cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid-phase endocytosis does not contribute to rapid fluid secretion in the malpighian tubules of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus.

When the Malpighian tubules (Mt) of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) are treated with dibutyryl adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (db-cAMP; 1 mM), which causes a doubling in secretion rate, more than 50% of the cell volume is occupied by vesicles within 420 sec of exposure. In view of the fact that the increase in vesiculation occurs concomitantly with stimulated fluid transport, we set out to determine whether the vesicles are formed as a result of fluid-phase endocytosis (pinocytosis) and subsequently used to transport fluid to the lumen as one means of increasing transport rate. We used fluorescent fluid-phase markers (Lucifer Yellow Carbohydrazide [LYCH] and Alexa 488 hydrazide) and an electron dense marker (cationized ferritin) to elucidate the degree of endocytosis that occurred with db-cAMP stimulation. We found that, although some fluid is taken into the cells of the mid-tubule via endocytosis, it does not coincide with the level of vacuolation present in stimulated tubules. The amount of LYCH transported into the primary urine by the db-cAMP-stimulated Mt decreased by 40% as compared to the unstimulated transport, and the rate of transport of LYCH was only 30% of the unstimulated tubules. In summary, our findings do not support the theory that the majority of the vesicles or vacuoles comprise intracellular, endocytotic compartments formed via a basolateral endocytotic pathway. We also found no evidence to support the functioning of vesicles or vacuoles as transcellular "shuttling" mechanisms to move fluid from the basal region to the apical membrane and into the lumen.
Implications of group technology in automated standard data systems

Abstract Group technology may be defined as collecting components into groups to exploit their similarities in the production process. While initially used as an organizational method in small-batch manufacturing, group technology has been recognized to have much broader applications in computer-aided design and manufacturing. A new area for application is automated standard data systems. Integration of automated process planning and standard development can result in more effective planning and can allow further breadth of application of group technology into more labor-intensive manufacturing operations.
Particle Spin From Representations of the Diffeomorphism Group

The semidirect productI∧K of Schwartz' spaceI of functions on ℝ3 with the groupK of diffeomorphisms of ℝ3 provides a model for quantum theory based on local currents. Certain unitary representations of ℝK are induced by representations of\(\overline {{\text{SL(3, }}\mathbb{R}{\text{)}}}\). From the local currents in these representations, we construct the generators of local rigid rotations, with respect to which the Hilbert space decomposes into invariant subspaces of fixed spin carrying representations of local SU(2). The physical interpretation of this procedure is discussed.
Molecular epidemiology and clinical presentation of human adenovirus infections in Kansas City children

Abstract Background A significant increase in adenovirus detection among patients at the Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City was observed between June 2007 and January 2008. Objective To molecularly characterize the human adenoviruses and describe their association with clinical illness in children. Study design One hundred adenovirus-positive specimens from 79 children were typed by hexon gene sequence typing method. Restriction enzyme analysis (REA) was performed on isolates of HAdV-3, -7 and -14 to identify genomic variants. Medical records were reviewed to understand the clinical illnesses associated with adenovirus serotypes and genome types. Results The most prevalent HAdV serotypes were HAdV-3 (37%), HAdV-7 (25%), HAdV-1 (16%), HAdV-2 (8%). HAdV infection was common in children ≤3 years of age (71%) versus children >3 years (29%). Majority of the HAdV-infected children were hospitalized (78%); 22/79 (28%) stayed >3 days and 8/79 (10%) required intensive care unit stay. Hospitalization rates for HAdV-3 (36%) and HAdV-7 (25%) were comparable. REA data indicated that HAdV-3a2 was the predominant HAdV-3 genome type. Two novel genomic variants of HAdV-3 exhibiting unique BglII or BstEII profiles were identified in isolates from patients with bronchiolitis. All HAdV-7 and -14 isolates were identified as corresponding to genome types 7d2 and 14p1, respectively. Conclusions In Kansas City, we noticed an increase in the incidence of HAdV-7 (25%; n = 24/98) infections compared to the previous two years (6%; n = 6/107). Two new genomic variants of HAdV-3 appear to have emerged in our area and seem to be associated with lower respiratory tract infections in children.
Academic Odyssey: The Training of an African Sociologist

This article describes my experience of graduate training in sociology at an elite American university. As an African, I faced cultural and intellectual pressures to adopt white middle class cultural norms and a Eurocentric worldview. The article critiques American sociology, including symbolic interactionism, the sociology of the Third World and the study of race and ethnic relations. I describe my personal encounter with American racism and the process that led me to conduct research on black immigrants. I argue that my exposure to American sociology and experience of American society transformed me into a black marginal sociologist, specializing in teaching and research on the African-American experience in the New World.
Evaluation of baits for oral rabies vaccination of mongooses: pilot field trials in Antigua, West Indies.

