cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can Philosophy of Religion Be Pastoral? The Problem of Evil and the Ethics of Comforting the Sick

This article argues that ideas drawn from philosophical and theological treatments of the “problem of evil” can be of some assistance to health care professionals, chaplains, and others invited by patients to listen to and discuss their spiritual concerns. For example, the insight that illness can lead us to virtue might provide a modicum of consolation and happiness to patients of various worldviews. In pondering such ideas, both comforter and sufferer fulfill their moral obligation to seek the truth. And by sensitively communicating possible interpretations of suffering, a comforter can manifest several virtues, including mercy, religion, patience, and truthfulness.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome With Negative Adson's and Hyperabduction Maneuvers

The thoracic outlet syndrome is a prevalent entity. Most cases respond to conservative methods of therapy. Surgical decompression, when necessary, is effective in the majority of cases, and morbidity and mortality are low. The diagnosis of thoracic outlet compression syndrome is usually made on the basis of an adequate history and physical examination. Neuroelectric studies are inconsistently helpful. The predominant symptoms are neuro logic, not vascular. Pulse obliteration does indicate some element of anatomic tightness. However, without symptom reproduction, pulse change has no diagnostic relationship to thoracic outlet syndrome. Conversely, the inability to obliterate or diminish the radial pulse in positions of thoracic outlet tightness, when symptoms are reproduced in those positions, has no corre lation to the results of decompression.
Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles polymer composites based all-optical magnetometer

A method has been developed to prepare cobalt ferrite particle core polymer shell nanoparticles. These engineered nanoparticles can be further embedded into a polymer host matrix to develop highly transparent polymer based magneto-optic materials. A proof-of-principle all-optical magnetometer has been constructed based on the cobalt ferrite core polymer shell based nanocomposite material. A noise equivalent magnetic field sensitivity of 50nT/√Hz was observed using a 3μT 500Hz control magnetic field.
Vulnerability of dorsal root neurons and fibers toward methylmercury toxicity: a morphological evaluation.

Abstract The selective and relative sensitivity of various components (dorsal root neurons, dorsal root fibers, and ventral root fibers) of the dorsal root ganglia toward methylmercury toxicity were investigated. Charles River rats were orally administered methymercury chloride at a daily dose of 2.0 mg/kg body wt for 8 weeks. Dorsal root ganglia (L 1 -S 1 ) were examined with light and electron microscopy. Extensive Wallerian-like degeneration was observed in the dorsal root fibers while no significant changes were found in the dorsal root neurons and in the ventral root fibers at the light-microscopic level. At the electron-microscopic level, only minor and possibly reversible changes, such as increase in lysosomes, neurofilamentous proliferation, and disintegration of the Nissl substance, were observed in the neuronal cell bodies while severe and irreversible degenerative changes occurred in the dorsal root fibers. No remarkable pathological changes were observed in the ventral root fibers. Schwann cells became hypertrophied and transformed into actively phagocytosing macrophages. It is concluded that while the dorsal root ganglia are highly vulnerable to the toxicity of methylmercury, the relative sensitivity to the toxic impact is: dorsal root fiber > dorsal root neuron (nerve cell body) > ventral root fibers.
Langner's 22-item measure of psychophysiological strain as an intervening variable between life change and health outcome

Abstract Langner's 22-item measure of psychophysiological strain is conceptualized as an intervening variable between recent life change and negative change in health. Data analysis indicates that four health change variables are better predicted by the strain variable than by life change, though each contributes independently and significantly to the prediction of health outcomes. The results are discussed in light of a psychosomatic model that views strain as casually closer to health outcome than is life change.
AC conduction in metal-oxide cermets

The frequency response characteristics are measured in Sn-oxide cermets from 80 to 360 K. These measurements along with the models proposed, provide us with some new informations on several conduction parameters: the effective dielectric constant, particle size, particle shape, and enable us to understand the frequency dependence of the ac-parameters. In Sn-Oxidzermets werden die Frequenzresponscharakteristiken zwischen 80 und 360 K gemessen. Diese Messungen in Verbindung mit den vorgeschlagenen Modellen ergeben einige neue Informationen uber verschiedene Leitfahigkeitsparameter, eine effektive Dielektrizitatskonstante, Teilchengrose, Teilchenform und ermoglichen, die Frequenzabhangigkeit der Wechselstromparameter zu verstehen.
Diastolic alterations in infants exposed to intrauterine cocaine: A follow-up study by color kinesis

