cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gp130 Cytokines Exert Differential Patterns of Crosstalk in Adipocytes Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Glycoprotein 130 (Gp130) cytokines are involved in the regulation of numerous biological processes, including hematopoiesis, immune response, inflammation, cardiovascular action, and neuronal survival. These cytokines share gp130 as a common signal transducer in their receptor complex and typically activate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. Studies have shown that several gp130 cytokines have differential effects on both adipogenesis and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Yet, the complex interactions of these cytokines in adipose tissue have not been studied. Gp130 cytokines are differentially regulated in multiple tissues due to the presence of additional receptor components that are required for signaling, including the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR). Previous studies from our laboratory highlighted the ability of specific gp130 cytokines to crosstalk in adipocytes that correlated with LIFR degradation. Crosstalk is defined as the ability of one cytokine to modulate the signaling of another cytokine. Our novel studies reveal that white adipose tissue is highly responsive to gp130 cytokines, and we provide the first evidence that these cytokines can exert inhibitory crosstalk in adipose tissue in vivo. Moreover, several gp130 cytokines that use the LIFR, including cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), LIF, and human oncostatin M (hOSM), can alter the subsequent signaling of other family members in adipocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Our data also show that murine OSM and neuropoietin do not crosstalk in the same manner as other gp130 cytokines, which likely results from their inability to activate the LIFR. Overall, we have observed distinctive patterns of crosstalk signaling by gp130 cytokines in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo and demonstrate the crosstalk is not dependent on new protein synthesis or extracellular-signal-regulated kinase activation.
Stability of the thin elastic shell model of the red blood cell

Abstract Fung and Tong have recently explained the sphering of red blood cells in hypotonic solution by showing that a thin-walled elastic membrane with the right extensional stiffness and surface tension distribution will swell into a sphere under internal pressure. In this report we investigate the stability of the spherical state of Fung and Tong's model by applying the static energy criterion, which requires a determination of the sign of the quadratic terms in the potential energy functional. It turns out that a spherical cell model with radius less than that of the equatorial radius of the original undeformed cell is indeed stable, if and only if the supposedly arbitrary elastic parameters in the model are restricted in their possble range of values.
Discovery of 5R-lipoxygenase activity in oocytes of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima

Arachidonic acid and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) are reported to induce reinitiation of meiosis in oocytes of the surf clam Spisula sachalinensis from the Sea of Japan (Varaksin et al., Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 101C, 627-630 (1992). As the Atlantic surf clam Spisula solidissima is a commonly used model for the study of meiosis reinitiation, we examined these cells for the possible occurrence of lipoxygenases and for the bioactivity of the products. Incubation of [14C]arachidonic acid with homogenates of S. solidissima oocytes led to the formation of two major metabolites: 5R-HETE, a novel lipoxygenase product, and 8R-HETE. The products were identified by HPLC, uv spectroscopy, and GC-MS. The corresponding hydroperoxy fatty acids, the primary lipoxygenase products, were isolated from incubations of ammonium sulfate fractionated oocyte cytosol. Arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were identified as constituents of S. solidissima oocyte lipids and the free acids were equally good lipoxygenase substrates. We examined the activity of C18 and C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their lipoxygenase products on meiosis reinitiation in Spisula solidissima oocytes, using serotonin and ionophore A23187 as positive controls. The fatty acids and their derivatives were inactive. We conclude that in the surf clam, (as in starfish), there are responding and non-responding species in regard to the maturation-inducing activity of the oocyte lipoxygenase products, and that the lipoxygenase has another, as yet uncharacterized, function in oocyte physiology.
A combined effect of dextromethorphan and melatonin on neuropathic pain behavior in rats

Previous study has shown that administration of melatonin into the anterior cingulate cortex contralateral to peripheral nerve injury prevented exacerbation of mechanical allodynia with a concurrent improvement of depression-like behavior in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, a genetic variation of Wistar rats. In the present study, we examined the effect of the individual versus combined treatment of melatonin and/or dextromethorphan (DM), a clinically available N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on pain behaviors in WKY rats with chronic constriction sciatic nerve injury (CCI). Pain behaviors (thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia) were established at one week after CCI. WKY rats were then treated intraperitoneally with various doses of melatonin, DM or their combination once daily for the following week. At the end of this one-week treatment, behavioral tests were repeated in these same rats. While DM alone was effective in reducing thermal hyperalgesia at three tested doses (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg), it reduced mechanical allodynia only at high doses (30 or 60 mg/kg). By comparison, administration of melatonin alone was effective in reducing thermal hyperalgesia only at the highest dose (120 mg/kg, but not 30 or 60 mg/kg) tested in this experiment. Melatonin alone failed to reverse allodynia at all three tested doses (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg). However, the combined intraperitoneal administration of melatonin (30 mg/kg) and DM (15 mg/kg) effectively reversed both thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia although each individual dose alone did not reduce pain behaviors. These results suggest that a combination of melatonin with a clinically available NMDA receptor antagonist might be more effective than either drug alone for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Photon Statistics and Dynamics of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

