cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis: A retrospective comparison of the three approaches recommended by the committee on fetus and newborn.

Background Based on the most recently published recommendations from the Committee on the Fetus and Newborn (COFN), three approaches currently exist for the use of risk factors to identify infants who are at increased risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS). Categorical risk factor assessments recommend laboratory testing and empiric antibiotic therapy for all infants born to mothers with a clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Risk assessments based on clinical condition recommend frequent examinations and close vital sign monitoring for infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis. The Kaiser Permanente EOS risk calculator (SRC) is an example of the third approach, multivariate risk assessments. The aim of our study was to compare the three risk stratification approaches recommended by the COFN for management of chorioamnionitis-exposed infants. Methods Retrospective study of 1,521 infants born ≥35 weeks to mothers with chorioamnionitis. Management recommendations of the SRC were compared to the recommendations of categorical risk assessment and risk assessment based on clinical condition (CCA). Results Hypothetical application of SRC and CCA resulted in 79.6% and 76.8-85.1% respectively fewer infants allocated empiric antibiotic therapy. While CCA recommended enhanced observation for all chorioamnionitis-exposed infants, SRC recommended routine care without enhanced observation in 44.3% infants. For the six infants (0.39%) with EOS, SRC and CCA recommended empiric antibiotics only for three symptomatic infants. Conclusion The SRC and CCA can reduce antibiotic use but potentially delay antibiotic treatment. The SRC does not recommend enhanced observation with frequent and prolonged vital signs for >44% of chorioamnionitis-exposed infants.
Multicolor fiber-optic two-photon endomicroscopy for brain imaging

Visualizing activity patterns of distinct cell types during complex behaviors is essential to understand complex neural networks. It remains challenging to excite multiple fluorophores simultaneously so that different types of neurons can be imaged. In this Letter, we report a multicolor fiber-optic two-photon endomicroscopy platform in which two pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser and an optical parametric oscillator were synchronized and delivered through a single customized double-clad fiber to excite multiple chromophores. A third virtual wavelength could also be generated by spatial-temporal overlapping of the two pulses. The performance of the fiber-optic multicolor two-photon endomicroscope was demonstrated by in vivo imaging of a mouse cerebral cortex with "Brainbow" labeling.
Correction to: Italy: toward a growth-friendly fiscal reform

Unfortunately, the original article was published with discrepancy in the copyright holder name between A++ (International Monetary Fund) and PDF file (Springer Nature Switzerland AG).
Piano Sheet Music Identification Using Dynamic N-gram Fingerprinting

This article introduces a method for large-scale retrieval of piano sheet music images. We study this problem in two different scenarios: camera-based sheet music identification and MIDI-sheet image retrieval. Our proposed method combines bootleg score features with a novel hashing scheme called dynamic N-gram fingerprinting. This hashing scheme ensures that every fingerprint is discriminative enough to warrant a table lookup, which improves both retrieval accuracy and runtime. On experiments using all piano sheet music images in the IMSLP database, the proposed method achieves >0.8 mean reciprocal rank with sub-second runtimes. As a practical application, we use our system to find matches between the Lakh MIDI dataset and IMSLP, which augments the IMSLP sheet music data with symbolic music information for a subset of pieces. We release our code and Lakh-IMSLP matches to facilitate future study.
Brian Shoesmith’s contributions to Bangladesh’s media and cultural studies

Brian Shoesmith, an Australian academic, spent the last phase of his academic journey in Bangladesh. He contributed to developing a new Media Studies and Journalism department in a relatively new p...
TRPC1/5-CaV3 Complex Mediates Leptin-Induced Excitability in Hypothalamic Neurons

Leptin regulates hypothalamic POMC+ (pro-opiomelanocortin) neurons by inducing TRPC (Transient Receptor Potential Cation) channel-mediate membrane depolarization. The role of TRPC channels in POMC neuron excitability is clearly established; however, it remains unknown whether their activity alone is sufficient to trigger excitability. Here we show that the right-shift voltage induced by the leptin-induced TRPC channel-mediated depolarization of the resting membrane potential brings T-type channels into the active window current range, resulting in an increase of the steady state T-type calcium current from 40 to 70% resulting in increased intrinsic excitability of POMC neurons. We assessed the role and timing of T-type channels on excitability and leptin-induced depolarization in vitro in cultured mouse POMC neurons. The involvement of TRPC channels in the leptin-induced excitability of POMC neurons was corroborated by using the TRPC channel inhibitor 2APB, which precluded the effect of leptin. We demonstrate T-type currents are indispensable for both processes, as treatment with NNC-55-0396 prevented the membrane depolarization and rheobase changes induced by leptin. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that TRPC1/5 channels and Ca V 3.1 and Ca V 3.2 channels co-exist in complex. The functional relevance of this complex was corroborated using intracellular Ca2+ chelators; intracellular BAPTA (but not EGTA) application was sufficient to preclude POMC neuron excitability. However, leptin-induced depolarization still occurred in the presence of either BAPTA or EGTA suggesting that the calcium entry necessary to self-activate the TRPC1/5 complex is not blocked by the presence of BAPTA in hypothalamic neurons. Our study establishes T-type channels as integral part of the signaling cascade induced by leptin, modulating POMC neuron excitability. Leptin activation of TRPC channels existing in a macromolecular complex with T-type channels recruits the latter by locally induced membrane depolarization, further depolarizing POMC neurons, triggering action potentials and excitability.
Characterization of steel weld metal in multi-pass submerged arc welds after post-weld heat treatment using electron backscatter diffraction

