cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empowerment theory and prison-based dog training programs:

SummaryThough a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of prison-based dog training programs, research on the process of change or the underlying mechanisms of change for incarcerated indiv...
726. Investigation of Epidemiological Characteristics and Outcomes in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli positive patients

Background New generation multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels have led to the ability of rapid detection of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Although many studies have looked at the pathogenesis of this organism in the pediatric populations, fewer studies include adults. We aimed to determine if EPEC is pathogenic on its own, or has a predilection for certain populations based upon risk factors. This was achieved by comparing risk factors in patients positive for EPEC on the BioFire Gastrointestinal (GI) Pathogen Panel versus patients negative for all targets on the panel.
OTEH-12. Assessing Adaptive Responses to Loss of Extrachromosomal DNA Amplification

Background Oncogene activation through somatic gene amplification happens frequently in GBM, with over 70% of these tumors presenting amplification of at least one putative driver gene, oftentimes in small extrachromosomal circular DNA segments composed of chromatin (ecDNA). A molecularly diverse and representative panel of GBM patient-derived cancer stem-like cells (CSC) and orthotopic mouse xenografts (PDX), which retain the original genomic abnormalities and ecDNA amplifications, was employed to assess adaptive response to the absence of ecDNA amplification.
Human stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cells enhance human T-cell development in a xenogeneic thymus.

Background Generation of thymic tissue from pluripotent stem cells would provide therapies for acquired and congenital thymic insufficiency states. Objectives This study aimed to generate human thymic epithelial progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hES-TEPs) and to assess their thymopoietic function in vivo. Methods This study differentiated hES-TEPs by mimicking developmental queues with FGF8, retinoic acid, SHH, Noggin, and BMP4. Their function was assessed in reaggregate cellular grafts under the kidney capsule and in hybrid thymi by incorporating them into swine thymus (SwTHY) grafts implanted under the kidney capsules of immunodeficient mice that received human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (hHSPCs) intravenously. Results Cultured hES-TEPs expressed FOXN1 and formed colonies expressing EPCAM and both cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell markers. In thymectomized immunodeficient mice receiving hHSPCs, hES-TEPs mixed with human thymic mesenchymal cells supported human T-cell development. Hypothesizing that support from non–epithelial thymic cells might allow long-term function of hES-TEPs, the investigators injected them into SwTHY tissue, which supports human thymopoiesis in NOD severe combined immunodeficiency IL2Rγnull mice receiving hHSPCs. hES-TEPs integrated into SwTHY grafts, enhanced human thymopoiesis, and increased peripheral CD4+ naive T-cell reconstitution. Conclusions This study has developed and demonstrated in vivo thymopoietic function of hES-TEPs generated with a novel differentiation protocol. The SwTHY hybrid thymus model demonstrates beneficial effects on human thymocyte development of hES-TEPs maturing in the context of a supportive thymic structure.
Linear and Nonlinear Associations between the Sleep Environment, Presleep Conditions, and Sleep in Adolescence: Moderation by Race and Socioeconomic Status

Abstract Objective/Background The role of the sleep environment and presleep conditions that may influence adolescents’ sleep are understudied. The aims of the current study were to examine linear and nonlinear associations between the sleep environment and presleep conditions and adolescents’ daytime sleepiness and sleep/wake problems. Method Participants included 313 adolescents (Mage = 17.39 years, SD = 10.38 months; 51.4% girls, 48.6% boys; 59.1% White/European American, 40.3% Black/African American) from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds living in the southeastern United States. Adolescents completed surveys assessing the sleep environment (e.g., light, bedding), four presleep conditions (i.e., general worries, family concerns, arousal, somatic complaints), and sleep (daytime sleepiness, sleep/wake problems). Results Sleep environment disruptions and worse presleep conditions were positively associated with sleepiness and sleep/wake problems in a linear fashion. Nonlinear associations emerged such that levels of sleepiness increased rapidly between low and average levels of the sleep environment and two presleep conditions (worries, arousal); the slope leveled off between average and high levels. Moreover, linear effects of environmental disruptions, family concerns, somatic complaints, and presleep arousal on sleep/wake problems were moderated by race and/or SES, indicating that positive associations between some presleep conditions and sleep/wake problems were more pronounced for Black and lower SES youth. Conclusions Results support the importance of the sleep environment and multiple presleep conditions and assessments of both linear and nonlinear effects for a better understanding of factors that may contribute to sleep. Additionally, results indicate the sleep environment and some presleep conditions may be more consequential for disadvantaged youth.
Peribrachiocephalic approaches to the anterior cervicothoracic spine