A field study was conducted on the island of Antigua, West Indies, to evaluate baits for delivering an oral rabies vaccine to the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus). Tracking tiles were used to determine that mongooses were nonselective and took both egg-flavored polyurethane baits and fish-flavored polymer baits containing several different food materials. A high proportion of baits were taken the day of placement with minimal disturbance by nontarget species. DuPont Oil Blue A™ dye was an effective short-term biomarker for use in baits; based on its subsequent detection in mongooses, some of the population had consumed and not cached or discarded baits. Central point baiting stations showed promise as an alternative delivery technique.
Interaction between Eukaryotic Initiation Factors 1A and 5B Is Required for Efficient Ribosomal Subunit Joining

Eukaryotic initiation factor 5B (eIF5B) is a GTPase that facilitates joining of the 60 S ribosomal subunit to the 40 S ribosomal subunit during translation initiation. Formation of the resulting 80 S initiation complex triggers eIF5B to hydrolyze its bound GTP, reducing the affinity of the factor for the complex and allowing it to dissociate. Here we present a kinetic analysis of GTP hydrolysis by eIF5B in the context of the translation initiation pathway. Our data indicate that stimulation of GTP hydrolysis by eIF5B requires the completion of early steps in translation initiation, including the eIF1- and eIF1A-dependent delivery of initiator methionyl-tRNA to the 40 S ribosomal subunit and subsequent GTP hydrolysis by eIF2. Full activation of GTP hydrolysis by eIF5B requires the extreme C terminus of eIF1A, which has previously been shown to interact with the C terminus of eIF5B. Disruption of either isoleucine residue in the eIF1A C-terminal sequence DIDDI reduces the rate constant for GTP hydrolysis by ∼20-fold, whereas changing the aspartic acid residues has no effect. Changing the isoleucines in the C terminus of eIF1A also disrupts the ability of eIF5B to facilitate subunit joining. These data indicate that the interaction of the C terminus of eIF1A with eIF5B promotes ribosomal subunit joining and possibly provides a checkpoint for correct complex formation, allowing full activation of GTP hydrolysis only upon formation of a properly organized 80 S initiation complex.
Reverse engineering the L-type Ca2+ channel α1c subunit in adult cardiac myocytes using novel adenoviral vectors

Abstract The α1c subunit of the cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel, which contains the channel pore, voltage- and Ca2+-dependent gating structures, and drug binding sites, has been well studied in heterologous expression systems, but many aspects of L-type Ca2+ channel behavior in intact cardiomyocytes remain poorly characterized. Here, we develop adenoviral constructs with E1, E3 and fiber gene deletions, to allow incorporation of full-length α1c gene cassettes into the adenovirus backbone. Wild-type (α1c-wt) and mutant (α1c-D-) Ca2+ channel adenoviruses were constructed. The α1c-D- contained four point substitutions at amino acid residues known to be critical for dihydropyridine binding. Both α1c-wt and α1c-D- expressed robustly in A549 cells (peak L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) at 0 mV: α1c-wt −9.94 ± 1.00 pA/pF, n = 9; α1c-D- −10.30 pA/pF, n = 12). ICaL carried by α1c-D- was markedly less sensitive to nitrendipine (IC50 17.1 μM) than α1c-wt (IC50 88 nM); a feature exploited to discriminate between engineered and native currents in transduced guinea-pig myocytes. 10 μM nitrendipine blocked only 51 ± 5% (n = 9) of ICaL in α1c-D--expressing myocytes, in comparison to 86 ± 8% (n = 9) of ICaL in control myocytes. Moreover, in 20 μM nitrendipine, calcium transients could still be evoked in α1c-D--transduced cells, but were largely blocked in control myocytes, indicating that the engineered channels were coupled to sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ release. These α1c adenoviruses provide an unprecedented tool for structure–function studies of cardiac excitation–contraction coupling and L-type Ca2+ channel regulation in the native myocyte background.
Comparing comparisons: Infinite sums vs. partial sums