Abstract Background: During the first 48 hours of life, newborn infants exposed to cocaine in utero have left ventricular diastolic segmental abnormalities. It is unknown whether these abnormalities are transient because of short-term effects or persist in older infants, possibly reflecting a teratogenic effect of cocaine. Methods: This study prospectively evaluated global and segmental systolic and diastolic cardiac parameters by color kinesis. The patients were 2- to 6-month-old infants who were exposed to cocaine in utero (N = 56). Their data were compared with normal control patients with no intrauterine drug exposure (N = 60) and newborns exposed to drugs other than cocaine (N = 72). Results: At the age of 2 to 6 months, there was no significant difference in the measured color kinesis parameters among the cocaine-exposed and the 2 control groups (infants prenatally exposed to other drugs and no drugs). Infants exposed to heavy cocaine prenatally, as compared with the noncocaine-exposed group, had a significant ( P =.007) increase in septal fractional area change during left ventricular filling. Conclusions: At 2 to 6 months of age, infants have recovered from initial left ventricular diastolic segmental alterations seen in the first 48 hours of life except for the septal wall in the heavily cocaine-exposed group. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1361-6.)
Transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection using the argon-beam coagulator and monopolar instruments: an 8-year study and description of technique.

Abstract Objective The objective was to describe the results, technique, and complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic (LSC) pelvic and aortic lymph node dissection (LND) using the argon-beam coagulator (ABC) and monopolar electrosurgical instruments in women with gynecologic malignancies. Methods A retrospective chart review of 114 patients who underwent LSC pelvic and/or aortic LND in addition to other LSC procedures between 1/1994 and 12/2001 was conducted. All intraoperative complications and complications that occurred within the first 30 postoperative days were included. Complications were graded according to an institutional surgical secondary events reference. During the same time period, 89 patients underwent LSC followed immediately by laparotomy that included LND, resulting in a total of 203 cases. These 203 total cases are used as a denominator to determine the etiology of cases converted from LSC to laparotomy. Monopolar electrosurgical instruments or the 10-mm ABC (Conmed) set at 70 W with argon flow of 3–4 L/m min were used for laparoscopic nodal dissection. Results Sixty-one of 114 (53%) patients underwent pelvic LND, 35 (31%) underwent both pelvic and aortic LND, and 18 (16%) underwent aortic LND only. Mean patient age and body mass index were 53.3 years (range, 16 to 87 years) and 25 (range, 16 to 40), respectively. In addition, the mean number of pelvic and aortic lymph nodes removed was 10.7 (range, 1 to 39) and 5.7 (range, 0 to 21), respectively. The mean estimated blood loss was 151 mL (range, 25 to 600 ml) and the mean hospital stay was 2.8 days (range, 0 to 35 days). Overall, complications occurred in eight (7%) cases. There were no fatal complications, and no patient required conversion to laparotomy due to uncontrollable bleeding from the laparoscopic nodal dissection. Only 17 of 203 (8%) patients required conversion to laparotomy secondary to adhesions and unsatisfactory exposure. Conclusions Laparoscopic pelvic and aortic LND for gynecologic malignancies can be satisfactorily performed in the majority of patients, with only 8% of patients requiring conversion to laparotomy due to adhesions or unsatisfactory exposure. The overall complication rate was 7% and was limited to grade 3 or less.
Acid modification of thermal damage and its relationship to nutrient availability

Abstract The purpose of this present investigation was to determine if the presence of exogenous nutrients constitutes a prerequisite for acid modification of thermal damage and to determine if thermal cytotoxicity is affected by nutrient availability under acid conditions. To this end, Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) were heated (42° or 43°C) and/ or irradiated in either McCoy's medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum or glucose free Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS). Both thermal sensitivity and thermal radiosensitization were increased when CHO cells were treated under acid conditions (e.g., pH 6.8) compared to alkaline conditions (e.g., pH 7.2), independent of the media used. Furthermore, decreasing nutrient availability increased thermal cytotoxicity, but the increase was greatest at pH 7.2 compared to pH 6.8. This study indicates that thermal sensitivity is more dependent upon pH than upon nutrient availability.
Single mRNAs visualized by ultrastructural in situ hybridization are principally localized at actin filament intersections in fibroblasts

Considerable evidence indicates that mRNA associates with structural filaments in the cell (cytoskeleton). This relationship would be an important mechanism to effect mRNA sorting since specific mRNAs could be sequestered at sites within the cell. In addition, it can provide a mechanism for spatial regulation of mRNA expression. However, the precise structural interactions between mRNA and the cytoskeleton have yet to be defined. An objective of this work was to visualize "individual" poly(A) mRNA molecules in situ by electron microscopy to identify their relationship to individual filaments. Poly(A) RNA and filaments were identified simultaneously using antibodies to detect hybridized probe and filaments or actin-binding proteins. In human fibroblasts, most of the poly(A) mRNA (72%) was localized within 5 nm of orthogonal networks of F-actin filaments. Poly(A) mRNA also colocalized with vimentin filaments (29%) and microtubules (< 10%). The sites of mRNA localization were predominantly at filament intersections. The majority of poly(A) mRNA and polysomes colocalized with the actin crosslinking proteins, filamin, and alpha-actinin, and the elongation factor, EF-1 alpha (actin-binding protein; ABP-50). Evidence that intersections contained single mRNA molecules was provided by using a labeled oligo dT probe to prime the synthesis of cDNA in situ using reverse transcriptase. Both the poly(A) and cis sequences of the same mRNA molecule could then be visualized independently. We propose that the cytoskeletal intersection is a mRNA receptor and serves as a "microdomain" where mRNA is attached and functionally expressed.
NaF potentiates a K(+)-selective ion channel in G292 osteoblastic cells.