Light optical microscopy (LOM) has previously been used to characterize and quantify steels microstructures; however, bainitic microstructures are complex and difficult to characterize accurately by LOM, particularly in multi-pass high-strength steel submerged arc weldments, which possess complicated thermal histories. More advanced techniques, such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), can eliminate some of the ambiguity present in LOM characterization. EBSD allows for the utilization of features such as image quality (IQ) and inverse pole figures. This paper characterizes the microstructure of multi-pass high-strength low-alloy steel submerged arc weld metal after a stress-relief heat treatment using LOM and EBSD. Unlike LOM, EBSD was able to distinguish the various bainitic morphologies. Specifically, bainite, ferrite, and martensite were able to be distinguished by examining EBSD IQ, misorientation, and kernel average local misorientation.
Oil dependence: the value of R&D

Over the past quarter century, the United States' dependence on oil has cost its economy on the order of $5 trillion. Oil dependence is defined as economically significant consumption of oil, given price inelastic demand in the short- and long-run and given the ability of the OPEC cartel to use market power to influence oil prices. Although oil prices have been lower and more stable over the past decade, OPEC still holds the majority of the world's conventional oil resources according to the best available estimates. OPEC's share of the world oil market is likely to grow significantly in the future, restoring much if not all of their former market power. Other than market share, the key determinants of OPEC's market power are the long- and short-run price elasticities of world oil demand and supply. These elasticities depend critically on the technologies of oil supply and demand, especially the technology of energy use in transportation. Research and development can change these elasticities in fundamental ways, and given the nature of the problem, the government has an important role to play in supporting such research.
Self-Organized Criticality: Self-Organized Complexity? The Disorder and Simple Complexities of Power Law Distributions

Simple measures of complexity, showing either a monotonic or a convex dependence on disorder, are studied for rank ordered power law distributions, indicative of criticality, in the case where the total number of ranks is large. It is found that a pwoer law distribution may produce a high level of complexity only for a restricted range of system size (as measured by the total number of ranks), with the range depending on the exponent of the distribution. Self-organized criticality thus does not guarantee a high level of complexity, and when complexity does arise, it is self-organized itself only if self-organized criticality is reached at an appropriate system size.
An analog MOS model for circuit simulation and benchmark test results

The BSIM plus MOS transistor model is developed for accurate and efficient analysis and simulation of submicron VLSI circuits. A compact parameter set is created to achieve high accuracy and continuity of the drain current and its derivatives in the subthreshold, triode and saturation regions of operation. Experimental results on individual transistors from deep submicron technologies are presented. Benchmark tests are performed to illustrate the salient features of the BSIM plus model. >
Parallel Branch and Cut

We discuss the main issues that arise in parallelizing the well-known branch-andcut algorithm for solving mixed-integer linear programs. Designing an efficient parallelization scheme requires careful analysis of various tradeoffs involving the degree of synchronization, the degree of centralized storage of information, and the degree to which information discovered during the algorithm is shared between processors. We first present a methodological framework within which these tradeoffs can be analyzed and then show how the framework applies to the design of two software packages that take opposing approaches to achieving scalablility. Finally, we present computational results obtained solving three different problem classes in parallel with increasing numbers of processors. The results illustrate the degree to which various sources of parallel overhead affect scalability and demonstrate that properties of the problem class itself can dictate the effectiveness of a particular methodology.
Environmental filtering of foraging strategies mediates patterns of coexistence in the fire ants Solenopsis geminata and Solenopsis xyloni, and their interspecific hybrids

