cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of Gene Expression in Escherichia coli After Pilus-Mediated Adherence

The induction of cascades of virulence factors after contact between bacteria and host cells was investigated. P-pili mediate the binding of uropathogenic Escherichia coli to its host cell receptor. After P-pili binding there was transcriptional activation of a sensor-regulator protein that is essential for the bacterial iron-starvation response. An insertion mutation of the sensor-regulator gene eliminated the ability of uropathogenic E. coli to produce siderophores and their iron-regulated membrane receptors, thereby abolishing their ability to grow in urine. These results suggest that P-pilus-mediated attachment may be an important part of the sensor-regulatory process involved in uropathogenic E. coli urinary tract infection.
α1-adrenergic receptors facilitate inhibitory neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus

Abstract The cholinergic cardiac vagal neurons (CVNs), located in the nucleus ambiguus, are the origin of cardioinhibitory parasympathetic activity. Catecholaminergic neurons in nearby regions of the brainstem, including the C1 and C2 cell groups, are thought to play a key role in both arousing from sleep and maintaining wakefulness. Because norepinephrine (NE) could play an important role in influencing the activity of CVNs, particularly in response to sleeping/waking and arousal states, the present study investigated the contribution of α 1 -adrenergic receptor activation to augment inhibitory and/or blunt excitatory neurotransmission to CVNs. To test the effects of α 1 -adrenergic receptor activation, CVNs were labeled in rats by retrograde tracing and synaptic events were recorded by whole cell voltage clamp techniques in vitro . Prazosin, an inverse agonist of α 1 -adrenergic receptor, significantly decreased the frequency of both GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission to CVNs. Activation of α 1 -adrenergic receptors by the α 1 -adrenergic receptor agonists NE or phenylephrine (PE) both significantly increased GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory event frequency. This effect was prevented by the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX). Activation of α 1 -adrenergic receptors did not alter glutamatergic neurotransmission to CVNs. This study indicates that α 1 -adrenergic receptor activation in the brainstem can facilitate inhibitory GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission so as to reduce CVN activity; this synaptic modulation may play a role in the tachycardia seen during NE-dependent behavioral arousal.
The cell biology of HIV-1 virion genesis

Recent work has illuminated three critical aspects of the cell biology of HIV-1 particle genesis. First, we have come to understand which cellular membranes are selected as platforms for virus particle assembly and how this occurs. Second, an understanding of how the host ESCRT pathway enables virion budding is accruing. Third, it has become apparent that a host inhibitor can block HIV-1 particle release and that antagonism of this inhibitor underlies the ability of HIV and SIV accessory genes to facilitate particle release. Here, I review recent progress in these three areas.
Packing Boxes with Bricks

Brick-packing problems In a packing problem we must arrange a given collection of geometric objects in a nonoverlapping configuration to fill some larger object com pletely. Packing problems can be challenging even when only a few simple shapes are involved. For example, several innocuous-looking, but fiendish 3-dimensional packing problems were devised by J. H. Con way [23]. Tiling problems (2-dimensional packing problems) studied in the ancient world include tangrams in China and a conundrum of Archimedes, whose resolution merited a front page article in the New York Times in 2003 [25]. Jigsaw puzzles are familiar instances of more recent tiling problems. The packing problems most studied by mathematicians concern polyominoes?finite sets of rookwise-connected unit cells in an infinite chessboard?and their generalizations to higher dimensions. In this article, we examine packings of rectangular boxes with rectangular bricks. Even in this basic case the problems that arise are interesting and difficult. We treat ?/-dimensional bricks and boxes, including those whose edge lengths are not integers, and answer the following questions as we introduce our packing theorems and con structions.
Smoothing peak demands through aggregate control of background electrical loads

Direct load control has the potential of minimizing operational costs of electric utilities, which could thus reduce electricity prices for their customers. However, turning on and off specific appliances during peak demand periods has proven difficult to implement in practice due to system complexity, lack of fine-grained metering data, and scalability issues as the number of controllable loads increases. Therefore, in this study we want to investigate the extent to which it is possible to flatten power demands by operating load control at household granularity rather than appliance granularity. To this end we propose a hierarchical scheduling algorithm for communities of households, called HHS, which evenly distributes aggregate demands of background electrical loads: i) by leveraging on their cyclic on/off behaviors, and ii) without affecting the comfort levels of home occupants. Results obtained with realistic simulations show that our load management scheme can reduce peak demands by 30% in a community of 100 households.
Motion of deformable drops through granular media and other confined geometries