We report high time-resolution measurements of photon statistics from pairs of dye molecules coupled by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In addition to quantum-optical photon antibunching, we observe photon bunching on a time scale of several nanoseconds. We show by numerical simulation that configuration fluctuations in the coupled fluorophore system could account for minor deviations of our data from predictions of basic Forster theory. With further characterization we believe that FRET photon statistics could provide a unique tool for studying DNA mechanics on time scales from 10(-9)-10(-3) s.
Health information and cigarette consumption: supply and spatial considerations

Assessments of the impact of health information on smoking incidence have largely been based upon estimates of the national demand for cigarettes. Yet various arguments can be made for health information also affecting the supply of cigarettes. Moreover, the effect of policy may vary spatially. Indeed, by estimating the relationship between U.S. health information, demand, and supply, at the state- level, this is found to be the case in this paper. In particular, while state-level demand has decreased in the wake of health information, supply has also weakened via decreases in competition within the industry. This suggests a potential concern for policies that promote public health yet also raise the attention of antitrust officials.
Evidence for regional Dauphiné twinning in quartz from the Santa Rosa mylonite zone in Southern California. A neutron diffraction study

Preferred orientation in granitic mylonites from the Santa Rosa mylonite zone in Southern California is investigated with time-of-flight neutron diffraction. Quartz and biotite display strong preferred orientation, whereas, feldspar alignment is weak. For quartz, a c-axis maximum in the intermediate fabric direction is consistent with dynamic recrystallization. Pole figures for positive and negative rhombs, such as rZ{10 11} and zZ{01 11}, are distinct over a wide region, suggesting that the pattern reflects tectonic deformation and was not
Association for Surgical Education: Highlights and Selected Abstracts From the 2014 Annual Meeting

The theme of the 34th annual meeting of the Association for Surgical Education held in Chicago, Illinois, from April 10 to 12, 2014, was global surgery. This year, a special call for abstracts on s...
Fusion of catalytically inactive Cas9 to FokI nuclease improves the specificity of genome modification

Genome editing by Cas9, which cleaves double-stranded DNA at a sequence programmed by a short single-guide RNA (sgRNA), can result in off-target DNA modification that may be detrimental in some applications. To improve DNA cleavage specificity, we generated fusions of catalytically inactive Cas9 and FokI nuclease (fCas9). DNA cleavage by fCas9 requires association of two fCas9 monomers that simultaneously bind target sites ∼15 or 25 base pairs apart. In human cells, fCas9 modified target DNA sites with >140-fold higher specificity than wild-type Cas9 and with an efficiency similar to that of paired Cas9 'nickases', recently engineered variants that cleave only one DNA strand per monomer. The specificity of fCas9 was at least fourfold higher than that of paired nickases at loci with highly similar off-target sites. Target sites that conform to the substrate requirements of fCas9 occur on average every 34 bp in the human genome, suggesting the versatility of this approach for highly specific genome-wide editing.
Ring liner and burn-out temperature affect the clinical time required to fit a cast post.

Statement of problem A cast post that is made with an unlined metal casting ring may exhibit anisotropic shrinkage which could result in distortion and consequently require more chair time for fitting in the root canal. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the presence of a ring liner and the burn-out temperature of the investment material affect the clinical time required to fit a cast post. Material and methods Sixty identical post patterns were fabricated from a customized stainless steel root form. They were divided into 3 groups (n=20) as follows: group LH used a cellulose ring liner and a final burn-out temperature of 815°C; group NH used no liner with the same temperature; group NL used no liner with a final burn-out temperature of 600°C. All groups were invested in stainless steel casting rings with the same phosphate-bonded investment (Hi Temp) and cast with same alloy (Protocol). Two blinded investigators, with different levels of experience, adjusted and placed the posts in the experimental root form until a subjective acceptable fit was achieved. Each investigator fit 10 cast posts for each group, and the time required to achieve a subjective acceptable fit was measured in seconds. Two-way ANOVA was used to test the significance of the investigator, group, and their interaction. One-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey HSD test were used to find significant differences among the groups (α=.05). Results The 2-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of the investigator ( P =.001) and group ( P P =.15). The 1-way ANOVA showed significant differences among the 3 groups ( P P =.009), and LH and NL ( P Conclusions Investing a post pattern without a ring liner and setting the final burn-out temperature at 600°C allow the fabrication of cast posts that require significantly less adjustment time for clinical placement than those invested with a ring liner and burned out at 815°C. (J Prosthet Dent 2009;102:224-228)
Leukocyte function in normal and infected neonates.

