cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contagious Antibiotic Resistance: Plasmid Transfer among Bacterial Residents of the Zebrafish Gut.

ABSTRACT By characterizing the trajectories of antibiotic resistance gene transfer in bacterial communities such as the gut microbiome, we will better understand the factors that influence this spread of resistance. Our aim was to investigate the host network of a multidrug resistance broad-host-range plasmid in the culturable gut microbiome of zebrafish. This was done through in vitro and in vivo conjugation experiments with Escherichia coli as the donor of the plasmid pB10::gfp. When this donor was mixed with the extracted gut microbiome, only transconjugants of Aeromonas veronii were detected. In separate matings between the same donor and four prominent isolates from the gut microbiome, the plasmid transferred to two of these four isolates, A. veronii and Plesiomonas shigelloides, but not to Shewanella putrefaciens and Vibrio mimicus. When these A. veronii and P. shigelloides transconjugants were the donors in matings with the same four isolates, the plasmid now also transferred from A. veronii to S. putrefaciens. P. shigelloides was unable to donate the plasmid, and V. mimicus was unable to acquire it. Finally, when the E. coli donor was added in vivo to zebrafish through their food, plasmid transfer was observed in the gut, but only to Achromobacter, a rare member of the gut microbiome. This work shows that the success of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance spread in a gut microbiome depends on the donor-recipient species combinations and therefore their spatial arrangement. It also suggests that rare gut microbiome members should not be ignored as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistance plasmids from food. IMPORTANCE To understand how antibiotic resistance plasmids end up in human pathogens, it is crucial to learn how, where, and when they are transferred and maintained in members of bacterial communities such as the gut microbiome. To gain insight into the network of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance sharing in the gut microbiome, we investigated the transferability and maintenance of a multidrug resistance plasmid among the culturable bacteria of the zebrafish gut. We show that the success of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance spread in a gut microbiome can depend on which species are involved, as some are important nodes in the plasmid-host network and others are dead ends. Our findings also suggest that rare gut microbiome members should not be ignored as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistance plasmids from food.
Psychometric evaluation of a patient-reported item bank for healthcare engagement.

Healthcare engagement is a core measurement target for efforts to improve healthcare systems. This construct is broadly defined as the extent to which healthcare services represent collaborative partnerships with patients. Previous qualitative work operationalized healthcare engagement as generalized self-efficacy in four related subdomains: self-management, collaborative communication, health information use, and healthcare navigation. Building on this work, our objective was to establish a healthcare engagement instrument that is sufficiently unidimensional to yield a single score. We conducted cognitive interviews followed by a nation-wide mail survey of US Veteran Administration (VA) healthcare users. Data were collected on 49 candidate healthcare engagement items, as well as measures of self-efficacy for managing symptoms, provider communication, and perceived access. Items were subjected to exploratory bifactor, statistical learning, and IRT analyses. Cognitive interviews were completed by 56 patients and 9552 VA healthcare users with chronic conditions completed the mail survey. Participants were mostly white and male but with sizable minority participation. Psychometric analyses and content considerations reduced the item pool to 23 items, which demonstrated a strong general factor (OmegaH of .89). IRT analyses revealed a high level of reliability across the trait range and little DIF across groups. Most health information use items were removed during analyses, suggesting a more independent role for this domain. We provide quantitative evidence for a relatively unidimensional measure of healthcare engagement. Despite developed with VA healthcare users, the measure is intended for general use. Future work includes short-form development and validation with other patient groups.
Cues from mRNA splicing prevent default Argonaute silencing in C. elegans.

Summary In animals, Argonaute small-RNA pathways scan germline transcripts to silence self-replicating genetic elements. However, little is known about how endogenous gene expression is recognized and licensed. Here, we show that the presence of introns and, by inference, the process of mRNA splicing prevents default Argonaute-mediated silencing in the C. elegans germline. The silencing of intronless genes is initiated independently of the piRNA pathway but nevertheless engages multiple components of the downstream amplification and maintenance mechanisms that mediate transgenerational silencing, including both nuclear and cytoplasmic members of the worm-specific Argonaute gene family (WAGOs). Small RNAs amplified from intronless mRNAs can trans-silence cognate intron-containing genes. Interestingly, a second, small RNA-independent cis-acting mode of silencing also acts on intronless mRNAs. Our findings suggest that cues put in place during mRNA splicing license germline gene expression and provide evidence for a splicing-dependent and dsRNA- and piRNA-independent mechanism that can program Argonaute silencing.
Nucleotide Pools and Adenylate Energy Charge in Balanced and Unbalanced Growth of Chromatium

