cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Pneumolysin in Ocular Infections with Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Pneumolysin, a cytolytic protein produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae, has many properties which suggest it may be an important virulence factor in pneumococcal ocular infections. To directly test this possibility, we have constructed pneumolysin-negative strains of U., pneumoniae and compared their virulence with that of the wild type in a rabbit model of intracorneal infection. A pneumolysin-negative strain produced by chemical mutagenesis (probably a point mutant) was found to be no less virulent than the parent strain. However, a strain bearing a deletion in the pneumolysin gene showed greatly reduced virulence. This strain produced less pathology while showing significantly higher bacterial counts. These results suggest that a property of the pneumolysin molecule other than its cytolytic (hemolytic) activity may be involved in its pathogenic mechanism of action. This property may be the ability to activate complement, known to be a function of pneumolysin, which results in influx of PMNs, reducing th...
Anti-angiogenesis and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a new treatment opportunity?

Chemotherapy with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) and rituximab (R-CHOP) is now standard of care for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The addition of rituxima...
Oscillatory interlayer coupling and giant magnetoresistance in epitaxial Fe/Cr(211) and (100) superlattices

A epitaxial orientation of Fe/Cr superlattices---Fe/Cr(211) on MgO(110)---is grown by magnetron sputtering. Its structural and magnetic characterizations are presented and compared to those for Fe/Cr(100) superlattices grown simultaneously onto MgO(100) substrates. The epitaxial orientation of the Fe/Cr(211) superlattices is Fe/Cr[01\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}1]\ensuremath{\parallel}MgO[001] and Fe/Cr[1\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}11]\ensuremath{\parallel}MgO[11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0], while that for Fe/Cr(100) is Fe/Cr[001]\ensuremath{\parallel} MgO[011]. A uniaxial, in-plane surface anisotropy for the Fe/Cr(211) superlattices along the Fe[01\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}1] of 0.06 erg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ is obtained from analysis of the magnetization hysteresis loops. Four oscillations in the antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling and giant magnetoresistance (GMR) are observed with a period of 18 \AA{} for both orientations. The strength, oscillation period, and phase of the magnetic coupling are identical for the two orientations. The GMR values increase by a factor of \ensuremath{\sim}4 to 5 on cooling from room temperature to 4.2 K. At 4.2 K the maximum GMR value of the [Fe(14 \AA{})/Cr(8 \AA{})${]}_{50}$ superlattice is 70% for the (211) orientation and 150% for the (100) orientation.
A comparison of the avoidance responses of individual and schooling juvenile Atlantic menhaden, brevoortia tyrannus subjected to simultaneous chlorine and ΔT conditions

The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the avoidance responses of individual and groups of Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, exposed to simultaneous elevated temperature (0, 2, 4, and 6°C) and total residual chlorine (TRC) (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mg/l) conditions. An unbalanced three‐factor factorial design was used to develop predictive avoidance models with this species at a test temperature of 25°C. Fish tested in groups elicited the following avoidance responses: (1) a high avoidance response occurred at 0.10 and 0.15 mg/1 TRC regardless of ?T; (2) avoidance increased with increasing ?T values at 0.00 mg/l TRC; and (3) TRC was the most important factor influencing avoidance. Atlantic menhaden tested individually demonstrated the following responses: (1) avoidance increased with increasing ?T at 0.15 mg/l TRC; (2) minimal increase in avoidance at 0.00, 0.05, and 0.10 mg/l TRC as ?T increased; (3) greatest avoidance occurred at 0.10 mg/l TRC and 6°C ?T; and (4) TRC was the ...
Mejorando Matrimonios Relationship Education as a Vehicle to Overcome Barriers for Hispanic Couples

Researchers have indicated that Hispanic couples and families experience high rates of mental health issues; however, they tend to underutilize mental health services due to cultural and structural barriers. One potential vehicle to overcoming barriers to mental health treatment for Hispanic couples is through engaging in marriage and relationship education (MRE). MRE, an empirically supported educational intervention, has been found to be effective for Hispanic couples. However, proper application of MRE warrants cultural sensitivity. To this extent, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of barriers to mental health treatment and suggest several cultural considerations when facilitating MRE for Hispanic couples.
Predictions of the In Vivo Clearance of Drugs from Rate of Loss Using Human Liver Microsomes for Phase I and Phase II Biotransformations