This article features recent simulation studies of the flow of emulsions containing deformable drops through pores, constrictions, and granular media. The flow is assumed to be at low Reynolds number, so that viscous forces dominate, and boundary-integral methods are used to determine interfacial velocities and, hence, track the drop motion and shapes. A single drop in a flat channel migrates to the channel centerplane due to deformation-induced drift, which increases its steady-state velocity along the channel. A drop moving towards a smaller interparticle constriction squeezes through the constriction if the capillary number (ratio of viscous deforming forces and interfacial tension forces) is large enough, but it becomes trapped when the capillary number is below a critical value. These concepts then influence the flow of an emulsion through a granular medium, for which the drop phase moves faster than the suspending liquid at large capillary numbers but slower than the suspending liquid at smaller capillary numbers. The permeabilities of the granular medium to both phases increase with increasing capillary number, due to the reduced resistance to squeezing of easily deformed drops, though drop breakup must also be considered at large capillary numbers.
Methanation in catalyst-sprayed tube wall reactors

Abstract The design and operation of catalyst-sprayed tube wall reactors for methanation are discussed. Reactor tubes were either coated on the inner surface or on the outer surface with a Raney nickel catalyst. A liquid coolant, which was opposite the catalyst-reactant gas-side, removed the heat of methanation. Catalyst performance, reactor operating conditions, spent catalyst analyses, and other results are presented for five PDU tests.
CD metrology for avoiding shrinkage of ArF resist patterns in 100 nm ArF lithography

ML 4689-80 CD Metrology for Avoiding Shrinkage of ArF Resist Patterns in 100nm ArF Lithography Tae-Jun You, Cheolkyu Bok, Ki-Soo Shin Hynix Semiconductor, San 136-1 Amiri, Bubal-eub, Ichon-si, Kyongki-do 467-701, Korea We have observed CD(Critical Dimension) shrinkage of acrylate type ArF resist patterns during SEM measurement. CD change was 30% shrinkage for line pattern and 10% expansion for contact hole patterns after 30 times measurement. CD shrinkage was proportion to line pattern size but no relation with LER(Line Edge Roughness). We confirm that CD shrinkage different from resist to resist and SEM measurement condition. CD shrinkage was bigger for acrylate type resist than COMA(Cyclo Olefin Maleic Anhydride) type resist and smaller at lower electron voltage and current conditions. In order to get the improvement of CD shrinkage, we performed electron-beam curing before SEM measurement. Above (see paper for formula) electron-beam dose condition, CD shrinkage improved from 10% to 3%. However, this method caused OPC(Optical Proximity Correction) issue as CD also changed after electron-beam curing. Therefore, we tried to develop a new measurement method instead of applying additional process technique. In this paper, we will describe our CD measurement method, Off-Site measurement technique, for 100nm DRAM lithography. The Off-Site CD measurement repeatability (formula available in paper) was controlled below (see paper).
Prazosin, a specific alpha1-noradrenergic receptor antagonist, has no effect on symptoms but increases autonomic arousal in schizophrenic patients

The specific alpha 1-noradrenergic antagonist, prazosin, was administered to seven schizophrenic patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients showed no change in any of their psychiatric symptoms as rated by nurses on global depression and psychosis scales and by physicians on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. However, they did show a significant increase in autonomic arousal as measured by changes in skin conductance. The increased autonomic arousal is probably mediated by increases in plasma norepinephrine induced by chronic prazosin treatment.
Roentgenographic assessment of acromial morphologic condition in rotator cuff impingement syndrome

Patients with an isolated diagnosis of rotator cuff impingement syndrome were prospectively entered into the study. Each of the 23 subjects was refractory to conservative therapy, had preoperative roentgenograms, and underwent an open acromioplasty. The roentgenograms included anteroposterior, axillary, 30° caudal tilt, and supraspinatus outlet views. The roentgenograms were measured by four independent readers. The separate views were then scored for reliability, and the correlation of the measurements with intraoperative acromial measurements was assessed. Interobserver reliability was highest for the caudal tilt view (0.84) and lowest for the axillary view (0.09). The supraspinatus and caudal tilt views correlated significantly with distinct intraoperative measurements of acromial spur size. We continue to advocate the evaluation of both views for preoperative assessment of the acromial spur in the rotator cuff impingement syndrome.
Ethical issues in the forced transfusion of Jehovah's Witness children

This paper examines the views of Jehovah's Witnesses in regards to their refusal of blood transfusions for themselves and their children. After setting out the legal framework society presently has in place for dealing with such refusals, the paper reviews the ethics literature that justifies the intervention by the State to force the transfusion of Jehovah's Witness children. It is claimed that the arguments such literature develops are seriously problematic. A different approach is suggested.
Bridging Architecture and Programming for Throughput-Oriented Vision Processing (Abstract Only)

With the expansion of OpenCL support across many heterogeneous devices (including FPGAs, GPUs and CPUs), the programmability of these systems has been significantly increased. At the same time, new questions arise about which device should be targeted for each OpenCL software kernel. Once we select a device, then we are left to customize the application, selecting the right granularity of parallelism and frequency of host-to-device communication. In this paper, we study the impact of source-level decisions on the overall execution time when developing OpenCL program across different heterogeneous devices. We focus on two mainstream architecture classes (GPUs and FPGAs), and consider throughput-oriented advanced vision processing. To guide this exploration, we propose a new vertical classification for selecting the grain of parallelism for advanced vision processing applications. To carry out this study we have selected the Mean-shift object tracking algorithm as a representative candidate of advanced vision algorithms. Overall, our evaluation demonstrates that fine-grained parallelism can greatly benefit FPGA execution (up to a 4X speed-up), while a combination of coarse-grained and fine-grained parallelism achieves the best performance on a GPU (up to a 6X speed-up). Also, there can be a large benefit if we can execute both the parallel and serial parts of the program on a FPGA (up to a 21X speed-up).
An investigation of Kendall's τ modified for censored data with applications☆

