cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual repeatability and geographical variation in the larval behaviour of the generalist predator, Chrysopa quadripunctata

Abstract Larvae from three populations of Chrysopa quadripunctata , a generalist predator with diverse habitat and prey associations, were reared under common environmental conditions and tested for patterns of variation in their feeding and defensive behaviour under two regimens. The results revealed two patterns: individual repeatability and geographical variation in specific larval activities. First, individual larvae expressed consistency in the propensity to camouflage themselves and in the priority they gave camouflaging versus feeding; they retained their characteristic levels of behaviour after two moults. Such consistency in the behaviour of a predatory arthropod has not been previously reported. Second, the larvae showed significant geographical variation in quantitative aspects of feeding and camouflaging, as well as in their responsiveness to camouflaging material (behavioural plasticity). The pattern of geographical variation in larval behaviour reflects the differential characteristics of the prey that these populations encounter in nature. We conclude that disparate prey resources can lead to the differentiation of locally adapted larval behaviour and the evolution of specialization.
A portable pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device to enhance healing of recalcitrant venous ulcers: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of pulsed electromagnetic limb ulcer therapy (PELUT) in the healing of recalcitrant, predominantly venous leg ulcers. The portable device was used at home for 3 h daily during this 8-week clinical trial as an adjunct to a wound dressing. Wound surface area, ulcer depth and pain intensity were assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 8. At week 8 the active group had a 47.7% decrease in wound surface area vs. a 42.3% increase for placebo (P < 0.0002). Investigators' global evaluations indicated that 50% of the ulcers in the active group healed or markedly improved vs. 0% in the placebo group, and 0% of the active group worsened vs. 54% of the placebo group (P < 0.001). Significant decreases in wound depth (P < 0.04) and pain intensity (P < 0.04) favouring the active group were seen. Patients whose ulcers improved significantly after 8 weeks were permitted to continue double-blind therapy for an additional 4 weeks. Eleven active and one placebo patient continued therapy until week 12, with the active treatment group continuing to show improvement. There were no reports of adverse events attributable to this device. We conclude that the PELUT device is a safe and effective adjunct to non-surgical therapy for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers.
Deactivation of mustard and nerve agent models via low-temperature microemulsions

New low-temperature oil-in-water (O/W) type microemulsions that resist freezing and phase separation at −18 °C have been developed. These systems were shown to simultaneously destroy, via oxidative and hydrolytic mechanisms, simulants of three chemical warfare agents. Reactions, monitored at 25 °C by gradient elution high-performance liquid chromatography, took place instantly or over many minutes, depending upon the particular simulant. Neglecting reaction products, the low-temperature microemulsions contained 11 components: propylene glycol, water, base, oxidant/nucleophile, surfactant, cosurfactant, oil, stabilizer, two nerve agent simulants, and a mustard simulant. Only by virtue of self-aggregation does this extraordinarily complex chemical system adopt a useful molecular organization and, in this limited sense, the microemulsion chemistry resembles what happens in a living cell. Substantial practical issues remain: rates for a recalcitrant VX simulant should be increased and overoxidation of the m...
Empathy, communication, and prosocial behavior

Two studies were conducted to examine the relationships among different dimensions of empathy, communication, and prosocial behavior. Study one provides a test of three models hypothesized to explain this process. Results of this study indicated support for altruism as a motivator of prosocial behavior and suggest that the egoism and dual‐process models are unlikely explanations. Study two was conducted in hopes of identifying additional support for the model that emerged from study one. The second study fully replicated the findings of the first study. Results from both studies suggest that prosocial behavior is motivated primarily by concern for others. Moreover, emotional reactions to the perceived distress of others are preceded by a concern for others. Together, these findings strongly support an altruistic interpretation of prosocial behavior and suggest that the egoistic model be reformulated.
Voltammetric assessment of dopamine clearance in the absence of the dopamine transporter: no contribution of other transporters in core or shell of nucleus accumbens

Cocaine elevates dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) by blocking the uptake of DA through the DA transporter (DAT). It is commonly believed that the reinforcing properties of cocaine depend upon interaction with the DAT, however, cocaine is still reinforcing in mice with a genetic deletion of the DAT (DAT-KO mice). Although cocaine continues being able to elevate DA in the NAc of these mice, this mechanism is unclear. The present voltammetric study in brain slices was designed to examine the role of the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters in removing DA from the extracellular space in the NAc of DAT-KO mice. We found no effects of any monoamine uptake inhibitors, including cocaine (10 μM), desipramine (10 μM) or fluoxetine (10 μM) on the clearance of DA in these mice. Therefore, it appears that there is no compensatory uptake of DA by alternative transporters either in core or shell of the nucleus accumbens of DAT-KO mice.
Serum haptoglobin concentrations in Holstein dairy cattle with toxic puerperal metritis