Clinical studies have established that NaF increases mineral content in bone, although the cellular mechanisms underlying its osteoinductive effects remain unclear. Because metabolic effects of fluoride have been linked to ion flux and alterations in membrane potential, we used patch-clamp recording techniques to examine the electrophysiological response of osteoblastic cells to NaF. In these experiments, we show that NaF increased the amplitude and P open of a 73 pS potassium-selective ion channel. The effect of NaF depended on extracellular Ca2+ and could be blocked by a combination of calcium-channel blocking agents, suggesting that potentiation of channel activity was dependent on external calcium. Because all patches were in the cell-attached configuration, the effect of NaF was presumably indirect. Although the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear, our findings suggest that activity of calcium and/or potassium-selective channels via second messenger cascades may mediate many of the early events involved in the response of bone cells to inorganic fluoride.
Home run or strikeout: The dynamics of public opinion on new sports facilities

Abstract Determinants of political support for new sports facilities are explored. We test to what extent the civic attachment and civic optimism of a respondent promotes support for new facilities. Survey data from the 2005 CBS News/New York Times monthly poll were analyzed to find variables that affected public support for a new stadium for the New York Mets and a new arena for the New Jersey Nets. Whether New Yorkers’ were optimistic about the future of New York and whether they planned to continue living in New York had a significant impact on whether they supported new facilities. Demographic factors that frequently explain political differences did not have a significant effect. Respondents with greater civic attachment and optimism were more likely to support major sports projects. The findings open the door for additional research on how civic attachment and optimism impact the willingness of community residents to support major public projects.
FEM modeling of infinite/semi-infinite domains by using slope constraint and drilling degrees of freedom (d.o.f.)

Infinite or semi-infinite domain problems occur frequently in the modeling of smart structures. Interaction of fields with complex geometries in conjunction with infinite or semi-infinite domains is modeled by introducing a mathematical boundary within which the finite element representation is employed. On the mathematical boundary, the finite element representation is matched with analytical representations in the infinite/semi-infinite domain. The matching has been done with and without slope constraints on the boundary. Drilling degrees of freedom at each of the nodes of the finite element model are introduced to reduce artificial reflection at the mathematical boundary. Of the different methods studied, it was found that a combination of slope constraint and drilling d.o.f. can reduce spurious reflections from the mathematical boundary. Examples involving elastic and acoustic wave scattering by a simple structure in a semi-infinite half space are considered. The method can also be easily applied to electromagnetic field problems.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pex19 Binds Multiple Peroxisomal Membrane Proteins, Is Predominantly Cytoplasmic, and Is Required for Peroxisome Membrane Synthesis

Peroxisomes are components of virtually all eukaryotic cells. While much is known about peroxisomal matrix protein import, our understanding of how peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs) are targeted and inserted into the peroxisome membrane is extremely limited. Here, we show that PEX19 binds a broad spectrum of PMPs, displays saturable PMP binding, and interacts with regions of PMPs required for their targeting to peroxisomes. Furthermore, mislocalization of PEX19 to the nucleus leads to nuclear accumulation of newly synthesized PMPs. At steady state, PEX19 is bimodally distributed between the cytoplasm and peroxisome, with most of the protein in the cytoplasm. We propose that PEX19 may bind newly synthesized PMPs and facilitate their insertion into the peroxisome membrane. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that the loss of PEX19 results in degradation of PMPs and/or mislocalization of PMPs to the mitochondrion.
Editing for an AMPA receptor subunit RNA in prefrontal cortex and striatum in Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and schizophrenia

Animal studies and cell culture experiments demonstrated that posttranscriptional editing of the transcript of the GluR-2 gene, resulting in substitution of an arginine for glutamine in the second transmembrane region (TM II) of the expressed protein, is associated with a reduction in Ca2+ permeability of the receptor channel. Thus, disturbances in GluR-2 RNA editing with alteration of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis could lead to neuronal dysfunction and even neuronal degeneration. The present study determined the proportions of edited and unedited GluR-2 RNA in the prefrontal cortex of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease, in the striatum of brains from patients with Huntington's disease, and in the same areas of brains from age-matched schizophrenics and controls, by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, restriction endonuclease digestion, gel electrophoresis and scintillation radiometry. In the prefrontal cortex of controls, 99.9% were edited; in the prefrontal cortex both of schizophrenics and of Alzheimer's patients approximately 1.0% of all GluR-2 RNA molecules were unedited and 99% were edited. In the striatum of controls and of schizophrenics, approximately 0.5% of GluR-2 RNA molecules were unedited and 99.5% were edited; in the striatum of Huntington's patients nearly 5.0% of GluR-2 RNA was unedited. In the prefrontal white matter of controls, approximately 7.0% of GluR-2 RNA was unedited. In the normal human prefrontal cortex and striatum, the large majority of GluR-2 RNA molecules contains a CGG codon for arginine in the TMII coding region; this implies that the corresponding AMPA receptors have a low Ca2+ permeability, as previously demonstrated for the rat brain. The process of GluR-2 RNA editing is compromised in a region-specific manner in schizophrenia, in Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's Chorea although in each of these disorders there is still a large excess of edited GluR-2 RNA molecules. Disturbances of GluR-2 RNA editing leading to excessive Ca2+ permeability, may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in schizophrenia and to neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.
Predictors of social dominance and aggression in gilts

