility of HRP uptake in the corpus callosum or other structures traversed in needle injections, suggesting that the IPL affects eye movement primarily through its rostrally directed corticocortical associational connections with the FEF. In additional cases, the ND-NB-dmPRN configuration of cells that receives FEF input is shown to project to the inferior olivary complex (i.e., is pre-olivo-cerebellar), whereas riMLF and IC give rise to descending projections in the MLF, which target extraocular muscle motor nuclei, vestibular complex, and spinal cord. The results are discussed in terms of the potential role of the cerebral cortex in eye movement mechanisms.
Relationship of dieting and restrained eating to self-reported caloric intake in female college freshmen

Evidence indicates that restrained eaters do not eat less than unrestrained eaters in the natural environment. However, no study has examined caloric intake in those who are currently dieting to lose, or avoid gaining, weight. The current study examined caloric intake using 24-hour food recalls among individuals dieting to lose weight, dieting to avoid weight gain, restrained nondieters, and unrestrained nondieters. Participants were 246 female college students participating in a weight gain prevention trial. The predicted significant difference in caloric intake across the four groups was found for beverage but not for food intake. Results reinforce past literature indicating that dieting/restraint status does not reflect hypo-caloric intake in naturalistic settings.
Organizing the selection process for a new general ledger system

Points out that selecting a new general ledger system can be a very difficult undertaking in today’s environment because of the variety of hardware platforms and choices of software products. Based on the composite experiences of several companies, provides an organized approach to evaluating and selecting a new general ledger system, including a sample general ledger software evaluation instrument.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND EXPENDITURE IN PORTUGAL: 1980 AND 1990

From 1980 to 1990 Portugal experienced a generalized liberalization of economic activity, due in large part to its 1986 integration in the European Union. This paper studies the changes in the Portuguese distribution of household income and expenditure during this period, using micro-data on household budgets and applying recent developments in statistical inference for Lorenz curves. We find a significant increase in six measures of welfare and an unambiguous decrease in the inequality of the respective distributions. Different explanations for the findings of decreased inequality are discussed.
Ionic and radical fragmentations of alkoxyhalocarbenes – a perspective

Fragmentations of secondary or tertiary alkoxyhalocarbenes in polar solvents generate carbocations as components of ion pairs. A variety of carbocations can be produced including acyclic, alicyclic, benzyl, bridgehead, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylcarbinyl, and norbornyl examples. Laser flash photolysis (LFP) studies provide kinetics and activation parameters for the carbene fragmentations, which are orders of magnitude faster, and require considerably reduced activation energies, compared to analogous solvolytic carbocation-generative processes. In some cases, the time required for solvent and anion equilibration of the ion pairs can be estimated. In nonpolar solvents, the gas phase, or cryogenic matrices, homolytic carbene fragmentation may, in certain cases, supplant heterolytic fragmentation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Trumpeter Swan, Olor buccinator: A conservation success and its lessons

Abstract In 1968 the United States announced that it would manage Trumpeter Swans as it does waterfowl. The population of Trumpeters which breeds in the conterminous States no longer requires special attention in order to survive. This population, which probably numbered less than 50 birds and was confined to a small area of the Rocky Mountains 50 years ago, had increased to over 800 at wildlife refuges located in 8 States by 1968, with another 106 birds located in zoos in the United States and others abroad, and much larger numbers in Alaska. Some 89 species of fish and other wildlife are currently considered to be in danger of extinction in the United States. Lessons and techniques learned in preserving Trumpeter Swans are being applied in an effort to save other species.
Probabilistic Analysis of Composite Structure Ultimate Strength

A practical system reliability-based technique is proposed for probabilistic estimation of the ultimate strength of composite structures. Important component failure sequences to system failure are identified using a fast branch and bound search procedure. Ply-level failure modes such as matrix cracking, fiber failure, and delamination are considered, and system degradation due to progressive failure and load shedding is modeled. The system failure probability is computed using the dominant failure sequences. The correlation between failure sequences is exploited to achieve computational efficiency. The variation of system failure probability with accumulating damage and load shedding is investigated to define the critical damage accumulation. The proposed methodology is applied to the analysis of a composite wing structure.
First synthesis of the A/B ring of ouabain.