The serum concentration of haptoglobin was measured in 51 cows with toxic puerperal metritis which were being treated with one of three different antimicrobial regimens. The mean concentration of haptoglobin was 19.0 mg/dl on the day that the treatments began and declined steadily during the five day treatment period to a mean concentration of 7.35 mg/dl. There was no correlation between the serum haptoglobin concentrations and the rectal temperatures of the cows during the five days.
Integrating uranium from weapons into the civil fuel cycle

Under a recently‐approved agreement, Russia will sell perhaps 500 tonnes of highly enriched uranium (HEU) recovered from its dismantled nuclear weapons to the US Department of Energy over the next twenty years. Blended with natural or depleted uranium to produce low‐enriched uranium for reactor fuel, this HEU could displace power consumption in the electricity‐intensive gaseous diffusion plants of the US. The sale of the HEU could be done in a way that minimizes uranium market disruptions and benefits both the US and Russia.
Aureomycin in the treatment of beta hemolytic streptococcal infections

Summary Aureomycin in relatively small doses was an effective medication against beta hemolytic streptococcal infections. Its immediate clinical effect was excellent, but bacteriologic and clinical recurrences appeared in a moderate number of cases, even when the patients were treated for as long as twelve days. Antibody response as measured by antistreptolysin and antihyaluronidase titer appeared in a minority of patients treated by this antibiotic. In a few patients persistently high sedimentation rates followed its use. Early pyogenic complications were uncommon and late complications such as rheumatic fever or nephritis were not observed.
In vitro adherence of rat lymphocytes to salivary gland epithelia

Glandular mucosal tissues contain lymphocyte populations that contribute to expression of IgA antibodies in external secretions. Interaction of circulating lymphocytes with glandular structures may regulate lymphocyte accumulation. An in vitro assay was used to investigate adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and salivary gland tissues. Thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) bound to the serous acinar epithelia of parotid salivary glands and to the mucous tubulo-acinar epithelium of submandibular salivary glands. Lymph node cells and splenocytes adhered to these tissues in lesser numbers and thymocytes bound in negligible numbers. TDL adherence was an active process, being time- and cell dose-dependent and requiring intact membrane as well as cytoskeletal and metabolic function. Calcium was required in each case and binding was mediated by a trypsin-sensitive lymphocyte surface determinant. These findings suggest that the lymphocyte composition of salivary gland tissues is regulated by active lymphocyte interaction with the glandular epithelium.
Biliary excretion kinetics of phenolphthalein glucuronide after intravenous and retrograde biliary administration.

Several organic compounds of large molecular weight have previously been shown to be rapidly and primarily excreted via the biliary system of the rat after intravenous or retrograde biliary infusion. Poor biliary reabsorption has been suggested to explain these findings. The kinetics of the biliary excretion of Phenolphthalein glucuronide have been examined with concurrent plasma data. A spectrophotometric method, capable of measuring Phenolphthalein glucuronide in amounts as small as 4 nmol per 100 μl of plasma, was developed. The glucuronide (20–40 μmol kg−1) was administered to 14 rats intravenously and to 12 rats by retrograde biliary infusion. There was a significant concentration of Phenolphthalein glucuronide in the systemic blood after glucuronide administration by either route and the kinetics of elimination of the glucuronide were similar. The plasma availability of biliary infused doses was over 45 % of the availability from the intravenous doses based on area under the curve calculations for the average plasma level-time curves. The results demonstrate the need to sample the plasma as well as the bile before any conclusion can be made about reabsorption of a compound from the biliary ducts.
Sexual Differences in Physical Attractiveness as a Determinant of Heterosexual Liking

A questionnaire study of sexual differences in the importance of physical attractiveness to heterosexual liking disclosed that 177 men ranked physical attractiveness significantly (but only slightly) higher than 177 women. Different degrees of intimacy and permanency in the relationship also affected the importance of physical attractiveness in partners. There was no significant interaction between sex and type of relationship.
Aspirin-Induced Asthma: New Insights into Pathogenesis and Clinical Presentation of Drug Intolerance

Aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) is a distinct clinical syndrome, present in about 10% of adult asthmatics. Precipitation of the asthmatic attacks by aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is the hallmark of the syndrome. The idea that the attacks might result from the specific inhibition of a single enzyme in the respiratory tract, namely cyclooxygenase, has found support in experimental and clinical studies, and has generated a number of new hypotheses on the mechanism of bronchoconstriction. These hypotheses, operating within the frame of cyclooxygenase theory, point to the involvement of leukotrienes, platelets or chronic viral infection. Progress in studies on AIA has improved our knowledge on the drugs - safe and contraindicated - in this relatively common and fascinating clinical syndrome. Studies on mechanisms operating in AIA might eventually lead to new insights in pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
A hybrid matrix retainer for two-surface proximal restorations

A hybrid matrix combines the rigid and flexible properties of two different thicknesses of matrix bands for use in restoring the proximal surfaces of teeth.
Understanding What’s in a Brand Rating: A Model for Assessing Brand and Attribute Effects and Their Relationship to Brand Equity