The utility of in vitro metabolism to accurately predict the clearance of hepatically metabolized drugs was evaluated. Three major goals were: (1) to optimize substrate concentration for the accurate prediction of clearance by comparing to K m value, (2) to prove that clearance of drugs by both oxidation and glucuronidation may be predicted by this method, and (3) to determine the effects of nonspecific microsomal binding and plasma protein binding. The apparent K m values for five compounds along with scaled intrinsic clearances and predicted hepatic clearances for eight compounds were determined using a substrate loss method. Nonspecific binding to both plasma and microsomal matrices were also examined in the clearance calculations. The K m values were well within the 2-fold variability expected for between laboratory comparisons. Using both phase I and/or phase II glucuronidation incubation conditions, the predictions of in vivo clearance using the substrate loss method were shown to correlate with published human clearance values. Of particular interest, for highly bound drugs (>95% plasma protein bound), the addition of a plasma protein binding term increased the accuracy of the prediction of in vivo clearance. The substrate loss method may be used to accurately predict hepatic clearance of drugs.
3D quantitative imaging of the microvasculature with the Texas Instruments Digital Micromirror Device

There is a growing need for developing 3D quantitative imaging tools that can operate at high speed enabling real-time visualization for the field of biology, material science, and the semiconductor industry. We will present our 3D quantitative imaging system based on a confocal microscope built with a Texas Instruments Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). By using the DMD as a spatial light modulator, confocal transverse surface (x, y) scanning can be performed in parallel at speeds faster than video rate without physical movement of the sample. The DMD allows us to programmably configure the source and the detection pinhole array in the lateral direction to achieve the best signal and to reduce the crosstalk noise. Investigations of the microcirculation were performed on 40 g to 45 g golden Syrian hamsters fit with dorsal skin fold window chambers. FITC-Dextran or Red blood cells from donor hamsters, stained with Celltracker CM-DiI, were injected into the circulation and imaged with the confocal microscope. We will present the measured results for the axial resolution, in vivo, as well as experimental results from imaging the window chamber.
Peeling apart nature

Hierarchy: Perspectives for Ecological Complexity. By T.F.H. Allen and Thomas B. Starr. University of Chicago Press: 1982. Pp.310. $27.50, £22
Replication of murine leukemia virus in heterologous cells: interaction between ecotropic and xenotropic viruses.

Abstract Studies reported here demonstrated that phenotypic mixing readily occurred between an endogenous xenotropic type C virus (TB-MuX) induced from TB cells of CFW/D mouse and ecotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV). The pseudotypes generated were used to investigate the level of restriction of replication of these viruses in their respective nonpermissive cells. As a pseudotype of TB-MuX, Mo-MuLV was transmitted to canine (D-17) cells which were once restrictive to Mo-MuLV infection. Pseudotypes of TB-MuX genomes with Mo-MuLV envelopes were also transmitted back to TB cells. It was found that the replication of TB-MuX in TB cells was only detected in the presence of ecotropic MuLV. Several D-17 clonal cell lines infected with temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of Mo-MuLV were isolated. These D-17 cell lines produced only ecotropic virus and were still susceptible to superinfection by TB-MuX. Virus produced by the is mutant-infected D-17 clones had the same is phenotype and host-range properties as viruses produced by is mutant-infected TB cells. The viral titers produced by the is mutant-infected D-17 clones at the permissive temperature varied from clone to clone by 2–3 log, but over 10 or more passages the titer of a given clone only varied two- to three-fold. In addition, the high producers of is mutant-infected D-17 clones produced as much virus at the permissive temperature as is mutant-infected TB cells. It was also shown by measuring infectivity in Mouse S + L − cells that at the nonpermissive temperature the temperature-sensitive defect of ts3 was complemented by TB-MuX. In contrast, using the same approach, it was found that at the nonpermissive temperature TB-MuX did not complement the temperature-sensitive defect of ts7. On subcloning D-17ts3aC1-17, a D-17 clonal line which produced relatively high titer of ecotropic virus, all producing subclones tested remained high producers like the parent clone, except one which produced about 2 log less virus than the rest of the productively infected subclones. In addition, 3 of the 32 subclones isolated were nonproducers. Radioimmunoprecipitation of intracellular virus-specific proteins of one of the nonproducer subclones, cl-19, showed the presence of gp and gag precursor proteins. On subcloning D-17ts3c1-2, a low producer ts3-infected D-17 cloned line, 93 subclones were isolated and 23% of these subclones failed to detect the presence of intracellular virus-specific proteins. The viral titer of the productively infected subclones tested did not differ significantly from that of the parent clone. The Mo-MuLV-infected D-17 clonal cell lines were used to develop an indirect assay for TB-MuX.
Case report 876

A case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the patella in a 15-year-old woman was presented. An ABC occurring in a female patient is rare, and to our knowledge this is the first report in the literature. All other reports of patellar ABCs reported have occurred in young black men [2, 3]. The radiographic findings and clinical presentation were stressed since they are typical of all benign patellar tumors. Although radiographic findings are usually typical of patellar tumors, CT and MRI may be used for staging and standardization of operative treatment. MRI is also helpful for examining the integrity of the patellar tendon and quadriceps since many of these patients present with malfunction of the extensor mechanism [14].
Is holocene storm-generated stratification in Florida Bay a reflection of solar storm cycles?

