cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood obesity and self-esteem.

To explore the relationship between obesity and self-esteem, the Piers-Harris Self-Esteem inventory was administered to black inner-city children (grades 4 through 12). Those with chronic illnesses or in special education were excluded, yielding 851 for the study. Body mass index (BMI) served to estimate adiposity, and Ten State Nutrition Survey (TSNS) data yielded reference growth curves. BMI and BMI relative to TSNS ideals were calculated for each child. Using analysis of variance to compare groups based on relative BMI, small differences in mean self-esteem scores were detected (3 to 4 units or one-third standard deviation). These statistically significant differences are unlikely to be clinically significant. The correlation between BMI and self-esteem was small: BMI accounted for only 1% of the variance in self-esteem score. Moreover, all self-esteem scores fell within the normal range. Neither age nor sex affected the relationship. The consequences of childhood obesity may be less harmful than formerly assumed. Our findings may explain why the promise of enhanced self-esteem fails to motivate weight loss in many children.
THE EPSILON GENERALIZATION

ABSTRACT The Epsilon Generalization can consistently define the borders and core region of a noncontiguous community. The Nappanee, Indiana, Amish, area is used to demonstrate the technique.
Proximal Ligand Switch Triggered by Carbon Monoxide in Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) is one of three isoforms of NOS, responsible for the oxidation of L-Arginine to L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO). This isoform is implicated in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory disorders including arthritis, atherosclerosis, and transplant rejection. iNOS is unique among the isoforms in that it is not regulated by the intracellular calcium concentration. Instead, iNOS is exclusively regulated at the transcriptional and molecular levels. One molecular regulator of iNOS is Carbon Monoxide (CO) generated by heme oxygenase (HO-1), an inducible enzyme that produces CO and is known to mediate anti-inflammatory effects. It has been shown that CO binding to iNOS promotes its gradual conversion to an inactive “p420” form. On this basis, we hypothesize that the cross-talk between HO-1 and iNOS plays an important role in attenuating the activity of iNOS and modulating inflammatory responses in vivo. The structure of the iNOS p420 has been a subject of debate, as the proximal ligand has been proposed to be either a histidine residue or a protonated, neutral thiol form of the native cysteine thiolate. In this work, we use resonance Raman Spectroscopy to explore the properties of the p420 derivative of iNOS in order to resolve this issue. We show that the nanosecond time-resolved Raman spectrum of iNOS p420 exhibits a band consistent with an iron-histidine stretching mode. To evaluate the identity of the proximal ligand of iNOS p420, we measured the Raman spectra of the H93G cavity mutant and organic model compounds with a neutral thiol coordinated to them as reference systems. On the basis of these studies, we postulate a novel reversible ligand-switching mechanism that may be critical for the in vivo regulation of iNOS activity involving endogenous CO.
An Electron-Stimulated Desorption Ion Angular Distribution and Low-Energy Electron Diffraction Investigation of CF3I on Ru(001)

We have investigated the structures of CF{sub 3}I, and its dissociation products, adsorbed on Ru(001) using low-energy electron diffraction and electron-stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (ESDIAD). Atomic iodine forms ({radical}3x{radical}3)R30{degree} islands even at very low coverages. At 70% of saturation and above, a (2 x 2) superstructure formswhich we attribute to a p(2 x 2) unit cell with one CF{sub 3} group and one iodine atom. ESDIAD images show F{sup +} desorbing at normal emission and in three hexagonal patterns. The normal emission is attributed to a tilted configuration of CF{sub 3}(ad) in which on C-F bond is oriented perpendicular to the surface. A small hexagon is attributed to F(ad) on step edges. A large hexagon at low coverages may arise from isolated CF{sub 3}(ad) species possessing C{sub 3v} symmetry. And finally, an intermediate hexagon is attributed to perturbation of the CF{sub 3}(ad) orientation by molecular fragments which result from electron irradiation of physisorbed CF{sub 3}I. 31 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.
A student system development diagrammer

New approaches to system development depend heavily on graphical methods for representation of system requirements and the depiction of final design configuration. Among various diagramming methods, Data Flow Diagrams, Entity-Relationship diagrams and Structure Charts have received the most attention.An automated diagramming tool is created and is made available to students. This tool requires minimum hardware and does not require the use of licensed software to operate. It therefore can be made accessible to many students at different schools.
Lower bounds for the number of conjugacy classes in finite solvable groups

We prove first that if G is a finite solvable group of derived length d ≥ 2, then k(G) > |G|1/(2d−1), where k(G) is the number of conjugacy classes in G. Next, a growth assumption on the sequence [G(i): G(i+1)] 1 d−1 , where G(i) is theith derived group, leads to a |G|1/(2d−1) lower bound for k(G), from which we derive a |G|c/log 2log2|G| lower bound, independent of d(G). Finally, “almost logarithmic” lower bounds are found for solvable groups with a nilpotent maximal subgroup, and for all Frobenius groups, solvable or not.
Preferential cytotoxicity for multidrug-resistant K562 cells using the combination of a photosensitizer and a cyanine dye