Abstract Although brand ratings capture the favorability of brand associations, they often do not enable marketing managers to disentangle brand-specific associations from other effects. In this article, the authors present a decompositional model for analyzing brand ratings that addresses this nagging problem and provide insights for understanding the sources of brand equity. Starting with consumers’ perceived level of a brand on an attribute, the authors decompose the rating into two components: brand-specific associations and general brand impressions. Brand-specific associations refer to features, attributes, or benefits that consumers link to a brand and that differentiate it from the competition. General brand impressions refer to general impressions about the brand that are based on a more holistic view of the brand. In this article, the authors focus on two principal issues: (1) How can the sources of bias that may be present in brand ratings be disentangled? and (2) Do these putatively biasing ef...
Milk Products, Dietary Patterns and Blood Pressure Management

High blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Inverse associations between dairy product consumption and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) have been observed in cross-sectional studies; some studies, however, have reported an inverse association with only one BP parameter, predominantly SBP. Randomized clinical trials examining the effect of calcium and the combination of calcium, potassium and magnesium provide evidence for causality. In these studies, reductions in BP were generally modest (-1.27 to -4.6 mmHg for SBP, and -0.24 to -3.8 mmHg for DBP). Dairy nutrients, most notably calcium, potassium and magnesium, have been shown to have a blood pressure lowering effect. A low calcium intake increases intracellular calcium concentrations which increases 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in greater vascular resistance. New research indicates that dairy peptides may act as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, thereby inhibiting the renin angiotensin system with consequent vasodilation. A growing evidence base shows that dairy product consumption is involved in the regulation of BP. Consequently, inclusion of dairy products in a heart healthy diet is an important focal point to attain BP benefits.
The effects of lip revision surgery on nasolabial esthetics in patients with cleft lip

Children born with a cleft lip with or without cleft palate have an initial lip repair soon after birth, during which the surgeon reconstructs the soft tissue anatomy and attempts to normalize the function and esthetics of the upper lip and nose. In most instances, the short-term surgical results are acceptable. As the child continues to grow, however, the esthetics may become less than ideal as residual distortions of the soft tissues become more evident. The child and his/her family may notice features such as unsightly scarring of the upper lip, discontinuity of the lip contour, and distorted nasal features. The plastic surgeon examines and discusses these facial characteristics with the family during regular clinic visits. This examination by the surgeon is subjective and may lead to a recommendation for lip and nasal revision surgery. When electing to proceed with revision surgery, the family and surgeon have expectations that the surgery will have a noticeable change of the nasolabial region resulting in a more ‘normal’ function and esthetics; and that the inherent risks of surgery—such as infection, bleeding, dehiscence, and scarring—will be minimal. However, questions remain as to how best to assess the outcomes of nasolabial appearance in patients with cleft lip with our without cleft palate, and how effective is revision surgery at achieving the desired expectations/outcomes. Previous studies have used subjective scales based on 2-dimensional (2D) images of patients with increasing degrees of severity of cleft features as a comparison during ratings (1–5). Perhaps the most popular scale of this type, the Asher-McDade, has been used extensively in cross-sectional, multicenter, outcome studies (6–11). Clinicians use this scale to rate frontal and profile facial images of children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. In the study by Brattstrom and co-workers (8), the Asher-McDade scale was used on subjects ages 9, 12 and 17 years and inter-center comparisons were done of the pooled longitudinal ratings. However, there are no reports using the Asher-McDade scale to assess longitudinal changes in individual patients over time. The primary aim of this study was to have surgeons evaluate longitudinal changes of nasolabial appearance due to lip revision surgery in patients with repaired unilateral cleft lip with our without cleft palate using the Asher-McDade scale. A secondary aim was to assess the level of agreement among surgeons with the use of this scale. The hypotheses of the study were that lip revision surgery would result in an improved static or ‘at rest’ appearance of the nasolabial region, and that agreement among surgeons would be excellent using the scale.
Organic Phosphorus Compounds 60. The direct synthesis of tris(N‐substituted carbamoylethyl) phosphine oxides

The reaction of elemental white phosphorus with N-alkyl acrylamides and N,N-dialkyl acrylamides in the presence of a base is described and the physical properties of 8 new tertiary phosphine oxides of general formula (R2NCOCH2CH2)3PO (R = H, CH3, C2H5,(CH2)4, (CH2)5, and C2H4OC2H4, CH2CHCH2) are reported. Interaction of white phosphorus with RNCS, RNCO, azo-bis-isobutyronitrile, Ph2NNPh2, vinyl acetate, vinyl ethyl ether, and expoxides has also been investigated.
Proto-oncogene expression during early myeloid differentiation of normal peripheral blood progenitor cells.