This cadaveric study aims to reexamine the corridors to the anterior cervicothoracic junction, relative to the left brachiocephalic vein, and to present these working corridors as either supra- or infra-brachiocephalic. The anterior cervicothoracic junction incorporates the seventh cervical vertebrae through the fourth thoracic vertebrae (C7–T4) and involves critical anatomical structures. Operative approaches to this area are well described in the literature, with the predominant implementation of three surgical corridors. We used three embalmed, human, cadaveric specimens for this study. No pathology involving the cervicothoracic junction was noted. While dissecting, we tried to imitate the actual surgery. For each surgical step, photographs were taken, drawing attention to the critical structures and highlighting the different corridors to the spine relative to the left brachiocephalic vein. It is possible to access the cervicothoracic junction relative to the brachiocephalic vein from the left. The supra-brachiocephalic approach gives access to the C7–T4 vertebrae, whereas if T4–T5 is the goal, the infra-brachiocephalic approach may be utilized. In the supra-brachiocephalic approach, the brachiocephalic artery can be either medialized or lateralized as needed. A re-examination of the anterior cervicothoracic junction anatomy has allowed us to classify approaches relative to the left brachiocephalic vein. Identifying and understanding the approaches relative to this structure will assist in safe and effective spinal surgery in this area.
A 2-fold higher rate of intraventricular hemorrhage-related mortality in African American neonates and infants.

Object Despite the recognition of racial or ethnic differences in preterm gestation, such differences in the rate of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), frequently associated with preterm gestation, are not well studied. The authors performed the current study to identify racial or ethnic differences in the incidence of IVH-related mortality within the national population of the US. Methods Using the ICD-10 codes P52.0, P52.1, P52.2, P52.3, and P10.2 and the Multiple Cause of Death data from 2000 to 2009, the authors identified all IVH-related mortalities that occurred in neonates and infants aged less than 1 year. The live births for whites and African Americans from the census for 2000–2009 were used to derive the incidence of IVH-related mortality for whites and African Americans per 100,000 live births. The IVH rate ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and annual percent change (APC) in the incidence rates from 2000 to 2009 were also calculated. Results A total of 3249 IVH-related mortality cases w...
CAEN-BIST: testing the nanofabric

A built-in self-test algorithm is developed for chemically-assembled electronic nanotechnology (CAEN) that exploits reconfigurability to achieve 100% fault coverage and nearly 100% diagnostic accuracy. This algorithm is particularly suited for regular architectures with high defect densities.
THE ELUCIDATION OF ACTINIDE FLUORIDE STRUCTURES USING SINGLE CRYSTAL X-RAY AND OPTICAL MICROSCOPY TECHNIQUES [1]*

Abstract Fluoro complexes of the M 4+ ions, Th, U, and Ce (order of decreasing radius) were prepared from aqueous NH 4 F and MF 4 . Their complexes show striking differences in coordination of the M 4+ element. Thorium is 9-coordinated in tricapped trigonal prisms occurring as chains in 4NH 4 F·ThF 4 and in 3NH 4 F·ThF 4 . The smaller ions, U 4+ and Ce 4+ , display a variety of 8-coordinated structures, e.g. isolated MF 8 4- ions in 4NH 4 F·MF 4 , 8-coordinated chains in 2NH 4 FMF 4 ; and dodecahedral dimers in Ce 2 F 14 6- . The first known example of actinide fluoride dimer units occur in the lattice of cubic 7NH 4 F·2ThF 4 H 2 O. Two thoriums are located on the cube diagonal, sharing a triangle of three fluorines between them. Each thorium is additionally coordinated by a puckered equatorial ring of six fluorines. Although the X-ray crystal structures of actinide fluoride complexes differ greatly, molar refractivity is a good measure of their composition since wide structural variations have little effect on the molar refractivity.
The Mechanism of Action of the Flavoprotein Melilotate Hydroxylase

Abstract The reaction mechanism of melilotate hydroxylase has been investigated by a variety of kinetic methods. A steady state analysis has indicated that the enzyme has a mechanism involving two ternary complexes but not a quaternary complex of the enzyme and the three substrates. The reduction of the enzyme-melilotate complex by NADH has been studied by measuring fluorescence changes in the stopped flow apparatus. This reaction is second order and very rapid. The product of this reaction, observed by stopped-flow spectrophotometry, is believed to be a charge-transfer complex between the reduced FAD of the enzyme and NAD+. It has a broad, long wave length band centered at 750 nm and little absorption at 450 nm. This long wave length band disappears with a rate independent of the NADH concentration; this is presumably due to the dissociation of NAD+ from the complex. A charge-transfer complex can also be formed by anaerobic titration of reduced enzyme with NAD+ or 3-acetylpyridine-NAD+. The charge-transfer band is sensitive to the nature of the pyridine nucleotide. The spectrum of the complex between reduced enzyme and NAD+ appears to be identical with the spectrum observed transiently during the reduction of the enzyme by NADH in the stopped flow apparatus. The reaction of reduced melilotate hydroxylase with molecular oxygen in the absence of melilotate is a second order reaction. The rate of this reaction is enhanced more than 10-fold by the presence of melilotate, and the reaction profile becomes more complex. This complexity is due to the formation of an intermediate, which is believed to be an adduct of molecular oxygen to the reduced FAD of the enzyme. The spectrum of this intermediate has been determined by analog computer simulation using experimentally determined rate constants for its formation and decay, as well as the known extinction coefficients for reduced and oxidized enzyme. A reaction mechanism is proposed based on the steady state analysis. This analysis enabled the kinetic constants for the reaction to be determined. These kinetic constants have also been predicted from individually determined rate constants assuming the proposed mechanism. The values obtained by these two methods are in excellent agreement. They also correlate with the Kdiss previously determined for the dissociation of melilotate from the enzyme-substrate complex.
Computation of the minimum Euclidean distance of modulated signals in IIR dispersive channels