WBC function was assed in 114 healthy term infants, 34 healthy premature infants, 54 neonates with suspected sepsis, and 13 neonates with documented sepsis. Measurements of unstimulated and stimulated NBT dye reduction and resting and stimulated HMPS activity were obtained. Unstimulated NBT values were significantly (p
Thermoplastic Instability for the Transient Contact Problem of Two Sliding Half-Planes

We study the time dependent problem of a nonconducting half-plane sliding on the surface of a conductor with heat generation at the interface due to friction. The conducting half-plane is slightly rounded to give a Hertzian initial pressure distribution. Relationships are established for temperature and thermoelastic displacements due to a heat input of cosine type through the surface, and then these are used to obtain the solution in the form of a double Fourier integral. Numerical results show that, if the ratio of the initial size of the area of contact to that in the steady state is less than some critical value, the area of contact and the pressure distribution change smoothly toward the steady state solution. Otherwise the area of contact goes through bifurcation. The bifurcation accelerates the process. Numerical results are compared with previous approximate solutions.
Quality sensitive price competition in spectrum oligopoly over multiple locations

We investigate a spectrum oligopoly market where each primary seeks to sell secondary access to channels at multiple locations. Transmission qualities of a channel evolve randomly. Each primary needs to select a price and a set of non-interfering locations (which is the independent set in the conflict graph of the region) at which to offer its channel without knowing the transmission qualities of the channels of its competitors. Secondaries select a channel depending on the price and the quality the channel offers. We formulate the above problem as a non-cooperative game theoretic problem. We focus on a class of conflict graphs, known as mean valid graphs which commonly arise in practice. We explicitly compute a symmetric Nash equilibrium (NE) that selects only a small number of independent sets with positive probability. The NE is threshold type in that primaries do not choose independent sets whose cardinality fall below a certain threshold. The threshold on the cardinality increases with increase in quality of the channel on sale.
Gene fusion during the evolution of the tryptophan operon in enterobacteriaceae.

THE genes of tryptophan biosynthesis are organised differently in various species of microorganisms1. In several organisms it seems that gene fusions have joined functionally distinct polypeptide chains into single bifunctional proteins. Here we present our analysis of one example of a possible gene fusion and an attempt to deduce the sequence of events responsible.
The Evolving Marketing Concept, Competitive Intensity and Organizational Performance:

Marketing educators generally assume in their teaching that there is little inconsistency between adherence to the marketing concept and the stakeholder concept. Some assume that the latter is a logical extension of the former but there has been no empirical analysis of this issue. In this paper, research based on the perceptions of Fortune 500 executives is presented which focuses on this issue. Of particular concern are their views concerning the future business environment, organizational conduct and expected performance in 1995. This data is used to empirically examine the inseparability of the marketing concept and stakeholder concept. In addition, the relationship of the competitive environment upon these philosophies as well as upon perceived organizational performance is empirically investigated and discussed.
LGP2 synergy with MDA5 in RLR-mediated RNA recognition and antiviral signaling

Mammalian cells have the ability to recognize virus infection and mount a powerful antiviral response. Pattern recognition receptor proteins detect molecular signatures of virus infection and activate antiviral signaling. The RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) proteins are expressed in the cytoplasm of nearly all cells and specifically recognize virus-derived RNA species as a molecular feature discriminating the pathogen from the host. The RLR family is composed of three homologous proteins, RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2. All RLRs have the ability to detect virus-derived dsRNA and hydrolyze ATP, but display individual differences in enzymatic activity, intrinsic ability to recognize RNA, and mechanisms of activation. Emerging evidence suggests that MDA5 and RIG-I utilize distinct mechanisms to form oligomeric complexes along dsRNA. Aligning of their signaling domains creates a platform capable of propagating and amplifying antiviral signaling responses. LGP2 with intact ATP hydrolysis is critical for the MDA5-mediated antiviral response, but LGP2 lacks the domains essential for activation of antiviral signaling, leaving the role of LGP2 in antiviral signaling unclear. Recent studies revealed a mechanistic basis of synergy between LGP2 and MDA5 leading to enhanced antiviral signaling. This review briefly summarizes the RLR system, and focuses on the relationship between LGP2 and MDA5, describing in detail how these two proteins work together to detect foreign RNA and generate a fully functional antiviral response.
Fitting noisy data using cross-validated cubic smoothing splines

An algorithm is described for approximating an unknown function f(x), given many function values containing random noise. The approximation constructed is a cubic spline g(x) with sufficient basis functions to represent f(x) accurately. The basis-function coefficients are determined by minimizing a combination of the infidelity E (the mean-square errorz between g(x) and the data,and the roughness T (which is a measure of the tortuosity of g(x)). The quantity minimized is E+pT, where p is a smoothing parameter. A suitable value of p is determined by cross validation.Results of numerical tests are reported which show that this algorithm is superior to least-squares cubic splines: in general the statistical errors are substantially less, and they are insensitive to the number of basis functions used.
DIDS: rapidly prototyping configuration design systems