Abstract To accommodate testing for independence in bivariate data subject to censoring, several modifications of Kendall's τ are discussed. An extensive computer simulation is done to investigate power properties of these modifications under alternatives of the bivariate normal or bivariate exponential types. The statistics are then applied to available heart pacemaker patient survival data.
Natural Hybridization between Two Sibling Species of Anolis Lizards: Chromosome Cytology

The Lesser Antillean lizards Anolis trinitatis and Anolis aenous were both apparently introduced to Trinidad where they are hybridizing. The parental species have 36 and 34 chromosomes, respectively. Hybrids have 35 chromosomes. Meiosis in hybrids is abnormal. There is an accumulation of cells at metaphase I, and poor homolog pairing, characterized by a low frequency of chiasmata and numerous univalents.
Integration of vestibular and emetic gastrointestinal signals that produce nausea and vomiting: potential contributions to motion sickness

Vomiting and nausea can be elicited by a variety of stimuli, although there is considerable evidence that the same brainstem areas mediate these responses despite the triggering mechanism. A variety of experimental approaches showed that nucleus tractus solitarius, the dorsolateral reticular formation of the caudal medulla (lateral tegmental field), and the parabrachial nucleus play key roles in integrating signals that trigger nausea and vomiting. These brainstem areas presumably coordinate the contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles that result in vomiting. However, it is unclear whether these regions also mediate the autonomic responses that precede and accompany vomiting, including alterations in gastrointestinal activity, sweating, and changes in blood flow to the skin. Recent studies showed that delivery of an emetic compound to the gastrointestinal system affects the processing of vestibular inputs in the lateral tegmental field and parabrachial nucleus, potentially altering susceptibility for vestibular-elicited vomiting. Findings from these studies suggested that multiple emetic inputs converge on the same brainstem neurons, such that delivery of one emetic stimulus affects the processing of another emetic signal. Despite the advances in understanding the neurobiology of nausea and vomiting, much is left to be learned. Additional neurophysiologic studies, particularly those conducted in conscious animals, will be crucial to discern the integrative processes in the brain stem that result in emesis.
Relationship between the ionization and oxidation potentials of molecular organic semiconductors

A relationship between the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the oxidation potential of molecular organic semiconductors is presented. Approximating molecules as dipoles consisting of a positively charged ion core surrounded by an electron cloud, the HOMO energy (EHOMO) is calculated as that required to separate these opposite charges in a neutral organic thin film. Furthermore, an analysis of image charge forces on spherical molecules positioned near a conductive plane formed by the electrode in an electrochemical cell is shown to explain the observed linear relationship between EHOMO and the oxidation potential. The EHOMOs of a number of organic semiconductors commonly employed in thin film electronic devices were determined by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, and compared to the relative oxidation potential (VCV) measured using pulsed cyclic voltammetry, leading to the relationship EHOMO = � (1.4 ± 0.1) · (qVCV) � (4.6 ± 0.08) eV, consistent with theoretical predictions.
Micromechanics as a basis of random elastic continuum approximations

The problem of the determination of stochastic constitutive laws for input to continuum-type boundary value problems is analyzed from the standpoint of the micromechanics of polycrystals and matrix-inclusion composites. Passage to a sought-for random continuum is based on a scale dependent window playing the role of a Representative Volume Element (RVE). It turns out that an elastic microstructure with piecewise continuous realizations of random tensor fields of stiffness cannot be uniquely approximated by a random field of stiffness with continuous realizations. Rather, two random continuum fields may be introduced to bound the material response from above and from below. As the size of the RVE relative to the crystal size increases to infinity, both fields converge to a deterministic continuum with a progressively decreasing strength of fluctuations. Since the RVE corresponds to a single finite element cell not infinitely larger than the crystal size, two random fields are to be used to bound the solution of a given boundary value problem at a given scale of resolution. The method applies to a number of other elastic microstructures, and provides the basis for stochastic finite differences and elements. The latter point is illustrated by an example of a stochastic boundary value problem of a heterogeneous membrane.
Hemorrhagic primary intracranial neoplasms: clinical-computed tomographic correlations.