The synthesis of the fully fuctionalized A/B ring of ouabain has been accomplished efficiently from commercially available starting materials. A key Robinson annulation allows for the building of the desired carbon framework in one high-yielding step. Directed epoxidation followed by selective epoxide opening furnished the final tetraol with the desired all-cis stereochemistry.
Radiology systems of the nineties: Meeting the challenge of change

Digital imaging technology, particularly reconstructed images such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, has fueled the increased demand for radiologic services but has intensified storage and communications problems. Today more than 25% of radiologic examinations are digital in origin and, with progressive replacing of film images by digital images likely through the introduction of imaging plate technology, the radiology profession is undertaking the massive effort of evolving a new system where digital images will be transmitted, stored, retrieved and displayed by a multicomponent system connected by a local area network. Through this system, images will be nearly instantly accessible to anyone who needs them. A leading hypothesis is that when the volume of digital examinations reaches 50% of the whole, cost and efficiency considerations will lead to a massive conversion to the digital image management system, which will progress spontaneously. This conversion, unless planned for in today’s equipment acquisitions, could lead to great economic stress in hospitals. The 50% point may be reached by the early 1990s.
NMR Structure of a Stable "OB-fold" Sub-domain Isolated from Staphylococcal Nuclease

Similar folds often occur in proteins with dissimilar sequences. The OB-fold forms a part of the structures of at least seven non-homologous proteins that share either oligonucleotide or oligosaccharide binding functions. A 1-103 fragment corresponding to the OB-fold of the 149 amino acid residue staphylococcal nuclease gives NMR spectra characteristic of an unfolded protein, i.e. the wild-type nuclease sequence is insufficient to maintain a stable tertiary structure in the absence of the C-terminal one-third of this single-domain protein. By contrast, the 1-103 fragment of nuclease with the mutations Val66Leu and Gly88Val adopts a stable tertiary structure. The NMR solution structure of this latter fragment is a close variation of the OB-fold found in the X-ray structure of the parent protein. The Val66Leu and Gly88Val mutations appear to stabilize tertiary structure by consolidating the hydrophobic core of the nuclease OB-fold sub-domain. Taken together, these results suggest that recurrent structural motifs such as the OB-fold may in some cases represent vestiges of autonomous folding units that, during evolution, have become integrated into more complex cooperative folding domains.
OFDMA Resource Allocation and QoS Provision in Hybrid Wireless Network

This paper studies the joint OFDMA resource allocation and QoS routing problem in a hybrid wireless network, which includes an OFDMA based cellular network and an ad-hoc network with many sensor nodes. In such application, each sensor node generates certain amount of data that need to be sent to cellular base station (BS). The cellular nodes act as gateway to forward all the uplink traffic. We formulate the optimization problem to find the best OFDMA resource allocation and QoS routing scheme that maximizes the overall network throughput. We also provide algorithms and simulation results to illustrate our solutions for different network configurations.
A synthesis of 7-substituted benzo[b]thiophene derivatives

In order to develop a method for synthesizing 7-substituted derivatives of benzo[b]-thiophene, the benzo[b]thiophene analog of 1-tetralone, 7-oxo-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydrobenzo-[b]thiophene has been synthesized using as starting material the readily accessible 3-bromothiophene. The structure of this ketone has been verified by elemental analysis, spectra and conversion to derivatives of benzo[b]thiophene of known structure. Several hitherto unreported 7-substituted derivatives of benzo[b]thiophene have been prepared from the cyclic ketone.
Characteristics of neuromuscular blockade produced by gallamine, pancuronium and vecuronium (org nc‐45), and antagonism with neostigmine in anaesthetized horses

Summary A cumulative dose response method was used to study neuromuscular potency and duration of gallamine, pancuronium and vecuronium (ORG NC-45) in anaesthetized horses. Characteristics of the blockade and reversibility with neostigmine were compared in the 3 drugs based on responses to 2 HZ and tetanic stimulation. Recorded digital extensor responses were compared with observed responses during tetanic stimulation of the facial nerve.
Abnormal brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation in young adults with major depression

Depressive illness in patients without traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease is associated with striking abnormalities of endothelial function and elevation of circulating markers of atherosclerosis propensity. Further studies are needed to define the mechanisms that underlie these observations.
Enhanced and local heat transfer, pressure drop, and flow visualization for arrays of block-like electronic components