The domain independent design system (DIDS) provides a set of tools for rapidly constructing new configuration design systems from a library of reusable software elements called mechanisms. A DIDS user begins by creating a model of the problem domain and the task to be automated. This includes describing a library of parts from which new artifacts could be configured, optimization and preference criteria, and functionality constraints. DIDS analyzes this input and automatically builds an operational prototype system by selecting and combining mechanisms. DIDS' ability to automate this process is derived from its model of configuration design, which enables reusable mechanisms to be identified and automatically selected based on a problem's characteristics. The use of DIDS is illustrated by showing how DIDS solved an elevator-configuration problem.
Benefits of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy on parameters affecting long-term outcome in type 1 diabetes. Study design Height, weight, body mass index, insulin dose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1C ), and blood glucose data from home meter downloads were collected prospectively for analysis in 51 children (age, 10.7±3.1 years, mean±SD) throughout the 12 months before and after introducing CSII. Results Before pump initiation, HbA 1C was relatively stable, but it fell to 7.7±0.2% ( P P P 1C improved primarily in young children and teenagers. Comparison of glycemic responders (HbA 1C 1% on CSII, n=23) with nonresponders demonstrated no differences with respect to gender, socioeconomic status, weight standard deviation score, body mass index, initial HbA 1C , frequency of hypoglycemia, or number of education visits before CSII. Conclusion Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is effective in lowering HbA 1C and the occurrence of severe nocturnal hypoglycemia without excessive weight gain in most children with type 1 diabetes. HbA 1C response to CSII is poorer in preadolescents than in young children or teenagers.
Coupling of atomistic and continuum simulations using a bridging scale decomposition

We present a new method for coupling molecular dynamics (MD) and continuum mechanics simulations that is based on the projection of the MD solution onto the coarse scale shape functions. This projection, or "bridging scale", represents that part of the solution that is obtainable by both solution methods. By subtracting the bridging scale from the total solution, we arrive at a coarse-fine decomposition that, by a proper choice of projection operator, decouples the kinetic energy of the two simulations. The resulting decomposition can be used in a finite-temperature simulation method in which MD is used only in a localized region, while the continuum simulation covers the entire domain, including the MD region to which it is coupled. One major advantage of this approach is that separate time step sizes can be used in the two simulations, so that the coarse scale time step is not limited to the time scale of the atomic vibrations present in the fine scale. Example problems are demonstrated on a 1D lattice, for which the method is shown to be accurate both for harmonic and anharmonic interatomic potentials.
Predictors of axial and peripheral bone mineral density in healthy children and adolescents, with special attention to the role of puberty

The role of various physical and lifestyle factors in determining axial bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar segment of the spine, as measured by dual-photon absorptiometry, and peripheral BMD at the distal third of the radius, as measured by single-photon absorptiometry, was assessed in 299 healthy white children of both sexes, aged 6 to 18 years. The BMD measurements were correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, and pubertal status. Peripheral and axial BMD were highly correlated with age, height, weight, and pubertal stage, and more weakly with body mass index. Approximately 76% of the observed changes in peripheral BMD were accounted for by age, height, weight, and pubertal stage, with weight being the single strongest predictor. Up to 80% of the variation in axial BMD was explained by weight and pubertal stage, with pubertal stage being the strongest single predictor. After adjustment for weight, the effect of puberty on axial BMD in both sexes was greatest between middle and late puberty. These data indicate that a large amount of the observed changes on BMD is accounted for by standard measures of growth and development, which are largely genetically determined. Peripheral BMD rose steadily with age. Axial BMD increased steadily before puberty, followed by accelerated increases during puberty, beginning at 10 years of age in girls and 13 years of age in boys. A significant positive effect of dietary calcium intake on peripheral BMD and of physical activity on axial BMD indicated a potentially important impact of physical activity and calcium intake on peak bone mass.
Characterization of diffusion bonds of titanium plates using transmitted ultrasonic signals

The ratio of the spectra of the ultrasonic signals transmitted through diffusion-bonded plates and through the corresponding water-path is used to evaluate parameters related to deterioration in the diffusion bond, where bond deterioration is defined as reduction of the elastic constants and the mass density in the bond layer as compared to the base material. When deterioration exists, the even resonance frequencies in the ratio spectrum are shifted increasingly toward the odd ones as the frequency increases. The more deterioration and the higher the frequency, the larger shift is observed. An inverse procedure is developed to determine bond-layer parameters such as phase velocity, effective thickness and mass density for diffusion-bonded titanium plates, by minimizing the error between measured and theoretical ratios. The procedure is first tested on simulated data. Measured ratios for cases of bond deterioration are then used to determine bond parameters. The results show that the technique can be applied to the characterization of diffusion bond deterioration.
Quantitative Mass Spectrometry and Polydisperse Materials: Creation of an Absolute Molecular Mass Distribution Polymer Standard