Abstract The cyanine dye 1,1′,3,3,3′,3′-hexamethylindodicarbocyanine iodide (HIDC) protects K562 leukemia cells from photodynamic membrane damage caused by cis-di(4-sulfonatophenyl)diphenylporphine (TPPS2) and 420 nm light. This wavelength of light is chosen because it is absorbed by TPPS2, but not by HIDC. The photodynamic system studied may be useful as a model for antineoplastic therapy. A subline of K562 leukemia (K562/DOX), expressing the multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenotype, is found to accumulate smaller amounts of HIDC than the parent cell line and thus has less photoprotection. In the absence of added HIDC, the K562/DOX cell line is more resistant to photodynamic cytotoxicity than the K562 cell line. The resistance of the K562/DOX cell line is not due to a smaller accumulation of TPPS2 than the K562 cell line. However, when both cell lines are incubated with HIDC and TPPS2, and then exposed to light, the K562/DOX cell line becomes more sensitive to photodynamic cell damage than the K562 cell line. The combination of a photosensitizer with a cationic or lysomorphotropic photoprotector represents a novel strategy for the eradication of malignant cells expressing the MDR phenotype.
Temperature- and solvent-dependent binding of dihydrogen in iridium pincer complexes.

Mixtures of deuterium labeled complexes (p-XPOCOP)IrH2-xDx (1−6-d0-2) {POCOP = [C6H2-1,3-[OP(tBu)2]2}; X = MeO (1), Me (2), H (3), F (4), C6F5 (5), and ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2-C6H3 (6)} have been generated by reaction of (p-XPOCOP)IrH2 complexes with HD gas in benzene followed by removal of the solvent under high vacuum. Spectroscopic analysis employing 1H and 2D NMR reveals significant temperature and solvent dependent isotopic shifts and HD coupling constants. Complexes 1−6-d1 in toluene and pentane between 296 and 213 K exhibit coupling constants JHD of 3.8−9.0 Hz, suggesting the presence of an elongated H2 ligand, which is confirmed by T1(min) measurements of complexes 1, 3, and 6 in toluene-d8. In contrast, complex 6-d1 exhibits JHD = 0 Hz in CH2Cl2 or CDCl2F whereas isotopic shifts up to −4.05 ppm have been observed by lowering the temperature from 233 to 133 K in CDCl2F. The large and temperature-dependent isotope effects are attributed to nonstatistical occupation of two different hydride environments. T...
The effect of increasing gap width on localized densitometric changes within tibial ostectomies in a canine model

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to quantitate the localized densitometric changes that occur early (0–16 weeks) in a tibial ostectomy model of three different gap widths in 15 dogs. Dogs were divided into three equal groups. A 5-mm (group 1), 15-mm (group 2), or 25-mm (group 3) unilateral tibial ostectomy was performed and stabilized with a unilateral external skeletal fixator in each dog. DXA of the gap tissue was performed at 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after surgery. Regions of interest (ROIs) included the entire gap (groups 1, 2, 3) and ROIs within the gap a defined distance from the proximal or distal cortical bone ends: 0–2.5 mm (groups 1, 2, 3); 2.5–5.0 mm (group 2, 3), 5.0–7.5 mm (groups 2, 3), 7.5–10.0 mm (group 3), and 10.0–12.5 mm (group 3). Bone mineral density (BMD) significantly changed over time in all three groups (P<0.0001). The BMD of the 5-mm gap increased over the 4-month study period and reached normal middiaphysial tibial BMD by 90 days after surgery. The BMD of the 15-mm gap also increased after surgery but reached a plateau at a BMD of ∼0.45 g/cm2 (48% of middiaphyseal BMD) at 60 days after surgery. The BMD of the 25-mm gap increased to a small extent during the first 30 days after surgery and then gradually decreased during the study period. Overall, the 5-mm gap had the highest BMD, followed by the 15-mm gap and the 25-mm gap (P<0.0001).
The control of δ-crystallin gene expression during lens cell development: Dissociation of cell elongation, cell division, δ-crystallin synthesis, and δ-crystallin mRNA accumulation

Abstract Previous studies have shown that freshly explanted 6-day-old embryonic chick lens epithelial cells elongate, differentially increase their synthesis of δ-crystallin, and accumulate δ-crystallin mRNA when cultured with fetal calf serum; in contrast, precultured serum-starved 6-day-old and freshly explanted 19-day-old embryonic epithelial cells divide when treated with fetal calf serum. We have explored whether the stimulation of δ-crystallin gene expression (as measured by δ-crystallin synthesis and δ-crystallin mRNA accumulation) is affected by inhibiting lens cell elongation with colchicine, and whether δ-crystallin gene expression is increased in lens epithelial cells stimulated to divide by treatment with fetal calf serum, as it is in those stimulated to elongate by treatment with serum. Three new findings were made in this study. First, the stimulation of δ-crystallin gene expression does not require elongation of the cultured lens cells. Second, a decreased proportion of δ-crystallin synthesis is observed in lens epithelial cells during normal development and during serum starvation; in neither case is this decrease associated with a reduction in the number of δ-crystallin mRNA sequences per cell. Finally, serum stimulation of lens cell division does not increase the proportion of δ-crystallin synthesis, but can promote the accumulation of δ-crystallin mRNA. Thus, the relative proportion of δ-crystallin synthesized during chick lens development is not solely a function of the number of δ-crystallin mRNA sequences in the lens cells.
Power in modal radiation fields : Limitations of the complex poynting theorem and the potential for electrically small antennas