We consider the computational problem of finding the minimum Euclidean distance between modulated signals in linear dispersive channels with infinite-duration impulse response. Assuming maximum-likelihood estimation, those channels transform trellis codes to tree codes, and algorithms devised for tree codes, like the branch-and-bound algorithm, must be used. We show that, when the channel response has rational Laplace or z transform, some properties of recursive filters can be explored to reduce the computational effort of the search: upper and lower bounds can more be efficiently calculated via recursive equations, and discrete-time filter theory can be used to find the best way to compute some convolutions. Sample calculations are given for practical examples. >
A Positive Feedback with Negative Consequences

The ability to emit isoprene protects some plants from ozone damage, which may affect their future abundance.
Network Models of Mechanical Assemblies

Recent network research has sought to characterize complex systems with a number of statistical metrics, such as power law exponent (if any), clustering coefficient, community behavior, and degree correlation. Use of such metrics represents a choice of level of abstraction, a balance of generality and detailed accuracy. It has been noted that “social networks” consistently display clustering coefficients that are higher than those of random or generalized random networks, that they have small world properties such as short path lengths, and that they have positive degree correlations (assortative mixing). “Technological” or “non-social” networks display many of these characteristics except that they generally have negative degree correlations (disassortative mixing). [Newman 2003i] In this paper we examine network models of mechanical assemblies. Such systems are well understood functionally. We show that there is a cap on their average nodal degree and that they have negative degree correlations (disassortative mixing). We identify specific constraints arising from first principles, their structural patterns, and engineering practice that suggest why they have these properties. In addition, we note that their main “motif” is closed loops (as it is for electric and electronic circuits), a pattern that conventional network analysis does not detect but which is used by software intended to aid in the design of such systems.
16 Reading Graphs: Interactions of Processing Requirements and Stimulus Structure

Publisher Summary The emphasis on structural variables alone is insufficient to account for many aspects of graphical communication, even those associated with variations in the efficacy of different graphical formats. One of the most common findings in the field of comparative graphics is that the efficacy of any graphical format is highly task dependent. Attention must not only be devoted to the structural characteristics of graphical displays but also to the processing demands of the tasks that the graphs subserve. The chapter traces the history of comparative graphics within the framework of this structure-process or display-task distinction. The chapter reviews the reports of experiments in which display variables, task variables, or both are manipulated by the investigators and focuses on the gradual refinement of the structural concepts used to distinguish graphical formats, as well as on the growing interest in the processing demands of graphical tasks. The chapter also discusses the proximity–compatibility hypothesis, a framework developed specifically in response to the need to understand structure-process interactions in the reading of graphs.
Impact of a Multifaceted Intervention on Prescribing of Proton Pump Inhibitors for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in the Critically Ill

Background:: Lack of well-supported evidence clearly defining one agent as superior to the other for use in stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has led to an array of treatment strategies. Studies comparing histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have shown H2RAs to be non-inferior to PPIs at preventing clinically significant gastric bleeding. This, in addition to the decreased cost associated with H2RAs, has led to the adoption of H2RAs as the preferred agent for SUP at our institution. Objectives:: To evaluate the impact of developing a guideline and removing PPIs from computerized order entry PowerPlans on PPI prescribing for SUP in critically ill patients. Patients and Methods:: Members of the critical care service developed a guideline to direct SUP and removed pantoprazole from two critical care admission PowerPlans. In this interventional study with a historical control, adult patients admitted to the medical or surgical-trauma ICU and prescribed a PPI were evaluated during two time periods before and after the interventions. Patients were excluded if they were receiving a PPI for a reason other than SUP. Patients were assessed daily for an indication for SUP. These included mechanical ventilation, high dose steroids, and coagulopathy. Results:: A total of 92 and 60 patients were included in the pre- and post-intervention groups, respectively. PPI use for SUP was reduced from 38% in the pre-intervention group to 15.6% in the post-intervention group (P < 0.0001). PPI days adjusted for LOS were not different between the pre- and post-intervention groups (84% vs 86%, P = 0.5909). Of the total PPI days, 52.4% (95% CI 48.8 - 56.1) were classified as inappropriate because there was no indication, while the remaining 47.6% (95% CI 43.9 - 51.2) had an indication but should have received a H2RA. The total cost associated with guideline non-adherence was $1802. Conclusions:: Our multifaceted intervention reduced the number of days in which a PPI was prescribed for SUP in the overall ICU population; however, it did not impact the duration of PPI therapy. Patients either had no indication for SUP, or had an indication where less costly H2RAs could have been used. Additional opportunity exists to improve cost-effective prescribing of SUP for critically ill patients.
A Profile of Asian/Pacific Islander Elderly in Home Health Care