Adenine nucleotide pools and their energy charge were measured during balanced and unbalanced growth of photoheterotrophic Chromatium cultures. The methods used involved rapid sampling, accurate to within 1 s, from isotopically labeled cultures followed by chromatographic separation of individual nucleotides. During balanced growth, both energy charge and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, whether expressed as a function of cell protein or intracellular water, were slightly higher in limiting light intensities than in cultures growing at their maximal rate in bright light. The ATP found corresponded to 4.67 ± 0.08 nmol/mg of protein or 1.34 ± 0.57 mM for low-light cells and to 4.41 ± 0.58 mmol/mg of protein or 0.85 ± 0.12 mM for high-light cells. Corresponding energy charges were 0.85 ± 0.02 and 0.81 ± 0.02. Illumination shifts caused differential synthesis of photosynthetic pigments lasting 2 to 3 h without corresponding perturbation of adenine nucleotide levels. Cultures in intermittent illumination were severely affected by some cycle durations; they had abnormal morphology and very high bacteriochlorophyll-to-protein ratios. In such cultures, energy charge and nucleotide concentrations were within normal limits and relaxed to the dark steady state during the dark periods. Arsenate at AsO 4 3− to PO 4 3− ratios of 10:1 in the medium retarded growth, but no abnormality of charge or quantity of phosphate-containing nucleotides was found. These experiments therefore suggest that, within experimental error, neither the size nor the charge of the adenylate pools governs growth rate in Chromatium . Moreover, these parameters do not appear to be concerned in regulating the synthesis of photosynthetic apparatus in this organism. Images
Optimal conformal SCMR wireless power transfer systems in human tissue

A conformal Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) system is studied for wireless power transfer to human tissue. The effects of the material properties of various tissues on the efficiency of such a system are reported. Our analysis is performed using simulation software and the results are validated with measurements.
Exploring Modifiable Risk Factors for Wheezing in African American Premature Infants

Objective To examine the degree to which obesity during infancy, consistent exposure to secondhand smoke, and parenting (positive attention, maternal involvement, and negative control) were related to early development of wheezing in a cohort of African American premature infants at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age.
Bringing the Organization Back In: The Role of Bureaucratic Churning in Early TANF Caseload Declines in Illinois

Welfare reform legislation in the late 1990s lead to rapid declines in state welfare caseloads. In contrast to prevailing accounts that emphasize rapid job creation and those that pin caseload declines on successful work incentives and behavioral sanctions, this article argues that organizational rationing mechanisms explain a large portion of the sharp initial declines in Illinois. The article first highlights how street-level bureaucratic practices oriented toward caseload reduction arose in TANF implementing bodies from a reordered and narrow set of organizational incentives that had little to do with the symbolic goals of welfare reform. Based on an analysis of state-level administrative statistics and formal interviewing and fieldwork in welfare offices and community-based organizations, this article finds that bureaucratic churning, gate-keeping, and other forms of service rationing significantly sped exits from and slowed entrances to welfare in the decisive first three years of TANF implementation.
Ab initio GGA+U study of oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction electrocatalysis on the (001) surfaces of lanthanum transition metal perovskites LaBO3 (B = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni)

In this work, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations with inclusion of Hubbard U corrections for the transition metal d-electrons, to investigate stability and electrocatalytic activities of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for the ABO3 (A = La; B = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) (001) surfaces. We showed surface binding energies of relevant ORR/OER species are coupled strongly to surface polarity and local oxidation states, giving large (∼1 eV scale per adsorbate) differences in binding between (001) AO and BO2 surfaces, where the more oxidized BO2 bare surfaces in general exhibit weak coverage dependence, while the more reduced AO bare surfaces of the LaCrO3, LaMnO3, and LaFeO3 perovskites with lower d-electron filling show strong/moderate coverage dependences. We then predicted that surface coverage can play a key role in determining surface stability, and when coverage effects are included the AO and BO2(001) surfaces have either similar stability or the AO surface is more stable, as found for 1 monolayer HO* covered AO surfaces of LaCrO3 and LaFeO3 under ORR conditions and 1 monolayer O* covered LaNiO3 AO surface under OER conditions. For the (001) AO surfaces with strong coverage dependent surface adsorption, we predicted a decrease in ORR overpotential of 1–2 V with proper treatment of coverage effects as compared to those of the bare surface simulations. Our results indicated that the GGA+U method and proper treatment of coverage effects more accurately predict ORR and OER overpotentials relative to experimental values as compared to the GGA method and bare surfaces. The overall ORR activity trends vs. the LaBO3 series were predicted to be Co > Mn ≈ Ni > Fe > Cr.
Utilization of Post-Acute Care Following Distal Radius Fracture Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Purpose To examine the utilization and cost of post–acute care following isolated distal radius fractures (DRFs) among Medicare beneficiaries. Methods We examined utilization of post–acute care among Medicare beneficiaries who experienced an isolated DRF (n = 38,479) during 2007 using 100% Medicare claims data. We analyzed the effect of patient factors on hospital admission following DRF and the receipt of post–acute care delivered by skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, home health care agencies, and outpatient occupational therapy/physical therapy for the recovery of DRF. Results In this cohort of isolated DRF patients, 1,694 (4.4%) were admitted to hospitals following DRF, and 20% received post–acute care. Women and patients with more comorbid conditions were more likely to require hospital admission. The utilization of post–acute care was higher among women, patients who resided in urban areas, and patients of higher socioeconomic status. The average cost per patient of post–acute care services from inpatient rehabilitation facilities and skilled nursing facilities ($15,888/patient) was significantly higher than the average cost other aspects of DRF care and accounted for 69% of the total DRF-related expenditure among patients who received inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusions Sociodemographic factors, including sex, socioeconomic status, and age, were significantly correlated with the use of post–acute care following isolated DRFs, and post–acute care accounted for a substantial proportion of the total expenditures related to these common injuries among the elderly. Identifying patients who will derive the greatest benefit from post–acute care can inform strategies to improve the cost efficiency of rehabilitation and optimize scarce health care resources. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Theta Rhythm: A Temporal Correlate of Memory Storage Processes in the Rat