Analyses of power in radiation fields are nearly universally based upon the complex Poynting theorem, CPT, yet the scientific basis for its use is not well established. The time dependent Poynting theorem, TDPT, is seldom used yet its scientific basis is well established. We use Hansen's method to obtain a generalized modal expansion for all possible electromagnetic fields that can originate within a confined volume and travel infinitely outward, combine the modal expansions and both Poynting theorems to determine the power expressions, and contrast results. The TDPT shows that the characterization of power in a sinusoidal field requires three numbers. Therefore it cannot be fully described by only real and reactive values. We conclude that the CPT is intrinsically an insufficient basis for a full description of power in a radiation field. We compare TDPT and CPT solutions for several idealized antenna designs. Comparative analyses show that the TDPT provides solutions that correspond to reality in all ca...
Treatment preferences and determinants in victims of sexual and physical assault

To determine the treatment preferences (i.e., medication, counseling, or both) for victims of recent trauma at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder and the determinants of those choices, preferences were elicited from 466 consecutive victims of physical or sexual assault at an urban emergency department as part of the routine clinical evaluation by emergency department social workers. Demographics, assault characteristics, and clinical history were used to predict preference. More than 80% of victims expressed an interest in treatment, with more interested in counseling (76%) than medication (62%). Female gender and assaults of a sexual nature were most highly predictive of preference for medication, whereas female gender, sexual assault, a history of psychiatric treatment, and perceived life threat from the trauma were most predictive of preference for counseling and preference for any treatment. Because treatment preferences were easily obtained from assault victims seeking emergency care, the elicitation of these treatment preferences and the consideration of them in the treatment planning process could facilitate engagement in treatment and overcome the avoidance of treatment by some victims.
Relocalization of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 Complex by the Adenovirus E4 ORF3 Protein Is Required for Viral Replication

Adenovirus replication is controlled by the relocalization or modification of nuclear protein complexes, including promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear domains and the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) DNA damage machinery. In this study, we demonstrated that the E4 ORF3 protein effects the relocalization of both PML and MRN proteins to similar structures within the nucleus at early times after infection. These proteins colocalize with E4 ORF3. Through the analysis of specific viral mutants, we found a direct correlation between MRN reorganization at early times after infection and the establishment of viral DNA replication domains. Further, the reorganization of MRN components may be uncoupled from the ability of E4 ORF3 to rearrange PML. At later stages of infection, components of the MRN complex disperse within the nucleus, Nbs1 is found within viral replication centers, Rad50 remains localized with E4 ORF3, and Mre11 is degraded. The importance of viral regulation of the MRN complex is underscored by the complementation of E4 mutant viruses in cells that lack Mre11 or Nbs1 activity. These results illustrate the importance of nuclear organization in virus growth and suggest that E4 ORF3 regulates activities in both PML nuclear bodies and the MRN complex to stimulate the viral replication program.
Supplement Timing of Cranberry Extract Plays a Key Role in Promoting Caenorhabditis elegans Healthspan

Consumption of nutraceuticals is a major and potent dietary intervention for delaying aging. As the timing of administration is critical for the efficacy of bioactive compounds in medicine, the effectiveness of nutraceuticals may also be dramatically affected by the timing of supplementation. Cranberry exact (CBE), rich in polyphenols, is consumed as a nutraceutical, and possesses anti-aging properties. Here, we examined the influence of timing on the beneficial effects of CBE supplementation in C. elegans. The prolongevity effect of CBE in different aged worms, young adults, middle-age adults, and aged adults, was determined. Early-start intervention with CBE prolonged the remaining lifespan of worms of different ages more robustly than late-start intervention. The effectiveness of CBE on stress responses and physiological behaviors in different aged worms was also investigated. The early-start intervention prominently promoted motility and resistance to heat shocks and V. cholera infection, especially in aged worms. Together, these findings suggest that the timing of CBE supplementation critically influences its beneficial effects on C. elegans lifespan and healthspan. It is of interest to further investigate whether the similar results would occur in humans.
EarthCube Seeking Members for Standing Committees and Teams

EarthCube is looking for individuals from across the Earth sciences to become members of standing committees and teams that will be responsible for carrying out key functions for EarthCube and EarthCube governance, according to Lee Allison, EarthCube Test Enterprise Governance Project principal investigator.
Enabling autonomous rover science through dynamic planning and scheduling