Abstract Factors affecting social dominance and rates of aggression in gilts housed together to form breeding groups were examined by observing behaviour in 16 groups of varying sizes. Each group was observed during the time when they were fed for 30–60 min on each of 4–6 mornings in the first two weeks after grouping. Two dependent variables were calculated, the proportion of aggressive interactions initiated by each gilt in relation to the total interactions in which it was engaged and the ratio of the number of gilts dominated to the number that dominated her. Separate stepwise multiple regressions, one for each dependent variable, revealed that among 7 independent variables, only body mass at 21 days of age was a significant predictor of social dominance in groups of gilts. Using proportion of interactions initiated, r 2 =0.066, P =0.0008, and using the dominance ratio, r 2 =0.059, P =0.0016). The following variables were not significant predictors of social dominance in either analysis: anogenital distance, crown-rump length, proportion of males in the gilt's birth litter, size of the gilt's birth litter, and body mass at birth. Separate chi-square tests revealed that the social dominance status of the sow (the mothers of the observed gilts), which had been previously observed, was a significant predictor of gilt dominance ( χ 2 =30.559; P
Matrix Metalloproteinases, Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases, and Inflammation in Cyclosporine A–Induced Gingival Enlargement: A Pilot In Vitro Study Using a Three-Dimensional Model of the Human Oral Mucosa

Background: It has been suggested that cyclosporine A (CsA) induces gingival enlargement by promoting an increase in the gingival extracellular matrix (ECM). Nonetheless, the variable occurrence of CsA-induced gingival enlargement in patients receiving this medication indicates a multifactorial pathogenesis. Clinical observations suggest that local inflammation is associated with the development and severity of CsA-induced gingival enlargement. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of CsA and inflammation on the production of ECM homeostatic mediators.Methods: The effects of CsA and inflammation (as assessed using interleukin [IL]-1β) on the secretion of mediators involved in ECM homeostasis were determined using fibroblast monolayers and three-dimensional (3D) models of the human oral mucosa. Fibroblast monolayers and 3D cultures were treated with CsA alone or in combination with IL-1β for up to 72 hours, and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10...
Sustaining the Commons: The Tragedy Works Both Ways

In the management of common property resources, privatization is often advocated as the surest path to sustainability because of its reliance on human self-interest in natural resources decision making. This article demonstrates that the motive of self-interest, though powerful, does not necessarily lead to environmental outcomes that promote the common good. The key to avoiding the Tragedy of the Commons is not private ownership but controlling access.
An Efficient Approach for Fault Diagnosis in a Boolean n-Cube Array of Microprocessors

In this correspondence a O(n3)-time algorithm for fault diagnosis in an n-cube connected array of processors is presented using the notion of candidate processors and syndrome information digraphs.
Endoscopic treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction

Endoscopic intervention in acute colorectal obstruction can effectively relieve symptoms and facilitate preoperative bowel preparation. Several techniques have been investigated, and each has specific advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses the use of endoscopic stenting, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy in the management of acute colorectal obstruction.
Gα13 stimulates cell migration through cortactin-interacting protein Hax-1

Galpha13, the alpha-subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein G13, has been shown to stimulate cell migration in addition to inducing oncogenic transformation. Cta, a Drosophila ortholog of G13, has been shown to be critical for cell migration leading to the ventral furrow formation in Drosophila embryos. Loss of Galpha13 has been shown to disrupt cell migration associated with angiogenesis in developing mouse embryos. Whereas these observations point to the vital role of G13-orthologs in regulating cell migration, widely across the species barrier, the mechanism by which Galpha13 couples to cytoskeleton and cell migration is largely unknown. Here we show that Galpha13 physically interacts with Hax-1, a cytoskeleton-associated, cortactin-interacting intracellular protein, and this interaction is required for Galpha13-stimulated cell migration. Hax-1 interaction is specific to Galpha13, and this interaction is more pronounced with the mutationally or functionally activated form of Galpha13 as compared with the wild-type Galpha13. Expression of Hax-1 reduces the formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes in Galpha13-expressing NIH3T3 cells. Coexpression of Hax-1 also attenuates Galpha(13)-stimulated activity of Rho while potentiating Galpha13-stimulated activity of Rac. The presence of a quadnary complex consisting of Galpha13, Hax-1, Rac, and cortactin indicates the role of Hax-1 in tethering Galpha13 to the cytoskeletal component(s) involved in cell movement. Whereas the expression of Hax-1 potentiates Galpha13-mediated cell movement, silencing of endogenous Hax-1 with Hax-1-specific small interfering RNAs drastically reduces Galpha13-mediated cell migration. These findings, along with the observation that Hax-1 is overexpressed in metastatic tumors and tumor cell lines, suggest a novel role for the association of oncogenic Galpha13 and Hax-1 in tumor metastasis.
Speeding up web service composition with volatile information