We examined the amount of theta rhythm (4 to 9 hertz) in cortical electroencephalograms of rats for 30 minutes after training in one-trial tasks. Some animals received electroconvulsive shock after training. The amount of theta in the electroencephalogram after training was positively correlated with the degree of subsequent retention of a footshock, whether animals had received electroconvulsive shock or not.
STAT5A is epigenetically silenced by the tyrosine kinase NPM1-ALK and acts as a tumor suppressor by reciprocally inhibiting NPM1-ALK expression

Although STAT5A and STAT5B have some nonredundant functional properties, their distinct contributions to carcinogenesis are not clearly defined. Here we report that STAT5A expression is selectively inhibited by DNA methylation of the STAT5A gene promoter region in cells expressing the oncogenic tyrosine kinase NPM1-ALK (also known as NPM-ALK). The DNA methylation is induced by NPM1-ALK itself via STAT3, and is associated with binding to the promoter of the gene encoding MeCP2 capping protein and with lack of binding of the STAT5A gene transcription activator SP1. Reversal of methylation by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restores SP1 binding and STAT5A gene expression. Notably, the induced or exogenously expressed STAT5A protein binds to the enhancer and intron 14 of the NPM1-ALK gene and triggers selective suppression of NPM1-ALK expression. These results show that NPM1-ALK induces epigenetic silencing of STAT5A gene and that STAT5A protein can act as a key tumor suppressor by reciprocally inhibiting expression of NPM1-ALK.
A characterization of t-designs in terms of the inner distribution

We derive an inequality for 0-designs which holds with equality iff the design is a t -design. This inequality is then applied to the case of regular designs; that is, designs in which the number of blocks intersecting a given block in a given number of points is a constant depending only on the number of points. This analysis is used to characterize the Steiner system S (4, 7, 23) in terms of the derived design at two points.
Implicit belief and a priori knowledge

L'A. etudie le processus par lequel la croyance implicite acquiert le statut de connaissance a priori. A travers l'exemple de la connaissance des loi logiques, l'A. adopte la perspective de la logique dialethique et evlaue les theses intuitionniste, semantique, fiabiliste, primitiviste et contextualiste. L'A. conclut en proposant une nouvelle solution au probleme arithmetique de Benacerraf.
Mid-infrared imaging of ultracompact H II regions

We discuss preliminary results of an 11.7 µm imaging survey of ultracompact H II regions from the Wood and Churchwell radio survey. We find that that the morphologies of ionized gas and warm dust are often significantly different, indicating that an H II region classification scheme should be based on more than radio data.
A Computer-Assisted Method for Evaluating Ingredient Substitution in Ice Cream Formulations

Abstract Development of a computer-based system to evaluate the effect of ingredient substitution in ice cream mix on product quality and freezing requirements is described. This computer program evaluates the effect of whey powder substitution for milk solids-not-fat and three sugar systems on freezing point, viscosity, and freezing time of ice cream mix. To help to evaluate potential product quality, it is also possible to predict percent unfrozen water at different storage temperatures that might be expected for the frozen ice cream. Three sugar systems evaluated are: 100% sucrose, 70% sucrose plus 30% 36 dextrose equivalent corn syrup solids and 50% 36 dextrose equivalent corn syrup solids plus 50% 55 high-fructose corn syrup.
The deuterium quadrupole interaction in ND3

Abstract The hyperfine structure of the J = K = 1 and J = K = 4 inversion transitions of ND3 has been observed by molecular beam electric resonance with a resolution of approximately 300 Hz. The 4-4 spectrum confirms the hypothesis given by Garvey et al. [Mol. Phys., 31, 205 (1976)] of an error by a factor of 1.38 in the frequency calibration of the data by Basov and Bashkin [JETP Lett., 8, 188], bringing their results into agreement with observations on other states. The 1-1 spectrum gives a value of 159.0 kHz for the interaction 2 Δ = ( e Q D / 2 ) [ ∂ 2 V ∂ x 2 − ∂ 2 V ∂ y 2 ] .
Peat accumulation in coastal-plain mires: a model for coals of the Fruitland Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of southern Colorado, USA