With each new rover mission to Mars, rovers are traveling significantly longer distances. This distance increase allows not only the collection of more science data, but enables a number of new and different science collection opportunities. Current mission operations, such as that on the 2003 Mars exploration rovers (MER), require all rover commands to be determined on the ground, which is a time-consuming and largely manual process. However, many science opportunities can be efficiently handled by performing intelligent decision-making onboard the rover itself. This paper describes how dynamic planning and scheduling techniques can be used onboard a rover to autonomously adjust rover activities in support of science goals. These goals could be identified by scientists on the ground or could be identified by onboard data-analysis software. Several different types of dynamic decisions are described, including the handling of opportunistic science goals identified during rover traverses, preserving high priority science targets when resources, such as power, are unexpectedly oversubscribed, and dynamically adding additional, ground-specified science targets when rover actions are executed more quickly than expected. After describing our system approach, we discuss some of the particular challenges we have examined to support autonomous rover decision-making. These include interaction with rover navigation and path-planning software and handling large amounts of uncertainty in state and resource estimations. Finally, we describe our experiences in testing this work using several Mars rover prototypes in a realistic environment.
Properties of superconducting uranium based metallic glasses

Abstract We found that UFe, UCo and UNi metallic glass ribbons could be prepared over a wide compositional range. This permitted a systematic study of the transition metal concentration on the superconducting properties. The Tc of UFe is most unusual; it remains nearly constant (1 K) up to 36% Fe. In contrast, increasing concentration of Co or Ni significantly reduces Tc. The temperature coefficient of resistivity is large and negative despite the low resistivity (≈100 microohms cm), a behavior not normally found in d-band metallic glasses. These uranium glasses also exhibit very large upper critical field gradients (⪆40 kOe/K at Tc), yielding a renormalized density of states as high as 7.2 states/eV·at. The magnetic susceptibility of U78Fe22 is large and follows a T2 dependence at low temperature (up to 30 K) showing the characeteristic behavior of a spin fluctuation system.
Intraseasonal variability in the equatorial Atlantic-West Africa during March–June

Intraseasonal (30–80 days) variability in the equatorial Atlantic-West African sector during March–June is investigated using various recently-archived satellite measurements and the NCEP/DOE AMIP-II reanalysis daily data. The global connections of regional intraseasonal signals are first examined for the period of 1979–2006 through lag-regression analyses of convection (OLR) and other dynamic components against a regional intraseasonal convective (OLR) index. The eastward-propagating features of convection can readily be seen, accompanied by coherent circulation anomalies, similar to those for the global tropical intraseasonal mode, i.e., the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). The regressed TRMM rainfall (3B42) anomalies during the TRMM period (1998–2006) manifest similar propagating features as for the regressed OLR anomalies during 1979–2006. These coherent features hence tend to suggest that the regional intraseasonal convective signals might be mostly a regional response to, or closely associated with the MJO, and probably contribute to the MJO’s global propagation. Atmospheric and surface intraseasonal variability during March–June of 1998–2006 are further examined using the high-quality TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) sea surface temperature (SST), columnar water vapor, and cloud liquid water, and the QuikSCAT oceanic winds (2000–2006). Enhanced (suppressed) convection or positive (negative) rainfall anomalies approximately cover the entire basin (0°–10°N, 30°W–10°E) during the passage of intraseasonal convective signals, accompanied by anomalous surface westerly (easterly) flow. Furthermore, a unique propagating feature seems to exist within the tropical Atlantic basin. Rainfall anomalies always appear first in the northwestern basin right off the coast of South America, and gradually extend eastward to cover the entire basin. A dipolar structure of rainfall anomalies with cross-equatorial surface wind anomalies can thus be observed during this evolution, similar to the anomaly patterns on the interannual time scale discovered in past studies. Coherent intraseasonal variations and patterns can also be found in other physical components.
The Fernald Techniques from a Motivational Perspective

Types of motivational considerations that have bearing on the use of Fernald techniques and other remedial strategies are presented.
The mismatch repair gene hMSH2 is mutated in the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP.

Purpose: Mismatch repair genes are responsible for the coordinated correction of misincorporated nucleotides formed during DNA replication. Inactivating and inherited mutations in the prototypic mismatch repair gene hMSH2 have been described in a cancer predisposition syndrome known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer. Patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer are at increased risk for colon cancer and extracolonic cancers such as upper tract transitional cell carcinoma but not prostate cancer. We investigated expression of hMSH2 in prostate cancer cell lines using genetic and molecular analysis.Materials and Methods: We used the 3 well described prostate cancer cell lines, DU145, LNCaP and PC3. Western blot analysis with monoclonal antibody to hMSH2 was used to assess expression. Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA were used to identify genetic alterations in the hMSH2 gene. Single cell cloning, dinucleotide repeats and BAT-26 were used to assess the cell lines for mic...
STIMULATION OF MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE BY GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE : EVIDENCE FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF PROTEIN KINASE C