Tradeoffs in functional traits facilitate species coexistence within communities and are important contributors to community assembly. Two aspects of a life-history tradeoff known to structure ant communities include foraging efficiency (i.e. resource discovery and retrieval) and competitive dominance (territoriality and survivorship following competition). This work examined these aspects in workers of two fire ant species (Solenopsis xyloni and Solenopsis geminata) and their F1 hybrids using laboratory experiments. Parental foraging strategies were consistent with a tradeoff between discovery efficiency and competitive territorial dominance. Desert-adapted S. xyloni was the most efficient forager but the least effective territory defender; mesic-adapted S. geminata was a less efficient forager, but fared best in competition trials. Hybrid workers were generally intermediate, leading to increased survival by hybrids in competitive encounters with S. geminata compared with the performance of S. xyloni. These findings suggest that traits associated with foraging and competitive ability in the parental species are subject to environmental filtering; across habitats, species with a similar dominance rank in their respective communities differ in their placement along the discovery–dominance axis. Interspecific hybridisation may play a role in extending eastern range limits of S. xyloni via shifting colony allocation towards the strategy of its competitor. In the overlap zone, S. xyloni with hybrid workers may be sufficiently competitive to persist with S. geminata, while colonies with S. xyloni workers cannot, providing a substantial selective advantage to hybridisation for S. xyloni queens that may explain the unusual hybridogenetic social structure of this population.
Prediction of Consumer Acceptability of Yogurt by Sensory and Analytical Measures of Sweetness and Sourness

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether predictions of consumer overall liking for yogurt could be made using trained panel ratings of sweetness and sourness and analytical measures of sugars and acids. Forty-nine commercial prestirred yogurts (14 strawberry-flavored, 12 raspberry-flavored, 6 lemon-flavored, and 17 unflavored) were evaluated for sweetness and sourness intensity by a trained panel (11 panelists) and for overall liking by a consumer panel (90 to 182 panelists). Titratable acidity and pH were measured for all samples, but sugars were measured by HPLC only for the flavored yogurts. Consumer overall liking was significantly correlated with sweetness intensity, sweetness:sourness ratio, and the summed impact of sweetness and sourness for strawberry and raspberry yogurt. No correlations between analytical measurements and overall liking were found for any of the yogurts. A sweetness:sourness ratio greater than 1.0 for strawberry-flavored and greater than .8 for raspberry- and lemon-flavored yogurts appeared necessary for high consumer acceptance. Generally, it was found that the sweeter the yogurt, the higher the acceptance of these fruit-flavored yogurts by consumers. No relationships were found for any sensory and analytical measurements for predicting the overall liking of plain yogurt. The best predictors of consumer liking of fruit-flavored yogurt were descriptive panel ratings.
Amino acid C14 incorporation into protein by thyroid gland slices; effects of thyrotropic hormone injections and of hypophysectomy.

Surviving slices of thyroid glands of guinea pigs incorporated the C14 of uniformly labeled l-leucine, l-valine, l-tyrosine, l-arginine, l-aspartic acid, l-phenylalanine and l-proline into proteins. Under identical incubation conditions, the incorporation of the C14 of the C14-leucine into proteins by the thyroid gland slices exceeded that observed with liver slices and diaphragm. The injection of thyrotropic hormone into normal guinea pigs increased the recoveries of the C14-protein in experiments with all 7 labeled amino acids. Hypophysectomy in rats reduced the incorporation of leucine C14 into proteins by slices prepared from their thyroid glands. Injections of thyrotropic hormone corrected this defect in the hypophysectomized rat.
Affect and Cognition in Close Relationships: Towards an Integrative Model

Abstract Research relating to affective and cognitive processes in close relationships is briefly reviewed to illustrate the existence of two virtually independent literatures. It is argued that current approaches to research therefore hinder a comprehensive understanding of close relationships. To initiate an integration of affect and cognition in this domain, central findings are re-analysed with the intent of bringing a cognitive perspective to bear on ostensibly affective research, and vice versa. Several propositions specifying the interdependence of affect and cognition are outlined, and a preliminary model of affective and cognitive processing of behavioural events in marital interaction is introduced and illustrated.
Glycerine and levulinic acid: renewable co-substrates for the fermentative synthesis of short-chain poly(hydroxyalkanoate) biopolymers.

Glycerine (a biodiesel co-product) and levulinic acid (a pulp and paper co-product) were used as co-sub- strates for the fermentative synthesis of short-chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (sc-PHA) biopolymers with tunable monomer and molecular weight characteristics. Pseudomonas oleovorans NRRL B-14682 utilized glycerine alone to produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). When levulinic acid was added to the media at shake-flask scale in concentrations 60.6 wt.%, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB/V) copolymers were produced with 3-HV contents ranging from 37 to 97 mol%; a glycerine:levulinic acid ratio of 0.2%:0.8% (w/v) resulted in poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHV). Ten-liter batch fermentations using glycerine:levulinic acid ratios of 1%:0, 0.75%:0.25%, 0.5%:0.5% and 0.25%:0.75% (w/v) resulted in PHB, P(73%-3HB-co-27%-3HV), P(30%-3HB-co-70%-3HV) and PHV with increasing number average molecular weights (� 10 3 g/mol) of 328, 511, 728 and 1330, respectively, owing to glycerine-based chain termina- tion. These results provide a novel means by which glycerine and levulinic acid can be used collectively to produce an array of distinct sc-PHA biopolymers. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Applications of signal averaging to dorsal root recording