Abstract This study explores the differences in patient characteristics, home health service use, and discharge outcomes between Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) (n = 408) and White elderly home health care patients (n = 2,480) with a primary diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Outcomes Assessment Information Set and administrative data from a large urban home health agency located in the Northeast were used for analyses. Overall, API elders were more likely to be dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; entered with greater dependencies; and received more home health aide services than White elders. However, White elders reported greater anxiety and were more likely to live alone.
Creep behaviour modelling of a composite steel–concrete section

Abstract Long term behavior modelling of steel–concrete composite beams requires the use of the time variable and the taking into account of all the sustained stress history of the concrete slab constituting the cross section. In this context, a research contribution of the time-dependent behavior of composite sections under the creep influence of a concrete slab is presented in the present work. The concrete creep influence upon the composite section strength is taken into account as part of the concrete linear viscoelasticity. Thus, by considering the assumption of a complete composite connection made up of a steel beam and concrete slab, with no slip at the interface, and owing to the irreversible law of concrete, we obtain an analytical model, based upon a system of two differential linear equations governing the long term behavior of composite beam cross sections in bending. Results obtained from the application of the suggested model to a steel–concrete composite beam are satisfactory.
Cytochrome P-450 and drug metabolism in intestinal villous and crypt cells of rats: effect of dietary iron.

Summary In intestinal mucosa of fed adult rats, cytochrome P-450 content and activity of benzpyrene hydroxylase and p-nitroanisole O-demethylase are highest in the upper small intestine and progressively decrease toward the terminal ileum. Among the mucosal cell populations, mature villous tip cells contain 6 to 10 times more cytochrome P-450 and drug-metabolizing activity per mg microsomal protein than epithelial crypt cells. On restriction of dietary iron intake for 48 hr, cytochrome P-450 content and drug-metabolizing enzyme activity of villous tip cells decrease to 42% and 13% of control values, but are restored within 24 hr by oral iron supplementation. These findings suggest that intestinal drug metabolism is localized primarily in upper villous cells of duodenal mucosa, that cytochrome P-450 is synthesized in maturing epithelial cells as they migrate to the top of the mucosal villus and that this process is critically dependent on dietary (luminal) iron.
Hilbert-Huang Transform Analysis of Hydrological and Environmental Time Series

Climatic and hydrologic time series often display periodicities, and thus Fourier spectral analysis sometimes is appropriate. However, time series that are nonstationary, and also perhaps nonlinear, are not well handled by standard Fourier spectral analysis. Methods to handle nonstationarity, such as moving-time-window Fourier spectral analysis, assume linearity and have known limitations regarding the combined frequency and time resolution. For example, if the time series is stationary, then it is well known that better frequency resolution can be achieved by observing a longer time series (more time points). However, if the time series is nonstationary, then shorter time windows are required to estimate the “local in time” spectrum, analogous to using short-memory moving averages that use only the recent past few values to forecast the next value (P. Bloomfield, Fourier Analysis of Time Series: An Introduction, 2nd ed., John Wiley, 2000) because the mean value is changing over time. Therefore, in nonstationary time series analysis, there is a tension between the competing goals of time and frequency resolution. This tension is the reason that N. Huang et al. (Proc. R. Soc. A, 454, 903–995, 1998) introduced the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) as an alternative to moving-time-window Fourier spectral analysis (Bloomfield, 2000).
Volatile General Anesthetic Interactions with a Bacterial Sodium Channel

General anesthesia results from complex interactions involving ion channels in the brain. Voltage-gated ion channels are modulated by halogenated inhaled general anesthetics, however the drug-channel interactions are generally believed to be non-specific making it difficult to investigate the molecular mechanisms of anesthetic action. We find, however, that the bacterial sodium channel NaChBac exhibits differential regulation by different general anesthetics, suggesting that there may be specific interactions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have identified several possible binding sites for isoflurane in the NaChBac channel structure. Here, we have characterized the affinity, occupancy and hydrogen bonding for these sites and identified key interactions. In addition, experimental evidence suggests that both isoflurane and sevoflurane have dual actions on NaChBac, possibly involving action at two different sites. Consistent with pore block, sevoflurane accelerates the decay of the current (20% faster at 0.4 mM sevoflurane) but, at the same time, increases the peak current (10% increase with 0.4 mM sevoflurane), which argues against the blocking mechanism. We hypothesize that an additional mechanism involving a distinct site is necessary to explain the latter effect. We are currently employing MD simulation and structural modeling combined with mutagenesis and electrophysiology to test this two-site hypothesis and investigate the molecular mechanisms of these opposing effects. Supported by NINDS F31 NS077689 (AFB) and NIGMS P01 GM0558 (MLK).
Synaptic plasticity in inhibitory neurons of the auditory brainstem