Abstract Ten patients with symptomatic peritumoral hemorrhage were analyzed. The neoplasms included glioblastoma multiforme (9 cases) and oligodendroglioma (1 case). Two presented with stroke syndromes and initial CT showed an intracerebral nonenhancing hematoma. There was clinical improvement with CT evidence of resolution of the hematoma; however clinical deterioration occurred within 4–6 weeks and CT findings were consistent with an enhancing neoplasm. Eight patients had the sudden onset of neurological symptoms. The neurological deficit subsequently stabilized (2 cases) or worsened (6 cases). Initial CT showed evidence of an intracerebral hemorrhage on the noncontrast scan with evidence of heterogeneous ring enhancement on the post-contrast CT scan.
A Tribute to Thomas E. Starzl, MD, PHD

Ithasbeensaidthatwhatoneshouldgaugeoftheimportanceofanindividual’sworkbythelegacythattheyleaveintheirstu-dents, by measuring the change in a discipline, and by the im-pact of their work on the beneﬁciaries. By all accounts, DrThomas Starzl has done as much for the ﬁeld of organ trans-plantation as any other individual.Dr Thomas Starzl’s pioneering efforts in organ transplantationfor four decades have resulted in clinically proven treatmentsfor patients with end-staged organ failure, who were pre-viously doomed to death. His contributions to immunosup-pression, organ procurement, organ preservation, tissuematching, surgical transplant technology, and the team ap-proach to organ transplantation paved the way for the ac-
On spinodal decomposition of binary polymer blends under shear flows

Abstract A continuum model describing the spinodal decomposition of polymer blends under externally applied shear has been developed. Numerical simulations were conducted for two-dimensional Couette flow. The morphology of the resulting polymer blend was established by competition between diffusion, forced convection and the internally driven flows which arise from concentration gradients. Diffusion and the internal flows tended to give compact and particulate morphologies. Externally imposed shear tended to give elongated structures, but a dynamic equilibrium was sometimes established. If flow was stopped, the elongated structures were comparatively stable when subjected only to diffusion (Ostwald ripening) but were unstable when subjected to the internally driven flows. These results represent a first attempt at understanding the structures of polymer blends prepared in melt processing equipment.
IMM estimator based on fuzzy weighted input estimation for tracking a maneuvering target

Abstract The application of target motion models and filters for interactive multiple model (IMM) estimator determines the effectiveness of maneuvering target tracking. In this paper, the fuzzy logic theory is utilized to construct the fuzzy weighting factor to improve the input estimation method and that is used to compute the unknown acceleration input for the modified Singer acceleration model. The proposed IMM estimator is operated mainly by two different target motion models combined with filters and the switch of target models is through the Markov transition probability matrix. The constant velocity model is combined with Kalman filter for the uniform target state estimation and the other one uses the modified Singer acceleration model to track the maneuvering target by the fuzzy weighted input estimation method. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified by two different scenarios and compared with two IMM estimators. The target motion state of simulation condition contains the constant velocity, weak acceleration and strong acceleration. The simulation results show that the proposed IMM estimator has the better estimation precision in terms of tracking error. The modified Singer acceleration model combined with the fuzzy weighted input estimation method can track the maneuvering target effectively.
Automating Libraries: The Major Mistakes Vendors are Likely to Make

Five prominent consultants‐Richard Boss, Susan Baerg Epstein, Rob McGee, Joseph Matthews, and James E. Rush—discuss the most common mistakes vendors make in implementing automated systems. Basic problems relate to identification of library needs; communications; delivery dates; inadequate systems; and systems support. Suggestions are made for correcting these problems.
Vpr Overcomes Macrophage-Specific Restriction of HIV-1 Env Expression and Virion Production

The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr enhances infection of primary macrophages through unknown mechanisms. Recent studies demonstrated that Vpr interactions with the cellular DCAF1-DDB1-CUL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex limit activation of innate immunity and interferon (IFN) induction. We describe a restriction mechanism that targets the HIV-1 envelope protein Env, but is overcome by Vpr and its interaction with DCAF1. This restriction is active in the absence of Vpr in HIV-1-infected primary macrophages and macrophage-epithelial cell heterokaryons, but not epithelial cell lines. HIV-1-infected macrophages lacking Vpr express more IFN following infection, target Env for lysosomal degradation, and produce fewer Env-containing virions. Conversely, Vpr expression reduces IFN induction, rescues Env expression, and enhances virion release. Addition of IFN or silencing DCAF1 reduces the amount of cell-associated Env and virion production in wild-type HIV-1-infected primary macrophages. These findings provide insight into an IFN-stimulated macrophage-specific restriction pathway targeting HIV-1 Env that is counteracted by Vpr.
Probing the He–H2 potential surface with dynamical and kinetic observables