The certification of an absolute molecular mass distribution polymer Standard Reference Material is described. SRM 2881 is an n-octyl-initiated, proton-terminated, narrow polydispersity, low mass, atactic polystyrene. The absolute molecular mass distribution (MMD) was obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI−TOF MS). A new Taylor’s expansion method for signal-axis intensity calibration of polydisperse materials is described in detail. The certification includes estimates of uncertainties, both type A (random) and type B (systematic), for each oligomer in the sample having a concentration of at least 0.20% of the total of all oligomers on the low mass tail of the MMD and 0.34% on the high mass tail. Type A uncertainty arising from the MALDI sample preparation was found to be the greatest contributor to the overall uncertainty of the measurement.
Analysis of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex during early heart development and BAF250a repression cardiac gene transcription during P19 cell differentiation

The regulatory networks of differentiation programs and the molecular mechanisms of lineage-specific gene regulation in mammalian embryos remain only partially defined. We document differential expression and temporal switching of BRG1-associated factor (BAF) subunits, core pluripotency factors and cardiac-specific genes during post-implantation development and subsequent early organogenesis. Using affinity purification of BRG1 ATPase coupled to mass spectrometry, we characterized the cardiac-enriched remodeling complexes present in E8.5 mouse embryos. The relative abundance and combinatorial assembly of the BAF subunits provides functional specificity to Switch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) complexes resulting in a unique gene expression profile in the developing heart. Remarkably, the specific depletion of the BAF250a subunit demonstrated differential effects on cardiac-specific gene expression and resulted in arrhythmic contracting cardiomyocytes in vitro. Indeed, the BAF250a physically interacts and functionally cooperates with Nucleosome Remodeling and Histone Deacetylase (NURD) complex subunits to repressively regulate chromatin structure of the cardiac genes by switching open and poised chromatin marks associated with active and repressed gene expression. Finally, BAF250a expression modulates BRG1 occupancy at the loci of cardiac genes regulatory regions in P19 cell differentiation. These findings reveal specialized and novel cardiac-enriched SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes, which are required for heart formation and critical for cardiac gene expression regulation at the early stages of heart development.
Squatting among the neandertals: A problem in the behavioral interpretation of skeletal morphology

Abstract The analysis of the Neandertal and Skhul hominid metric and non-metric lower limb variations which have been considered indicative of squatting suggests that squatting was a common position of repose among these Pleistocene hominids. Although the total morphological pattern of the Neandertals supports this conclusion, few of the variations commonly associated with squatting provide conclusive evidence of previous habitual squatting. It is necessary to consider each variation with reference to its etiology and its association in the total morphological pattern before deriving similar behavioral interpretations from the skeletal morphology.
The Acquisition of Academic Literacy in a Second Language A Longitudinal Case Study

This study examines the reading and writing strategies of one student, Yuko, over a 3-year period and traces the process she went through to acquire college-level academic literacy in English, her ...
Dynamics of the Axe Swing

Abstract This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that axes of varying weight would have similar velocities and that additional weight would be registered in the form of an increase in kinetic energy. The results essentially support the hypothesis. However, a decrease in the rotational kinetic energy component of the heaviest axe would tend to suggest there may be a limit to the ability of an individual to overcome the angular inertia of a heavy object and that additional kinetic energy gained as a result of increasing the axe weight may be at the physiological expense of the individual. The intuitive design of the current American axe form may have succeeded in its ability to drive rival designs from the scene because its particular dynamic characteristics permit an individual to optimise both the translational and rotational components of the swing.
Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Kinetics by a Silica-Supported Zirconium Hydride Catalyst: Evidence for a σ-Bond Metathesis Mechanism

Silica-supported molecular zirconium hydride species have been the subject of numerous investigations and have been identified as highly active olefin polymerization catalysts. Recently it has been...
Phylogeography and subspecies revision of the hispid pocket mouse, Chaetodipus hispidus (Rodentia: Heteromyidae)

The hispid pocket mouse (Chaetodipus hispidus) is one of the most genetically and morphologically divergent species within the heteromyid genus Chaetodipus. Four subspecies of C. hispidus currently are recognized, C. h. hispidus, C. h. paradoxus, C. h. spilotus, and C. h. zacatecae, ranging from North Dakota south through the Great Plains and Texas to central Mexico. We investigated the phylogeographic structure within C. hispidus by examining mitochondrial DNA from both freshly collected and museum specimens from localities distributed throughout the range of the species. We also examined 11 cranial characters in 303 specimens to assess morphological variation within the species. Although morphometric analyses were unable to differentiate the subspecies, phylogenetic analyses of molecular data indicated that the 4 currently recognized subspecies of C. hispidus are not genetically distinct. Instead, our results indicate that there are 4 distinct mitochondrial clades of C. hispidus that do not correspond to the currently recognized subspecies, but whose geographic limits instead coincide with major geographical features in the southern United States and northern Mexico. The Southern Coahuila filter-barrier (Durango and Coahuila), the Deming Plains (New Mexico), and the Balcones Escarpment (Texas) likely have acted as intermittent physical barriers to gene flow among the distinct mitochondrial clades, which we recognize as subspecies within C. hispidus.
A meta-analysis of family-behavioral weight-loss treatments for children