Abstract A signal-averaging computer was used to record evoked responses from whole dorsal roots of the cat. The technique resolved the activity of single large afferents which was elicited by selective mechanical stimulation of skin receptors. The averaged response was usually readily related to the known properties of skin receptors. Indirect evidence was obtained for variation of conduction velocity with fiber length. The technique is currently being used to verify single-receptor activation in studies of postsynaptic central responses and to determine central delays.
Workplace safety in the supply chain: a review of the literature and call for research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and call for additional research into the human, operational, and regulatory issues that contribute to workplace safety in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – Following the safety typology of Brown, this paper identifies several potential research opportunities that can increase awareness of the importance of improving a firm's workplace safety practices. To inform the Brown typology, the paper follows the procedures described in Carter et al. and Maloni and Carter to conduct the comprehensive review of the safety literature across six logistics and transportation journals.Findings – This paper identifies 108 articles which inform the Brown typology. The paper reports how the logistics and transportation safety literature has evolved across the human, operational, and regulatory safety domain across the following journals: International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Mana...
Splicing of goose parvovirus pre-mRNA influences cytoplasmic translation of the processed mRNA

Translation of goose parvovirus (GPV) 72 kDa Rep 1 is initiated from unspliced P9-generated mRNAs in ORF1 from the first in-frame AUG (537 AUG); however, this AUG is bypassed in spliced P9-generated RNA: translation of the 52 kDa Rep 2 protein from spliced RNA is initiated in ORF2 at the next AUG downstream (650 AUG). Usage of the 537 AUG was restored in spliced RNA when the GPV intron was replaced with a chimeric SV40 intron, or following specific mutations of the GPV intron which did not appear in the final spliced mRNA. Additionally, 650 AUG usage was gained in unspliced RNA when the GPV intron splice sites were debilitated. Splicing-dependent regulation of translation initiation was mediated in cis by GPV RNA surrounding the target AUGs. Thus, nuclear RNA processing of GPV P9-generated pre-mRNAs has a complex, but significant, effect on alternative translation initiation of the GPV Rep proteins.
The GAF: The group assessment form: A screening instrument for adolescent group therapy

This article describes the process of evaluating the social competence of developmentally disabled (DD) adolescents who were referred for group therapy and which, in turn, led to the development of the GAF: The Group Assessment Form. The GAF allows for a more organized and in-depth understanding of a particular adolescent's social function. A description of a group treatment program servicing developmentally disabled adolescents and a definition of the term DD follows. Features and benefits of the GAF are discussed, including a symptom rating scale which involves frequency ratings on specific problem social behaviors as reported by the parent and the adolescent, thereby allowing for qualitative comparisons. The article concludes with an outline of additional clinical uses, such as its value as an instructional guide for beginning group leaders during their traineeship and as an aid in clarifying group treatment expectations and goals, thereby preventing possible premature termination.
The effect of an applied stress on the welding of irradiated steels

Abstract Previous attempts to weld irradiated and helium doped steels under constrained conditions have shown that helium concentrations as low as 2 to 3 appm can lead to catastrophic cracking along the heat affected zone (HAZ) and in the fusion zone (FZ) upon cooling after welding. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a stress applied during welding on the weld cracking of three steels (20%CW 316 Stainless Steel, 25%CW PCA and HT-9) irradiated to 6 to 7 dpa. The irradiation temperature was 200°C with resulting helium contents of 75 appm, 86 appm and 2 appm, respectively. After irradiation, the material was welded using a full penetration, gas tungsten arc welding process with stresses of 0, 55, 110, and 165 MPa applied perpendicular to the welding direction. All 316 and PCA irradiated stainless steel specimens showed HAZ or FZ cracking in welds made with no applied stress. No cracking was observed in HT-9 irradiated specimens. No cracking was observed in welds produced with an applied stress. A comparison of irradiated and helium doped experimental results indicates that weld cracking of irradiated materials is no worse than weld cracking in materials doped with He by tritium decay.
Postcards, Ghosts, and Fathers: Revising Family Stories

Storytelling is fundamental to human experience. Through narration, we make meaning out of experience and live within the stories we create. In this layered account, I weave together my family story with a writing-story about the narration of lived experience. My family story conveys an image of my family as it has changed over time and invites the reader to experience my experience with the therapeutic process of story revision. In the writing-story, I explore some of the theoretical, methodological, and epistemological aspects of narrative. I conclude with a discussion of the dialectical relationship between living and telling.
Extranodal spread of anaplastic large cell (CD30+) lymphoma presenting as a cutaneous perivascular infiltrate

Cutaneous lesions of anaplastic large cell (CD30+) lymphoma (ALCL) typically present as solitary or multiple ulcerated nodules. This tumor is histologically characterized by a diffuse dermal and sometimes subcutaneous infiltrate composed of bizarre, pleomorphic, neoplastic cells that may be occasionally multinucleated. We report a case of extranodal spread of ALCL to the skin in a 2 1/2A-year-old boy presenting as a widespread papular eruption that on biopsy showed lymphoma restricted to the perivascular and periadnexal dermis.
Neurotoxicological Evaluation of Ethyl Tertiary‐Butyl Ether Following Subchronic (90‐day) Inhalation in the Fischer 344 Rat