The following problem originated during a classroom discussion: Let C be the complex plane and let D = {z E C: IzI < 1). Suppose that f(z) = E?n?=O anz and g(z) = E;ob,,z` are analytic in D. How does one compare two complex-valued functions? One common method is to use some type of "function measurement" or functional, F, that assigns real values F(f) and F(g) to f and g, respectively. In particular, we consider the following two conditions on f and g:
S4 continua in the sense of Michael are dendrites

Abstract We show that S 4 spaces in the sense of Michael are dendrites. The proof involves functions whose graphs are connected and monotone maps onto the arc.
Evaluating student learning using concept maps and Markov chains

We first developed a methodology using Markov chains and concept maps to evaluate a student.A tool was developed using this methodology.The experiment conducted indicates that the tool fulfills the purpose. In this paper we describe a tool that can be effectively used to evaluate student learning outcomes using concept maps and Markov chain analysis. The main purpose of this tool is to advance the use of artificial intelligence techniques by using concept maps and Markov chains in evaluating a student's understanding of a particular topic of study using concept maps. The method used in the tool makes use of XML parsing to perform the required evaluation. For the purpose of experimenting this tool we have taken into consideration concept maps developed by students enrolled in two different courses in Computer Science. The result of this experimentation is also discussed.
Continuous assay for DNA polymerization by light scattering

The time course of DNA polymerization, catalyzed by DNA polymerase I, can be monitored by following changes in light scattering that result from increases in molecular weight of the polymer. Increases in mass of 10% result in an easily measurable change in light scattering. It has been shown that the light scattering change is correlated with the incorporation of radioactive nucleotide, as measured by the filter binding method. Continuous monitoring of the time dependence of polymerization should prove useful in kinetic analysis of the polymerase reaction and related enzyme-DNA interactions.
Introduction to the series: challenges and opportunities in pediatric heart failure and transplantation.

Over the past two decades, there have been major advances in understanding the mechanisms by which the heart responds to stress, a process now referred to as either adaptive or maladaptive remodeling 1–5. Whereas, cardiomyopathies were previously described predominantly by their physiologic consequences such as systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, dilation or hypertrophy, we have now developed a detailed understanding of the alterations in cell signaling and cell and tissue remodeling underlying these basic physiologic phenotypes 6–9. Powerful tools, such as whole genome sequencing and targeted genetic manipulation in the mouse, are rapidly advancing our understanding of the underlying genetic basis of these cellular events and provide further insight into the complex cross-talk between different signaling pathways regulating cardiac function and remodeling 10–14. However, even as we solve one layer of cellular regulation, new levels of complexity are being uncovered, e.g. regulation of gene expression by non-coding RNAs and histone modification 15–19.
Fibrinogen and fibrin: scaffold proteins in hemostasis.

Purpose of reviewElevated fibrinogen is a cardiovascular risk factor. Recent work provides a rationale for this risk, as abnormal fibrin clot structure, strength and stability correlates with coronary artery disease. This review describes in-vitro experiments whose intent is to define the molecular
Capecitabine in Combination with Novel Targeted Agents in the Management of Metastatic Breast Cancer: Underlying Rationale and Results of Clinical Trials

At present there is no established standard of care for metastatic breast cancer and prognosis remains poor, although the use of newer chemotherapeutic regimens has led to modest improvements in survival. Capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, is a promising addition to these approaches, having already shown single-agent activity against metastatic breast cancer. Following a pivotal trial demonstrating that capecitabine confers increased survival when used in combination with docetaxel, it is being investigated intensively in combined regimens using other standard chemotherapeutic agents, as well as with novel molecularly targeted therapies. Among the novel agents, the most intensively studied in combination with capecitabine is trastuzumab. Despite preclinical data suggesting that these two agents might not show additive effects, clinical trials have been very encouraging for both heavily pretreated patients and for patients receiving first-line therapy in the metastatic setting. This work is being further extended in an ongoing trial in the neoadjuvant setting. An initial trial in combination with bevacizumab, enrolling heavily pretreated patients, was less successful, but following the example of the E2100 trial, this combination is being re-examined in less heavily treated patients. In addition, this review discusses ongoing trials with an array of newer molecularly targeted agents. Significant improvement in time to progression has already been demonstrated in the combination of lapatinib and capecitabine compared with capecitabine monotherapy; for the most part, however, these trials are still in early stages.
Dietary and biliary phosphatidylcholine activates PKCζ in rat intestine