Abstract In the northwestern part of the San Juan basin, Colorado, thick high-volatile B bituminous coal deposits in the Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation are associated with nearshore marine sandstones of the Pictured Cliffs Sandstone. Detailed work along the outcrop and examination of drill cores, revealed two coal-bearing zones in the lower 60 m of the Fruitland Formation. Each zone is up to 13 m thick and consists of interbedded bright and dull coal (average ash values of 17 and 34% on a moisture-free basis, respectively), thin fine-grained clastic partings and abundant altered volcanic ash partings. Isopachs of the interval between the top of the Pictured Cliffs Sandstone and a marker bed (Huerfanito Bentonite Bed) in the underlying Lewis Shale show linear zones where the interval abruptly thickens. These zones, which trend northwest to southeast, represent areas where the shoreline paused during an overall migration to the northeast. Isopach maps of coal in the lower part of the Fruitland Formation and subsurface correlation of shoreface sandstones with coal zones show that the thickest accumulation of coal is 20–25 km landward of these coeval shorelines. The Fruitland coals may be compared to the high-ash peats of the Dismal Swamp in the southeastern U.S.A., which form in pocosin mires about 20 km inland from the Atlantic coast. Clastic deposirion, resulting from coastal processes, precludes the formation of peat in low-lying mires adjacent to the shoreline. The high ash yield, numerous partings and the relationship with the coeval shoreline suggest that the coals in the lower part of the Fruitland Formation accumulated in mires that were transitional from low-lying to raised.
Keeping Quality of Sweet Cream Butter as Affected by Temperature of Pasteurization of the Cream

Summary In the manufacture of 116 churnings of sweet cream butter for storage, cream was pasteurized at 145°F. for twenty-five minutes, 145°F. for thirty minutes, 155°F. for thirty minutes, and 145° to 165°F. for thirty minutes. Samples of the butter were stored at 0°F. for seven and one-half to nine months. Scores of the butter after storage indicate the keeping quality was not influenced by these temperatures of pasteurization of the cream.
Culture and culture: An Integrated, Multidisciplinary Approach to Foreign Language Requirements1

IN BOTH BASIC foreign-language sequences and major programs we can no longer content ourselves with the truncated goals of (1) knowledge of the language and (2) knowledge of the literature. In the basic sequences an unacknowledged diversity of aptitude and motivation works against the serious fulfillment of these goals (particularly on a "four-skill" basis). At the major level an unacknowledged diversity of interests compromises the goal of literary knowledge and may account, at least in part, for an embarrassing failure in the goal of language mastery. A United States Office of Education report of a few years ago sounded the knell for our professional hubris on this score when it showed that
Winter Pressure Systems and Ice Fog in Fairbanks, Alaska

Abstract The production of the low temperatures which are responsible for ice fog in inhabited areas of interior Alaska would appear to be a classic example of clear sky radiative cooling under nearly polar night conditions. However, examination of the meteorological conditions associated with 15 periods of dense ice fog at Fairbanks indicates that local radiative cooling is important only in producing the observed steep ground inversion. The most rapid decreases in temperature at heights >1 km occurred with cloud cover and cold air advection preceding the cold weather at the ground. The most common synoptic pattern (observed for the 12 shortest events) consisted of the migration of a small high from Siberia across Alaska. Rapid growth of the high was common, and the resulting subsidence was strong enough to counterbalance not only radiative cooling, but further cold air advection as well. This resulted in an observed warming aloft during all but the first 12–24 hr of the clear, cold weather observed at t...
Insights into the trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein structure

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer is responsible for receptor recognition and viral fusion with CD4 + T cells, and is the sole target for neutralizing antibodies. Thus, understanding its molecular architecture is of significant interest. However, the Env trimer has proved to be a challenging target for 3D structure determination. Recent electron microscopy (EM) and X-ray structures have at last enabled us to decipher the structural complexity and unique features of the Env trimer, and how it is recognized by an ever-expanding arsenal of potent broadly neutralizing antibodies. We describe our current knowledge of the Env trimer structure in the context of exciting recent developments in the identification and characterization of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Natural Frequencies For Completely Free Trapezoidal Plates

Abstract In this paper are presented the first known natural frequencies for trapezoidal plates with completely free boundaries. The Ritz method with algebraic polynomials is used. Detailed convergence studies are made. Accurate results are obtained and listed for the lowest six frequencies, and for a reasonably comprehensive set of shapes.
Effects of chloral hydrate on the respiration of nonasthmatic and asthmatic patients