Abstract Experiments were performed to investigate the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of arrays of heat-generating, block-like modules affixed to one wall of a parallel-plate channel and cooled by forced convection airflow. Heat transfer enhancements exceeding a factor of two were achieved by the use of multiple fence-like barriers, with the interbarrier spacing and the barrier height being varied parametrically along with the Reynolds number. The barrier-related pressure drop for a multi-barrier system was found-to be less than the corresponding multiple of the pressure drop for a single-barrier system when the interbarrier spacing is small. When the barriers are separated by six or more rows of modules, the direct multiple is applicable. The heat transfer coefficients at individual surfaces of the various modules were measured in fully populated arrays without barriers, in arrays with barriers, and in arrays in which there was a missing module. Perspectives on the heat transfer and pressure drop results were provided by flow visualizations performed using the oillampblack technique.
From Sole Learning to Soul Learning

. Is it effective or even possible to teach an introductory course in religious studies that not only provides first-year university students with the fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and critical tools of religious inquiry but also invites and stimulates the transformation of the religious imagination? In what kind of teaching and learning method could the process of personal transformation occur and how might one assess it? These are the questions that led to an experiment in teaching religion the objective of which was to prepare beginning students for the academic approach to religion and, at the same time, transmit the experience of learning as an embodied process that engages personal narrative within a community context. This essay is based on a three-year project that has made considerable progress in meeting these goals and answering these questions. (Supplementary materials for this essay are available on the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion web site http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/journal/baldwin.html.)
Fitness cost of extended lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

An insulin/IGF-I-like signalling pathway determines the rate of aging of the adult nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. Mutations in genes encoding this pathway can result in a doubling of lifespan. While such mutations may appear to have little effect on development or fertility, evolutionary theory predicts that large increases in lifespan will not be optimal for fitness. We demonstrate by laboratory natural selection that partial loss of function of the insulin receptor-like protein DAF-2 results in dramatically reduced fitness even under laboratory conditions. Despite long-lived mutants appearing healthy, they exhibit a heavy fitness cost consistent with an evolutionary theory of aging.
Gelation, Oxygen Permeability, and Mechanical Properties of Mammalian and Fish Gelatin Films

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gelation, thermal, mechanical, and oxygen permeability properties of different mammalian, warm- and cold-water fish gelatin solutions and films. Mammalian gelatin solutions had the highest gel set temperatures, followed by warm-water fish and then cold-water fish gelatin solutions. These differences were related to concentrations of imino acids present in each gelatin, with mammalian gelatin having the highest and cold-water fish gelatin having the lowest concentrations. Mammalian and warm-water fish gelatin films contained helical structures, whereas cold-water fish gelatin films were amorphous. This was due to the films being dried at room temperature (23 °C), which was below or near the gelation temperatures of mammalian and warm-water fish gelatin solutions and well above the gelation temperature of cold-water fish gelatin solutions. Tensile strength, percent elongation, and puncture deformation were highest in mammalian gelatin films, followed by warm-water fish gelatin film and then by cold-water fish gelatin films. Oxygen permeability values of cold-water fish gelatin films were significantly lower than those for mammalian gelatin films. These differences were most likely due to higher moisture sorption in mammalian gelatin films, leading to higher oxygen diffusivity.
Underconsumption, Over-Investment and the Origins of the Great Depression:

This paper examines the role of underconsumption tendencies in the laws of motion of capitalism. First, underconsumption theories are examined. My conclusion is that underconsumption forces play a ...
Residual activity of denatured transforming DNA of Haemophilus influenzae: A naturally occurring cross-linked DNA☆

Abstract The residual activity of denatured transforming DNA of Haemophilus influenzae is accounted for by the presence of cross-linked molecules in all DNA preparations, whereas single-stranded DNA has no detectible transforming activity. The specific transforming activity of the cross-linked molecules is at least 90% that of native DNA. This conclusion is reached from the observation that the residual activity sediments 1.3 to 1.4 times faster than the bulk of the denatured DNA through an alkaline sucrose gradient, almost identical to the rate of an artificially cross-linked DNA. Similarly, the residual activity is eluted from a Sepharose column 1.5 times faster than the bulk of the denatured DNA and almost identical to the elution pattern of added native DNA of the same homogeneous size. Moreover, the buoyant density in CsCl of the molecules carrying the residual activity was found to be close to that of native DNA and considerably lighter than that of denatured DNA; with denatured biological hybrid ( 15 N 2 H 14 N 1 H ) DNA, this fraction was found only at a buoyant density slightly heavier than native hybrid DNA; no activity was found near the densities of native or denatured heavy DNA or native light DNA. The intrinsic residual activity is equal for all melting conditions tried and for nine different markers studied. It was found to be 11.5% for a DNA preparation with an average molecular weight of 30 × 106 daltons, and it is linearly related to the molecular weight of the DNA. Therefore, it is estimated that about three cross-links are present per bacterial genome if they pre-exist in vivo.
Civility and Subversion Revisited: Twenty-First Century Media Intellectuals as Ideologists and Anti-ideologists