Childhood obesity is a major concern in the United States. Because children's diets can be significantly influenced by parental behavior (e.g., food purchases, meal preparation), researchers have included family intervention components in some childhood weight-loss programs. The relative benefits of adding the family component have not been well-established. This meta-analysis compared the mean effect sizes of family-behavioral, other treatment, and control weight-loss groups for children. A comprehensive literature review identified 16 studies with a total of 44 treatment groups. Results indicated that interventions containing a family-behavioral component produced larger effect sizes than the alternative treatment groups. This demonstrates that the inclusion of a family component may be advantageous to a child's weight-loss treatment.
Solubility of monocrotaline in supercritical carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide—ethanol mixtures

Abstract The solubility of monocrotaline, a chemotherapeutic drug precursor, in supercritical carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide—ethanol mixtures has been measured from 308.15 to 328.15 K and from 8.86 to 27.41 MPa. The solubility ranges from 6.0 × 10−6 to 2.21 × 10−4 mol fraction increasing up to 25-fold with the addition of ethanol. A new method for the estimation of the sublimation pressure of monocrotaline was developed based on the measured solubilities of monocrotaline in water. The sublimation pressure was then used in the compressed gas model to correlate the behavior of carbon dioxide—monocrotaline and carbon dioxide—ethanol—monocrotaline systems with reasonable success.
DEGREES OF INDISCERNIBLES IN DECIDABLE MODELS

We show that the problem of finding an infinite set of indis- cernibles in an arbitrary decidable model of a first order theory is essentially equivalent to the problem of finding an infinite path through a recursive w- branching tree. Similarly, we show that the problem of finding an infinite set of indiscernibles in a decidable model of an u>-categorical theory with decidable atoms is essentially equivalent to finding an infinite path through a recursive binary tree. Introduction. Ehrenfeucht and Mostowski (2) introduced the notion of indis- cernibles and proved that every first order theory has a model with an infinite set of order indiscernibles. In (6), we investigated the question of which decidable theories have decidable models with infinite recursive sets of indiscernibles. For example, we showed that every w-stable decidable theory and every stable theory which has a certain strong decidability property called BQ-decidability have such models. Moreover, we gave a series of examples of decidable theories which have no decidable models with infinite recursive sets of indiscernibles which show that the various hypotheses of our positive results are necessary. In this paper, we investigate the possible degrees of indiscernibles in a decidable model Ai. We shall show, in a sense to be made precise in §1, that the problem of finding a set of indiscernibles in an arbitrary decidable model M of a first order theory T is essentially equivalent to the problem of finding an infinite path through a recursive w-branching tree T. Similarly, we shall show that the problem of finding an infinite set of indiscernibles in a decidable model Ai of an w-categorical theory T with decidable atoms is essentially equivalent to finding an infinite path through a recursive binary tree T. Then since the possible degrees of infinite paths through recursive trees have been extensively studied in the literature, we are able to derive a number of corollaries about the degrees of indiscernibles in decidable models. For example, we shall show there is a decidable theory T for which every decidable model Ai of T has an infinite set of indiscernibles but that no decidable model Ai of T has an infinite set of indiscernibles / which is hyperarithmetic. In contrast, we will show that every w-categorical decidable model Ai has an infinite set of indiscernibles which is recursive in Q', the jump of the degree of the recursive sets. Also we shall show that the question of whether an arbitrary decidable model Ai has an infinite set of indiscernibles is a complete Ej question.
A PCR assay for detecting clonal rearrangement of the TCR-gamma gene.