Abstract A descriptive analysis of surficial sediments of Crane Key (Florida Bay) showed that the sediments consist of storm layers (winter storm and hurricane deposits) and algal laminated sediments. Storm layers are riddled with the following types of cavities: gas escape vugs; dissolution vugs; burrows; rootholes and cryptalgal vugs. Structures and sediment types are arranged into a 15 cm thick thickening-upward, storm-generated sequence which formed in approximately 100 yr under a deepening trend. Periodograms of sea-level variations match the frequency distribution of strong intensity storms which occurred in south Florida since the beginning of this century. The calculated recurrence time of strong storms ( 10±3 yr ) and the time interval of formation of the sequence ( 100±25 yr ) are probably a response of climatic parameters to short-period (11-yr) and longer-period (90–110 yr) cycles of solar activity. Comparison with the ancient record shows analogous dm-thick storm-generated sequences probably linked to solar cycles and 102 yr sea-level rises.
A146: Added Value of Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) provides clinical information not available on routine clinical inspection and awake fiberoptic endoscopy (AE) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients. A secondary objective was determining whether DISE resulted in a change in the surgical plan of care. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, Self-Controlled Clinical Trial METHODS: 24 patients (16 males, 8 females) with mean age 46.75 (range: 18 – 67 years) and mean BMI 30.68 +/6.54 underwent flexible endoscopy while awake and under propofolinduced sleep to assess the location and degree of airway collapse, classify velopharyngeal closure, and grade Pringle & Croft obstruction. Surgical plan was assessed prior to and following DISE. Data was evaluated using Yates’ chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Comparison of AE and DISE assessments showed divergence in total airway collapse measures in 79% of cases, with most discrepancies seen at the palate, lateral walls, and epiglottis. Significant differences identifying collapse were seen at the palate (p=.0001), lateral wall (p=.00009), tongue base (p=.016), and total airway (p=.00007). Velopharyngeal closure class changed in 33.3% of cases, a significant difference (p = 0.0022). Pringle and Croft grades changed in 34.8% of cases with no statistical significance. DISE resulted in modified surgical plans in 54.2% of cases, though no significant correlation was seen with the observational values. CONCLUSION: DISE provides more clinical information to assess airway function and collapse than routine clinical inspection and AE alone and can assist surgical planning in OSA patients.
Immunoglobulin-A distribution in glomerular disease. Analysis of immunofluorescence localization and pathogenetic significance.

Immunoglobulin-A distribution in glomerular disease. Analysis of immunofluorescence localization and pathogenetic significance. Renal biopsies from 470 patients with various glomemlonephropathies were studied for patterns and frequency of glomerular bound IgA. Correlations of IgA with IgG, IgM, C3, and C4 were made. Glomerular deposits of IgA were observed in five of six cases of Henoch-Schoenlein anaphylactoid nephritis (83%), stalk proliferative glomerulonephritis (73%), lupus nephritis (60%), and focal proliferative glomerulonephritis (57 %). In addition, IgA was less frequently observed in diffuse (acute) proliferative (33%), membranoproliferative (42%), membranous (32%), focal sclerosing (25%) crescentic (26%), and chronic glomerulonephritides (23%) as well as malignant arterionephrosclerosis, amyloidosis, and a group of patients with minimal glomerular alteration and no determinable diagnosis (40%). IgA was not specifically associated with IgG or IgM in any one diagnostic category but was often present with both. Deposits containing C3 and C4 most closely paralleled those of IgG and/or IgM. Presence of IgA appeared to correlate with variable degrees of increased glomerular mesangial cellularity in "minimal", stalk proliferative, and focal-segmental glomerular lesions. The cause and immunopathogenetic significance of mesangial or peripheral glomerular capillary localization of IgA is unknown. Though a number of apparent examples of what has been referred to as IgA-IgG nephropathy were observed in this study, this entity, characterized by mesangial deposits of IgA, IgG, and C3, could not always be specifically identified or differentiated on histopathologic criteria alone from a variety of other glomerulopathies in which variable proportions of IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, and C4 globulins were localized.
Overview of reading and literacy research and applications in nutrition education

Abstract Literacy requires information processing skills in addition to the ability to read and write. Estimates of the prevalence of illiteracy in the United States vary according to the criteria used. Economic, social and cultural factors contribute to higher rates of illiteracy in some population subgroups. Tools for quantitative and qualitative measures of literacy skills have been developed. Nutrition education materials are often written at levels that are too difficult for low-literate readers. Educational materials are more effective when they are tailored to the cognitive abilities and learning styles of the intended audience. The readability of a given text can be crudely estimated by several formulas that use sentence length and multi-syllable words to indicate complex syntax and difficult vocabulary. Techniques such as Cloze and signaled stopping provide more direct measures of readability. The Language Experience Approach has been adapted to aid in developing materials for specific low-literate target groups. Examples of existing low-literacy materials and guides for educators interested in developing materials for low-literate audiences are cited. Practical techniques are needed for measuring literacy skills of target clientele and readability of nutrition education materials.
Structures of four Ca2+-bound troponin C at 2.0 A resolution: further insights into the Ca2+-switch in the calmodulin superfamily.