This paper examines the effect of infinitesimal functional variations in a rigid rotor He–H2 potential surface on several different levels of observables: inelastic cross sections, rate constants, and energy level populations. Equations are derived for the functional derivatives of these observables with respect to a variation in the potential surface. Sensitivities are presented with respect to the entire potential surface, as well as the individual Legendre components Vn(r). The dynamical and kinetic observables studied were found to be most sensitive to the V2(r) term in the potential with the region of highest sensitivity dependent upon the energy or temperature as well as the states related by the individual observable. Sensitivity to the entire surface tends to show more structure due to interference among sensitivities to the individual components. While the main information on the underlying potential is retained, some information loss has been observed in the transition from the microscopic obser...
Noninvasive in vivo measurement of vascular inflammation with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been shown to accumulate in inflamed tissues. However, it is not known whether vascular inflammation can be measured noninvasively. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that vascular inflammation can be measured noninvasively by use of positron emission tomography (PET) with FDG. Inflamed atherosclerotic lesions were induced in 9 male New Zealand white rabbits via balloon injury of the aortoiliac arterial segment and exposure to a high cholesterol diet. Ten rabbits fed standard chow served as controls. Three to six months after balloon injury, the rabbits were injected with FDG (1 mCi/kg), after which aortic uptake of FDG was assessed (3 hours after injection). Biodistribution of FDG activity within aortic segments was obtained by use of standard well gamma counting. FDG uptake was also determined noninvasively in a subset of 6 live atherosclerotic rabbits and 5 normal rabbits, via PET imaging and measurement of standardized uptake values over the abdominal aorta. Plaque macrophage density and smooth muscle cell density were determined by planimetric analysis of RAM-11 and smooth muscle actin staining, respectively. Biodistribution of FDG within nontarget organs was similar between atherosclerotic and control rabbits. However, well counter measurements of FDG uptake were significantly higher within atherosclerotic aortas compared with control aortas (P <.001). Within the upper abdominal aorta of the atherosclerotic group (area of greatest plaque formation), there was an approximately 19-fold increase in FDG uptake compared with controls (108.9 ± 55.6 percent injected dose [%ID]/g × 103 vs 5.7 ± 1.2 %ID/g × 103 [mean ± SEM], P <.001). In parallel with these findings, FDG uptake, as determined by PET, was higher in atherosclerotic aortas (standardized uptake value for atherosclerotic aortas vs control aortas, 0.68 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.01; P <.001). Moreover, macrophage density, assessed histologically, correlated with noninvasive (PET) measurements of FDG uptake (r = 0.93, P <.0001). In contrast to this finding, FDG uptake did not correlate with either aortic wall thickness or smooth muscle cell staining of the specimens. These data show that FDG accumulates in macrophage-rich atherosclerotic plaques and demonstrate that vascular macrophage activity can be quantified noninvasively with FDG-PET. As such, measurement of vascular FDG uptake with PET holds promise for the noninvasive characterization of vascular inflammation.
Large Capacity Phase-Only Encoded Smart Correlators

Major limitations to the successful application of optical pattern recognition systems have usually been the memory requirements necessary for realistic tasks and the implementation of such optical memory techniques. Here, we have considered the possibility of generating the NXN array of filters by using real-time computer generated holography where the Fourier transforms of the NXN reference image are produced in the computer. The NXN array of Fourier transform holograms are converted to phase-only encoded filters by utilizing the phase function of the Fourier transform elements of the array. The phase-only encoded NXN array is written onto a spatial light modulator for pattern recognition applications. Thus, a phase-only encoded correlator with high storage capacity is produced. An important feature of the proposed technique is the ability to update or change each element of the NXN filter array in real-time independent of the other members of the filter set. This feature does not exist in the previous large memory correlation techniques since the filters were stored on film and to change a member of the array required a new synthesis of the entire array. We shall study the performance of the proposed binary capacity correlator by determining the peak to sidelobe ratio and the bandwidth of the resulting correlation signals. The effects of phase-encoding and the finite space-bandwidth product of each element of the array will be studied. The effects of overlapping terms at the filter plane contributing to cross talk will also be investigated. Both binary phase-only encoding and continuous phase-only encoding are investigated and the results are compared to the multiplexed classical matched filters.
Effect of crosslinking on the low-temperature relaxation behavior of polyethylene

Abstract The dynamic mechanical properties of polyethylene crosslinked by chemical methods and by electron irradiation were determined from 77°K to 250°K on an acoustic spectrometer at a frequency of approximately 50 Hz. Parallel stress-strain, swelling, and x-ray scattering experiments were also carried out to determine the degree of crosslinking and crystallinity. It is found that the effect of chemical crosslinking is to suppress the loss intensity of the γ relaxation in polyethylene while preserving the symmetrical shape of the loss curve without changing the temperature position. The effect of radiation crosslinking, however, also changes the symmetrical nature of the curves. Possible mechanisms of these observed changes are discussed.
A Two-Choice Water Recirculation Tank for Assessing Chemosensory Preferences of Landlocked Sea Lampreys

Abstract A two-choice preference tank designed for assessing the responses of landlocked sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) to potential chemical attractants and repellents is described. The solutions in the experimental and control compartments of the tank are recirculated at the same rate permitting small quantities of substances to be tested at constant concentrations. No mixing between the two compartments was observed during 90-min dye tests. This tank should be suitable for preference tests with other aquatic organisms, similar in size to landlocked sea lampreys. Color-coded fluorescent tags, which permit identification of individual lampreys under ultraviolet illumination, and a simple timing system, which allows the time spent in the experimental compartment to be monitored for six lampreys, are also described.
Autoantibodies and infertility: a review of the literature