Abstract Peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured in liquid medium with fetal calf serum undergo differentiation to myeloblasts (7 days) and then mature granulocytes (14–21 days). This culture system was used to study proto-oncogene expression during pre-myeloblast myeloid differentiation. c- myc mRNA was present in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells placed into culture, fell during the first 2–4 days of culture and then rose between days 2–4 and day 7 of culture, prior to and coincident with the appearance of myeloblasts. Histone H3 mRNA was absent or present at very low levels at initiation of cultures, and then rose throughout the first 7 days of culture. c- fms mRNA was absent at initiation of cultures, and appeared on days 2–5 of culture, prior to the appearance of myeloblasts. c- fos mRNA was not detected during differentiation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to myeloblasts. Elucidation of patterns of proto-oncogene expression during normal myeloid differentiation is a prerequisite for interpretation of proto-oncogene expression in myeloid leukemia cells.
Estimate of the Genomic Mutation Rate Deleterious to Overall Fitness in E. Coli

Mutations are a double-edged sword: they are the ultimate source of genetic variation upon which evolution depends, yet most mutations affecting fitness (viability and reproductive success) appear to be harmful. Deleterious mutations of small effect can escape natural selection, and should accumulate in small population. Reduced fitness from deleterious-mutation accumulation may be important in the evolution of sex, mate choice, and diploid life-cycles, and in the extinction of small populations. Few empirical data exist, however. Minimum estimates of the genomic deleterious-mutation rate for viability in Drosophila melanogaster are surprisingly high, leading to the conjecture that the rate for total fitness could exceed 1.0 mutation per individual per generation. Here we use Escherichia coli to provide an estimate of the genomic deleterious-mutation rate for total fitness in a microbe. We estimate that the per-microbe rate of deleterious mutations is in excess of 0.0002.
Structure and distribution of neuromuscular junctions on slow muscle fibers in the frog.

Abstract Neuromuscular junctions on slow fibers in frog cruralis muscle have been examined with light and electron microscopy. The slow fiber bundle of this muscle is approximately half slow fibers and half fast twitch fibers. Each slow fiber has two-five clusters of nerve terminals in its central region. In contrast, fast fibers in the same bundle have single anastomosing neuromuscular junctions. The average length of terminal clusters on slow fibers is half that of the terminals on fast fibers. Less cholinesterase activity is associated with nerve terminals on slow muscle fibers. The two types of muscle fiber were identified in freeze-fracture replicas by characteristic patterns of the sarcolemmal caveolae and square arrays. Presynaptic membranes of terminals on fast fibers have long, paired double rows of intramembrane particles which lie along the sides of ridges aligned above each fold in the muscle. Ridges are less prominent or absent in terminals on slow fibers and the associated membrane particles are more often in single rows. The lengths of the particle rows also tend to be shorter and rows tend to branch and to lie at various orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis of the terminal. The average length of the particle rows per unit length of nerve terminal on slow fiber terminals is half that of particle rows on fast fiber terminals. It is concluded that the total length as well as the concentration of these active zone specializations is less at terminals on slow fibers. The lack of parallel orientation of the presynaptic active zones at slow fiber terminals corresponds to a lack of postsynaptic folds. Postsynaptic specializations seen in thin sections through slow fibers are either on flat expanses of sarcolemma or on low sarcolemmal bulges. Patches of large intramembrane particles, similar to those on fast fibers, mark regions of postsynaptic specialization in freeze-fracture replicas of slow fibers.
Development of an integrated CMOS-microfluidic instrumentation array for high throughput membrane protein studies

Because membrane proteins are critically important in biological processes and among the most prevalent drug targets, a thorough understanding of their structure and function is highly desired. However, this has been difficult to achieve due to the laborious nature of existing tools and techniques for membrane protein studies. This paper presents a new microsystem concept for high throughput membrane protein characterization utilizing an array of synthetic planar lipid bilayers within multi-channel microfluidics on the surface of CMOS electrochemical instrumentation circuits. A new technique for CMOS polymer packaging that enables planar routing of bonding pad signals and formation of multi-channel microfluidics on the surface of on-chip electrochemical sensor electrodes is demonstrated. The developed techniques enable ~1000 planar lipid bilayer membrane protein interfaces to be implemented directly on the surface of high performance CMOS instrumentation and the integration methods can be used in lab-on-chip applications.
Comparing, integrating lexical definitional knowledge from multiple sources

We discuss a computational mechanism for comparing and integrating lexical definitional knowledge, meanings and concept definitions of English words and phrases available from different sources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, corpora of texts, and personal beliefs. Such a mechanism is needed in order to automate comparison and reconciliation of the definitional differences because completeness and correctness of definitional knowledge seriously affect the results of text processing, particularly classification, question answering, and summarization.
Consumer purchase intentions for flexible-fuel and hybrid-electric vehicles