Abstract Background: In contrast to Ca 2+ 4 -bound calmodulin (CaM), which has evolved to bind to many target sequences and thus regulate the function of a variety of enzymes, troponin C (TnC) is a bistable switch which controls contraction in striated muscles. The specific target of TnC is troponin I (TnI), the inhibitory subunit of the troponin complex on the thin filaments of muscle. To date, only the crystal structure of Ca 2+ 2 -bound TnC (i.e. in the ‘off' state) had been determined, which together with the structure of Ca 2+ 4 -bound CaM formed the basis for the so-called ‘HMJ' model of the conformational changes in TnC upon Ca 2+ binding. NMR spectroscopic studies of Ca 2+ 4 -bound TnC (i.e. in the ‘on' state) have recently been carried out, but the detailed conformational changes that take place upon switching from the off to the on state have not yet been described. Results: We have determined the crystal structures of two forms of expressed rabbit Ca 2+ 4 -bound TnC to 2.0 A resolution. The structures show that the conformation of the N-terminal lobe (N lobe) is similar to that predicted by the HMJ model. Our results also reveal, in detail, the residues involved in binding of Ca 2+ in the regulatory N lobe of the molecule. We show that the central helix, which links the N and C lobes of TnC, is better stabilized in the Ca 2+ 2 -bound than in the Ca 2+ 4 -bound state of the molecule. Comparison of the crystal structures of the off and on states of TnC reveals the specific linkages in the molecule that change in the transition from off to on state upon Ca 2+ -binding. Small sequence differences are also shown to account for large functional differences between CaM and TnC. Conclusions: The two lobes of TnC are designed to respond to Ca 2+ -binding quite differently, although the structures with bound Ca 2+ are very similar. A small number of differences in the sequences of these two lobes accounts for the fact that the C lobe is stabilized only in the open (Ca 2+ -bound) state, whereas the N lobe can switch between two stable states. This difference accounts for the Ca 2+ -dependent and Ca 2+ -independent interactions of the N and C lobe. The C lobe of TnC is always linked to TnI, whereas the N lobe can maintain its regulatory role – binding strongly to TnI at critical levels of Ca 2+ – and in contrast, forming a stable closed conformation in the absence of Ca 2+ .
Magnetic Appeal: MRI and the Myth of Transparency

Kelly A. Joyce, Magnetic Appeal: MRI and the Myth of Transparency. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2008. 208 pp. 7 halftones, 1 table, 4 charts/graphs. Cloth $62.95; Paper $21.95. ISBN: 978-0...
Improved algorithms for initial condition parameter estimation

Consider an ensemble of discrete-time stochastic processes. They arise from state-space models that may have entirely different parameters, but the initial conditions of their State vectors are Gaussian, i.i.d, across the ensemble. Existing algorithms to find the maximum likelihood estimates (m.l.e.'s) of the mean vector and variance matrix of the initial state are improved in this paper by (1) allowing for the possibility that in some of the stochastic processes there may be insufficient information to estimate the entire initial condition vector, (2) permitting the m.l.e. of the variance matrix to be singular (or nearly so), and (3) improving numerical stability and computational speed by the use of Cholesky decompositions. Included also are modifications to the EM algorithm for finding the m.l.e.'s and an efficient form for calculating the value of the likelihood function that is independent of the choice of origin and coordinate frame.
Dielectric dispersion of strontium barium niobate

Abstract The complex dielectric response of strontium barium niobate relaxor ferroelectrics has been studied as a function of orientation, composition, frequency, and temperature. The dielectric response was found to be strongly dependent on orientation, in distinct comparison to the nearly orientation independent response found for lead magnesium niobate. The dielectric absorption of strontium barium niobate was also found to be much stronger along the c-axis than along any other orientation.
SLC18: Vesicular neurotransmitter transporters for monoamines and acetylcholine.

Abstract The exocytotic release of neurotransmitters requires active transport into synaptic vesicles and other types of secretory vesicles. Members of the SLC18 family perform this function for acetylcholine (SLC18A3, the vesicular acetylcholine transporter or VAChT) and monoamines such as dopamine and serotonin (SLC18A1 and 2, the vesicular monoamine transporters VMAT1 and 2, respectively). To date, no specific diseases have been attributed to a mutation in an SLC18 family member; however, polymorphisms in SLC18A1 and SLC18A2 may confer risk for some neuropsychiatric disorders. Additional members of this family include SLC18A4, expressed in insects, and SLC18B1, the function of which is not known. SLC18 is part of the Drug:H + Antiporter-1 Family (DHA1, TCID 2.A.1.2) within the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS, TCID 2.A.1).
Establishment of a statewide network for carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae prevention in a low-incidence region.