There is a growing appreciation of synaptic plasticity in the early levels of auditory processing, and particularly of its role in inhibitory circuits. Synaptic strength in auditory brainstem and midbrain is sensitive to standard protocols for induction of long-term depression, potentiation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity. Differential forms of plasticity are operative at synapses onto inhibitory versus excitatory neurons within a circuit, and together these could serve to tune circuits involved in sound localization or multisensory integration. Such activity-dependent control of synaptic function in inhibitory neurons may also be expressed after hearing loss and could underlie persistent neuronal activity in patients with tinnitus.
Consumer Preferences and Selected Socioeconomic Variables Related to Physical Adequacy of Housing

To a large extent, the adequacy of physical conditions of housing is considered to be associated with the consumer's preferences for alternative consumption items and various socioeconomic characteristics of that consumer. The relationships of housing adequacy to race, town, tenure, wife's education, occupational prestige of the head of household, family income, and preferences for long- and short-range alternatives to housing were analyzed to determine which socioeconomic conditions and preferences were related to housing adequacy. The sample consisted of 361 females in two culturally different, small Louisiana communities with less than 6,500 populations. Orthogonal factor analysis of the attitude items, followed by least squares analysis of variance or simple linear correlations, where statistically appropriate, was used to determine significant differences in the adequacy of housing factor scores. Housing was significantly less adequate for blacks, for those living in the north Louisi ana community, and for those who lived in rented houses. The families of females who possessed lower levels of education and the families of males who worked at jobs with lower occupational prestige also lived in less adequate housing. The females who did not prefer to spend their resources on long-range alternatives to housing lived in less adequate housing. Thus, both socioeconomic variables and consumer preferences were directly associated with housing adequacy. The theoretical proposition that consumer preferences serve as an attitudinal link between the socioeconomic variables and housing adequacy was not supported by our data. The socioeconomic variables were related to housing adequacy but not generally related to consumer preferences. Only the socioeconomic variable, town, was related to consumer preferences.
Optimal statistical chip disposition

A chip disposition criterion is used to decide whether to accept or discard a chip during chip testing. Its quality directly impacts both yield and product quality loss (PQL). The importance becomes even more significant with the increasingly large process variation. For the first time, this paper rigorously formulates the optimal chip disposition problem, and proposes an elegant solution. We show that the optimal chip disposition criterion is different from the existing industry practice. Our solution can find the optimal disposition criterion efficiently with better yield under the same PQL constraint, or lower PQL under the same yield constraint.
Program of Postural Control

理学療法を施行する際，患者がどのような姿勢調節の方法をとっているのかを理解するのは重要なことである。本稿では，姿勢制御がどのようなストラテジーで行われるかについて説いたNashnerの理論を紹介する。また，この姿勢制御に影響する因子，疾患を持った患者における姿勢制御の方法についてもあわせて概説する。
Methodological requirements for valid tissue-based biomarker studies that can be used in clinical practice

Paralleling the growth of ever more cost efficient methods to sequence the whole genome in minute fragments of tissue has been the identification of increasingly numerous molecular abnormalities in cancers—mutations, amplifications, insertions and deletions of genes, and patterns of differential gene expression, i.e., overexpression of growth factors and underexpression of tumor suppressor genes. These abnormalities can be translated into assays to be used in clinical decision making. In general terms, the result of such an assay is subject to a large number of variables regarding the characteristics of the available sample, particularities of the used assay, and the interpretation of the results. This review discusses the effects of these variables on assays of tissue-based biomarkers, classified by macromolecule—DNA, RNA (including micro RNA, messenger RNA, long noncoding RNA, protein, and phosphoprotein). Since the majority of clinically applicable biomarkers are immunohistochemically detectable proteins this review focuses on protein biomarkers. However, the principles outlined are mostly applicable to any other analyte. A variety of preanalytical variables impacts on the results obtained, including analyte stability (which is different for different analytes, i.e., DNA, RNA, or protein), period of warm and of cold ischemia, fixation time, tissue processing, sample storage time, and storage conditions. In addition, assay variables play an important role, including reagent specificity (notably but not uniquely an issue concerning antibodies used in immunohistochemistry), technical components of the assay, quantitation, and assay interpretation. Finally, appropriateness of an assay for clinical application is an important issue. Reference is made to publicly available guidelines to improve on biomarker development in general and requirements for clinical use in particular. Strategic goals are formulated in order to improve on the quality of biomarker reporting, including issues of analyte quality, experimental detail, assay efficiency and precision, and assay appropriateness.
Binding of Efb from Staphylococcus aureus to Fibrinogen Blocks Neutrophil Adherence