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether repeated 6-h exposure (65 exposures over a 14- week period) of male and female Fischer-344 rats (n = 12 rats/sex/concentration) to ethyl tertiary-butyl ether (ETBE) atmospheres at 500, 1750, or 5000 ppm would result in neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity was assessed by a blinded functional observational battery (FOB), motor activity, and terminal neuropathology. Motor activity was assessed 4 days prior to ETBE exposure and following 20, 42, and 65 days of exposure. The FOB was assessed 4 days prior to ETBE exposure and following 1, 6, 10, 20, 42, and 65 days of exposure. Transient ataxia, a sign of narcosis, was noted in male rats immediately following the 6-h exposure to 5000 ppm ETBE. Statistically significant treatment effects on motor activity were not observed. Minor changes in grip strength and hindlimb splay were observed; however, none demonstrated a dose-response relationship or a consistent pattern of neurological dysfunction. No gross or microscopic abnormalities were observed in the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous systems of rats exposed to 5000 ppm ETBE. No statistically significant differences in brain weight or size were observed in ETBE-exposed rats. A statistically significant increase in body weight was observed in female rats exposed to 5000 ppm following 42 and 65 exposure days. Although ataxia was a common feature of acute ETBE neurotoxicity in rats following high-level exposure, adverse neurological effects are not expected in the general public at the anticipated exposure levels associated with automotive refueling.
POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AMPLIFICATION OF BACTERIAL 16S rRNA GENES FROM COLD-CUP BIOPSY FORCEPS

AbstractPurpose: In looking for a possible infectious cause for interstitial cystitis (IC), we previously determined that bladder tissue specimens from both IC patients and controls were uniformly positive by polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) for bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes from various genera including Escherichia, Propionobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Salmonella. We therefore determined whether the biopsy forceps might be contaminated with bacterial DNA.Materials and Methods: A total of 23 samples were obtained following disinfection of 6 cold-cup bladder biopsy forceps (2 to 5 specimens from each forceps over a period of 19 months). DNA was extracted from each sample, and PCR performed using nested primers from a highly conserved region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Amplified DNA was purified and sequenced, and the sequences obtained were compared with bacterial rRNA gene sequences recorded in GenBank.Results: Thirteen of 23 forceps specimens were positive by PCR for bacterial DNA, includin...
Food component profiles for fruit and vegetable subgroups

To be of practical use to nutrition professionals and consumers, subgroup classifications for fruits and vegetables should be based on similarity in food composition and on easily identifiable classification characteristics. The means and standard deviations (SDs) for 24 food components (including total antioxidant capacity) in previously identified subgroups for fruits and vegetables were determined. The subgroups (dark green leafy vegetables; cabbage family vegetables; lettuces; legumes; Allium family bulbs; deep orange/yellow fruits, roots, and tubers; tomatoes and other red vegetables and fruits; citrus family fruits; red/purple/blue berries; and other fruits and vegetables) highest in food component concentrations were identified. In addition, proposed vegetable subgroups for the 2010 version of the USDA MyPyramid food guide were identified as dark green leafy vegetables and broccoli, other leafy vegetables, legumes, unique vegetables (deep orange, tomatoes, Allium vegetables, etc.), and additional vegetables. Means and SDs for 24 food components in the 5 proposed MyPyramid vegetable subgroups were determined to assess which groups had the highest concentrations of the food components.
An isomeric state in 24Al

Abstract The existence of a 11 isomeric state is reported in 24Al, with a half-life of 129±5 ms. The energies and intensities of the isomeric gamma transition and of three beta transitions have been measured.
Stencil graffiti in urban waterscapes of Buenos Aires and Rosario, Argentina

Stencil graffiti is an illegal, multi-vocal, visual urban discourse that alters the texture of street experience through inventive juxtaposition of mass-mediated and local imagery. Like street arti...
Implementing Ecologically Based Invasive Plant Management: Lessons From a Century of Demonstration Projects in Park Valley, Utah

Implementing Ecologically Based Invasive Plant Management: Lessons From a Century of Demonstration Projects in Park Valley, Utah DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v33i2_morris
Measuring acetabular component version after THA: CT or plain radiograph?