Objective. To establish a statewide network to detect, control, and prevent the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a region with a low incidence of CRE infection. Design. Implementation of the Drug Resistant Organism Prevention and Coordinated Regional Epidemiology (DROP-CRE) Network. Setting and Participants. Oregon infection prevention and microbiology laboratory personnel, including 48 microbiology laboratories, 62 acute care facilities, and 140 long-term care facilities. Methods. The DROP-CRE working group, comprising representatives from academic institutions and public health, convened an interdisciplinary advisory committee to assist with planning and implementation of CRE epidemiology and control efforts. The working group established a statewide CRE definition and surveillance plan; increased the state laboratory capacity to perform the modified Hodge test and polymerase chain reaction for carbapenemases in real time; and administered surveys that assessed the needs and capabilities of Oregon infection prevention and laboratory personnel. Results of these inquiries informed CRE education and the response plan. Results. Of 60 CRE reported from November 2010 through April 2013, only 3 were identified as carbapenemase producers; the cases were not linked, and no secondary transmission was found. Microbiology laboratories, acute care facilities, and long-term care facilities reported lacking carbapenemase testing capability, reliable interfacility communication, and CRE awareness, respectively. Survey findings informed the creation of the Oregon CRE Toolkit, a state-specific CRE guide booklet. Conclusions. A regional epidemiology surveillance and response network has been implemented in Oregon in advance of widespread CRE transmission. Prospective surveillance will determine whether this collaborative approach will be successful at forestalling the emergence of this important healthcare-associated pathogen.
Cognitive Reactivity in Everyday Life as a Prospective Predictor of Depressive Symptoms

We used PDA devices and an experience sampling technique to assess participants’ negative mood and thoughts as they engaged in their normal daily routines over the course of a week. We then calculated each person’s own unique relationship between mood and thoughts, and used this index of cognitive reactivity to predict depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up. Participants who demonstrated a stronger link between their momentary negative mood and negative cognitions reported more depressive symptoms at follow-up than those who had a weaker relationship between mood and cognitions. Further, this cognitive reactivity index was a better predictor of follow-up depressive symptom scores than initial depressive symptoms, dysfunctional attitudes, average experienced negative mood or thoughts, or variability of negative mood or thoughts. These results are consistent with earlier findings and build on previous research by demonstrating that naturally occurring cognitive reactivity is predictive of future mood disruptions.
Clindamycin-Associated Colitis Due to a Toxin-Producing Species of Clostridium in Hamsters

Clindamycin-associated enterocolitis in hamsters was studied to detect and characterize a transmissible agent. It was found that the disease could be transferred by cecal contents and filtrates of cecal contents (pore size of filter, 0.02 micron) obtained from animals after administration of clindamycin. Subsequent work showed that enterocolitis could be produced with broth cultures of a species of Clostridium recovered from cecal contents of animals with clindamycin-induced disease. The cell-free supernatant of this strain also caused enterocolitis. Cecal contents from animals with clindamycin-induced disease incubated with gas gangrene antitoxin failed to cause intestinal lesions. These experiments indicate that clindamycin-associated colitis in hamsters is due to a clindamycin-resistant, toxin-producing strain of Clostridium.
An automatic field plotter

Solutions of field problems can often be approximately obtained by constructing a 2-dimensional model of the field to be studied in an electrolytic tank. A servomechanism is described which is arranged to follow the equipotential lines that exist in such a model and to plot them automatically. A rotating co-ordinate system is employed to enable the device to trace out closed curves and other multivalued functions. This co-ordinate system is automatically aligned with the equipotential lines to be followed so that the sweep velocity is constant and parallel to the desired curve and correction velocity is normal to this curve. The system is analyzed with particular emphasis on stability and accuracy. The prototype plotter was able to follow curves with a minimum radius of 1/2 inch and maintain an accuracy of 0.5 per cent of maximum travel.
Intrinsic Scintillator Resolution

Measurements of spectrometer resolution using an electron gun and phosphor type of light source yield values considerably better than those obtained from scintillations in a phosphor. Line widths of about 3.4 per cent have been obtained at a pulse height equivalent to 661 kev in NaI. An investigation is being made to determine the causes of this difference. A number of possibilities have been eliminated. Flasher light pulses may be collimated or diffused at the photo surface with no difference in result. They may be mixed with random scintillation pulses giving simultaneously the relatively poor resolution of the scintillator and the good resolution of the flasher. Optical filters do not affect the result when the flasher is used, but do give a relative improvement with a scintillator. It is found that as the light is attenuated in any way from a scintillation crystal, its relative resolution is improved. The improvement is compatible with the concept of an intrinsic crystal resolution. In other words, the difference of the squares of crystal width and flasher width remains constant with varying attenuation. It remains constant also for a given crystal with photomultipliers of different types and resolutions. The intrinsic width indicated for a good crystal is about 6 per cent. Results of experiments attempting to locate the cause of this effect are reported.
Powder Processing, Rheology, and Mechanical Properties of Feedstock for Fused Deposition of Si3N4 Ceramics