The role that autoantibodies play in infertility remains uncertain. There are conflicting data regarding the prevalence of autoantibodies in women with endometriosis. Certainly no one has demonstrated an association between the presence of antibodies in women with endometriosis and infertility. Despite intensive study, there is also no consensus on a role of autoantibodies to the zona pellucida as a cause of infertility. Recently, much attention has been focused on autoantibodies and infertility particularly with regards to phospholipid antibodies and their effect on IVF success rates. The literature suggests that women with infertility have an increased prevalence of phospholipid antibodies compared to fertile women. However, the presence of these antibodies has not been associated with a worsened prognosis for IVF cycles. Many questions remain to be answered. What is the cause of this apparently increased prevalence of autoantibodies in infertile women? Do these autoantibodies cause infertility or are they merely associated with some other condition which is actually causitive? Finally, can treatment of autoantibodies improve pregnancy rates in infertile couples after IVF or other infertility treatments? The answers to these questions should be sought by carefully conducted trials with appropriate control groups. Subjecting patients to expensive testing and 'treatments' before these answers are known is not consistent with good scientific or medical practice.
A statistical approach to peptide identification from clustered tandem mass spectrometry data

Tandem mass spectrometry experiments generate from thousands to millions of spectra. These spectra can be used to identify the presence of proteins in biological samples. In this work, we propose a new method to identify peptides, substrings of proteins, based on clustered tandem mass spectrometry data. In contrast to previously proposed approaches, which identify one representative spectrum for each cluster using traditional database searching algorithms, our method uses all available information to score all the spectra in a cluster against candidate peptides using Bayesian model selection. We illustrate the performance of our method by applying it to seven-standard-protein mixture data.
Effect of Smoking Cessation on Major Histologic Types of Lung Cancer

Study objectives It is well-recognized that the risk of lung cancer declines after smoking cessation. However, the degree of decline in different histologic types of lung cancer is not well understood. We conducted a meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies to assess the effect of smoking cessation on rates of major histologic types of lung cancer. Design Studies published in English between 1970 and 1999 were identified through searches of computerized databases (ie, MEDLINE and CANCERLIT). Combined estimates of relative risk and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for 27 studies using fixed and random effects models. Separate analyses were conducted for men and women. Results Smoking cessation was associated with a reduction in the risk of all the major histologic types of lung cancer. The highest reduction was in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SQC), and the lowest reduction was seen in large cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. In women, the combined risks for SQC and SCLC were higher than those in men. The dose-response curve for intensity of smoking was steeper in women. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that smoking cessation results in the greatest reductions for SCLC and SQC. This effect is most marked in heavy smokers, particularly among women.
Linguistic correlates of Irish-American and Italian-American ethnicity in high school and beyond

Abstract Young Irish-American and Italian-American women from South Philadelphia were recorded in their senior year of high school and then in their freshman year of college. Despite the relative longevity and increasing cultural integration of the Irish and Italian communities in South Philadelphia, some linguistic differences obtain in the Philadelphia English of women from these two groups. In the 1970s ( Labov, 2001 ), the only Irish or Italian ethnic effect on Philadelphia vowels was found in Italians’ relatively retracted bow / boat and boo / boot . This was supported in the present study for boat , for which Italian-Americans are less fronted than Irish-Americans. Yet other ethnolinguistic differences were unexpectedly also found in the speech of these young women. For instance, Irish-American women and ‘tough’ Italian-American women exhibited more retracted bite -nuclei than their peers. Ethnicity also conditions the alternation between alveolar and velar variants of suffixal (ing), with Irish-Americans more likely than Italian-Americans to use the non-standard alveolar variant. However, the strength of this effect on (ing) attenuates after high school, when ethnicity becomes a less salient component of the speakers’ self-presentation. The article discusses the importance of bringing ethnographic observations to the study of within-White ethnicity, and emphasizes the dynamic nature of ‘ethnicity’ as it is constructed and re-constructed across the individual lifespan.
Southern Ocean Surface Characteristics from FGGE Buoys

Abstract In this analysis of satellite-tracked drifting surface buoys released in the Southern Ocean, buoy velocities are averaged along trajectories for 90 days to determine the mean circulation, and eddy kinetic energy is computed using perturbations about the 90-day mean. The 90-day mean is based upon wind-driven circulation theory, Southern Ocean wind spectra, cumulative averages of mean buoy velocity and energy, and plots of the resulting mean circulation. Excluding the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the spatial distribution of the eddy kinetic energy is consistent with previous distributions, based upon spatially averaged ship drift and surface drifting buoy data, reported in the literature. In the ACC, values of eddy kinetic energy are generally lower than found elsewhere. The analysis indicates that the spatial structure of perturbations about the 90-day mean is zonally extended and meridionally compressed. The meridional compression may be due to β, which acts as the restoring force for pla...
Enhanced High-Density Line Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Vitreoretinal Interface: Description of Selected Cases