This study explores the factors that influence consumer likelihood of purchasing two different types of alternative-fuel vehicles - flexible fuel and hybrid-electric. Data for the study come from an online survey of US automobile owners. Results suggest that concerns about energy security, the environment, and the availability of alternative fuels, along with demographic factors, have significant effects on consumer purchase expectations for alternative-fuel vehicles.
Probabilistic embeddings of bounded genus graphs into planar graphs

A probabilistic C-embedding of a (guest) metric M into a collection of(host) metrics M'1, ..., M'k is a randomized mapping F of M intoone of the M'1, ..., M'k such that, for any two points p,q in theguest metric: The distance between F(p) and F(q) in any M'i is not smaller thanthe original distance between p and q. The expected distance between F(p) and F(q) in (random) M'i is notgreater than some constant C times the original distance, for C≥ 1. The constant C is called the distortion of the embedding. Low-distortion probabilistic embeddings enable reducing algorithmicproblems over "hard" guest metrics into "easy" host metrics.We show that every metric induced by a graph of bounded genus can beprobabilistically embedded into planar graphs, with constant distortion. The embedding can be computed efficiently, given a drawing of the graphon a genus-g surface.
Developmental analysis of GFAP immunoreactivity in the cerebellum of the meander tail mutant mouse

It is thought that Bergmann glial fibers assist in the inward migration of granule cells. Model systems in which there is a perturbation of either the migrating cells or the glial cell population have been useful in understanding the migratory process. In the meander tail mutant mouse, the anterior cerebellar region is agranular, whereas the posterior cerebellum is relatively unaffected by the mutation. This study presents a qualitative analysis of the development of cerebellar radial glia in mea/mea and +/mea mice aged from postnatal day 0 to adult, using an antibody against the glia specific antigen, glial fibrillary acidic protein. The results indicate a slight delay in the onset of immunoreactivity in the mea/mea cerebellum and abnormal glial formation in the anterior and posterior regions by postnatal day 5. At postnatal day 11, the full complement of labeled fibers appears to be present and although they appear abnormal in formation, they eventually reach the surface and terminate in oddly shaped and irregularly spaced endfeet. In adult mea/mea and +/mea mice, as compared to the early postnatal stages, there is a significant reduction in GFAP immunoreactive fibers. Cresyl violet stained adult mea/mea sections revealed the presence of ectopic granule cells in radial columns and small clumps at the surface of and within the molecular layer of the caudal cerebellum. Quantitative analyses revealed a 4- to 5-fold increase in the number of ectopic granule cells in lobule VIII of the mea/mea when compared with the +/mea cerebellum. These results suggest that the radial glia in the mea/mea cerebellum exhibit some uncharacteristic morphologies, but that these abnormalities are most likely the consequence of environmental alterations produced by the mutant gene.
5,5'-THIODISALICYLIC ACID AS AN ANALYTICAL REAGENT

Abstract The reactions of 5,5'-thiodisalicylic acid with various metal ions have been studied. The reagent produces coloured complexes with Rh(III), Pd(II), Fe(III), Ru(III) and UO 2 (II), and precipitates with Pb(II), ZrO(II), In(III), Th(IV), Ce(III), Ce(IV) and the rare earths under suitable conditions. The reagent shows promise as a spectrophotometric as well as a gravimetric reagent for various metal ions.
A NEW CHILDREN’S ACT FOR SOUTH AFRICA: MAKING IT WORK FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Numerous civil society organisations as well as the National Children’s Rights Committee (NCRC) and UNICEF supported South Africa’s post-apartheid government to institutionalise children’s rights as a fundamental pillar of the new democracy. Towards this end, in 1995 the government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Child (1989) (the CRC). Drawing on this international standard, children’s rights was enshrined in Section 28 of the SA Constitution (1996). Further to cover the particular vulnerabilities of African children, the government also ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the ACRWC) in 2000. Collectively these instruments seek to ensure that children have a range of integrated political, civil, cultural and socio-economic rights. In addition to the general human rights to equality, a basic education and the right to dignity, children have additional socio-economic rights, including the right to family and parental care, or to appropriate alternative care when removed from their family setting; to basic nutrition, shelter, health care, social services and to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and degradation. By ratifying the international children’s rights instruments and through its national constitutional provisions for children’s rights, the SA government accepted an obligation to put in place mechanisms to realise these rights. However, the nation made these laudable commitments within a context of the huge resource and capacity challenges required for their implementation.
UUUUUNU oligonucleotide stimulation of vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination, in trans

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination requires the vaccinia termination factor (VTF), NPH I, a single stranded DNA-dependent ATPase, the virion form of RNA polymerase containing the Rap 94 subunit, and the signal UUUUUNU, which resides in the nascent mRNA, located 30 to 50 bases upstream from the poly(A) addition site. Evidence indicates that a required termination factor acts through binding to the UUUUUNU signal. To further investigate the function of UUUUUNU, the ability of UUUUUNU containing oligonucleotides to inhibit transcription termination was tested. A 22-mer RNA oligonucleotide containing a central U9 sequence exhibited sequence and concentration-dependent stimulation of premature transcription termination and transcript release, in trans. Activation of premature termination required VTF, NPH I, Rap 94, and ATP, demonstrating that the normal termination machinery was employed. Premature termination was not stimulated by RNA harboring a mutant UUUUUNU, demonstrating specificity. These data are consistent with a model in which a required termination factor is converted from an inactive to an active form by binding to a UUUUUNU containing oligonucleotide. The active termination factor then interacts with the ternary complex stimulating transcription termination through the normal mechanism, independent of the nascent mRNA sequence.
Donor lymphocyte infusions for acute myeloid leukaemia