GnRH regulates gonadotropin biosynthesis and secretion. Multiple intracellular signaling pathways are activated by GnRH, including phosphoinositol turnover, release of intracellular calcium and influx of extracellular calcium, and activation of protein kinase C (PKC), among others. In this study, we investigated whether GnRH stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and whether this pathway plays a role in the transcriptional activation of the gonadotropin alpha-gene. In alpha T3-1 gonadotrope cells, treatment with GnRH caused 4- to 5-fold induction of MAPK activity. Stimulation of MAPK activity was detected within 5 min of GnRH treatment and persisted for 60 min. MAPK activation by GnRH was also seen in primary cultures of rat pituitary cells. Treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) caused 4- to 5-fold induction of MAPK activity in alpha T3-1 cells. Pretreatment with TPA, however, decreased both GnRH- and TPA-induced MAPK activation, suggesting that PKC is involved in GnRH-mediate...
One-dimensional conductivity for strongly scattered electrons — application to CdS☆

Abstract The d.c. conductivity of a one-dimensional system containing strong scatters is computed. The explicit temperature dependence for the conductivity is obtained. The model is applied to electrons localized on screw dislocations in strained CdS. The calculation yields excellent agreement with experimental results.
Metamorphosis in summer flounder: effects of acclimation to low and high salinities

The aim of these studies was to provide larviculturists with information about the effect of low and high salinities on the survival, growth, and development of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) with the goal of enhancing commercial success of land-based flounder culture. Larvae were transferred after first feeding and prior to the onset of metamorphosis and monitored for 3 to 7 weeks. In experiments 1 and 2, larvae were raised in 2-l bowls containing seawater altered to salinities of 14, 30, or 38 ppt at starting densities of 3 premetamorphic and 6 prometamorphic larvae/l, respectively. Survival and development were not affected, nor was growth in experiment 1. Growth was affected in experiment 2, and larvae in 14 ppt had greater total lengths than larvae in 38 ppt. In experiments 3 and 4, larvae were raised in 38-l tanks at starting densities 4 and 3 prometamorphic larvae/l, respectively, containing water with salinities of 8, 30, or 38 ppt or in salinities of 8 and 30 ppt. Again, survival was not significantly affected by salinity. In experiment 3, 8 ppt resulted in better growth and more advanced development; however, no differences were found in experiment 4. Overall, 38 ppt may tend to result in adverse effects. Larval summer flounder are not adversely affected by low salinity (8 or 14 ppt) and were observed in some cases to grow and develop better in environments more closely approximating their internal environment.
The amino acid composition of secreted mouse prolactin, growth hormone, and hamster prolactin: the presence of one tryptophan in mouse prolactin.

Abstract The amino acid compositions and the electrophoretic properties of secreted mouse prolactin (mPRL), mouse growth hormone (mGH), and hamster prolactin (haPRL) were determined. The amino acid compositions of secreted mPRL and haPRL were similar to the compositions of other rodent prolactins, except that secreted mPRL contained only one tryptophan residue rather than the usual two. The composition of secreted mGH was similar to that of rat growth hormone. On 10% alkaline polyacrylamide gels, mPRL, mGH, and haPRL migrated with R f 's of 0.54, 0.21, and 0.69, respectively. The molecular weights of mPRL, mGH, and haPRL, determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis, were 23,000, 21,000, and 22,000, respectively.
Weak radiative decay of baryons

The decay amplitudes and asymmetry parameters for weak radiative decay of baryons are calculated in both pole model and quark model. It is demonstrated that both models give the same results and the results satisfy the symmetry relations we have derived recently. The agreement of the theoretical prediction with the presently measured decay rates and asymmetry is quite good in view of uncertainty in the calculation.
The biting activity of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in three types of habitats in western Colombia.

The biting activity of Colombian black flies in the coffee growing zone, the rain forest of the western coastal plain, and a focus of the 1967 epizoodemic of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) was studied from March 1969 through February 1970. Flies were collected simultaneously from horses, cows, and fly-boys exposed in these regions from 6 AM to 6 PM during 2 successive collecting days at bimonthly intervals in each area. Meteorological data were gathered throughout each collecting day. About 29,500 simuliids were collected, consisting of Simulium exiguum (66%), S. metallicum (32%), S. callidum (2%), and a few specimens of S. paynei and S. mexicanum. Biting activity was greater in the VEE zone (58% of total flies collected throughout the year) than in the coffee growing zone (28%) or the rain forest zone (14%). Data were analyzed according to the comparative abundance of the common species on man and large animals under varying conditions of collecting site, season, and time of day. All simuliid species collected were highly zoophilic, although a larger portion of the S. callidum population fed on man. Attraction to human hosts in the coffee growing zone was particularly low. Diurnal fluctuations in biting activity appeared to be inversely related to wind velocity. Seasonal peaks in biting activity of S. exiguum and S. metallicum usually coincided with periods of low rainfall.
Source matching problems revisited