This paper introduces a novel method for composing Web services in the presence of external volatile information. Our approach, which we call the informed-presumptive, is compared to previous state-of-the-art approaches for Web service composition in volatile environments. We show empirically that the informed-presumptive strategy produces compositions in significantly less time than the other strategies with lesser backtracks.
Parosteal osteosarcoma dedifferentiating into telangiectatic osteosarcoma: importance of lytic changes and fluid cavities at imaging.

Dear Sir: The scientific article entitled “Parosteal osteosarcoma dedifferentiating into telangiectatic osteosarcoma: importance of lytic changes and fluid cavities at imaging.” by Azura et al. published in the July issue of Skeletal Radiology [1] raises a few questions that need more clarification than the information in the paper provides. While this paper intends to demonstrate that telangiectatic osteosarcoma is the dedifferentiated component in low-grade parosteal osteosarcoma, the microscopic photographs do not adequately demonstrate that either of these components is present. There is some suggestion of these features in the imaging, but the premise of the paper and the confirmation of the imaging impression rest upon their histological correlation. Sincerely,
Detailed experiments of flame spread across deep butanol pools

Experiments using simultaneous rainbow schlieren deflectometry, particle image velocimetry (PIV), infrated (IR) thermography, standard flame imaging, and thermocouples are conducted to reveal detailed physics of low-speed, forced-opposed-flow flame spread over liquid pools. Our effort concentrates on the effects of gravity and air flow speed on the flame-spread behavior across a deep, rectangular tray filled with 1-butanol. The microgravity ( μg ) part of the experiment is the first combustion experiment conducted aboard a sounding rocket. Several novel observations are made. Even with forced-air velocities of the same order of magnitude as that induced naturally by buoyancy in normal gravity, the μg flame behavior is completely different. Whereas the normal gravity (1 g ) flames we studied are soot-producing, and pulsate and spread rapidly, the μg flames are free of soot and spread steadily and very slowly. The rainbow schlieren measurements show that heat penetrates far deeper into the pool in μg , suggesting that the major effect of liquid-phase buoyancy is its stratification of the temperature field in 1 g : its absence in μg may lead to a very different liquid-phase surface temperature, flow field, and flame-spread character. The IR thermography reveals hetetofore unobserved liquid surface temperature and side-flow phenomena in both 1 g and μg . PIV has been used for the first time to obtain quantitative, full-field, liquid-phase velocity fields ahead of the flame, revealing significantly more surface flow in μg than in 1 g . A state-of-the-art model's predictions are qualitatively confirmed in regard to gravitational effects on flame shape, flame extinction in μg when there is no opposed air flow, and fuel consumption rate. Disagreement is found in the flame spread character in μg , unless hot gas expansion is artificially set to zero.
Particle rotations during plastic deformation of 5086 aluminum alloy

Particle fracture is an important void nucleation mode in numerous alloys where fracture is governed by void nucleation and growth processes. The rotations of brittle phase inclusions/particles can facilitate particle cracking (and, therefore, void nucleation) by bringing the inclusions/particles in favorable orientations with respect to the applied/induced tensile load, thereby increasing the void nucleation rate. In this contribution, we present detailed quantitative microstructural data on the rotations of Fe-rich inclusions in a 5086 (O) Al-alloy as a function of strain and stress states. These results are compared with our earlier data on particle rotations in 6061 (T6) Al-alloy, and the differences are explained on the basis of differences in the microstructure and constitutive behavior of the two alloys.
Problems in Estimating Measurement Error From Panel Data An Example Involving the Measurement of Scientific Productivity