Chylomicron output by the intestine is proportional to intestinal phosphatidylcholine (PC) delivery. Using five different variations of PC delivery to the intestine, we found that lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), the absorbed form of PC, concentrations in the cytosol (0 to 0.45 nM) were proportional to the input rate. The activity of protein kinase C (PKC)ζ, which controls prechylomicron output rate by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), correlated with the lyso-PC concentration suggesting that it may be a PKCζ activator. Using recombinant PKCζ, the Km for lyso-PC activation was 1.49 nM and the Vmax 1.12 nM, more than the maximal lyso-PC concentration in cytosol, 0.45 nM. Among the phospholipids and their lyso derivatives, lyso-PC was the most potent activator of PKCζ and the only one whose cytosolic concentration suggested that it could be a physiological activator because other phospholipid concentrations were negligible. PKCζ was on the surface of the dietary fatty acid transport vesicle, the caveolin-1-containing endocytic vesicle. Once activated, PKCζ, eluted off the vesicle. A conformational change in PKCζ on activation was suggested by limited proteolysis. We conclude that PKCζ on activation changes its conformation resulting in elution from its vesicle. The downstream effect of dietary PC is to activate PKCζ, resulting in greater chylomicron output by the ER.
Source Adaptation for Improved Content-Based Video Retrieval

Adaptation of hidden Markov model (HMM) parameters to individual speakers is known to provide considerable improvements over speaker-independent speech recognition systems. This paper applies this idea of model adaptation to a content-based video retrieval system that uses HMMs, with different sources of video treated analogously to different speakers. Source-independent HMMs are adapted to each video-source using the maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) and maximum likelihood linear regression (MLLR) techniques. It is shown that MLLR is not effective in modeling source variability in video, while MAP is highly effective. An overall improvement of 39% is demonstrated in video retrieval performance on the TRECVID 2005 benchmark test over a competitive baseline system via source-adaptation and improved use of the HMM likelihoods in retrieval.
EM STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF GRAIN BOUNDARIES IN (Mn, Zn)Fe2O4

Electron diffraction and microscopy studies supplemented by electron spectroscopic techniques such as Auger electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the nature of grain boundary segregation in commercial grade (Mn,Zn)Fe2O4. samples containing small quantities of CaO. Chemical analyses by AES and EDAX show an enrichment of Ca near the grain boundary region. Convergent beam electron diffraction experiments show that the crystal symmetry of the spinel structure is distorted in the vicinity of the grain boundary. In-situ heating experiments in HVEM show the existence of a disordered phase at the sintering temperature. Lorentz microscopy in TEM shows the interaction of magnetic domain wall motion with grain boundaries. These chemical and structural features are correlated with electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability of the ferrites.
Analysis of lysine recognition and specificity of the Bacillus subtilis L box riboswitch

The ever-changing environment of a bacterial cell requires sophisticated mechanisms to adjust gene expression in response to changes in nutrient availability. L box riboswitch RNAs regulate gene expression in response to cellular lysine (lys) concentrations in the absence of additional regulatory factors. In Bacillus subtilis, binding of lysine (lys) to the L box RNA causes premature transcription termination in the leader region upstream of the lysC coding sequence. To date, little is known about the specific RNA-lys interactions required for transcription termination. In this study, we characterize features of the B. subtilis lysC leader RNA responsible for lys specificity, and structural elements of the lys molecule required for recognition. The wild-type lysC leader RNA can recognize and discriminate between lys and lys analogs. We identified leader RNA variants with mutations in the lys-binding pocket that exhibit changes in the specificity of ligand recognition. These data demonstrate that lysC leader RNA specificity is the result of recognition of ligand features through a series of distinct interactions between lys and nucleotides that comprise the lys-binding pocket, and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms employed by L box riboswitch RNAs to bind and recognize lys.
A two-step model for the localization of maternal mRNA in Xenopus oocytes: involvement of microtubules and microfilaments in the translocation and anchoring of Vg1 mRNA

In an effort to understand how polarity is established in Xenopus oocytes, we have analyzed the process of localization of the maternal mRNA, Vg1. In fully grown oocytes, Vg1 mRNA is tightly localized at the vegetal cortex. Biochemical fractionation shows that the mRNA is preferentially associated with a detergent-insoluble subcellular fraction. The use of cytoskeletal inhibitors suggests that (1) microtubules are involved in the translocation of the message to the vegetal hemisphere and (2) microfilaments are important for the anchoring of the message at the cortex. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry reveals that a cytoplasmic microtubule array exists during translocation. These results suggest a role for the cytoskeleton in localizing information in the oocyte.
Relief of G-Protein Inhibition of Calcium Channels and Short-Term Synaptic Facilitation in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