The source matching problem is to find the minimax codes that minimize the maximum redundancies over classes of sources where relative entropy (cross entropy, discrimination information) is adopted as a criterion to measure the redundancy. The convergence of a simple approach different from L.D. Davisson and A. Leon-Garcia's (1980) algorithm for finding such minimax codes is presented and shown. This approach is applied as an example to the class of first-order discrete Markov sources. The sufficient statistic previously used by D.H. Lee (1983) in his attempt to produce results for the first-order Markov source matching problem is corrected. A computational complexity analysis and a numerical study further demonstrate that this simple algorithm significantly reduces the required computing time, when compared to Davisson and Leon-Garcia's algorithm. >
Large scale affinity calculations of cyclodextrin host-guest complexes: Understanding the role of reorganization in the molecular recognition process.

Host–guest inclusion complexes are useful models for understanding the structural and energetic aspects of molecular recognition. Due to their small size relative to much larger protein–ligand complexes, converged results can be obtained rapidly for these systems thus offering the opportunity to more reliably study fundamental aspects of the thermodynamics of binding. In this work, we have performed a large scale binding affinity survey of 57 β-cyclodextrin (CD) host–guest systems using the binding energy distribution analysis method (BEDAM) with implicit solvation (OPLS-AA/AGBNP2). Converged estimates of the standard binding free energies are obtained for these systems by employing techniques such as parallel Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics, conformational reservoirs, and multistate free energy estimators. Good agreement with experimental measurements is obtained in terms of both numerical accuracy and affinity rankings. Overall, average effective binding energies reproduce affinity rank ...
Methionyl-tRNA synthetase of Escherichia coli. A zinc metalloprotein.

Abstract The native dimeric form of methionyl-tRNA synthetase of Escherichia coli contains two zinc atoms per dimer, one per subunit. The bound zinc is retained upon trypsin modification which yields a monomer with one zinc atom. The enzymatic activity of both the dimeric forms is reversibly inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline but not by its non-chelating analogues. In addition, the native enzyme binds two Mn 2+ per dimer with a binding constant of approx. 70 μM but no binding is observed with the trypsin-modified monomer.
Chiral symmetry breaking from intersecting D-branes

Abstract We study a class of intersecting D-brane models in which fermions localized at different intersections interact via exchange of bulk fields. In some cases these interactions lead to dynamical symmetry breaking and generate a mass for the fermions. We analyze the conditions under which this happens as one varies the dimensions of the branes and of the intersections.
Metastrongyloid nematode (Otostrongylus circumlitus) infection in a stranded California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) - A new host-parasite association

A stranded yearling male California sea lion was admitted to a rehabilitation center June 2003. On presentation, the sea lion was emaciated and had diarrhea and neutrophilia. Two weeks later, the animal became anorexic, blood and mucus were observed around the oral cavity, and corneal opacity was noted in the right eye. Hematology results at that time included leukocytosis consisting of neutrophilia with a left shift, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite supportive care, the sea lion died. On post mortem examination, there were multiple areas of hemorrhage scattered throughout all lung lobes, and pulmonary blood vessels were occluded by fibrin thrombi. Nematodes identified as immature forms of Otostrongylus circumlitus were found in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries. Histologic findings in the lungs included severe suppurative and necrotizing arteritis with vascular thrombosis, interstitial pneumonia, and large areas of pulmonary hemorrhage. This report of O. circumlitus infection in a Californi...
Automatic modeling of file system workloads using two-level arrival processes

This article describes a method for analyzing, modeling, and simulating a two-level arrival-counting process. This method is particlarly appropriate when the number of independent processes is large, as is the case in our motivating application which requires analyzing and representing computer file system trace data for activity on nearly 8,000 files. The method is also applicable to network trace data characterizing communication patterns between pairs of computers. We apply cluster analysis to separate the arrival process into groups or bursts of activity on a file. We then characterize the arrival procss in terms of the time between bursts of activity on file, the time between file events within bursts, and the number of events in a burst. Finally, we model these three components individually, then reassemble the results to produce a synthetic trace generator. In order to gauge the effectiveness of this method, we use synthetically generated (simulated) trace data produced in this way to drive a discrete-event simulation of a distributed replicated file system. We compare the results of the simulation driven by the synthetic trace with the same simulation driven by the original trace data, and conclude that the synthetic data capture the essential characteristics of the empirical trace.
Stimulation of DNA synthesis and myo‐inositol incorporation in mammalian cells

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) synthesis and its role in controlling the cell cycle has been investigated using fibroblasts and liver cells in culture. PI synthesis as measured by incorporation of [3H]-myo-inositol into trichloroacetic acid precipitable material during 0--60 min after serum or growth factor stimulation of serum-starved cells is increased in primary fetal rat liver cells, rat embryo fibroblasts, and 3T3 mouse cells. In contrast, growth stimulation of 3T3 cells and hepatocytes rendered quiescent in G1 by amino acid starvation is not accompanied by increased incorporation of [3H[-myo-inositol into trichloroacetic acid precipitable material. This suggests that those cells might be arrested at a different point in G1 than cells arrested by serum depletion. Inhibition of PI synthesis by variation of-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), a steric analog of myo-inositol, during early times (e.g., 0--4 hr) after growth stimulation, reversibly blocks initiation of DNA synthesis in 3T3 cells. The results support the idea that increased PI synthesis in response to growth stimulation in the cell types studied here is a prerequisite for progression through G1 and subsequent entry into S phase.
MIF-1 attenuates apomorphine stereotypies in adult rats after neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine.