The success of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) in treating chronic myeloid leukaemia that had recurred after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation provided direct evidence for the existence of an immunologically mediated graft-vs-leukaemia effect and led to the development of non-myeloablative transplantation. For patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), DLI has been less effective, both as a result of its rapid growth kinetics and its decreased susceptibility to alloimmune-mediated effects. This chapter reviews the historical experience with DLI for AML, both as treatment for and prophylaxis of relapse. New approaches aimed at improving the efficacy of DLI are discussed, including administration of chemotherapy prior to DLI, use of immunomodulatory cytokines to bolster the cytotoxic effector response, priming of donor lymphocytes to recipient tumour antigens ex vivo, and infusions of alloreactive natural killer cells.
Development of nanowire arrays for neural probe

It is already established that functional electrical stimulation is an effective way to restore many functions of the brain in disabled individuals. The electrical stimulation can be done by using an array of electrodes. Neural probes stimulate or sense the biopotentials mainly through the exposed metal sites. These sites should be smaller relative to the spatial potential distribution so that any potential averaging in the sensing area can be avoided. At the same time, the decrease in size of these sensing sites is limited due to the increase in impedance levels and the thermal noise while decreasing its size. It is known that current density in a planar electrode is not uniform and a higher current density can be observer around the perimeter of the electrodes. Electrical measurements conducted on many nanotubes and nanowires have already proved that it could be possible to use for current density applications and the drawbacks of the present design in neural probes can be overcome by incorporating many nanotechnology solutions. In this paper we present the design and development of nanowire arrays for the neural probe for the multisite contact which has the ability to collect and analyze isolated single unit activity. An array of vertically grown nanowires is used as contact site and many of such arrays can be used for stimulating as well as recording sites. The nanolevel interaction and wireless communication solution can extend to applications involving the treatment of many neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal injuries and the treatment of blindness and paralyzed patients with minimal or no invasive surgical procedures.
Cysteine-independent and cysteine-requiring yeast-strains of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Recently we described a strain of Histoplasma capsulatum, designated H-35, which is able to grow as yeast on a minimal medium consisting of inorganic salts, glucose and a trace of biotin. Using this strain as a prototrophic wild type we sought auxotrophic mutants. Mutagenized yeast-cells were starved for inorganic sulfate in sulfur-free minimal medium. Sulfate was then added, and growing prototrophic cells were killed by addition of amphotericin B. After 24 hours non-growing auxotrophs were ‘rescued’ by removal of amphotericin and addition of yeast extract. This ‘mutant enrichment’ cycle was repeated two additional times, after which the cells were plated on blood agar and 800 yeast-colonies were picked. Seventeen of these yeast-strains required cysteine for growth, as compared with strain H-35, which grew as yeast on minimal medium.
Predictors of Engagement in an Urban Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic.

The authors performed a chart review of 174 patients age 50 and over (mean age, 69 years) to test a model of social and clinical characteristics that predict engagement in outpatient treatment. "Engaged" patients were defined as those who had three or more clinic visits. Logistic regression analysis, using a 14-variable model, was highly significant ( P = 0.0003) and able to correctly classify 70% of cases. There were four predictors of clinical engagement: being a Medicaid recipient ( P P P = 0.06), and having a diagnosis of schizophrenia ( P = 0.06); and these variables accounted for all the explained variance. These findings indicated that predictors of engagement do not invariably follow the patterns reported for younger patients.
Metabolism of ricinoleate by Neurospora crassa

Neurospora crassa is a potential expression system for evaluating fatty-acid-modifying genes from plants producing uncommon fatty acids. One such gene encodes the hydroxylase that converts oleate to ricinoleate, a fatty acid with important industrial uses. To develop this expression system, it is critical to evaluate the metabolism and physiological effects of the expected novel fatty acid(s). We therefore examined effects of ricinoleate on lipid biosynthesis and growth of N. crassa. Ricinoleate inhibited growth and reduced levels of phospholipids and of 2-hydroxy fatty acids in glycolipids, but led to increased lipid accumulation on a mass basis. To evaluate incorporation and metabolism of ricinoleate, we followed the fate of 14 μM–3 mM [1-14C]ricinoleate. The fate of the [14C]ricinoleate was concentration-dependent. At higher concentrations, ricinoleate was principally incorporated into triacylglycerols. At lower concentrations, ricinoleate was principally metabolized to other compounds. Thus, N. crassa transformants expressing the hydroxylase gene can be detected if the level of hydroxylase expression allows both growth and ricinoleate accumulation.
An organizational communication challenge to the discourse of work and family research: From problematics to empowerment