Abstract An evaluation was made of the effects of chloral hydrate ingestion (20 mg. per kilogram) on the respiratory function of 6 healthy and 6 asthmatic subjects. After chloral hydrate ingestion the partial pressure of arterial oxygen was found to be lowest at 120 minutes in the asthmatic patients and at 60 minutes in the nonasthmatic subjects. Simultaneously, the mean increase of arterial carbon dioxide tension was 10.9 mm. Hg for the former group and 5.2 mm. Hg for the latter. Changes in pH were minimal. A slight decrease of respiratory rate was noted in both groups. The nonasthmatic subjects compensated by increasing tidal volume, whereas the asthmatic patients did not. This resulted in a 21 per cent decrease in minute volume in the asthmatic patients and 12 per cent in the nonasthmatic subjects. The more conspicuous alterations in the blood gases coincided with the periods when the subjects were asleep, presumably as a result of the chloral hydrate ingestion. These changes were comparable to those observed by others during natural sleep. However, the decreased PaO 2 values returned to normal levels at the end of 3 hours in the nonasthmatic subjects but remained lower in the asthmatic patients. This finding might imply that a second dose of chloral hydrate could be dangerous for the latter group of patients.
A Native‐Like Ability to Circumlocute

The ability to circumlocute successfully is of utmost importance in compensating for gaps in lexical knowledge. Although all studies indicate that one’s ability to circumlocute increases with increasing proficiency, it is interesting that little attention has been paid to those learners who have the greatest ability to circumlocute, native-like speakers. This study addresses the norms of native and native-like circumlocution. It expands the discussion of strategies involved in this skill to include the means by which speakers frame their message and thereby set the linguistic context for their listeners. Participants in this study, both native and native-like speakers, were found to employ similar strategies while circumlocuting, including the use of synonyms, analogies, and descriptions. These participants also consistently framed their speech to facilitate listener comprehension, and they frequently included in their discourse some reference to their status as a nonexpert in the field. Similarities in native and native-like circumlocution found in this study help to provide some empirical validation to the notion of “native-like.”
Analysis of cells targeted by Salmonella type III secretion in vivo

The type III secretion systems (TTSS) encoded in Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 and -2 (SPI-1 and -2) are virulence factors required for specific phases of Salmonella infection in animal hosts. However, the host cell types targeted by the TTSS have not been determined. To investigate this, we have constructed translational fusions between the beta-lactamase reporter and a broad array of TTSS effectors secreted via SPI-1, SPI-2, or both. Secretion of the fusion protein to a host cell was determined by cleavage of a specific fluorescent substrate. In cultured cells, secretion of all six effectors could be observed. However, two to four days following i.p. infection of mice, only effectors secreted by SPI-2 were detected in spleen cells. The cells targeted were identified via staining with nine different cell surface markers followed by FACS analysis as well as by conventional cytological methods. The targeted cells include B and T lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells, but not mature macrophages. To further investigate replication in these various cell types, Salmonella derivatives were constructed that express a red fluorescent protein. Bacteria could be seen in each of the cell types above; however, most viable bacteria were present in neutrophils. We find that Salmonella is capable of targeting most phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells in the spleen but has a surprisingly high preference for neutrophils. These findings suggest that Salmonella specifically target splenic neutrophils presumably to attenuate their microbicidal functions, thereby promoting intracellular survival and replication in the mouse.
Prolonged infusion of estradiol benzoate into the stalk median eminence stimulates release of GnRH and kisspeptin in ovariectomized female rhesus macaques.

Our recent study indicates that a brief infusion (20 min) of estradiol (E2) benzoate (EB) into the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) stimulates GnRH release with a latency of approximately 10 minutes. In contrast to the effect induced by a brief infusion of EB, it has previously been shown that systemic EB administration suppresses release of GnRH, kisspeptin, and LH with a latency of several hours, which is known as the negative feedback action of E2. We speculated that the differential results by these 2 modes of EB administration are due to the length of E2 exposure. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of EB infusion for periods of 20 minutes, 4 hours, or 7 hours into the S-ME of ovariectomized female monkeys on the release of GnRH and kisspeptin were examined using a microdialysis method. To assess the effects of the EB infusion on LH release, serum samples were also collected. The results show that similar to the results with 20-minute infusion, both 4- and 7-hour infusions of EB consistently sti...
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Related Carcinomas of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Epidemiologic, clinical, morphologic and molecular evidence show that high risk HPV, particularly type 16, is a prerequisite for some carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT), particularly tonsil and base of tongue. Sexual transmission is an important mode of infection while tobacco use and excessive drinking are not considered risk factors. HPV + tumors are distinct clinically and pathologically. They are more common in young patients (<40 years) with a male to female ratio of 4:1. They usually present as a small or occult primary tumor with advanced neck disease. Microscopically they are non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas with basaloid features, excessive mitosis and comedo type necrosis. The tumors have a distinct immunohistochemical profile characterized by strong and diffuse p16 reactivity, low or negative p53 staining and high Ki67 labeling scores. HPV + carcinomas are more radio-sensitive and have a better prognosis than the classical keratinizing SCC of the UADT. An anti-HPV vaccine has recently been made available for prevention of cervical cancer. The impact of the vaccine on the prevalence of HPV related carcinomas of the UADT is currently not known but likely beneficial.
Xanosporic acid, an intermediate in bacterial degradation of the fungal phototoxin cercosporin.