Background Although cross-table lateral radiographs are commonly used to measure acetabular component version after THA, recent studies suggest that CT-based measurement is more accurate. This has been attributed to variations in pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, and component inclination. Furthermore, it has been suggested, based on limited data, that even with ideal positioning of the cross-table lateral radiograph, CT remains the more accurate modality.
Effects of Work and Play Signals on Task Evaluation1

An experiment was conducted to investigate how tasks are evaluated when signalled to be “work” or “play”. A simulation of managerial problem solving found that when a task was signalled as work it was evaluated primarily on the basis of information about its End, whereas when it was signalled as play it was evaluated primarily on the basis of information about its Means. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Nla28S/Nla28 Two-Component Signal Transduction System Regulates Sporulation in Myxococcus xanthus

The response regulator Nla28 is a key component in a cascade of transcriptional activators that modulates expression of many important developmental genes in Myxococcus xanthus. In this study, we identified and characterized Nla28S, a histidine kinase that modulates the activity of this important regulator of M. xanthus developmental genes. We show that the putative cytoplasmic domain of Nla28S has the in vitro biochemical properties of a histidine kinase protein: it hydrolyzes ATP and undergoes an ATP-dependent autophosphorylation that is acid labile and base stable. We also show that the putative cytoplasmic domain of Nla28S transfers a phosphoryl group to Nla28 in vitro, that the phosphotransfer is specific, and that a substitution in the predicted site of Nla28 phosphorylation (aspartate 53) abolishes the phosphotransfer reaction. In phenotypic studies, we found that a mutation in nla28S produces a developmental phenotype similar to, but weaker than, that produced by a mutation in nla28; both mutations primarily affect sporulation. Together, these data indicate that Nla28S is the in vivo histidine kinase partner of Nla28 and that the primary function of the Nla28S/Nla28 two-component signal transduction system is to regulate sporulation genes. The results of genetic studies suggest that phosphorylation of Nla28S is important for the in vivo sporulation function of the Nla28S/Nla28 two-component system. In addition, the quorum signal known as A-signal is important for full developmental expression of the nla28S-nla28 operon, suggesting that quorum signaling regulates the availability of the Nla28S/Nla28 signal transduction circuit in developing cells.
Peer victimization and prospective changes in children's inferential styles.

There is evidence that the cognitive vulnerabilities featured in the hopelessness theory of depression—inferential styles for the causes, consequences, and self-worth implications of negative events—increase risk for depression. Given this, it is important to understand how these inferential styles develop. In this study, we examined the impact of overt and relational peer victimization in a multiwave prospective study of 100 children (8–12 years of age) with peer victimization and inferential styles assessed every 2 months for 6 months (4 assessments total). Overt victimization uniquely predicted prospective changes in children's inferential styles for consequences and relational victimization uniquely predicted changes in inferential styles for self-characteristics. It is important to note that these relations were maintained even after controlling for the impact of concurrent depressive symptoms. These results add to a growing body of research suggesting that peer victimization may increase risk for th...
An automatic electronic apparatus for generating and recording a ramp stimulus for analgesia testing

Analgesia testing is conveniently done by applying an electrical stimulus to the tooth pulp of an animal that, in sufficient strength, causes an observable response. The difference in stimulus strength required in treated and control animals is an effective measure of analgesia, if the conditions can be sufficiently standardized. We describe an apparatus which generates a ramp stimulus at a controlled rate, allows accurate determinations of the response voltage with a digital readout, allows holding a reading to determine whether the response is a valid one, and automatically terminates the stimulus when the maximum voltage is reached. This apparatus was constructed from readily available components and can easily be modified to produce various ramp speeds, modulation frequencies, and maximum voltage outputs.
Proton magnetic resonance study of the binding of purine to polyuridylic acid.

The interaction of unsubstituted purine with polyuridylic acid in D2O solution at neutral pD has been studied by high resolution proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The poly U proton resonances were shifted to higher fields by the added purine, indicating that purine binds to the uracil bases of the polymer by base stacking. Severe broadening of the purine proton resonances was also observed, providing strong evidence for the intercalation of purine between adjacent uracil bases of the polymer. The line widths of the poly U proton resonances were not noticeably broadened in the presence of purine; thus, the binding of purine to poly U does not result in a more rigid or ordered structure for the polymer.
Injection granulomas. Intramuscle or intrafat

OBJECTIVES: Intramuscular injection is a commonly used route of parenteral drug administration. We studied the fat vs muscle location, the depth of calcified buttock granulomas, and the thickness of subcutaneous fat. Data were assessed with respect to the length of a needle commonly used in intramuscular buttock injections. DESIGN: Three hundred thirty-eight sequential pelvic computed tomographic scans were studied. Subcutaneous fat thickness was measured for each patient at the upper outer quadrant of the buttock. The location and depth of each calcified granuloma were also recorded. SETTING: Tertiary care academic teaching hospital. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four calcified granulomas were found in 67 patients. One hundred fifty-two of these granulomas were in fat and 12 were in muscle; this was statistically significant using a single-sample binomial distribution (P < .001;95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.13). The mean (+/- SD) subcutaneous fat thickness at the upper outer quadrant of the buttock was 5.0 +/- 1.9 cm, with female patients having a mean subcutaneous fat thickness of 5.7 +/- 1.8 cm vs 4.4 +/- 1.7 cm for male patients. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that buttock subcutaneous fat thickness exceeds the length of the most commonly used needle for intramuscular buttock injection (3.8 cm), together with the preponderance of calcified granulomas found in the fat of female patients, suggests that the currently used injection technique may not be therapeutically optimal. We suggest that longer needles be used for intramuscular buttock injections in adults.
Analytical shape sensitivity by implicit differentiation for general velocity fields