Using a discourse perspective, we articulate four problematics, (a) boundaries, (b) identity, (c) rationality, and (d) voice that underlie work-family theory, research, and practice. We situate existing interdisciplinary research within each problematic, showing how such research examines outcomes and effects rather than the process of constructing such outcomes. We supplement these studies with emerging communication research to illustrate new ways of thinking about each problematic. We highlight the role of daily microlevel discourses as well as macrodiscourses of organizations and families in creating the current processes, structures, and relationships surrounding work and family. We link each problematic with an agenda for empowerment through (a) questioning boundaries, (b) integrating identity, (c) embracing practical knowledge and emotionality, (d) seeking diverse voices, and (e) developing a communal orientation.
Functional characterization of murine interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) and its role in the innate antiviral response.

Although the role of human IRF-5 in antiviral and inflammatory responses in vitro has been well characterized, much remains to be elucidated about murine IRF-5. Murine IRF-5, unlike the heavily spliced human gene, is primarily expressed as a full-length transcript, with only a single splice variant that was detected in very low levels in the bone marrow of C57BL/6J mice. This bone marrow variant contains a 288-nucleotide deletion from exons 4–6 and exhibits impaired transcriptional activity. The murine IRF-5 can be activated by both TBK1 and MyD88 to form homodimers and bind to and activate transcription of type I interferon and inflammatory cytokine genes. The importance of IRF-5 in the antiviral and inflammatory response in vivo is highlighted by marked reductions in serum levels of type I interferon and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in Newcastle disease virus-infected Irf5–/– mice. IRF-5 is critical for TLR3-, TLR4-, and TLR9-dependent induction of TNFα in CD11c+ dendritic cells. In contrast, TLR9, but not TLR3/4-mediated induction of type I IFN transcription, is dependent on IRF-5 in these cells. In addition, IRF-5 regulates TNFα but not type I interferon gene transcription in Newcastle disease virus-infected peritoneal macrophages. Altogether, these data reveal the cell type-specific importance of IRF-5 in MyD88-mediated antiviral pathways and the widespread role of IRF-5 in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines.
Beam steering performance of a wideband modified E-shape microstrip patch antenna array

A modified E-shape microstrip patch antenna with wide-bandwidth is employed in a 1×4 linear array. The array antenna shows a 42.1% fractional bandwidth using S 11 criteria of ≤ −10dB. The array antenna was fabricated with 0° progressive phase shift and experimentally verified with the help of a prefabricated 1∶4 Wilkinson equal power divider for impedance matching and radiation patterns. The beam steering performance of the array antenna is also explored for different progressive phase shifts.
Characterization of the promoter region of human steroid sulfatase: a gene which escapes X inactivation.

The human X-linked steroid sulfatase gene (STS) was among the first genes shown to escape X inactivation. At least fourteen genes regulated in this fashion have now been recognized. They are dispersed into several regions of the X chromosome and may be controlled in a locus specific manner. Studies of the promoters of these genes could provide insights into the mechanism of X inactivation, however little information of this nature is currently available. For this reason we examined 5′ flanking sequences of the human STS gene for promoter function. Four transcription start sites scattered over a 50bp region were identified. Functional domains of this TATA-less and GC poor promoter were identified by study of a series of terminal and internal deletions. A putative promoter sequence was identified which by itself exhibits little or no basal activity. However when combined with upstream regulatory elements, this segment showed weak but reproducible activity in a CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) reporter assay. Several regulatory domains acting as enhancers and repressors were subsequently identified. The relationship of this 5′ sequence to the ability of the STS gene to escape X-inactivation is discussed.
Distribution and Movement of Gulf Stream Rings

Abstract The distribution, number and movement of cyclonic Gulf Stream rings were estimated from an analysis of 50 000 temperature records obtained from the National Oceanographic Data Center and Fleet Numerical Weather Central. The data were taken from 1970 through September 1976 in the region bounded by 20–40°N and 50–80°W. Additional ring observations from other sources were also used. Twenty-five ring time series, together with 26 single ring observations were obtained; approximately 11 rings were found to exist at one time. Rings typically moved westward, turned southwest when close to the Gulf Stream and appeared to coalesce with the Stream near Florida. On the average, two rings per year moved down this path with a mean speed of 3 km day−1 and an estimated life span of 2–3 years. Although ring observations were concentrated in the northwestern Sargasso Sea, several were documented east of 60°W. In addition to cold core rings several warm eddies were found south of the Stream; they consisted of at l...
Mivacurium in infants and children.