G-protein inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels can be transiently relieved by repetitive physiological stimuli. Here, we provide evidence that such relief of inhibition contributes to short-term synaptic plasticity in microisland-cultured hippocampal neurons. With G-protein inhibition induced by the GABABreceptor agonist baclofen or the adenosine A1 receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine, short-term synaptic facilitation emerged during action potential trains. The facilitation decayed with a time constant of ∼100 msec. However, addition of the calcium channel inhibitor Cd2+ at 2–3 μm had no such effect and did not alter baseline synaptic depression. As expected of facilitation from relief of channel inhibition, analysis of miniature EPSCs implicated presynaptic modulation, and elevating presynaptic Ca2+ entry blunted the facilitation. Most telling was the near occlusion of synaptic facilitation after selective blockade of P/Q- but not N-type calcium channels. This was as predicted from experiments using recombinant calcium channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells; we found significantly stronger relief of G-protein inhibition in recombinant P/Q- versus N-type channels during action potential trains. G-protein inhibition in HEK 293 cells was induced via recombinant M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors activated by carbachol, an acetylcholine analog. Thus, relief of G-protein inhibition appears to produce a novel form of short-term synaptic facilitation in cultured neurons. Similar short-term synaptic plasticity may be present at a wide variety of synapses, as it could occur during autoreceptor inhibition by glutamate or GABA, heterosynaptic inhibition by GABA, tonic adenosine inhibition, and in many other instances.
YODA: selecting signature oligonucleotides

Motivation: Selecting oligonucleotide probes for use in microarray design, and other applications requiring signature sequences, involves identifying sequences which will bind strongly to their intended target, while binding only weakly (or preferably, not at all) to non-target sequences which may be present in the hybridization reaction. While many tools to assist in selection of such sequences exist, all the ones we examined lack important oligo design and software features. Results: YODA is an application for assisting biological researchers in selecting signature sequences. It incorporates a custom sequence similarity search to find potential cross-hybridizing non-target sequences. For this task, most oligo design tools rely on BLAST, which is ill suited for it due to an unacceptable risk of false negatives. YODA supports multiple probe design goals including single-genome, multiple-genome, pathogen-host and species/strain-identification. A graphical interface is provided as well as a command-line interface, both of which support many user-controlled parameters. YODA is easy to install and use and runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux platforms. Availability: Freely available (LGLP) along with source code and additional documentation at http://pathport.vbi.vt.edu/YODA Contact: enordber@vbi.vt.edu
Mechanisms of Intracisternal Veratrine Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary edema (PE) caused by central nerve irritation is a known clinical condition. Our study was undertaken in order to investigate the mechanism of this condition. PE was induced in 29 dogs by a standard technique of intradsteraal veratrine. The standard method was studied in ten dogs. Extreme elevation of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) occurred, followed by elevation of the left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVEDP) to a very high level, even reaching 80 mm Hg. Extreme increase of the dp/dt was also noted. PE was severe. In five dogs, the procedure was performed after spinal transection at T-4. In these animals, LYSP rose less, LVEDP rose moderately, and pulmonary edema was minimal. In 13 dogs, the procedure was performed after bilateral stellectomy and/or vagotomy. LYSP rose as in standard experiments, LYEDP rose moderately, and PE was minimal or absent These results are evidence that CNS irritation is followed, not only by vasoconstriction, increased venous return, and cardiac overloading, hut also by decreased compliance of the left ventricular wall. Spinal transection decreases ventricular overload by preventing peripheral constriction and adrenal catecholamine secretion. SteDectomy prevents changes of left ventricular compliance mediated through cardiac nerves without affecting those caused by circulating catecholamines.
Gender and Archaeology

Gender and Archaeology. Rita P. Wright. ed. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1996. 296 pp.
Biological water: A critique

In this overview, we provide a critique of the hydration dynamics of macromolecules, particularly those of protein and DNA. Only in the past decade has femtosecond spectroscopy enabled direct access to the ultrafast dynamical motion of surface water. With the wealth of results from this spectroscopic technique, NMR, and neutron scattering, it is now established that hydration is indeed an ultrafast phenomenon, and in this sense the ‘iceberg model’ is invalid. Here, we overview the experimental and the theoretical studies, hoping to clarify the confusion resulting from some recent MD simulations. We maintain that there are two types of water hydration, those that reorient in the vicinity of the surface and those which are ordered, however in dynamic interaction with the protein.
Incentive Schemes for Data Collaboration in Disruption Tolerant Networks