Abstract A simple approach for analytical shape sensitivity analysis is presented. The shape sensitivity expressions are separated from the velocity fields. This allows independent, general specification of velocity fields. Coordinate independent calculations are not repeated in the shape design loop. The procedure is implemented for two- and three-dimensional optimization problems and significant savings in computational time are demonstrated over the pure divided-differences approach to obtaining shape sensitivities.
Computer graphics as an aid to teaching geometric transformations

During the past several years, there has been much discussion and controversy over what should be taught in high school mathematics, in general, and in high school geometry, in particular. Numerous mathematicians have encouraged the teaching of transformations as part of the standard high school mathematics curriculum[l-4,6-9]. The results of a recent survey of high school teachers of mathematics indicate that 19% have taught geometric transformations, 26% feel adequately prepared to teach such a topic, and 50% would like to teach the topic if materials were available for the average college prep student[5].The topic of transformations is important because transformations are a unifying factor in algebra and geometry. Algebra and geometry are essentially the same material taught from different approaches. In particular, the abstract algebraic concept of a group can be conveyed in purely geometric terms by groups of transformations.
Effects of 2,3-butanedione 2-monoxime on Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors) of cardiac and skeletal muscle.

Single channel and [3H]ryanodine binding measurements were performed to test for a direct functional interaction between 2,3-butanedione 2-monoxime (BDM) and the skeletal and cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors). Single channel measurements were carried out in symmetric 0.25 m KCl media using the planar lipid bilayer method. BDM (1–10 mm) activated suboptimally Ca2+-activated (0.5–1 μm free Ca2+) single, purified and native cardiac and skeletal release channels in a concentration-dependent manner by increasing the number of channel events without a change of single channel conductances. BDM activated the two channel isoforms when added to either side of the bilayer. At a maximally activating cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of 20 μm, BDM was without effect on the cardiac channel, whereas it inhibited skeletal channel activities with IC50≈ 2.5 mm. In agreement with single channel measurements, high-affinity [3H]ryanodine binding to the two channel isoforms was increased in a concentration-dependent manner at ≤1 μm Ca2+. BDM was without a noticeable effect at low (≤0.01 μm) Ca2+ concentrations. At 20 μm Ca2+, BDM inhibited the skeletal but not cardiac channel. These results suggest that BDM regulates the Ca2+ release channels from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal and cardiac muscle in a concentration, Ca2+ and tissue-dependent manner.
Ability of the Masimo pulse CO-Oximeter to detect changes in hemoglobin

The decision to administer blood products is complex and multifactorial. Accurate assessment of the concentration of hemoglobin [Hgb] is a key component of this evaluation. Recently a noninvasive method of continuously measuring hemoglobin (SpHb) has become available with multi-wavelength Pulse CO-Oximetry. The accuracy of this device is well documented, but the trending ability of this monitor has not been previously described. Twenty patients undergoing major thoracic and lumbar spine surgery were recruited. All patients received radial arterial lines. On the contralateral index finger, a R1 25 sensor (Rev E) was applied and connected to a Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter (both Masimo Corp, Irvine, CA). Blood samples were drawn intermittently at the anesthesia provider's discretion and were analyzed by the operating room satellite laboratory CO-Oximeter. The value of Hgb and SpHb at that time point was compared. Trend analysis was performed by the four quadrant plot technique, testing directionality of change, and Critchley's polar plot method testing both directionality and magnitude of the change in values. Eighty-eight samples recorded at times of sufficient signal quality were available for analysis. Four quadrant plot analysis revealed 94% of data within the quadrants associated with the correct direction change, and 90% of data points lay within the analysis bounds proposed by Critchley. Pulse CO-Oximetry offers an acceptable trend monitor in patients undergoing major spine surgery. Future work should explore the ability of this device to detect large changes in hemoglobin, as well as its applicability in additional surgical and non-surgical patient populations.
Inhibition of Candida albicans adhesion by recombinant human antibody single-chain variable fragment specific for Als3p.