AbstractPurpose: We introduce a new method to observe the morphologic features of the vitreous with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) by evaluating and describing the posterior vitreous structure of various selected cases using enhanced high-density (HD) line mode. Methods: This is a descriptive case series of SD-OCT images with enhanced HD line at Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, in 2014. The medical records with ocular images for these patients were analyzed. Results: Enhanced HD line in vitreoretinal mode with SD-OCT offered wide images with well-visible vitreoretinal interface. The posterior precortical vitreous pocket (PPVP), often mistaken as a posterior vitreous detachment on standard retina-based cross line mode, was easily identified. Vitreomacular adhesion and traction, absence or presence of connecting channels between PPVP and Cloquet’s canal, liquefied vitreous lacuna, and emulsified silicone oil droplet-layer could be observed. Conc...
Cushing's Syndrome: Nodular Cortical Hyperplasia of Adrenal Glands with Clinical and Pathological Features Suggesting Adrenocortical Tumor

A case of long-standing Cushing's syndrome with an unusual form of bilateral multinodular adrenal hyperplasia has been studied. The patient demonstrated hyperresponsiveness to ACTH, and failure of suppression to a prolonged course of dexamethasone. Steroid excretion was characterized by high levels of 3β-hydroxy-Δ6-steroids and cortisol metabolites, but not tetrahydro S (3α,17,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one). Possible relationships to adenoma or carcinoma are considered.
Rotation to a Partially Specified Target Matrix in Exploratory Factor Analysis: How Many Targets?

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the number of targets specified on the quality of exploratory factor analysis solutions with a complex underlying structure and incomplete substantive measurement theory. Three Monte Carlo studies were performed based on the ratio of the number of observed variables to the number of underlying factors. Within each study, communality, sample size, and the number of targets were manipulated. Outcomes included a measure of congruence and a measure of variability with regard to the rotated pattern matrix. The magnitude of the main effect for the influence of the number of targets on congruence and variability ranged from moderate to large. The magnitude of the interaction between the number of targets and level of communality ranged from small to moderate with regard to congruence and variability. Consistent with theoretical expectations, the minimum number of targets to specify to be reasonably assured of obtaining an accurate solution varied across s...
Diet, physical activity, and body size associations with rectal tumor mutations and epigenetic changes

Diet and lifestyle factors have been inconsistently associated with rectal tumors. It is possible that evaluation of specific tumor markers with these factors may help clarify these associations. In this study, we examine energy contributing nutrients, dietary fiber, BMI (kg/m2), and long-term physical activity with TP53 mutations, KRAS2 mutations, and CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in 750 population-based cases of rectal cancer compared to healthy controls. We observed that high levels of physical activity reduced the risk of having TP53 and KRAS2 rectal tumor mutations. Dairy products rich in fat were associated with an increased risk of CIMP+ tumors (OR 1.88 95% CI 0.92, 3.84), while low-fat dairy products reduced risk of CIMP+ tumors (OR 0.56 95% CI 0.29, 1.09). Omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a twofold increased risk of a CIMP+ tumor. High levels of vegetable intake reduced risk of both TP53 mutations (OR 0.73 95% CI 0.54, 1.00; p trend 0.02) and KRAS2 mutations (OR 0.60 95% CI 0.40, 0.89; p trend <0.01). High intake of whole grains reduced the likelihood of a TP53 mutation (OR 0.74 95% CI 0.56, 0.99), while high intake of refined grains increased the likelihood of a TP53 mutation (OR 1.41 95% CI 1.02, 1.96). Dietary fiber also was associated with reduced risk of TP53 and KRAS2 rectal tumor mutations. Overall, a prudent dietary pattern significantly reduced the likelihood of a KRAS2 tumor mutation (OR 0.68 95% CI 0.47, 0.98; p linear trend 0.03). These data suggest that diet and lifestyle factors are associated with specific types of rectal tumor mutations and epigenetic changes. Findings need confirmation in other studies.
Processing of Polyamide 11 with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The supercritical carbon dioxide induced swelling and plasticization of polyamide 11 were investigated. The swelling kinetics exhibit an initial region of large swelling, in which the diffusion of CO2 into the polymer follows Fickian behavior, and a subsequent region of small volume increase that asymptotically approaches an equilibrium swelling value. The diffusion coefficient of CO2 in polyamide 11 was calculated from the initial slope of the swelling kinetics data. CO2, injected up to 3 wt % using an extrusion rheometer, is shown to be an effective plasticizer for polyamide 11, lowering the viscosity of the polymer melt by as much as 50%. The use of CO2 as a blowing agent was also investigated, and we report preliminary foaming attempts using a batch process. We obtained homogeneously distributed foams, featuring well-defined closed cells with an average diameter of 30 μm that had an unfoamed skin layer.
Tree photosynthesis modulates soil respiration on a diurnal time scale.