Publish-Subscribe models proposed for Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTNs) assume cooperation among all nodes in the network. Although, this is a valid assumption for some networks, recent applications envisioned for DTNs involve user participation of selfish nodes that form the network. In such scenarios, users may not participate in forwarding subscriptions or the message itself if they are not interested in the content. To alleviate the selfish behavior of such nodes we propose to use incentive based data collaboration schemes. Our paper examines distributed incentive based schemes that encourage participation of selfish nodes in forwarding of messages from publishers to subscribers. We provide simulation results that show the benefit of intermediate node participation. We also demonstrate our schemes through a prototype implementation of the publish-subscribe framework in a DTN environment.
Edge-drilling on the brachiopod Perditocardinia cf. P. dubia from the Mississippian of Missouri (USA)

Examination of a bulk sample of the Mississippian orthide brachiopod Perditocardinia cf. P. dubia revealed borings in 25.8% of the 259 specimens. The drillholes are small (0.13–0.80 mm in diameter), round, and each brachiopod has been drilled only once. Normally, Paleozoic brachiopods are drilled at a low frequency (<5%) and the placement of the drillhole is directly over the viscera of the animal. The majority of the specimens of P. cf. P. dubia in this sample, however, are drilled directly on the anterior margin; this is the first documentation of Paleozoic edge-drilling on brachiopods. The high frequency of boring and especially the location of drillholes near the margin, suggest either a different predatory/parasitic organism or a different feeding behavior than is commonly associated with Paleozoic brachiopods. These drillholes may represent a behavior analogous to modern capulid gastropods that parasitize bivalves by positioning themselves along the host’s commissure and sometimes drilling the shell. It could also represent a behavior similar to modern naticid gastropods, which drill along the commissure of its bivalve prey. Regardless, this example further illustrates that the Paleozoic was characterized by a broader repertoire of drilling behaviors than has been previously recognized.
A Case Study in Language Socialization: Korean Wh-Questions

This study analyzes the process of language socialization in two young Korean children, focusing on their acquisition of one linguistic subsystem, wh‐questions. The two children, aged 1 year, 8 months and 1 year, 10 months at the start of the study, were audio‐recorded approximately twice a month for 1 year in interaction with their mothers. The paper examines: (1) the transmission of cultural values via the pragmatic functions of wh‐questions in the mothers’ speech, (2) the role of “family culture,” that is, differences in the interactive functions of wh‐questions in the two families, and (3) the contributions of the children to the socialization process. Findings include significant correlations between maternal and child frequencies of forms and of form/function pairs, as well as selectivity and innovation in the children's adoption of forms and functions. The results support a model of language socialization in which linguistic forms and functions serve as a vehicle for the transmission of social know...
The Impact of a “Search and Destroy” Strategy for the Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

Objective To determine how the implementation of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control program in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) affects MRSA health care−associated infections (MRSA-HAIs). Design A retrospective chart review. Setting IRF affiliated with Vidant Medical Center, an 861-bed, acute-care teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Patients Seventy-nine adult patients in the IRF who developed a MRSA-HAI from February 2005 through January 2011. Interventions Both the acute care hospital and the affiliated inpatient rehabilitation unit began screening 100% of admissions for MRSA nasal carriage, with decolonization of positive carriers, starting in February 2007. Main Outcome Measurements Yearly rates of MRSA-HAI per 1000 patient-days were compared in the IRF before and after the intervention. Results The weighted mean monthly infection rate before the intervention (February 2005 through January 2007) was 1.0714 per 1000 patient days compared with 0.6557 per 1000 patient days after the intervention (February 2007 through January 2011). The decreased infection rates after the intervention were statistically significant ( P = .0315). Conclusions The implementation of an all-admissions MRSA screening program with decolonization of positive carriers in an IRF affiliated with an acute care hospital resulted in decreased MRSA-HAI rates in the IRF. When developing surveillance guidelines for MRSA, IRFs should be cognizant of infection rate trends and of the affiliated hospital's scope of policies and practices for infection prevention and control.
Needle Aspiration for the Etiologic Diagnosis of Children With Cellulitis in the Era of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Objective: Cellulitis is a common problem in children but determining the causative agent is difficult. One tool used to identify the etiology is needle aspiration. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of needle aspiration in pediatric patients with cellulitis in the era of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary care children’s hospital. A convenience sample of healthy children, 0 to 18 years old, with cellulitis were enrolled. A standard cellulitis aspiration technique was performed. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled and had cultures obtained. The etiologic agent was determined in 15% (3/20) of patients. The positive cultures were all MRSA. Conclusions: Although needle aspiration of cellulitis was of low yield, the only pathogens isolated in this study were CA-MRSA. Empiric antibiotics for cellulitis should include coverage for MRSA. In circumstan...
Managing financial risk