In this paper we apply recently developed models for the estimation of reliability and stability coefficients from panel data to a study of scientific productivity. The models, which assume a first-order autoregressive process among true-score variables, yield either reliability and stability estimates which seem implausible when the statistical fits of the models to the data are good, or poor statistical fits when more plausible estimates are produced. We then examine an alternative model encompassing a latent variable which causes true scores and which is itself governed by a first-order autoregressive process. The results for this model are acceptable, and we conclude that the panel models developed for the estimation of measurement reliability are not appropriate representations of the causal processes involved in scientific productivity. We suggest that this type of misspecification will often occur in the application of models which assume independent disturbances for true-score variables.
Factors influencing the penetration and activity of antibiotics in experimental meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection that has been difficult to treat historically and guidelines regarding effective antimicrobial therapy have emerged largely from case reports of failures and slowly accummulated clinical experience. Several factors contribute to this situation. First, infection is located in a closed space and the penetration of antimicrobial agents into the area of infection is erratic and frequently poor. Secondly, viable bacteria in the open spaces of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) appear to be resistant to phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes. This so-called surface phagocytosis phenomenon reduces the impact of the host defenses on eradication of bacteria and thus appears to make the contribution of bactericidal antibiotic activity more critical for the treatment of this disease. Since the complexities of the various factors that influence treatment of bacterial meningitis cannot be analysed in the human, a rabbit model of meningitis was developed in 1973 by Dacey and Sande in order to approach relevant questions regarding the treatment of this disease. This review will summarise the major contributions of this model from studies done at the University of Virginia School of Medicine over the last seven years.
Abundance and Distribution of Northern Squawfish, Walleyes, and Smallmouth Bass in John Day Reservoir, Columbia River

Abstract We used mark-recapture and catch-per-unit effort data to estimate abundances and distributions of three potential predators on juvenile salmonids migrating through John Day Reservoir in 1984–1986. The northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis was the most abundant predator (estimated population: 85,316), followed by smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu (34,954) and walleye Stizostedion vitreum (15,168). Because of uncertainty in sampling and assumptions of the mark-recapture estimator, the combined abundance of these three predators could lie between 50,000 and 500,000. We believe, however, that bias is probably negative, and that any errors should result in conservative estimates. Northern squawfish were common reservoir-wide, but large concentrations occurred immediately below McNary Dam near the head of John Day Reservoir. Walleyes were largely restricted to the upper third of the reservoir, whereas the number of smallmouth bass increased progressively downriver. As judged by abundance and ...
Uncoupling of cytochrome P450 1A and stimulation of reactive oxygen species production by co-planar polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

The non-ortho-polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener 3,3'4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) can uncouple the catalytic cycle of fish (scup) cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) and mammalian (rat, human) CYP1A1, stimulating release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). PCB 77 also inactivates CYP1A in an NADPH-, oxygen-, and time-dependent process, linked to uncoupling. We addressed a hypothesis that planar halogenated hydrocarbons generally will uncouple CYP1A. Thus, additional PCB congeners including non-ortho-3,3',4,4',5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169), mono-ortho-2,3,3',4,4'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105) and di-ortho-2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52), as well as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), were examined for their ability to stimulate microsomal ROS production and to inactivate CYP1A. Incubated without NADPH, non-ortho-PCB 126 and -PCB 169 both inhibited microsomal CYP1A activity (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase; EROD). When NADPH was included, these congeners caused a progressive inactivation of CYP1A, in addition to the inhibition. The determined K(Inact) values for inactivation were 0.14 and 0.08 microM, respectively, for PCB 126 and PCB 169, similar to the 0.05 microM for PCB 77 previously reported. The mono-ortho-PCB 105 weakly inhibited and weakly inactivated CYP1A. The di-ortho-PCB 52 neither inhibited nor inactivated CYP1A. Alone, B[a]P strongly inhibited CYP1A, but when NADPH was added that inhibition was reversed, apparently by metabolic depletion of the substrate, and there was no inactivation. PCB 126 and PCB 169 stimulated release of ROS from induced liver microsomes, while B[a]P, PCB 52 and PCB 105 did not. ROS release and CYP1A inactivation stimulated by the non-ortho-PCB 126 and PCB 169 indicate an uncoupling of CYP1A like that previously shown with PCB 77. The uncoupling and release of ROS further suggest a participation of CYP1A in the oxidative stress associated with some planar halogenated aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists.
Complementing global measures of RNA folding with local reports of backbone solvent accessibility by time resolved hydroxyl radical footprinting.

Abstract A variety of analytical techniques are used to probe the mechanisms by which RNA molecules fold to discrete three dimensional structures. Methods such as small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) report global properties like overall size and shape of the RNA. Other methods such as chemical or enzymatic mapping (footprinting) report properties with resolution as fine as single nucleotide. The hydroxyl radical (•OH) is a footprinting probe which cleaves the oligonucleotide backbone independently of sequence and thus is a valuable reporter of backbone solvent accessibility. Combinations of global and local measures of folding reactions are uniquely able to distinguish specific from nonspecific processes. This article highlights the application of •OH footprinting as a complement to SAXS for kinetics analysis of RNA folding. We illustrate this combination of techniques using a study of the role played by the stiffness of a hinge in determining the rate limiting step of a Mg 2+ -mediated RNA folding reaction.
Improved Oxacillin Treatment Outcomes in Experimental Skin and Lung Infection by a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolate with a vraSR Operon Deletion