Background: The T-cell receptor γ chain (TCR- γ) gene has 11 functional variable (V) exons that can be organized into four subfamilies and four functional joining (J) exons that can be divided into two subfamilies.
Peralkaline acid liquids: A petrological study

Electron-microprobe analyses of the feldspars and associated ferromagnesian minerals in the peralkaline volcanics, comendites and pantellerites, are presented together with new data on the major and trace-elements of the rocks and residual glasses. The feldspar phenocrysts in the pantellerites span a narrower range (Or33–Or39) than those of the comendites (Or30–Or46); both sets show only limited increase in Or outwards, and the zoning is greatest in quartz-bearing assemblages. The feldspar microlites in the residual glasses are invariably more potassic (2–4% Or) than their associated phenocrysts. In pantellerites the feldspars become more potassic as the residual liquids become more sodic; thus the most potassic feldspar is found in the most sodic (and peralkaline) pantellerite. Of the ferromagnesian phenocrysts, aenigmatite is the most ubiquitous and is commonly associated with hedenbergite±fayalite, or ferrorichterite; in the later stages of crystallization (groundmass), it is associated with acmite, arfvedsonite and tuhualite. Aside from slight variation in Ti/Fe+Ti ratio, aenigmatite is virtually constant in composition. The pyroxenes from the different assemblages have zones which together almost span the range acmitehedenbergite. Both ferrorichterite and arfvedsonite incorporate F but not Cl, and are slightly potassic. Tuhualite exists as two varieties; one blue and potassic, the other violet and sodic; both varieties reject halogens. Using (estimated) free-energy data, a field in fo2, T space is postulated in which Fe-Ti oxides are absent; their place is taken by pyroxene and aenigmatite. The no-oxide field will be intercepted by a cooling liquid in which peralkalinity is increasing and in which fo2 is near but above the FMQ buffer. The characteristic pattern of trace-elements in peralkaline volcanics (e.g., high Nb, Ta, Zr, Mo, Zn, Cd, R.E, etc; low Sr, Ba, Mg) are considered to be as much evidence for the peralkaline (salic) condition as of the genetic process. Several lines of evidence suggest that at liquidus temperatures, peralkaline rhyolites are essentially anhydrous.
TPC-W: a benchmark for e-commerce

When choosing an e-commerce site's hardware and software configuration, we need to know how a specific combination of Web servers, commerce servers, database servers, and supporting hardware will handle a desired load level. Benchmarks let us compare competing alternatives. Researchers have extensively studied workloads on Web sites that provide information and have characterized their performance at the level of HTTP requests. My colleagues and I have also conducted studies to understand e-commerce site workloads and to search for invariants that cut across more than one type of e-commerce site. However, there is currently only one available benchmark for e-commerce sites: TPC benchmark W, designed by the Transaction Processing Performance Council. I explore TPC-W's main features, advantages, and limitations.
Metabolic demands for coenzyme B12-dependent mutase increased by thiamin deficiency

Abstract Investigated was the possibility that a thiamin deficiency may increase catabolism of metabolites by the coenzyme B 12 -dependent methylmalonyl CoA (MM-CoA) mutase pathway leading to succinyl-CoA. Nine-month-old rats, those mildly depleted of vitamin B 12 and their controls, were subjected to 26 days of thiamin deficiency. Sub-groups included: controls (CC), thiamin-deficient (TD), vitamin B 12 -depleted (BD) and a thiamin-deficient subgroup that was also mildly depleted of vitamin B 12 (TD+BD). Dietary valine (1%) was used to increase metabolic demands for coenzyme B 12 -dependent MM-CoA of all 4 subgroups. Thiamin deficiency (TD) promoted a 133% increase in urinary excretion of methylmalonic acid (MMA). Thiamin deficiency (TD) and the mild depletion of vitamin B 12 (BD) led to equivalent suppression of food-appetite in the rats. Rats mildly depleted of vitamin B 12 had liver-B 12 levels that were 78% of that of the controls, but thiamin deficiency did not affect retention of this vitamin in liver. Related studies revealed that dietary pyruvate increased excretion of MMA of younger rats that were mildly depleted of vitamin B 12 . A possible link between increased pyruvate levels of a thiamin deficiency and an increased catabolism of branched-chain amino acids by coenzyme B 12 -dependent mutase is proposed.
Velocity overshoot effects and scaling issues in III-V nitrides

Empirical evidence from submicrometer technology in GaAs- and InGaAs-based field-effect transistors (FETs) has led to an expectation that velocities exceeding the steady state values would be observed in III-V nitride devices. However, scaling of devices down to 0.7 and 0.25 /spl mu/m has so far not yielded any performance enhancement that may suggest an overshoot. In this paper, we examine transport in AlGaN-GaN heterojunction FETs (HFETs) to examine whether velocity overshoot effects occur. Our findings show that very high scattering rates when combined with unusual field profiles, result in a change in the local transport mechanism, and, in the source-gate region, combine to reduce/nullify velocity overshoot effects. We also find that the effect of nonequilibrium phonons on transport in the channel is minimal, with the peak nonequilibrium phonon occupation being smaller than the equilibrium phonon occupation.
The Quality of Survey Data as Related to Age of Respondent

Abstract This research examines how the quality of survey measures varies with the age of the respondent. A structural modeling approach is applied to data from six surveys (five national surveys of American adults and one survey in a Canadian corporation—7,706 respondents in all) to generate measurement quality estimates for 106 survey measures. Results show that as respondent age increases (a) the percentage of true score variance in survey measures tends to decline, (b) the percentage of both random and correlated error variance tends to increase, and (c) people tend to have more interrelated—or less differentiated—views about their worlds. Most of these trends are highly replicable from survey to survey and are—except for the level of differentiation in views—not attributable to older respondents tending to have less education than younger people. The results suggest that data from older respondents tend to provide a somewhat less precise indication of the attitudes, behaviors, or other characteristic...
Assessing resident skills in the use of rescue airway devices.