A framework for understanding the roles of the intellectuals as they support and undermine democracy is presented. The framework is applied to an examination of the danger of intellectuals as ideologists and the potential of civil and subversive intellectuals as they open public discussion about difficult problems. The ways these roles are played in the present political and media environments are explored.
Dictyostelium Vaults: Disruption of the Major Proteins Reveals Growth and Morphological Defects and Uncovers a New Associated Protein

Vaults are large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles that are highly conserved in both morphology and protein composition. Protein components of vaults isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum migrate on SDS-polyacrylamide gels as two bands, one at 94 kDa (MvpA) and the other at 92 kDa (MvpB). An MvpB cDNA clone was isolated from a Dictyostelium expression library. MvpB shares 60% identity with MvpA at the amino acid level. This cDNA has been used to disrupt the single mvpB gene in both wild-type and mvpA- genetic backgrounds. Although the mvp- mutant lines are viable, they show that loss of MvpA and/or MvpB interferes with vault function sufficiently to impede growth under conditions of nutritional stress. The resulting mutant cell lines reach stationary phase in suspension culture at one-third of the density of wild-type cells. Ovoid structures isolated from mvp- single mutant lines represent what remains of vaults in these cells. Similar ovoid structures isolated from the mvpA- mvpB- line copurify with a newly identified protein of 92 kDa (MvpC), which lacks cross-reactivity with currently available anti-vault antibodies. Our results indicate that the major vault proteins are necessary for optimal cell growth in Dictyostelium and reveal an unanticipated complexity in vault composition.
Differential Inactivation of Lymphocytes and Bone Marrow Stem Cells by Heterologous Anti-mouse γ-Globulin Serum

THE principal obstacle to the effective and widespread clinical application of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, in the treatment of certain immunological deficiency diseases and leukaemia, is the occurrence of graft versus host (GVH) disease1–3. This syndrome, resulting from donor cell-mediated immunological reactions against tissue antigens of the host, probably results from the presence of mature, immunologically reactive cells in the marrow inoculum, derived either adventitiously from, the circulating blood4 or as residents in the marrow. If these reactive cells could be separated out by physical means (compare ref. 5) or be inactivated specifically, still retaining the viability of the marrow stem cells, it should be possible to preclude at will the occurrence of the often fatal GVH disease, following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Nature of the band discontinuities at semiconductor heterojunction interfaces

Abstract A clear correlation was found between experimental heterojunction valence-band discontinuities locally measured by photoemission spectroscopy and the LCAO results of the Harrison model. In particular, we found that the theoretical discontinuities are accurate within 0.1–0.15 eV for lattice-matched interfaces. Empirical corrections for the bond-length difference in lattice-mismatched interfaces generally improve the agreement between theory and experiment.
Phenotypically distinct B cell development pathways map to the three B cell lineages in the mouse

A recent article by Montecino-Rodriguez et al. [Montecino-Rodriguez, E., Leathers, H. & Dorshkind, K. (2006) Nat. Immunol.7, 293–301] has distinguished the early progenitors for B-1 cells, which principally develop in neonates, from early progenitors for B-2 cells, which principally develop in adult bone marrow. Here we introduce syndecan-1 (CD138) and MHC class II (I-A) as markers of early B cell development [Hardy, R. R., Carmack, C. E., Shinton, S. A., Kemp, J. D. & Hayakawa, K. (1991) J. Exp. Med. 173, 1213–1225; Hardy fractions B–D] and show that the expression of these markers distinguishes the predominant B cell development pathway in neonates from the corresponding predominant pathway in adults (both progenitors are present but differently represented in each case). We show that pre-B cells (Hardy fraction D) in the predominant adult pathway express high levels of CD138 and intermediate levels of I-A, whereas the corresponding pre-B cells in the pathway that predominates in neonates do not express either of these markers. As expected, because most of the pre-B cells in adults express CD138, we find that sorted CD138+ adult pre-B cells differentiate to IgM+ B cells in vitro. Sorted CD138− pre-B cells from neonates, the majority subset at this age, also mature to IgM+ cells (without passing through a CD138+ stage). Importantly, our studies here confirm the differential representation of adult and neonatal progenitor populations and further demonstrate that CD138 expression subdivides the adult CD19+, B220–6B2−/low population shown to contain B-1 progenitors in a way consistent with the predominance of B-1b progenitors in adults. Thus, CD138 expression provides a key route to distinguishing early B cell development pathway for what now are clearly three B cell lineages.
Remediation of Technetium in Vadose Zone Sediments Using Ammonia and Hydrogen Sulfide Gases