Abstract The red fungal perylenequinone phototoxin cercosporin is oxidized by Xanthomonas campestris pv zinniae to a non-toxic, unstable green metabolite xanosporic acid, identified via its lactone as 1,12-bis(2′R-hydroxypropyl)-4,9-dihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-11-methoxy-3-oxaperylen-10H-10-one-2-carboxylic acid. Xanosporolactone was isolated in approximately 2:1 ratio of M:P atropisomers.
Delayed external compression reduction of an omphalocele (DECRO): An alternative method of treatment for moderate and large omphaloceles

Abstract Background/Purpose: Standard treatment of large hepatoomphaloceles has been SILASTIC ® (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) silo placement followed by closure. This requires two operations, and complications from the silo may occur. The authors have looked for a safe and simpler alternate method of closure. Delayed external compression reduction of an omphalocele (DECRO), appears to have a low complication rate and a rapid time to closure. Methods: The authors reviewed retrospectively the records of six patients with hepato-omphaloceles treated with DECRO from August 1993 to July 1997. All defects were evaluated by the attending surgeon and could not be closed primarily. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM. Results: The average gestational age was 36.5 ± 0.67 weeks with mean weight of 2,780 ± 256 g. Two patients had congenital cardiac disease. The mean size of the defects was 6.2 × 5.7 cm. All defects had the liver out of the abdomen. No patients required silo placement. The mean time to reduction and final closure was 5.6 ± 0.49 days. The average postoperative time on the ventilator was 7.1 ± 3.5 days. Mean time to full feeds was 18.8 ± 3.4 days. One patient had superficial necrosis of the skin flap. Mean time to discharge was 30.5 ± 5.5 days. All patients had DECRO completed without complications. Conclusions: This procedure decreases the number of operations needed from two to one. No complications were seen from the procedure and the time of mechanical ventilation required was low. The abdominal compartment syndrome developed in none of the patients. DECRO is a safe and very effective alternative to SILASTIC ® silo placement in moderate and large omphaloceles that cannot be closed primarily.
An overview of the apple genome through BAC end sequence analysis.

The apple, Malus × domestica Borkh., is one of the most important fruit trees grown worldwide. A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based physical map of the apple genome has been recently constructed. Based on this physical map, a total of ∼2,100 clones from different contigs (overlapping BAC clones) have been selected and sequenced at both ends, generating 3,744 high-quality BAC end sequences (BESs) including 1,717 BAC end pairs. Approximately 8.5% of BESs contain simple sequence repeats (SSRs), most of which are AT/TA dimer repeats. Potential transposable elements are identified in ∼21% of BESs, and most of these elements are retrotransposons. About 11% of BESs have homology to the Arabidopsis protein database. The matched proteins cover a broad range of categories. The average GC content of the predicted coding regions of BESs is 42.4%; while, that of the whole BESs is 39%. A small number of BES pairs were mapped to neighboring chromosome regions of A.thaliana and Populus trichocarpa; whereas, no pairs are mapped to the Oryzasativa genome. The apple has a higher degree of synteny with the closely related Populus than with the distantly related Arabidopsis. BAC end sequencing can be used to anchor a small proportion of the apple genome to the Populus and possibly to the Arabidopsis genomes.
A Network for Observing Great Basin Climate Change

The ability to evaluate accurately the response of the environment to climate change ideally involves long-term continuous in situ measurements of climate and landscape processes. This is the goal of the Nevada Climate-Ecohydrology Assessment Network (NevCAN), a novel system of permanent monitoring stations located across elevational and latitudinal gradients within the Great Basin hydrographic region (Figure 1). NevCAN was designed, first, to quantify the daily, seasonal, and interannual variability in climate that occurs from basin valleys to mountain tops of the Great Basin in the arid southwest of the United States; second, to relate the temporal patterns of ecohydrologic response to climate occurring within each of the major ecosystems that compose the Great Basin; and, last, to monitor changes in climate that modulate water availability, sequestration of carbon, and conservation of biological diversity.
Comparison of the reproductive performance of rats at high altitude (3,800 m) and at sea level.

Estrous cycles and reproductive performance were compared among rats born at high altitude, rats of Berkeley stock transported to 3,800 m, and sea level controls. Disturbances of reproductive function observed in experimental groups were not due to reduced food intake. Estrous cycles of Berkeley stock at 3,800 m were normal, whereas cycles of high altitude native rats were irregular and fertility was impaired. Litter size was reduced in both groups at high altitude with fewer implantation sites than numbers of corpora lutea observed in the Berkeley stock rats at 3,800 m. In the high altitude native animals, numbers of corpora lutea correlated with implantation sites. Placentas from Berkeley stock rats (3,800 m) were heavier than those from the other groups, and fetal hematocrits from these animals were reduced.
The Effect of Urbanization on Bumble Bee Communities in Greater Philadelphia

Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are among the most important wild pollinators in temperate ecosystems in North America and Europe, and are believed to be vital to the functioning of the pollination networks in which they occur. Accordingly, evidence of their overall decline in Europe and more selective decline in the U.S. has raised concern about the long term persistence of many species. Human-induced changes in land use, including the loss of natural and semi-natural habitat and associated floral resources, are purported causes in several cases. Declines prompted an investigation of this potential trend in the urbanized landscape in and surrounding Philadelphia, PA. We surveyed the species richness and abundance of bumble bee communities in ten half-ha plots located in restored, managed meadows along a gradient of urban and suburban development in the Philadelphia metropolitan area from June 1 to August 15, 2006. In conjunction with collections, we measured floral density within each plot. We calculated the proportion of developed land at differing spatial scales ranging from 500 to 4000 m from survey sites. General linear models were used to test the effect of developed land, local meadow size, and floral resource density on overall bumble bee species richness and abundance.Development did not have any detectable effect on species richness at any tested spatial scale. Bee abundance was best explained by a model that included the proportion of developed land at the 2500 m scale. In contrast to our expectations, total bumble bee abundance was significantly higher in plots with a higher proportion of developed land surrounding the site (F1,5 = 8.13, P = 0.04). Local floral density did not significantly affect richness or abundance (F 1,5 = 0.93, P = 0.34), nor was local resource quality associated with development (r = 0.52, P = 0.12) . We hypothesize that gardens maintained in urban and suburban landscapes may provide an important and consistent food supply to bumble bees throughout the duration of their colony cycle. Forested habitats, which were the other dominate habitat type, may actually be relatively poor in bumble bee resources following closure of the canopy in late spring. This research indicates that restored meadows are excellent habitat for bumble bees and may promote pollination services in urbanized settings.
HLA‐DPB1 allele mismatches between unrelated HLA‐A,B,C,DR (generic) DQA1‐identical unrelated individuals with unreactive MLC

: We have used a PCR-RFLP method with one generic amplification of HLA-DPB1 second exon and 6 endonucleases to differentiate the 19 HLA-DPB1 alleles and 171 heterozygous combinations. The set of primers used in our studies produced fragment sizes different from those published before (1). The HLA-DPB1 alleles in Caucasians showed a higher frequency of DPB 1*0401 and DPB 1*0402, when compared to a small group of Colombians who showed a higher frequency of DPB 1*0402 and DPB 1*0201. We found three HLA-DPB1 alleles associated with two HLA haplotypes that result from non-random association of alleles: DPB1*0401 with HLA-A26, B38, DR4, DQA1*0301 and DPB1*0101 and DPB1*0401 with HLA-A1, B8, DR3, DQA1*0501. We also report that 70% of combinations between HLA (generic A,B,C,DR) and DQA1-identical MLC-unreactive cell mixtures showed HLA-DPB1 mismatches, suggesting that HLA-DPB1 differences are not important in MLC reactivity.
SUSPENSION STABILITY OF ILLINOIS SOYBEAN BEVERAGE

The objective of this work was to determine the processing conditions responsible for suspension stability of Illinois soybean beverage and to elucidate the role of lipid in this stability. Stability was determined by visual and objective means after 5 days quiescent storage at 1°C. Pressure and temperature of first and second homogenization, formulation, lipid component and accelerated settling were studied. Homogenization pressure must be such that the sum of the two pressures must be at least 5000 psi and the minimum temperature of one of the two homogenizations must be 82° C. Free and, especially, bound lipid are necessary for stability. The hypothesis that stability is promoted by formation of a lipid-protein complex was further demonstrated by centrifugation and film formation studies. Formulation plays a minor role in stability.
Control of air contaminants at mixers and mills used in tire manufacturing.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has completed an evaluation of control techniques for airborne vapors and particulates in tire manufacturing. As part of this evaluation, Banbury® mixers and mills were studied. This equipment is used to mix elastomers, carbon black, oil and other ingredients into a homogenous mixture. These mixing and milling operations normally generate aerosols. Control of these air contaminants may be accomplished by using the following: local exhaust ventilation, equipment configuration and material substitution. Results of personal sampling for total aerosols at Banbury mixers showed the geometric means of mixer operators' exposures at five plants ranged from 0.08 to 1.54 mg/m3. Similar sampling at three plants for milling operations showed the geometric means of milling operators' exposures ranged from 0.20 to 1.22 mg/m3.
ASCA IgG and CBir antibodies are associated with the development of Crohn's disease and fistulae following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Background For ulcerative colitis (UC) patients undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), postoperative complications include chronic pouchitis and development of Crohn’s disease (CD) of the pouch.
Designing consumer interfaces for experiential tasks: an empirical investigation