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are major pathogens causing infections of the skin and soft tissues and more serious, life-threatening diseases, including sepsis and necrotizing pneumonia. The vraSR operon encodes the key regulatory system that modulates the stress response of S. aureus elicited upon exposure to cell wall antibiotics. Mutation of vraS and vraR results in decreased oxacillin resistance in vitro. We investigated the effect of oxacillin treatment in experimental models employing a clinical USA300 MRSA strain (strain 923) and an isogenic vraSR deletion mutant (strain 923-M23). In a murine model of S. aureus necrotizing pneumonia, animals were treated with oxacillin, beginning 15 min after inoculation. Among mice infected with mutant strain 923-M23, oxacillin treatment significantly improved survival compared with saline treatment, whereas oxacillin treatment had no effect in mice infected with strain 923. Similarly, treatment with oxacillin decreased the bacterial burden among animals infected with strain 923-M23 but not among animals infected with strain 923. In a murine skin infection model, oxacillin eliminated the development of dermonecrosis among 923-M23-infected mice and decreased the bacterial burden in the lesions, but not among strain 923-infected mice. We conclude that deletion of the vraSR operon allowed an oxacillin regimen to be effective in murine models of MRSA pneumonia and skin infection. These findings provide proof-of-principle for development of a new antibiotic that could restore the usefulness of oxacillin against MRSA by inhibiting VraS or VraR.
THE DIFFERENCES OF DRIVING BEHAVIOR AMONG DIFFERENT DRIVER AGE GROUPS AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS

Over the past few years the population of older drivers has substantially increased across the United States. Older drivers are a group of special interest because of their potential age-related deficiencies. It is essential to understand their driving behavior and adjust the conditions of roadway systems according to their requirements. Likewise, driving behavior of older drivers needs to be considered in order to adequately estimate capacities at intersections. In the past few years, research projects were performed by the University of South Florida to analyze the differences of driving behavior among different driver age groups. Typically, the driving behavior of older drivers was evaluated by analyzing their start-up lost time and saturation headway at signalized intersections as compared to young and mid-age driver groups. Research results were based on data collected from signalized intersections with different land-use types. These intersections are located in west and central Florida where the elderly population has been increasing rapidly in recent years. From the results it was found that the presence of older drivers significantly reduced intersection capacity at all study sites because of their higher lost times and lower saturation flow rates. Therefore, driving behavior of older drivers should be considered in designing intersections located in places with a significant older driver population. In the research, models were developed to predict start-up lost time and saturation headway values generated by older drivers. Then, the variation in capacities with an increasing percentage of older drivers in the traffic stream was modeled. Finally, adjustment factors for different percentages of older drivers were developed to adjust intersection capacity. These factors are believed to account for the presence of older drivers in the traffic stream. The adjustment factors may be used in capacity analysis and design procedures for intersections with a significant older driver population.
A monolithic isolation amplifier in silicon-on-insulator CMOS

We designed and fabricated a 4-channel digital isolation amplifier in a 0.5 /spl mu/m silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technology, by taking advantage of the isolation properties of the SOS substrate. The individual isolation channels can operate in the excess of 100Mbps using a differential transmission scheme. The device can tolerate ground bounces of 1V//spl mu/s and isolate more than 800V. The device uses an isolated charge pump circuit to power the input circuit from the isolated output side and thus can be used as a sensing device. Applications are in the industrial, medical and military: high reliability systems, harsh industrial environments, transportation, medical and life critical systems.
One Thing Leads to Another: Recurrent Militarized Disputes in Latin America, 1816-1986

Most systematic research on interstate conflict has overlooked the effects of one confrontation on subsequent conflict between the same adversaries. This article explores three aspects of recurrent...
Developmental functions of the Distal-less/Dlx homeobox genes

Distal-less is the earliest known gene specifically expressed in developing insect limbs; its expression is maintained throughout limb development. The homeodomain transcription factor encoded by Distal-less is required for the elaboration of proximodistal pattern elements in Drosophila limbs and can initiate proximodistal axis formation when expressed ectopically. Distal-less homologs, the Dlx genes, are expressed in developing appendages in at least six phyla, including chordates, consistent with requirements for Dlx function in normal appendage development across the animal kingdom. Recent work implicates the Dlx genes of vertebrates in a variety of other developmental processes ranging from neurogenesis to hematopoiesis. We review what is known about the invertebrate and vertebrate Dll/Dlx genes and their varied roles during development. We propose revising the vertebrate nomenclature to reflect phylogenetic relationships among the Dlx genes.
Heterogenous distributed simulation

Simulations can often be substituted for expensive or difficult experiments involving real physical resources. Heterogeneous distributed simulation, a fairly recent phenomenon, is an example of simulation made possible by low cost, high performance processors and medium-to-high-bandwidth, (potentially long distance) communication networks. Heterogeneous distributed simulation brings together heterogeneous, physically distributed resources for simulation purposes, thus supporting experiments that could otherwise be expensive or difficult. Heterogeneous distributed simulation is sufficiently new that many issues regarding its use remain. These issues include fault tolerance, dynamic reconfiguration, real time requirements and optimal approaches to process synchronization and communication. We discuss these issues and others and propose some directions for research.
Decentralized ℋ︁∞ controller design for large‐scale civil structures