Abstract Since prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide (MIF-1) modifies the behavior of adult rats after treatment with neuroleptics, we examined whether MIF-1 would also modify adult behavior after treatment of neonatal rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Rats received 6-OHDA (100 μg i.c.v.) or diluent at 3 days after birth and either MIF-1 (2.0 mg/kg per day s.c. × 10 days) or diluent beginning at 28 or 29 days after birth. At 5 weeks, a low dose (0.1 mg/kg s.c.) of apomorphine increased the distance traveled, time in ambulation, number of stereotypic movements, and number of movements per time in stereotypy, but decreased the time in stereotypy in the 6-OHDA group. MIF-1 (× 7 or 8 days) showed a tendency to attenuate the increased number of movements and significantly (P 3 H]SCH-23390 and [ 3 H]spiroperidol to striatal homogenates was not altered in any of the groups. The findings demonstrate that specific early developmental alterations in apomorphine-induced behaviors can be modified by treatment of adult rats with MIF-1, even in the absence of overt changes in the binding of striatal dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors.
Understanding Sexual, Paraphilic, and Gender Dysphoria Disorders in DSM-5

With every Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that has been published, there has been controversy within controversy; however, what appears to be lacking is the importance of truly understanding what, why, and how the changes impact the community at large. Issues such as homosexuality, the five axial diagnostic system, and transitioning from a medical model to a biopsychosocial model have been hot topics that have led clinicians to challenge the reliability and validity of the manual throughout history. As clinicians and medical professionals, it is important to objectively look at the manual and become educated on how and why these changes exist. With that being said, this commentary aims to challenge the article “Commentary: Problems with the Sexual Disorders Sections of DSM-5” by Colin A. Ross (2015). The structure of this commentary purposefully mirrors the structure of the commentary that it is challenging.
Force Spectroscopy of DNA-Ctab Aggregates

Aggregates of oligonucleotides and the surfactant, CTAB, have been studied with force spectroscopy using an atomic force microscope. Gold coated AFM tips were derivatized with long carbon chain thiols and thiols functionalized with carboxylic acid and amine head groups and used to measure the strength of interaction or adhesive force between the AFM tip and aggregate surface. Force curves were obtained at various locations on the aggregate surface showing consistently reproducible adhesion within a given spot and some variability in adhesion from one spot to another. Adhesive forces were also measured in the same way on a model system composed of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed using the thiols mentioned above on gold coated silicon wafers for comparison. Forces of attraction between the derivatized tip and the model SAM surface were quite a bit lower compared to measurements made on aggregates. Some force curves obtained from aggregate surfaces showed broad retraction traces indicative of a strong adhesive force that may include a cascade of detachment steps. Currently, friction (lateral) force experiments are underway on both the aggregate surface and the model system to determine the surface free energy between the tip and surface and the extent of homogeneity on the aggregate.
High level of ab initio and density functional theory computational study of structural and energetic properties of tetrafluorhydrazine rotamers

The HF, MP2, MP3, MP4, and QCISD ab initio methods were compared with local, hybrid, and gradient-corrected density functional theory (DFT) methods for computing structures and energies of N2F4 rotamers. In all DFT calculations 6-311+G(2d) basis set was used. The generated structures energies of trans- and gauche-N2F4 rotamers, and their dissociation energies to nitrogen difluoride were compared with experimental data. Suitable hybrid and gradient-corrected DFT methods for determining structures and energies for these and similar molecular systems were discussed.
Sex differences and stress response of WKY rats

Wistar Kyoto (WKY), Fischer-344 (F-344), and Wistar male and female rats during either proestrus-estrus or diestrus phases of the estrus cycle were exposed to the ulcerogenic procedure of water restraint. Both male and female WKY rats revealed significantly more stomach ulcers as compared to Wistar and F-344 rats of the same sex. No persistent sex difference was observed, but ulcer severity was more pronounced during the proestrus-estrus phase as compared to the diestrus phase of the estrus cycle particularly in WKY female rats. In the second study, WKY females were observed as more active in the open-field test (OFT), but more immobile in the forced swim test (FST), as compared to WKY male rats. In addition, proestrus-estrus WKY females were less active in the OFT and significantly more immobile in the FST as compared to diestrus females. Thus, proestrus-estrus WKY females were judged as more emotional in the OFT and as exhibiting more signs of behavioral depression according to the FST. These studies suggest that the steroid hormone milieu in WKY rats may be responsible for these behavioral changes as well as the stress responsiveness in this stress-susceptible rat strain.
A necessary change: the transfer of care from hospital to community.