Mivacurium is the only available short-acting nondepolarizing muscle relaxant in clinical use. It is a bis-quaternary benzylisoquinolinium ester hydrolysed by plasma-cholinesterase into inactive compounds. The ED50 and ED95 in children are about 50 micrograms.kg-1 and 90 micrograms.kg-1 respectively. In infants, they have a tendency to be lower. A standard intubating dose of 0.25 mg.kg-1 causes complete neuromuscular depression in 1.5-2 min, recovery to 5% in 6-10 min, and complete recovery in 15-20 min. The recent tendency is to use 0.3 mg.kg-1 to obtain better intubating conditions with slight prolongation of effect. Since the recovery profile of mivacurium is independent of the dose and duration, it is most suitable for administration by continuous infusion. The infusion requirement in children is 10-16 micrograms.kg-1 min-1, which is about twice that of adults. Cutaneous flushes from histamine release are commonly seen with the larger doses of mivacurium; however, the associated hypotensive effects are minimal and counteracted by the tracheal intubation. The duration of action of mivacurium is prolonged in patients with cholinesterase deficiency. Mivacurium's neuromuscular effects can be satisfactorily antagonized by edrophonium or neostigmine.
Evaluating the adequacy of disease control in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a RAND appropriateness panel

Objectives There is a lack of agreement on assessing disease activity in patients with RA and determining when the RA treatment should be changed or continued. A panel of rheumatologists was convened to develop guidelines to assess adequacy of disease control, focusing on the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Methods The Research and Development/University of California in Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) Appropriateness Method was used to evaluate disease control adequacy. After a literature review, 108 scenarios were developed to simulate situations most likely to be encountered in clinical practice and rated on a 9-point scale by a 10-member expert panel. Results Final appropriateness rankings for the scenarios were as follows: 37% 'appropriate', 48% 'inappropriate', and 16% 'neutral'. The panelists felt that patients with disease control in the 'appropriate' range have adequate control with their current therapy, whereas those in the 'inappropriate' range should be considered for a change in therapy. Those in 'neutral' areas should have their therapy reviewed carefully. The panelists recommended that the clinically active joint count should be considered the most important decision factor. In patients with no clinically active joints, regardless of other factors no change in therapy was felt to be warranted. Patients with five or more active joints should be considered inadequately treated, and in patients with one to four active joints other variables must be considered in the decision to change therapy. Conclusion These preliminary guidelines will assist the clinician in determining when a patient's clinical situation warrants therapy escalation and when continuing the current regimen would be appropriate.
A systematic approach to the optimization of artificial neural networks

When designing the structure of an artificial neural network (ANN), it is very important to determine the architecture and parameters of the network such as number of units and layers. This paper uses the Taguchi method and Design of Experiment (DOE) methodology to optimize the network parameters. The users have to identify the application problems and choose a suitable ANN model. Then, the optimization problems including the design variables, cost function and constraints can be defined according to the network model. The Taguchi method is first applied to the problem for finding the more important factors. Then DOE methodology is performed for further analysis and forecast. Finally, the Multilayer Feed-forward Neural Network is used for an example.
Estimating relative abundances of proteins from shotgun proteomics data

Background: Spectral counting methods provide an easy means of identifying proteins with differing abundances between complex mixtures using shotgun proteomics data. The crux spectral-counts command, implemented as part of the Crux software toolkit, implements four previously reported spectral counting methods, the spectral index (SIN), the exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI), the normalized spectral abundance factor (NSAF), and the distributed normalized spectral abundance factor (dNSAF). Results: We compared the reproducibility and the linearity relative to each protein’s abundance of the four spectral counting metrics. Our analysis suggests that NSAF yields the most reproducible counts across technical and biological replicates, and both SIN and NSAF achieve the best linearity. Conclusions: With the crux spectral-counts command, Crux provides open-source modular methods to analyze mass spectrometry data for identifying and now quantifying peptides and proteins. The C++ source code, compiled binaries, spectra and sequence databases are available at http://noble.gs.washington.edu/proj/cruxspectral-counts.
Cross-validation in fuzzy ARTMAP neural networks for large sample classification problems

In this paper we are examining the issue of overtraining in Fuzzy ARTMAP. Over-training in Fuzzy ARTMAP manifests itself in two different ways: (a) it degrades the generalization performance of Fuzzy ARTMAP as training progresses, and (b) it creates unnecessarily large Fuzzy ARTMAP neural network architectures. In this work we are demonstrating that overtraining happens in Fuzzy ARTMAP and we propose an old remedy for its cure: cross-validation. In our experiments we compare the performance of Fuzzy ARTMAP that is trained (i) until the completion of training, (ii) for one epoch, and (iii) until its performance on a validation set is maximized. The experiments were performed on artificial and real databases. The conclusion derived from these experiments is that cross-validation is a useful procedure in Fuzzy ARTMAP, because it produces smaller Fuzzy ARTMAP architectures with improved generalization performance. The trade-off is that cross-validation introduces additional computational complexity in the training phase of Fuzzy ARTMAP.