Complexities inherent to large-scale modern civil structures pose many challenges in the design of feedback structural control systems for dynamic response mitigation. With the emergence of low-cost sensors and control devices creating technologies from which large-scale structural control systems can deploy, a future control system may contain hundreds, or even thousands, of such devices. Key issues in such large-scale structural control systems include reduced system reliability, increasing communication requirements, and longer latencies in the feedback loop. To effectively address these issues, decentralized control strategies provide promising solutions that allow control systems to operate at high nodal counts. This paper examines the feasibility of designing a decentralized controller that minimizes the ℋ∞ norm of the closed-loop system. ℋ∞ control is a natural choice for decentralization because imposition of decentralized architectures is easy to achieve when posing the controller design using linear matrix inequalities. Decentralized control solutions are investigated for both continuous-time and discrete-time ℋ∞ formulations. Numerical simulation results using a 3-story and a 20-story structure illustrate the feasibility of the different decentralized control strategies. The results also demonstrate that when realistic semi-active control devices are used in combination with the decentralized ℋ∞ control solution, better performance can be gained over the passive control cases. It is shown that decentralized control strategies may provide equivalent or better control performance, given that their centralized counterparts could suffer from longer sampling periods due to communication and computation constraints. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lithium treatment attenuates muscarinic M(1) receptor dysfunction.

Creson TK, Austin DR, Shaltiel G, McCammon J, Wess J, Manji HK, Chen G. Lithium treatment attenuates muscarinic M1 receptor dysfunction. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 238–249. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objective: Altered muscarinic acetylcholine receptor levels and receptor-coupled signaling processes have been reported in mood disorders. M1, one of five muscarinic receptor subtypes, couples to the phospholipase C/protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. Mood stabilizers regulate these pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that suppress translation in a sequence-selective manner. Lithium downregulates several miRNAs, including let-7b and let-7c. One predicted target of let-7b and let-7c is the M1 receptor. We hypothesized that miRNAs regulate M1 receptor translation, and that disrupted M1 expression leads to aberrant behaviors and disrupted downstream signaling pathways that are rescued by lithium treatment. Methods: The effects of miRNAs and chronic treatment with mood stabilizers on M1 levels were tested in primary cultures and in rat frontal cortex. Effects of M1 ablation and chronic treatment with mood stabilizers on several signaling cascades and M1-modulated behaviors were examined in wild-type and M1 knockout mice. Results: Let-7b, but not let-7c, negatively regulated M1 levels. Chronic treatment with lithium, but not valproate, increased M1 levels in the rat cortex. M1 knockout mice exhibit ERK pathway deficits and behavioral hyperactivity; chronic treatment with lithium attenuated these deficits and hyperactivity. Conclusions: Lithium treatment can affect M1 receptor function through intracellular signaling enhancement and, in situations without M1 ablation, concomitant receptor upregulation via mechanisms involving miRNAs. Muscarinic dysfunction may contribute to mood disorders, while M1 receptors and the downstream ERK pathway may serve as potential therapeutic targets for alleviating manic symptoms such as psychomotor hyperactivity.
Requirement for Phe36 for DNA binding and mismatch repair by Escherichia coli MutS protein

The MutS family of DNA repair proteins recognizes base pair mismatches and insertion/deletion mismatches and targets them for repair in a strand-specific manner. Photocrosslinking and mutational studies previously identified a highly conserved Phe residue at the N-terminus of Thermus aquaticus MutS protein that is critical for mismatch recognition in vitro. Here, a mutant Escherichia coli MutS protein harboring a substitution of Ala for the corresponding Phe36 residue is assessed for proficiency in mismatch repair in vivo and DNA binding and ATP hydrolysis in vitro. The F36A protein is unable to restore mismatch repair proficiency to a mutS strain as judged by mutation to rifampicin or reversion of a specific point mutation in lacZ. The F36A protein is also severely deficient for binding to heteroduplexes containing an unpaired thymidine or a G:T mismatch although its intrinsic ATPase activity and subunit oligomerization are very similar to that of the wild-type MutS protein. Thus, the F36A mutation appears to confer a defect specific for recognition of insertion/deletion and base pair mismatches.
Genetic differences in pupal diapause incidence between two selected strains of the flesh fly

This study assesses the importance of genetic differences that underlie differences in pupal diapause incidence among two lines of the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata. Lines of high and low diapause Incidence were derived through selection and subsequent Inbreeding from an original strain and the diapause incidence was observed among F1, F2, and backcross progeny in a strongly diapause-inducing environment. Results consistently revealed patterns indicating that diapause capability is greatly dependent on heritable factors, although the patterns of Inheritance are not additive. The observed differences in diapause levels resulting from artificial selection imply that local natural populations exhibit a large amount of variability in response to diapause-inducing environmental factors. A relatively small number of gene loci are likely to control the diapause response in this species.