The feasibility of applying a combination of H2S and NH3 gases for Tc-99 remediation in vadose zone sediments evaluated in laboratory experiments showed a significant mobility decrease from 75 to 95% leachable Tc-99 in untreated sediments to 15 to 48% leachable Tc-99 after gas treatment. Individual H2S or NH3 gas treatment of sediments had little lasting effect. For the combined gas treatment, the H2S gas created reducing conditions at the pore water/mineral interface that pertechnetate was temporarily reduced/precipitated. The NH3 gas created alkaline pore water, which induces some mineral dissolution and subsequent aluminosilicate precipitation as the pH neutralizes, which may coat Tc-99 surface phases and render them less mobile. Surface phase analysis showed Tc-99 associated with weathered basalt clasts and sulfur, possibly from the precipitation of TcSx. Treatment performance was nearly the same at different Tc-99 concentration (34 to 6500 pCi/g), water content (1 to 8%), and gas injection rate, but was sensitive to gas concentrations. Low gas concentrations ( 30%) formed NH4SH precipitate. The 15 - 23% mobile Tc-99 remaining after gas treatment may be caused by limited time for aluminosilicates to precipitate in experiments. Nitrogen species concentrationsmore » showed no nitrate or nitrite production and a significant decrease in the sediment microbial population over three months, suggesting nitrification of added ammonia was inhibited. Overall, this study showed that combined H2S and NH3 gas treatment of low water content sediments was a robust technology to significantly decrease Tc-99 mobility.« less
engineering internment: anthropologists and the War Relocation Authority

This paper reexamines a neglected chapter in the history of anthropology, the involvement of ethnographers in the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Anthropologists worked in the ten internment centers with the good intentions of improving camp conditions and defusing anti-Japanese public opinion. But the present study argues that their writings had a series of largely unintended effects, including restriction of discourse about removal, legitimation of relocation, and promotion of racial stereotypes about the Japanese.
Comparative extraction of U(VI) by neutral and mono-acidic phosphates and phosphonates☆

Studies were made on the extraction of U(VI) by a neutral phosphate extractant, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, and by the analogous neutrai phosphonate extractant, di(2-ethylhexyl)2-ethylhexyl phosphonate, in toluene diluent from an aqueous nitrate phase. The extraction is shown to be second-power dependent upon the concentration of extractant in the organic phase and secondpower dependent upon the concentration of nltrate ion in the aqueous phase. An inhibiting effect is noted nt nitrate concentrations in excess of 0.5F, the K falling below the theoretical curve. Under identical conditions, the phosphonate is approximntely 33 times more effective in extracting U(VI) than is the phosphate. Studies were also made on the extraction of U(VI) by a mono-acidic phosphate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid, and by the analogous mono-acidic phosphonate, 2-ethylhexyl hydrogen 2-ethylhexyl phosphonate, in toluene diluent from an aqueous 1.00 F (HX + NaX) phase, where X = ClO/sub 4/, Cl/sub -/, NO/sub 3/. The extraction is shown to be second-power dependent upon the concentration of extractant in the organic phase and inversely second-power dependent upon the concentration of hydrogen ion in the aqueous phase. (The extraction of U(VI) by a (GO)GPO(OH) extractant is reported for the first time.) Essentially no difference between the ClO/sub 4/ and NO/sub 3/more » data was noted. The difference between the ClO/sub 4/ and Cl/sup -/ data is consistent with the assumption of a stability constant of 0.8 plus or minus 0.2 for the UO/sub 2/Cl/sup +/ complex, mu = 1.00, 22 plus or minus 1 deg C. In all of these systems, the acidic phosphonate excels the acidic phosphate by a factor of 1.9 plus or minus 0.2. The relative phosphonate/phosphate data of U(VI) are compared with those for Th(IV), lanthanides(III) and actinides(III). The possible difficulties encountered in the use of neutral phosphonates and phosphates as extractants in determining stability constant of M/sub +b/ nitrate complexes are discussed. (auth)« less
A middle-latency auditory-evoked potential in the rat