Fused deposition of ceramics (FDC) is a technique in which green parts are fabricated directly from CAD designs. The feedstock for FDC is a 1.778 mm diameter filament that requires a low viscosity and high column strength. This study explores the powder processing science, as well as the rheological and mechanical properties required for a successful FDC feedstock material. GS44 Si3N4 powders were dispersed in RU9 binder using oleyl alcohol (OA). The viscosity of the RU9/OA/Si3N4 mixture was measured as a function of temperature, solids loading, and OA concentration. The mechanical properties of the filament feedstock were evaluated in compression to establish FDC process limits. The feedstock material shows a shear thinning behavior with OA acting mainly as a plasticizer. The viscosity of GS44-filled RU9 decreases with temperature, and increases with solids content. At 185°C and 55 vol% loading, the viscosity was found to be in the range of 49–7 Pa·s for a corresponding shear rate of 70–1128 s−1. This was sufficiently low for FDC. Based on pressure requirements for FDC extrusion (ΔP), and maximum sustainable stress without buckling by the filament (σE), it has been found that for successful FDC of RU955, 1.1ΔP < σE.
A False Sense of Security: Moral Panic Driven Sex Offender Legislation

Data collected from correctional files of sex offenders managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation were analyzed to explore the degree to which sex offender behavior meets the assumptions of the legislation intended to regulate their behavior. The study asked where offenders commit their sex crimes and the likelihood of choosing a known vs. a stranger victim. The concept of moral panic is used as a framework to discuss possible motivations for current sex offender legislation.
Measuring temperament in pediatric practice

The present study reports data concerning the discriminant validity of the Carey Infant Temperament Questionnaire. Subjects were 187 primiparous women who completed a battery of psychologic tests prior to the births of their infants. They also filled out the ITQ at three and six months after the baby was born. Nine of the 20 variables derived from the prenatal test battery discriminated mothers whose babies were diagnosed as temperamentally "difficult" from those whose infants were diagnosed as temperamentally "easy" based on three-month ITQ scores. Seven of the prenatal variables similarly discriminated these two groups on the six-month ITQ. The implications of these findings for uses of the ITQ are discussed.
AcMNPV Late Expression Factor-5 Interacts with Itself and Contains a Zinc Ribbon Domain That Is Required for Maximal Late Transcription Activity and Is Homologous to Elongation Factor TFIIS

Abstract The late expression factor-5 gene ( lef-5 ) of Autographa californica multinucleocapsid polyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is required for late gene expression. In this paper, we demonstrate that LEF-5 interacts with itself in the yeast two-hybrid system and in glutathione–S-transferase affinity assays. Deletion analysis suggested that the C-terminal 71 amino acids (aa) were not required for interaction. However, all deletions tested involving the N-terminal 194 aa significantly reduced LEF-5:LEF-5 interaction. LEF-5 or LEF-5 deletion mutants were transfected into Sf-9 cells with the full complement of genes required for baculovirus late transcription. All deletion clones tested reduced expression of a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene under control of the late vp39 capsid promoter. Amino-acid sequence analysis of LEF-5 identified a previously unreported domain within the C-terminal 32 aa that is homologous to the zinc ribbon domain of RNA polymerase II elongation factor IIS (TFIIS) from a variety of taxa. Molecular modeling of the putative LEF-5 Zn ribbon using the NMR data available for the Zn ribbon of TFIIS suggested that this domain could fold into a Zn ribbon structure similar to TFIIS. Alanine scanning mutagenesis of amino acids predicted to be important for functioning of the LEF-5 ribbon structure significantly reduced LEF-5 activity in transient expression assays. Mutations changing the amino acids predicted to coordinate Zn 2+ caused a reduction in activity similar to that when the domain was eliminated completely.
Spin Hall Effect of Light in Spherical Geometry

Electromagnetic waves carry angular momenta, and, due to spin-orbit interaction, an encounter with a gradient of refractive index leads to transport of spin similar to the electronic spin Hall effect. We show here that transversal spin transport is possible even when the symmetry of optical interaction is of higher dimensionality. We demonstrate that for a wave in a pure state of polarization, the spin-orbit interaction results in a spiraling power flow that is determined by the extent of the interaction. As a result, the spin transport can be resonantly enhanced in a spherical geometry. Our results open the possibility for developing new functionalities for photonic devices.
Early Reading in Bilingual Kindergartners: Can Educational Television Help?