In addition to its pivotal role in hemostasis, fibrinogen (Fg) and provisional fibrin matrices play important roles in inflammation and regulate innate immune responses by interacting with leukocytes. Efb (the extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein) is a secreted Staphylococcus aureus protein that engages host Fg and complement C3. However, the molecular details underlying the Efb-Fg interaction and the biological relevance of this interaction have not been determined. In the present study, we characterize the interaction of Efb with Fg. We demonstrate that the Fg binding activity is located within the intrinsically disordered N-terminal half of Efb (Efb-N) and that the D fragment of Fg is the region that mediates Efb-N binding. More detailed studies of the Efb-N-Fg interactions using ELISA and surface plasmon resonance analyses revealed that Efb-N exhibits a much higher affinity for Fg than typically observed with Fg-binding MSCRAMMs (microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules), and data obtained from ELISA analyses using truncated Efb-N constructs demonstrate that Efb-N contains two binding sites located within residues 30–67 and 68–98, respectively. Efb-N inhibits neutrophil adhesion to immobilized Fg by binding to Fg and blocking the interaction of the protein with the leukocyte integrin receptor, αMβ2. A motif in the Fg γ chain previously shown to be central to the αMβ2 interaction was shown to be functionally distinguishable from the Efb-N binding site, suggesting that the Fg-Efb interaction indirectly impedes Fg engagement by αMβ2. Taken together, these studies provide insights into how Efb interacts with Fg and suggest that Efb may support bacterial virulence at least in part by impeding Fg-driven leukocyte adhesion events.
Facile Synthesis of α,α-Diisobutylglycine and Anchoring Its Derivatives onto PAL-PEG-PS Resin

alpha,alpha-Diisobutylglycine has been synthesized using a Pd-mediated dialkylation of ethyl nitroacetate as a key first step. The free alphaalphaAA is N(alpha)-protected and has been applied to the assembly of conformationally constrained peptide analogues. Mixed anhydrides from BOP-Cl and Fmoc-alphaalphaAA-OH are used for anchoring alphaalphaAAs onto a trialkoxybenzyl linker on PEG-PS grafted support, upon which a beta-strand mimic with difficult sequence is assembled in a superior quality.
A multiplicative finite strain finite element framework for the modelling of semicrystalline polymers and polycarbonates

This paper presents a phenomenological model for the simulation and analysis of stress-induced orientational hardening in semicrystalline polymers and polycarbonates at finite strains. The notion of intermediate (local) stress-free configuration is used to develop a set of constitutive equations, and its relation to the multiple natural (stress-free) configurations in the class of materials being considered here is discussed. A hyperelastic stored energy function, written with respect to the intermediate stress-free configuration is presented to model the finite elastic response. It is then combined with the J2-flow theory to model the finite inelastic response. The isochoric constraint during inelastic deformation is treated via an exact multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into volume-preserving and spherical parts. The numerical solution algorithm is based on the use of operator splitting technique that results in a product formula algorithm with elastic-predictor/inelastic-corrector components. Numerical results are presented to show the behaviour of the model. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MEDIATING INFANTICIDE: Theorizing Relations between Narrative and Violence

Much anthropological research on narrative and violence treats their relationship as immanent and performative, an assumption shared by many media, legal, medical, and other professionals and lay persons. This view is predicated on constructing the production, circulation, and reception of knowledge about violence in particular ways. In this article, I examine newspaper accounts of infanticide in Venezuela, along with interviews with reporters, detectives and legal professionals and focus groups. This analysis suggests that these articles, which receive widespread attention, become stories about stories—specifically narratives that recount how the story of the crime unfolded naturally and automatically from material and corporeal evidence, and the words of relatives, neighbors, doctors, detectives, defendants, and the vox populi. These constructions of discourse about violence create a very limited range of subject positions, generate standardized scripts for persons interpellated in each slot, and make it difficult to advance counternarratives, thereby inscribing the legitimacy of state institutions during a period (the 1990s) when the nation-state project seemed to be collapsing.
T cells climb on board Blimp-1

B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein (Blimp)-1, a transcriptional repressor, has long been known to drive the terminal maturation of B cells into plasma cells. However, two recent studies reveal an unanticipated role for Blimp-1 in T-cell homeostasis. Blimp-1-deficient T cells exhibit enhanced proliferative and functional responses following activation, and induce spontaneous colitis. Hence, aside from its role in B-cell differentiation, Blimp-1 directs restraint among T cells.
REAPPRAISAL OF G1‐PHASE ARREST AND SYNCHRONIZATION BY LOVASTATIN

It has been proposed that lovastatin arrests cells in the G1-phase of the division cycle, and that release from lovastatin inhibition produces a synchronized culture. A new method of methocel time-lapse-videography has been used to analyse cell division patterns following lovastatin treatment. Release of L1210 cells from lovastatin inhibition failed to produce synchronized divisions. Moreover, contrary to earlier proposals, lovastatin did not arrest cells with a G1-phase amount of DNA. Analysis of previous reports of ‘synchronization’ and growth-arrest support these findings. It is concluded that lovastatin neither synchronizes cells, nor arrests cells in the G1-phase of the division cycle.
Acute toxicity of ten chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons to the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Ninety-six-hour LC50 values were determined for 10 chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons in freshwater flow-through toxicity tests on fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). The 96-hr measured LC50 values in mg/L from combined duplicate tanks were: tetrachloroethylene 13.4; 1,1′,2,2′-tetrachloroethane 20.4; pentachloroethane 7.34; 1,1′,2-trichloroethane 81.6; hexachlorobutadiene 0.10; 1,1′2-trichloroethylene 45.0; 1,2-dichloropropane 140; 1,2-dichloroethane 116; hexachloroethane 1.51; 1,3-dichloropropane 131.
Risk sharing and the supply of mental health services.