Study objective Airway control is a vital procedure for the specialty of emergency medicine. Although endotracheal intubation is the preferred method to obtain a definitive airway, several devices have been developed to help physicians handle a difficult or failed intubation. Using a bench model, we assessed the efficacy of an advanced airway training program. Methods Residents of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited 3-year emergency medicine residency program participated in an advanced airway course. Psychomotor skills were assessed for the laryngeal mask airway, intubating laryngeal mask airway (Fastrac), and Combitube (esophageal-tracheal twin-lumen airway device). The outcome variable was the time necessary to successfully insert and ventilate an airway mannequin. The skills were assessed at 0, 6, and 12 months after training. Information including previous and interval experience with these devices was recorded. Results The airway mannequin was successfully ventilated using the laryngeal mask airway, Fastrac, and Combitube in 6.9, 51.0, and 21.5 seconds, respectively. There was a modest interval increase in mean time required to place the laryngeal mask airway and Combitube at 6 and 12 months after training. A decrease was noted in the time to place the Fastrac. Previous and interval experience did not affect performance. Conclusion Airway competency is a key component of emergency medicine training. Training should include mastery of rescue devices for the failed or difficult airway. Our findings suggest that emergency medicine residents can learn and retain these airway skills.
Secondary structure of β-hydroxydecanoyl thiol ester dehydrase, a 39-kDa protein, derived from Hα, Cα, Cβ and CO signal assignments and the Chemical Shift Index: Comparison with the crystal structure

Nearly complete backbone 1H, 15N and 13C signal assignments are reported for β-hydroxydecanoyl thiol ester dehydrase, a 39-kDa homodimer containing 342 amino acids. Although 15N relaxation data show that the protein has a rotational correlation time of 18 ns, assignments were derived from triple-resonance experiments recorded at 500 MHz and pH 6.8, without deuteration. The Chemical Shift Index, CSI, identified two long helices and numerous β-strands in dehydrase. The CSI predictions are in close agreement with the secondary structure identified in the recently derived crystal structure, particularly when one takes account of the numerous bulges in the β-strands. The assignment of dehydrase and a large deuterated protein [Yamazaki et al. (1994) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 116, 11655–11666] suggest that assignment of 40–60 kDa proteins is feasible. Hence, further progress in understanding the chemical shift/structure relationship could open the way to determine the structures of such large proteins.
Quantifying the Amount of Yard Trimmings to Be Composted in the United States in 1996

▪ Based on estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency of the amount of yard trimmings to be generated in coming years, the author calculates that up to 17.1 million tons will be composted in 1996 — the year by which existing state bans on landfill disposal of yard trimmings will all be in effect. Assuming a 50 percent weight reduction through the composting process, up to 8.5 million tons of end product will be generated in 1996. While the estimates provided in this paper are based on assumptions that could be changed by many factors, the calculations do provide springboards for asking questions regarding the composting infrastructure in terms of whas is expected to be in place in terms of educational needs, collection needs, production facilities and effective markets.
The Design of the Maximum-Likelihood Decoding Algorithm of LDPC Codes over BEG

We improve the design of the maximum likelihood decoding algorithm (MLDA) for the development of LDPC codes. Furthermore, we apply the improved design to the decoding of progressive edge growth (PEG) LDPC codes over binary erasure channels (BEC). We also demonstrate clear improvements over current LDPC decoding algorithms.
The influence of social hunger on food distribution and its implications for disease transmission in a honeybee colony

Social insect colonies are characterized by extensive interactions among individuals, exchanges that can also potentially transmit pathogens. The large majority of these social interactions in a honeybee colony result from food transfer among individuals. Since colony hunger is likely to have a significant influence on these interactions, we investigated its effect on the distribution of food within the colony. By pulsing two colonies having different amounts of stored food with a radioactive label, we found that a starved colony sent out a larger number of foragers, brought in more food, and stored more of it than the satiated colony. We also found that the food brought into a starved colony was distributed more uniformly within each age class than that in the satiated colony. The queen and the young individuals received the lowest exposure to the label even though the label entered different regions of the colony at the same rate. The satiation level of the colony did not influence the relative exposures of different age groups to the label but a higher amount of it was stored in the hungry colony. We discuss the significance of these results in terms of the role played by the organizational structure of the honeybee colony on the transmission dynamics of an infectious disease.