This study examines individual growth rates in phonological awareness and letter-word identification skills over an academic year for 150 Latino English-language learners. In October, February, and June of their kindergarten year, participants completed standardized measures of phonological awareness skills. Before the second and third assessments, one third of the children watched Arthur three times a week during school hours, and another third viewed Between the Lions. The last third did not view either show during school hours. Individual growth modeling analysis show that children who viewed Between the Lions had steeper growth trajectories than those who viewed Arthur for several of the phonological awareness measures. The findings suggest viewing Between the Lions is beneficial to children's early literacy skills.
On construction of coprime factorizations for nonlinear feedback control systems

In this paper we describe a family of operators for constructing nontrivial left and right coprime factorizations under rather weak conditions for a large class of nonlinear feedback control systems that has a stabilizable or unstabilizable plant, using a common criterion of input-output stability. The proposed sufficiency and construction method are based on a generalization of the nonlinear Lipschitz operator theory formulated by us for such systems. This class of generalized nonlinear Lipschitz operators constitutes a very large family (an infinite-dimensional Banach space) of bounded nonlinear operators that describe (part of) the underlying systems. One of the main difficulties in constructing coprine factorizations for nonlinear feedback systems has been in taking care of the nonlinear composite and inverse operators that appear in the closed-loop configuration such that the overall feedback system is well defined in the sense of stability, causality, and uniqueness of the internal signals and such that the coprime factorizations can be achieved. In this paper we show how these difficult issues can be handled nicely under our framework of generalized nonlinear Lipschitz operator theory, at least for a very large class of nonlinear control systems. We give a simple illustrative example to show how these coprime factorizations can actually be characterized and constructed to yield explicit closed-form solutions.
Cardiac microdialysis a powerful tool.

See article by Akiyama et al. [1] (pages 531–538) in this issue. Tsuyoshi Akiyama and Toji Yamazaki have reported that norepinephrine inhibits acetylcholine release from post-ganglionic cardiac vagal efferents [1]. This is hardly a novel idea since the existence of pre-junctional adrenergic receptors, presumably located on cardiac parasympathetic efferents, has been well documented both physiologically and pharmacologically. What is unique here is that the authors have actually measured steady-state changes in acetylcholine within the interstitium of the working left ventricle. They have done this with an elegant marriage of in situ microdialysis and an ultra-sensitive HPLC-electrochemical detection system. The report referenced above represents another step forward in the continuing struggle to evaluate the paracrine environment within the myocardium. Much of the early work in this regard was focused on quantifying the dynamics of capillary filtration including the osmotic contribution of interstitial constituents and the measurement of interstitial fluid pressure. Every student of physiology remembers the measurements of interstitial fluid pressure obtained by Guyton from porous spheres inserted into a variety of tissues [2]. Subsequent efforts to explain the regulation of coronary blood flow produced a variety of experimental incursions into the myocardial interstitium. Interstitial constituents were estimated from a variety of sources including micropipettes, electrodes, filter disks, lymph cannulas and pericardial perfusions. The controversies centered on the adenosine hypothesis were responsible for much of the later drive to investigate the myocardial interstitium. In this regard, Van Wylen et al. [3] reported the application of an existing technique, microdialysis, to estimate interstitial adenosine and its metabolites. Microdialysis, which evolved during the prior decade, had largely been limited to studies evaluating neurotransmitter release within the central nervous system. The active generation … * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1-817-735-2085; fax: +1-817-735-5084 jcaffrey{at}hsc.unt.edu
Factors Influencing Growth Inhibition of Mycoplasma pneumoniae By Immune Sera.

SummaryStudies on growth inhibition of M. pneumoniae revealed three interdependent major variables: number of organisms used in titrations, amount of antiserum, and time of test incubation. A linear relationship between the logarithms of the number of organisms inhibited and the antiserum dilution was observed in which the regression ratio was 2.0. Heat-labile factors in normal sera, required for inhibition of M. pneumoniae, were readily provided by incorporating fresh frozen horse serum into the growth medium. Other animal sera could not be used because of the presence of heat-labile inhibitors; commercial guinea pig “complement” additionally contained 2 heat-stable inhibitors, specific antibody and sodium azide. Control of the factors indicated provided means of producing immune inhibition measurements of varying sensitivity which were reproducible within a 4-fold range at the 95% confidence level.
A wide field-of-view scanning endoscope for whole anal canal imaging

We report a novel wide field-of-view (FOV) scanning endoscope, the AnCam, which is based on contact image sensor (CIS) technology used in commercialized business card scanners. The AnCam can capture the whole image of the anal canal within 10 seconds with a resolution of 89 μm, a maximum FOV of 100 mm × 120 mm, and a depth-of-field (DOF) of 0.65 mm at 5.9 line pairs per mm (lp/mm). We demonstrate the performance of the AnCam by imaging the entire anal canal of pigs and tracking the dynamics of acetowhite testing. We believe the AnCam can potentially be a simple and convenient solution for screening of the anal canal for dysplasia and for surveillance in patients following treatment for anal cancer.
An Interactive Segmentation Based on CT Image Series