Abstract Previous studies have established the presence of a middle-latency auditory-evoked potential that is characterized by a) sleep-atote dependence, b) low foflowing frequency (i.a., rapid habituation to repetitive stimulation), and c) blockade by the cholinerglc antagonist, scopolamine. A vertex-recorded evoked potential having these characteristics was described in humans at a 5080 ms latency (termed the P1 or P50 potential and in the cat at a 20–25 ms latency (termed wave A). These studies were undertaken to determine if a dick stimulus-evoked potential having the same characteristics was present in the intact rat Vertex and auditory cortex recordings in intact rats studied in a sound-attenuating chamber and exposed to irve-field dick stimuli showed a) the presence of a vertex recorded potential at a 11–15 ms latency, termed P13, and of an auditory cortex recorded potential at a 7–11 ms latency, termed Pa; b) the P13 was present during waking and paradoxical sleep but absent t slow-wave sleep, while Pa was present in all sleep-wake states; c) the P13 habituated markedly at stimulation rates above 1 Hz while Pa did not; and d) the P13 was blocked by low doses of scopolamine while Pa was riot These studies demonstrate the presence of a P1-like potential in the rat at a 13 ± 2 ms latency.
Practical Therapeutic Drug Management in HIV-Infected Patients : Use of Population Pharmacokinetic Models Supplemented by Individualized Bayesian Dose Optimization

Individualized, model-based, target-oriented optimal concentration-controlled dosing of HIV medications can be beneficial to patients for whom there are limited dosing guidelines, such as children, adolescents, or patients with altered physiologic function. Barriers to this approach include lack of training, expertise, and access to appropriate software to assist the clinician. The authors present 4 illustrative clinical cases of HIV-infected patients whose therapy was optimized using population pharmacokinetic models (here generated from published studies) and supplemented by individualized Bayesian adaptive control of dosage regimens as implemented in the MM-USCPACK software. These 4 cases illustrate how clinicians can maximize therapeutic success in (1) patients with reduced drug clearance, (2) young adolescents transitioning to adult physiology, (3) patients with dose-dependent toxicity, and (4) adolescents with limited therapeutic options.
Investigations on amino acids bound to DNA.

Abstract A small but persistent amount (0.1–0.6 %) of amino acids is found bound to the DNA of all tissues examined. The amount is constant and reproducible for the DNA of a given tissue taken from animals of the same species, sex and age. These observations suggest that the residues have a role. There is a difference in absolute and relative amounts of the amino acids bound to DNA from different tissues of the same species. There are also differences among the amino acids bound to the DNA of the liver of several species.
Quantitative interplay between activating and pro-apoptotic signals dictates T cell responses.

Abstract Antigen-presenting cells (APC) can express surface ligands with both T cell activating and inhibitory capacities, prompting the question of how responding T cells integrate opposing trans signals concurrently delivered by APC. To address this question in a quantitative fashion, we turned to protein transfer as a unique experimental approach that is well-suited for addressing such questions from a quantitative standpoint. Costimulatory (either B7-1•Fc γ1 or Fc γ1 •4-1BBL) and pro-apoptotic (Fc γ1 •FasL) Fc fusion proteins were quantitatively “painted” in varying ratios onto surrogate APC pre-coated with palmitated-protein A, the latter serving as a surface anchor. Evaluating the signaling potential of these various painted cells in a standard in vitro T cell proliferation assay, we demonstrated that at a given level of TCR triggering, the quantitative balance between costimulator (B7-1 or 4-1BBL) and FasL dictates the magnitude of the proliferative T cell response. Furthermore, when the costimulator density is kept constant, there is also a quantitative balance between TCR-directed and FasL signals. Interesting species-specific naive versus memory T cell subset differences emerged with regard to susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis and costimulator:FasL opposition. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time a quantitative interplay between activating and pro-apoptotic trans signals that dictates the magnitude of T cell responses.