While there is ample evidence for the benefits of diverting resources from hospital delivery out to the community in terms of improved patient safety, very little is known about the impact on a healthcare provider's efficiency and output (Ovretveit, 2009).
Temporal genetic variation in a population of the pocket gopher, Geomys bursarius

Genetic variation at eight polymorphic loci was examined in a population of a subterranean rodent, the plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius), sampled over a 10-yr period. Two loci exhibited relatively minor changes in gene frequencies, while the remaining loci demonstrated major shifts in predominant alleles, loss of minor alleles, and addition of alleles due to migration. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations, concomitant to heterozygote deficiencies, were observed for several loci. Temporal heterogeneity, as measured by FST, was high and comparable to that exhibited by local populations sampled over relatively short periods of time. The high degree of temporal genetic variation is consistent with observations that fossorial rodents occur in locally isolated populations with small effective population sizes that are subject to genetic drift, bottlenecking, and inbreeding.
Predicting the need for thoracoscopic evacuation of residual traumatic hemothorax: chest radiograph is insufficient.

Background: The early removal of large residual posttraumatic hemothorax by videothoracoscopy is increasingly used to avoid the late sequelae of trapped lung and empyema. Plain chest radiography (CXR) is the tool most frequently used to select such cases for operation. Our recent experience has demonstrated that what appears to be a large retained hemothorax on CXR may turn out to be intrapulmonary or extrapleural conditions not amenable to thoracoscopic removal. Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of CXR in detecting significant residual hemothorax and compare its clinical value to thoracic computed tomography (CT) when used to select patients for thoracoscopic evacuation. Methods: All patients requiring tube thoracostomy for traumatic hemothorax were prospectively evaluated during a 22-month period (n = 703). Patients who, on the second day after admission, demonstrated opacification on CXR involving more than the costophrenic angle were evaluated by thoracic computed tomography for the presence of undrained fluid. Second-day CXR (CXR2) results were compared with the CT findings. Incorrect interpretation was defined as a difference of more than 300 mL between the two readings. All CXR2 and CT results were reviewed in the same fashion by a radiologist blinded to the surgeon's interpretations. Data on injury mechanism, hemodynamic status, laboratory values, interventions, and outcome were collected prospectively. Results: Fifty-eight patients had clinically significant opacifications on CXR2. The surgeon's and radiologist's CXR2 interpretations were incorrect in 48 and 47% of the cases, respectively. The CT interpretations by the two specialists were in agreement in 97% of the cases. Management that would have been instituted on the basis of CXR2 findings was changed in 18 cases (31%). Twelve patients (21%) required early thoracoscopic evacuation of undrained collections. There was good correlation between the CT estimation and the thoracoscopically retrieved amount of blood. Conclusion: Although CXR is useful as a screening tool, it cannot be used to reliably select patients for surgical evacuation of retained traumatic hemothorax. Decision-making should be based on thoracic CT findings.
Anticonvulsant and Neuronal Protective Effects of Propofol on Experimental Status Epilepticus

Abstract Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is an intravenous (i.v.) short-acting agent frequently used in neuroanesthesia and recently successfully used to treat refractory status epilepticus (SE). Conversely, there are over 50 reported cases of epileptic seizures following propofol-induced anesthesia, suggesting that propofol may aggravate seizures, especially in seizure-prone patients. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and histologic effects of propofol on experimental SE. Status epilepticus was induced in adult rats by kainic acid [KA, 20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]; in this model there is a time interval between KA administration and SE onset. To assess the effects of propofol on seizure-prone rats, propofol was given 15 minutes after the injection of KA before onset of seizures (group I, N = 12; 15 mg/kg i.v.). To assess the effects of propofol as an anticonvulsant, it was given 15 minutes after onset of SE to other rats (group II, N = 8; 15 mg/kg/i.v.). Control rats were injected with saline in both groups (group I N = 5; group II N = 5). Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to assess seizure-induced hippocampal cellular damage 2 weeks after SE. In group I rats, seizure latency was not different from controls. Furthermore, SE occurred less frequently in propofol pretreated rats than controls ( p p
Load biaxiality and fracture - Synthesis and summary

The question of load biaxiality strongly affecting almost all of the characteristics of brittle fracture behavior of a cracked body is investigated. Results of research published piecemeal over the years by the authors have shown that the stress and displacement fields, the elastic strain energy density, and the maximum shear stress near the crack tip are all altered by loads applied parallel to the crack, as are the angle of initial crack extension, the strain energy of the entire body, the fracture load, and the rate of fatigue crack growth. A synthesis and summary of this research is presented showing the shortcomings inherent in both Griffith's global energy rate theory for crack instability and Irwin's local crack-tip stress intensity theory for fracture toughness. In both theories only the tensile load perpendicular to the crack influences fracture behavior of the body.