Segmentation is an essential and important step in the analysis of medical images. This paper proposes an interactive scheme for segmentation of 3D CT image series data. User starts with an improved live wire algorithm on individually selected slices. If segmented contours on at least two slices are available, all contours on slices in between can be computed utilizing contour interpolation algorithm. If the variations of the object boundary between user-selected slices are significant, automatic optimization algorithm is applied for reduction of the variations in the interpolated contours. Experiments show that our scheme can obtain the region boundary of interest on a series of CT images quickly and reliably with only little user intervention.
Codependency, Perceived Interparental Conflict, and Substance Abuse in the Family of Origin

Codependency has been found to originate in many different environments, namely the family of origin. The most popularly researched environment is the family of origin that exhibits substance abuse. However, little research has clearly demonstrated that codependency is most prevalent in children of substance abusers. Previous research has not examined how codependency is correlated with perceived interparental conflict. This study examined the relationships among codependency, interparental conflict, and substance abuse in the family of origin. Results of this study found that codependency in adulthood was related to perceived interparental conflict in the family of origin, but was not related to the family of origin that exhibited substance abuse.
Antimuscarinic drugs--effect on brain acetylcholine and tremors in rats

Abstract The effect of cholinergic and antimuscarinic drugs on rat brain acetylcholine (ACh) concentration and on tremors has been studied. The cholinergic drugs (physotigmine and oxotremorine) increased brain ACh concentration and produced tremors. Antimuscarinic drugs (atropine, benztropine and trihexyphenidyl) decreased brain ACh concentration, blocked oxotremorine-induced tremors and prevented the oxotremorine- induced increase in brain ACh. Physostigmine-induced tremors and elevation in brain ACh concentration were not altered by pretreatment with benztropine and trihexyphenidyl. However, atropine reduced physostigmine-induced tremors and prevented the increase in brain ACh concentration. The results suggest that oxotremorine- and physostigmine-induced tremors are causally related to an increase in brain ACh concentration.
Effects of brucellaphage on extracellular and intracellular Brucella abortus.

SummaryStudies on the interactions between brucellaphage and Br. abortus, either under extracellular conditions or when the bacteria resided intracellularly within guinea pig mononuclear phagocytes maintained in vitro, showed: 1) inhibitory effects of untreated or UV-treated phage on the multiplication of brucellae, and 2) a lack of such effects in the case of heat-treated phage. These findings suggest an association between brucellacidal, or possibly brucellastatic, effects and phage protein. It was demonstrated that the effects on intracellular bacteria can occur even when exposure to phage is delayed until 2 hours after phagocytosis of the bacteria.
Quality improvement and cost savings with multicomponent delirium interventions: replication of the Hospital Elder Life Program in a community hospital.

Objective Delirium is a common problem associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in the hospitalized elderly, yet there is little research outside of academic medical centers exploring methods to prevent its onset. The authors adapted the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) for use in a community hospital and assessed its impact on delirium rate, length of stay (LOS) and healthcare costs in elderly patients. Methods Delirium episodes and duration, total patient-days with delirium and LOS were assessed in 595 patients 70 years of age or older admitted to a general medical floor at a community hospital. Pre-intervention outcomes were assessed on the medical floor for 4 months. Interventions adapted from HELP occurred over 9 months and included daily visits, therapeutic activities, and assistance with feeding, hydration, sleep, and vision/hearing impairment. Delirium was assessed on a daily basis with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Results The rate of episodes of delirium decreased from 20% in the pre-intervention group to 12% in the intervention group, a relative 40% reduction (P = 0.019). Total patients days with delirium decreased from 8% in the usual care group to 6% in the intervention group (P = 0.005). LOS among all patients enrolled in the intervention group decreased by 2 days (P Conclusions HELP can be successfully adapted for implementation in a community hospital setting to decrease delirium episodes, total patient-days with delirium and LOS, and generate substantial cost savings.
Changes in the distribution of a histone in dorsal root ganglion neurons during development.

The isolation and cellular localization of a basic protein (histone) from central nervous tissue have been previously reported. In the tissues previously studied (nervous tissue, testis, liver, spleen, kidney, ovary), the basic protein was restricted in distribution to the nuclei of neurons and spermatogonia. In the present study, the temporal appearance of the histone within neurons and the changes in its distribution during ontogenesis were examined. The reaction between a fluorescent immune γ-globulin prepared against this purified tissue-specific histone and the neurons from the dorsal root ganglia of the rat was investigated. The dorsal root ganglia examined were those from fetuses, 2-, 10-, and 40-day-old rats, and from adult rats. At the earliest stages, only the nucleoli reacted. Subsequently, threads of fluorescent material were seen to emerge from the nucleoli. The extent of this reaction between the immune globulin and the threads within the nuclei continued to increase with maturation. No changes in fluorescence localization during development could be seen in the nuclei of neurons in the cerebellum or brain stem. The role that this tissue-specific histone may play in cell function is discussed.