The Candida albicans adhesin, Als3p, was identified as a potential cognate antigen for previously described human antibody fragments [single-chain variable fragment (scFv)] based on similarity of the binding pattern of the scFv to the distribution of this protein on the hyphal surface. Although all scFv bound avidly to wild type, scFv3 showed no detectable binding via immunofluorescence assay to strain 1843, containing a homozygous deletion of ALS3. Binding to the ALS3 reintegrant strain, 2322, was preserved, and scFv3 also bound to Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing ALS3. Other scFv retained binding to 1843, but with a markedly altered pattern. To determine if scFv3 could interfere with Als3p function, adhesion assays were conducted using human epithelial or endothelial cells as target. Treatment of wild-type C. albicans with scFv3 reduced adhesion of the fungus to both cell types to levels comparable to the als3Δ/als3Δ mutant. These experiments confirm that phage display is a viable method to isolate human scFv specific to an antigen implicated in C. albicans virulence, and that the scFv interfere with adhesion to human cells. The altered pattern of immunostaining with other scFv that retain binding to the als3Δ/als3Δ mutant suggest that Als3p may also have a role in structural organization of the C. albicans cell surface.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON RESPIRATION : VI. INCREASED PRODUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE ACCOMPANIED BY DECREASE OF ACIDITY.

In petals of Salvia high concentrations of ether cause an increase in oxygen consumption and in the production of CO2, while at the same time a decrease occurs in the acidity of the cell contents.
Sidewall roughness-induced mode splitting and scattering loss in high Q microdisk resonators: Theory and experiment

We report an important experimental observation that in high-Q silicon microdisk resonators, the mode splitting and scattering loss can vary significantly over the azimuthal orders. A theoretical roughness model is developed to explain this phenomenon.
Second-line chemotherapy of epithelial ovarian cancer

Despite the high objective response rate of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer to front-line chemotherapy, the majority of women with this condition ultimately progress or recur after achieving an initial response and are potential candidates for a second-line treatment approach. A number of antineoplastic agents have demonstrated sufficient biological activity to be considered a rational treatment strategy in this clinical setting. In selecting an ‘optimal’ management approach for a particular patient the oncologist must consider a number of issues, including the toxicity of the available drugs, the side effects previously experienced by the individual, convenience, cost and patient choice.
Regulatory function of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the mitochondrion in lipogenesis.

The activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase from freshly isolated mitochondria was shown to be dependent upon the nutritional and metabolic state of the animal prior to sacrifice, such that mitochondria from the livers of 48 hr starved, diabetic, or high fat fed rats had lower enzyme activity than normal, chow fed rats. The activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the rate of lipogenesis were shown to correlate to a certain extent when a reconstituted, cell free system consisting of 105,000 x g supernatant of rat liver and isolated mitochondria was used. This system was employed so that the role of the mitochondrion and pyruvate dehydrogenase in lipogenesis could be investigated. Dichloroacetate increased the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase and increased the rate of lipogenesis, suggesting that the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase is an important factor in determining the rate of lipogenesis in the reconstituted system. It was observed, however, that dichloroacetate was more effective in stimulating the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase than the rate of lipogenesis when mitochondria from starved animals were used to reconstitute lipogenesis. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate ratios and phosphorylation potentials (ATP/ADP×Pi) maintained in the reconstituted system by mitochondria isolated from starved animals were found to be significantly lower than those maintained by mitochondria isolated from chow fed animals. It is proposed that the lower “energy pressure” maintained in the reconstituted system by mitochondria isolated from starved animals severely limits lipogenesis at the ATP requiring steps of the process.
Synthesis and characterization of completely delocalized mixed-valent dicopper complexes.

The multidentate ligands tris[(N‘-tert-butylureayl)-N-ethyl)]amine (H61) and 1-(tert-butylaminocarbonyl)-2,2-dimethylaminoethane (H22) have been used to investigate the assembly and properties of complexes with Cu1.5Cu1.5 units. The complexes [Cu(H51)]2+ and [Cu(H2)]2+ have been isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction methods. [Cu(H51)]2+ has a Cu1.5Cu1.5 core, with each copper ion having square planar coordination geometry. The copper ions are linked through two mono-deprotonated urea ligands, which coordinate as μ-1,3-(κN:κO) ureate bridges to produce a Cu−Cu distance of 2.39 A. The remaining two urea arms of [H51]- form intramolecular hydrogen bonds, the result of which is to confine the Cu1.5Cu1.5 unit within a pseudomacrocycle. The structure of [Cu(H2)]2+ lacks intramolecular hydrogen bonds and thus does not have a pseudomacrocyclic structure. However, the structural properties of the Cu1.5Cu1.5 core in [Cu(H2)]2+ are nearly identical to those of [Cu(H51)]2+. Both complexes exhib...
A semi-iterative process for evaluating arctangents

The technique of obtaining arctangents by inverse interpolation [1] is a relatively long process not suitable for a subroutine. The Taylor series expansion for arguments less than unity converges rather slowly for those near unity. The method of small increments of the argument [2] is again inconvenient for a subroutine. A more rapid series expansion in terms of Chebyshev polynomial [3] is given in terms of a new argument, which is less than 0.1989. This method requires the storage of p, √2 - 1 and seven coefficients and is perhaps widely used. However, for multiple precision not only the coefficients have to be evaluated to the precision desired, but more must be used. Therefore the following alternative method may prove to be convenient and efficient.