To estimate how tree photosynthesis modulates soil respiration, we simultaneously and continuously measured soil respiration and canopy photosynthesis over an oak-grass savanna during the summer, when the annual grass between trees was dead. Soil respiration measured under a tree crown reflected the sum of rhizosphere respiration and heterotrophic respiration; soil respiration measured in an open area represented heterotrophic respiration. Soil respiration was measured using solid-state CO2 sensors buried in soils and the flux-gradient method. Canopy photosynthesis was obtained from overstory and understory flux measurements using the eddy covariance method. We found that the diurnal pattern of soil respiration in the open was driven by soil temperature, while soil respiration under the tree was decoupled with soil temperature. Although soil moisture controlled the seasonal pattern of soil respiration, it did not influence the diurnal pattern of soil respiration. Soil respiration under the tree controlled by the root component was strongly correlated with tree photosynthesis, but with a time lag of 7–12 h. These results indicate that photosynthesis drives soil respiration in addition to soil temperature and moisture.
From scaling to multiscaling in the stochastic Burgers equation

We investigate the scaling behavior of the structure functions, ${S}_{q}(r)=〈[u(r)\ensuremath{-}u(0){]}^{q}〉\ensuremath{\propto}|r{|}^{\ensuremath{\zeta}q},$ in the stochastic Burgers equation as a function of the exponent \ensuremath{\beta} that characterizes the scale of noise correlations, for $0l\ensuremath{\beta}l\ensuremath{-}1.$ We analyze the exact equations satisfied by ${S}_{q}(r)$ $(q=3,4,5)$ based on certain ans\"atze. For small negative \ensuremath{\beta} Kolmogorov-like scaling with ${\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{q}=\ensuremath{-}q\ensuremath{\beta}/3$ is obtained; as $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{-}1$ an increasing multifractal structure occurs with bifractality for $\ensuremath{\beta}l\ensuremath{-}1.$ We determine ${\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{4}$ and ${\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{5},$ which are piecewise continuous and the associated multifractal scaling exponents.
Automatic seeded region growing for color image segmentation

In this paper, we present an automatic seeded region growing algorithm for color image segmentation. First, the input RGB color image is transformed into YC"bC"r color space. Second, the initial seeds are automatically selected. Third, the color image is segmented into regions where each region corresponds to a seed. Finally, region-merging is used to merge similar or small regions. Experimental results show that our algorithm can produce good results as favorably compared to some existing algorithms.
Adsorption chromatography of Schardinger dextrins on Sephadex G-15.

Abstract Both α- and β-Schardinger dextrins and their α-1 → 6-substituted glucosyl derivatives behave anomalously on Sephadex G-15 column chromatography in that they are retarded well beyond their expected elution volumes. It would appear that they are fractionated by adsorption chromatography rather than by molecular sieving. The separations are superior to those on the molecular sieve Bio-Gel P-2, where adsorption does not occur, and offer a useful preparative method for the glucosyl dextrins.
Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis: Rate of Progression

Abstract Objectives: to assess the incidence and the rate of progression of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and to determine the related risk factors. Design: open prospective study. Materials and methods: between 1988–1997, 442 carotid arteries with various degrees of stenosis were followed using colour duplex ultrasonography every 6 months. Of these arteries, 290 (66%) were asymptomatic, 62 (14%) had caused transient ischaemic attack and 90 (20%) a stroke. In 145 cases (33%), there was concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD), in 134 (30%) diabetes mellitus, in 248 (56%) hypertension, in 139 (31%) hypercholesterolaemia and in 370 (84%) history of smoking. Of the plaques, 44 (10%) were uniformly echolucent, 19 (4%) haemorrhagic, 136 (31%) predominantly echolucent, 146 (33%) predominantly echogenic and 97 (22%) uniformly echogenic. Results: significant progression of stenosis occurred in 82 cases (19%). The mean progression rate in these cases was 15% annually (range: 5–50%). There was no statistically significant correlation between the progression of the ICA stenosis and initial neurological status, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and smoking habit. Stenosis progression was correlated only with CAD and the ultrasonographic characteristics of the plaques. Patients with CAD as well as those with uniformly echolucent plaques presented a higher incidence and rate of stenosis progression ( p Conclusions: progression of internal carotid artery stenosis occurred in 19% of cases. The mean progression rate in these patients was 15% annually and was correlated with CAD and the ultrasonographic characteristics of the plaque.
Josephson tunneling in LiTi2O4

Abstract Josephson point contact tunneling between LiTi 2 O 4 and Nb reveals, under K-band microwave radiation. Shapiro steps of spacing approximately hv /2 e . This appears to confirm that superconductivity in this material has s-wave pairing, of interest in connection with recent suggestions of Kulik and of Ranninger.
Effect of estrogen on cerebrovascular prostaglandins is amplified in mice with dysfunctional NOS

Chronic estrogen treatment increases endothelial vasodilator function in cerebral arteries. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) is a primary target of the hormone, but other endothelial f...