Abstract This paper examines the effects of risk sharing with mental health providers in a managed care context. The results show that providers that received a fixed payment per case reduced the number of outpatient visits by 20–25%, compared with providers who continued to be paid for each visit. This effect was stronger for integrated group practices and providers with more intensive utilization review protocols. In addition, evidence was found that in a setting where providers serve multiple payers, the share of their total revenue derived from risk-sharing contracts is an important determinant of the magnitude of the supply response.
Schistosoma mansoni: cloning of a complementary DNA encoding a cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and high-yield expression of the enzymatically active gene product in Escherichia coli.

Abstract We recently purified a 16-kDa cytosolic Cu Zn superoxide dismutase (CT Cu Zn - SOD ) from Schistosoma mansoni, a human parasite. Three peptide sequences were obtained, one from the unblocked N-terminal and two from internal peptides which were generated by digestions with trypsin and cyanogen bromide. These sequences were aligned to the corresponding sequences of 19 cytosolic Cu Zn - SODs from various species. Degenerate oligonucleotides were then designed according to the sequence and the position of each peptide. The oligonucleotides were used to amplify a complete cDNA using the polymerase chain reaction with either adult schistosome total RNA or a cercariae λgt11 phage cDNA library as the template. The protein encoded by the cDNA has 153 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 15,693. It also has 60–65% homology to 19 cytosolic Cu Zn - SOD from various species. All of the copper/zinc binding sites and SOD activity sites are conserved. Computer analysis predicts that the Cu Zn - SOD has a pI value of 6.6, which is very close to the experimental results of IEF analysis (6.0 and 6.3). The entire coding sequence from the cDNA was cloned into a bacterial alkaline phosphatase cytosolic expression vector and a large amount of soluble product was expressed and purified to homogeneity. We compared the bacterially expressed Cu Zn - SOD with the native enzyme derived from schistosomes and found that they are identical by the following criteria: (1) They focus at the same positions on IEF gels; (2) they form dimers in solution as measured by gel filtration; (3) they have the same unblocked N-terminal sequence; (4) they both are enzymatically active with comparable specific activities. The specific activity of the bacterially derived enzyme was increased somewhat (~10%) by incubation with copper and zinc ions.
HTR polymer grafts in human periodontal osseous defects. I. 6-month clinical results.

HTR polymer was evaluated as a grafting material in periodontal osseous defects in 21 adult patients. Following initial preparation and pre-surgical documentation with standardized measurements, radiographs, and photographs, vertical osseous defects were treated with surgical open flap debridement alone (DEBR) or with DEBR plus placement of HTR polymer graft material. Patients were followed with frequent recalls until surgical re-entry at about 6 months for documentation and any needed remedial therapy. Re-entry data show that use of HTR polymer grafts resulted in significantly better mean defect fill of 2.2 mm (60.8%) compared to 1.0 mm (32.2%) with DEBR alone (P less than .001). Other hard tissue findings such as residual defect depth, crestal resorption, and percent defect resolution showed similar clinically superior results with the use of HTR polymer. Soft tissue findings showed significant differences in favor of HTR for decrease in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment. These results are similar to those reported with other graft materials. Over a 6-month period, HTR polymer was found to show promise for the repair of periodontal osseous defects.
Emotional expressions of moral value

In “Moral Luck” Bernard Williams describes a lorry driver who, through no fault of his own, runs over a child, and feels “agent-regret.” I believe that the driver’s feeling is moral since the thought associated with this feeling is a negative moral evaluation of his action. I demonstrate that his action is not morally inadequate with respect his moral obligations. However, I show that his negative evaluation is nevertheless justified since he acted in way that does not live up to his moral values. I then use this distinctive negative moral evaluation to distinguish agent-regret from guilt and mere regret.
The Development of Numerical Credit Evaluation Systems

Abstract Several discriminant and multiple regression analyses were performed on retail credit application data to develop a numerical scoring system for predicting credit risk in a finance company. Results showed that equal weights for all significantly predictive items were as effective as weights from the more sophisticated techniques of discriminant analysis and “stepwise multiple regression.” However, a variation of the basic discriminant analysis produced a better separation of groups at the lower score levels, where more potential losses could be eliminated with a minimum cost of potentially good accounts.
Effects of Contrived information of Female and Male Performance on the Achievement Behavior of Preschool Girls and Boys1