In the early adoption phase of business-to-consumer (B2C) ecommerce, the tasks that proved most conducive to online consumer interaction typically were goal-directed, being clear in sequence and structure. A key challenge in ecommerce is the ability to design interfaces that support experiential tasks in addition to goal-directed tasks. Most of the ecommerce research on interface design, however, has focused on goal-directed tasks and has not addressed experiential tasks. Based on the literature from interface metaphors and mental models, this paper explores the use of tangible attributes derived from the physical business domain as a technique for designing an interface that effectively supports experiential tasks. A laboratory experiment was designed and conducted to test the impact of two types of interfaces and business domain familiarity when completing an experiential task. Because consumers need to retain and recall information to evaluate products/services or to make brand associations, retention/recall of information was measured on both the day of the treatment and after a 2-day lag. Results revealed that the interface based upon the business domain metaphor stimulated higher levels of retention and recall of information and thus provided the desired support for experiential tasks. Further, users with weaker domain familiarity showed the greatest improvement in retention and recall, particularly after a 2-day lag, when using the interface with the business domain metaphor design.
Real time control of a wireless powering and tracking system for long-term and large-area electrophysiology experiments

This paper presents recent progress towards the development of the EnerCage system for efficient wireless power and data transmission with a focus on its real time control and tracking algorithms. The EnerCage is meant to be used in long-term uninterrupted electrophysiology experiments on small, freely behaving animal subjects in large experimental arenas. It includes a stationary unit for closed-loop inductive power transmission, an array of 3-D magnetic sensors for non-line-of- sight positioning of the animal subject, and a mobile unit to efficiently power the target device and establish wireless data communication. The stationary unit, which includes a scalable array of overlapping hexagonal coils, takes advantage of 3- and 4-coil links to further increase the power transmission efficiency (PTE) and decrease the required number of drivers. A magnetic tracking algorithm is presented that reduces the number of magnetic sensors needed for localization. The algorithm achieves a worst-case localization error of 3 cm at the nominal height of 12 cm above the surface of the coil array. Measurement results show the functionality of the closed-loop power transmission and subject tracking over 70 cm.
Effects of Solid Levels and Chemical Additives on Removal of Solids and Phosphorus in Swine Manure

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of solid levels on natural sedimentation of swine manure. Total solid (TS) levels of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0% were evaluated. Natural sedimentation was impeded at higher than 2.0% and also at lower than 1.0% TS concentrations. Two flocculants (ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate) commonly used in the municipal wastewater treatment industry were then evaluated for their enhancement of natural sedimentation and concomitant removal of phosphorus from swine manure. Each flocculant was evaluated at five levels—0 (control), 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 mg/L—on swine manure with an adjusted TS level of 1.0%. At dosage levels of 1500 mg/L (5.4 mM Fe\U+3\N), ferric chloride removed 76% suspended solids (SS) and 86% phosphorus, while aluminum sulfate at the same dosage level removed 96% SS and 78% phosphorus. Unaided natural sedimentation at this TS concentration removed 66% and 42% of the SS and phosphorus, respectively. Chemical flocculation can, therefore, be an effective method of removing solids and phosphorus in swine manure.
Hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver lesions

Patients with cirrhosis are at greatest risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and should undergo semiannual surveillance using ultrasound, with or without alpha fetoprotein. Patients with positive surveillance testing should undergo contrast-enhanced MRI or 4-phase CT for diagnostic evaluation. There are therapeutic options for most patients with any tumor stage; however, treatment decisions must be individualized after accounting for degree of liver dysfunction and patient performance status. A multidisciplinary approach to care is recommended for optimal communication and treatment delivery. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the diagnosis and management of HCC.
Miscibility, morphology and tensile properties of vinyl chloride polymer and poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends

The miscibility, morphology and tensile properties of three blend systems of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and with two chlorinated PVCs (CPVCs) with different chlorine contents (63 wt% and 67 wt% of Cl) have been studied. Based on the shifts of single glass transition temperature, the Gordon–Taylor K parameter is calculated as a measurement of interaction strength between PCL and (C)PVCs. Higher K values are found for blends of (C)PVCs with higher chlorine content, together with the interaction χ parameters estimated from the melting point depression results. The morphology observed with polarized light microscopy shows that spherulites exist in blends rich in PCL (≥50 wt%) only. Wide angle X-ray diffraction studies indicate that the crystal structure of PCL is independent of the Cl content of (C)PVCs. The tensile properties of various blends exhibit a minimum as the PCL content increases. The elongation at break increases with increasing PCL content. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Aspects of dihydrogen coordination chemistry relevant to reactivity in aqueous solution

Abstract The aqueous coordination chemistry of dihydrogen has potential applications in inorganic biomimicry, chemoselective hydrogenation catalysis, and green chemistry. However, experimental and mechanistic studies that explore the aqueous behavior of these complexes are virtually unknown. This review identifies the motivation for studying aqueous dihydrogen coordination complexes by providing a summary of reactions that involve a dihydrogen ligand in highly polar solvents. The under-utilized potential of aqueous dihydrogen complexes in ionic hydrogenation reactions and in biomimicry is addressed. Finally, NMR methods for characterizing H–H bond distances in η 2 -H 2 complexes are reviewed.