A company's risk profile determines the scope of its annual audit. The greater the risks, the more audit testing is required. Auditors are looking for those risk factors that may cause the financial statements to be misstated. But the reality is that auditors are concerned with all kinds of risks that can impact a client company—because the financial statements cannot be viewed in isolation from company operations. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board recently issued standards to help auditors improve the effectiveness of their risk assessments, and to enhance the way auditors address client risks. But the methods used by auditors to assess and deal with client risks also can be employed by management—as a framework for developing a risk management program. This short commentary explores how to do that. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biomechanics of the release of sex pheromone in moths: effects of body posture on local airflow

. The calling posture of Spilosoma congrua Walker (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) affects local airflow in ways that may impact on the release of chemical signals. Dried specimens of S. congrua imitating resting moths, calling moths, and moths with intermediate postures were placed in a wind tunnel. The wind speed was measured near the abdomenal tip where sex pheromone emission occurs. The calling posture, wings-up, gave significantly greater mean wind speeds near the surface of the sex pheromone gland, effectively eliminating the dead air space that surrounds a non-calling moth. The calling posture also decreased the relative intensity of turbulence near the pheromone gland surface.
Reliability evaluation on dual-etch-stop InGaAs PHEMTs

Pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) technology has been widely used in microwave switches and power amplifiers (PAs) for telecommunication applications. Because of its higher charge density and greater saturated electron velocity in InGaAs channel compared with GaAs used in MESFETs, the PHEMT exhibits lower insertion loss in switch, and higher power gain and added efficiency in PA operations. However, due to the 2-D nature of InGaAs channel in PHEMT, most of its electrical parameters are much more sensitive to the recess depth in comparison with that from traditional MESFET technology. The use of etch-stop material under the gate metal will greatly improve the precise control of gate recess and simplify process steps. This paper presents the results and detailed analysis of on-wafer-level accelerated DC and RF biased stress test and three-temperature thermal stress lifetest on our 0.9 /spl mu/m Dual-Etch-Stop (DES) PHEMT process. High-temperature-operating-life (HTOL) test on single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switch products using this DES PHEMT process has also been performed. Our report describes the reliability experiments and compares the reliability results of this new DES PHEMT process against the standard non-etch-stop (NES) PHEMT baseline material. Statistical analysis derived an activation energy E/sub a/ = 1.4 eV and an MTTF > 10/sup 7/ hours at 125/spl deg/C.
A cost-benefit analysis of the individual mandate in the health coverage system of the USA

One of the challenging issues in the USA is health coverage system. The issue generally constitutes the major discussion topic of most presidential selection process. The paper analyses casual relationships of the issue and explains the cost benefit relationships between two policies, which are with the mandate and without mandate. One of the targets of the paper is to predict the effects of policy intervention on well being of the population regarding the health issue. By this way, the paper will generate a new approach on how to improve healthcare policy decisions. One of the most significant purposes of the study is to focus on policy alternatives regarding the health coverage system of the USA. The paper will study policy alternatives to decline the figures of people having no insurance. In order to decrease this amount, the paper will examine the cost-benefit of the system for the 20-year period.
Allostasis, allostatic load, and the aging nervous system: role of excitatory amino acids and excitotoxicity.

The adaptive responses of the body to challenges, often known as “stressors”, consists of active responses that maintain homeostasis. This process of adaptation is known as “allostasis”, meaning “achieving stability through change”. Many systems of the body show allostasis, including the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and they help to re-establish or maintain homeostasis through adaptation. The brain also shows allostasis, involving the activation of nerve cell activity and the release of neurotransmitters. When the individual is challenged repeatedly or when the allostatic systems remain turned on when no longer needed, the mediators of allostasis can produce a wear and tear on the body that has been termed “allostatic load”. Examples of allostatic load include the accumulation of abdominal fat, the loss of bone minerals and the atrophy of nerve cells in the hippocampus. Circulating stress hormones play a key role, and, in the hippocampus, excitatory amino acids and NMDA receptors are important mediators of neuronal atrophy. The aging brain seems to be more vulnerable to such effects, although there are considerable individual differences in vulnerability that can be developmentally determined. Yet, at the same time, excitatory amino acids and NMDA receptors mediate important types of plasticity in the hippocampus. Moreover, the brain retains considerable resilience in the face of stress, and estrogens appear to play a role in this resilience. This review discusses the current status of work on underlying mechanisms for these effects.
Cooperation and local interactions in the Prisoners’ Dilemma Game☆