Twenty-four girls and 24 boys enrolled in a university preschool were given two trials each to perform a marble-dropping task. After the first trial, subjects in the sex-appropriate condition were told that children of their sex perform the task better than children of the opposite sex. Subjects in the sex-inappropriate condition were told that children of their sex perform the task less well than children of the opposite sex. It was hypothesized that sex-appropriate subjects would set higher goals for Trial 2 than control subjects receiving no information and that sex-inappropriate subjects would set lower goals than control subjects. The hypotheses were not supported. Instead, children of both sexes set significantly higher goals when told that boys do better at the task. Interpretations of the results are offered.
The complex of the anti-cancer therapeutic, BW1843U89, with thymidylate synthase at 2.0 å resolution: implications for a new mode of inhibition

Abstract Background: Thymidylate synthase (TS) is critical to DNA synthesis as it catalyzes the rate limiting step in the only biosynthetic pathway for deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) production. TS is therefore an important target for anti-proliferative and anti-cancer drug design. The TS enzymatic mechanism involves the reductive methylation of the substrate, deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP), by transfer of a methylene group from the co-factor, methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH 2 H 4 folate), resulting in the production of deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) and dihydrofolate (H 2 folate). Previous drug design efforts based on co-factor analogues have produced good inhibitors of TS, but poor bioavailability and toxicity have limited their usefulness. BW1843U89, a folate analogue, is a recently developed compound which is an exceptionally strong inhibitor (K i =0.09 nM), has good bioavailability and in clinical trials thus far has not demonstrated significant toxicity. Results We report the crystal structure of E. coli TS in ternary complex with dUMP and BW1843U89 at 2.0 a resolution. Although the benzoquinazoline ring system of the inhibitor binds to TS in much the same manner as previously determined for H 2 folate and CB3717, the larger size of the ligand is accommodated by the enzyme through a local distortion of the active site, that is not strictly conserved in both monomers in the asymmetric unit. Several conserved waters that had been previously implicated in mechanistic roles have been displaced. Conclusion BW1843U89 forms a ternary complex with dUMP and competes with CH 2 H 4 folate at the active site. Inhibition of TS by BW1843U89 shows four unique aspects in its mechanism of action. BW1843U89 prevents the Michael addition of dUMP to Cys146, in contrast to the mechanisms implicated from crystallography of other quinazoline based inhibitors; displaces a catalytic water from the active site; reorders a peptide loop (Leu72–Trp83) in the active site; and is unique amongst the antifolates in inactivating TS at a stoichiometric ratio of one molecule per TS dimer. Thus, it exploits the principles of negative cooperativity that are increasingly being recognized in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme per se . The structure suggests that this ‘half-the-sites' effect is catalytic and not related to ligand binding. Therefore BW1843U89 is both a competitive inhibitor (at the binding site) and a non-competitive inhibitor at the other site.
A novel system for collecting longitudinal self-reported dietary consumption information : The internet data logger (iDL)

As diet has been considered as the major exposure pathway for toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals and pesticides, we have developed a web-based questionnaire system, the internet data logger (iDL), in order to facilitate the collection of detailed self-recording of standardized daily dietary consumption. An iDL prototype optimized for hand-held devices was tested in the on-going Children's Pesticide Exposure Study (CPES) in Atlanta, GA in which 15 consecutive days of dietary consumption information were recorded by 11 children or their parents and transmitted to a server via broadband wireless internet connection. Participants spent an average of 6.2 min in day 1 to enter a meal into iDL and approximately 4 min per meal for the remaining 14 study days. Approximately 75% of 446 total meals were entered into iDL on the date of consumption. A within-person comparison revealed that many food items recorded on paper diary were later classified as “unknown” according to iDL standards due to the lack of detailed information provided by the participants. The development of iDL represents a novel and pioneering tool, which integrates dietary data collection, transmission, and management in a real-time and automated manner. iDL provides the needed flexibility and mobility for research focused on collecting not only dietary consumption data but also other time-sensitive behavior data. This study has demonstrated that iDL can be deployed to collect long-term dietary consumption information in a population-based study, though future modifications/enhancements will undoubtedly improve its usability and application.
A waveguide reactor for IR multiphoton dissociation and its application to 13 C laser isotope separation

A waveguide reactor for infrared multiphoton dissociation reactions has been presented and applied to laser isotope separation of13C. The reactor is a sealed vessel containing a hollow waveguide for a CO2 laser, and the laser beam is condensed in the waveguide. The waveguide is a pipe of total-reflection glass or metal-coated glass with a funnelled inlet; it is 50 cm long with a 3 mm inner diameter. The isotope separation of13C has been made by multiphoton dissociation of CHF2Cl using a TEA CO2 laser. The result has shown that the waveguide reactor increases the dissociation yield by four to ten times as much as that without the waveguide at the pulse rate of up to 150 Hz, while the separation factor remains on the same level. It is also found that an optical breakdown which is induced at the wall surface plays a significant role to reduce the isotope selectivity.