Abstract We consider a population of players playing a Prisoners’ Dilemma Game in a local interaction setting, using a formalism of automata networks. Sufficient conditions for existence of an equilibrium where cooperation coexists with non-cooperation (a mixed equilibrium) are derived and properties of an equilibrium are discussed. In a mixed equilibrium the highest payoff will be obtained by a cooperator. For a special one-dimensional case the equilibrium set is fully characterized. We further consider a model where agents can choose (to some extent) whom of their neighbors they want to play with. Results of computer simulations are reported. The most striking feature of simulations is the fact that very organized structures can be observed starting with completely random initial conditions.
Transport and reaction of nanoliter samples in a microfluidic reactor using electro-osmotic flow

The primary focus of the paper is to establish both numerical and experimental methods to control the concentration of samples in a microreactor well. The concentration of the reacting samples is controlled by varying the initial sample size and electric field. Further, the paper numerically investigates the feasibility of mixing and reacting nanoliter samples with a wide variation in reaction rates in the microreactor driven by electro-osmotic pumping. Two discrete samples are measured and transported to the microreactor simultaneously by electro-osmotic pinching and switching. The transported samples are mixed in the microreactor and floated for 4.5 s for reaction to occur. It is seen that the normalized concentration of the product increases from 0.25 to 0.45 during that period. Also the effects of sample size and applied electric field on sample concentration during the switching process are studied. It is found that the normalized final sample concentration increases from 0.03 to 0.11 with an increase in sample size from 60 to 150 μm, at a constant electric field. Further, by increasing the electric field from 100 to 1000 V cm −1 , at a constant sample size, there is a significant decrease in the final concentration of the sample from 0.14 to 0.04. Our studies also show that the normalized product concentration depends on the reaction rate and increases from 0.28 to 0.48 as the reaction rate increases from 10 L mol −1 s −1 to 10 5 Lm ol −1 s −1 . However, the increase in the reaction rate beyond 10 5 Lm ol −1 s −1 does not influence the product concentration for the present design of the microreactor. Our microreactor with improved mixing can be used for assessing reactions of biological samples. The optimized sample size along with a controlled electric field for sample injection forms the basis for developing a prototype of a microreactor device for high throughput drug screening.
Technique for controlling the thickness of a facial prosthesis when an acrylic resin core is used

A technique for evaluating the acrylic resin core before processing a silicone facial prosthesis is described. The technique involves the use of either irreversible hydrocolloid impression material or silicone to identify thin areas in the pattern. This simple yet effective procedure ensures adequate thickness and strength of the silicone prosthesis, which in turn decreases the amount of chair and laboratory time needed at the delivery appointment.
ARM-CHEST ADHESIONS

Arm-chest adhesions are not uncommon. In the majority of instances they are the result of third degree burns. The object of the treatment is primarily the restoration of the function of the arm, with the relief of the deformity, and the prevention of recurrence. The successful reconstruction, or readjusting, of the axillary space (armpit) is the key to the relief of the condition. There is no single operative procedure which is applicable to the treatment of all types of axillary webs. It is seldom that the deformity, if in any way extensive, can be relieved by one operation,—in fact, in nearly all cases several operations are necessary to completely restore function, and in each one of the secondary operations new problems are presented which may require different methods of attack. The only test of the efficiency of any of the operations used for the relief of arm-chest adhesions is time , and the ultimate result should not be recorded until at least one year has elapsed after the final operation.
COX-2 has a critical role during incorporation of structural bone allografts.

: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, reduced pain and are commonly used in patients with skeletal injury. In this article we will also present data to show that selective COX-2 inhibitor delays allograft healing and incorporation. In contrast, local delivery of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enhanced bone formation at cortical bone graft junction. A 4-mm mid-diaphyseal segmental femoral defect was created and then repaired by frozen bone allograft of the same size. A 22-gauge metal pin was placed in the intramedullary cavity to stabilize the bone graft. Healing was evaluated weekly by X ray and by a semiquantitative histomorphometric analysis at 5 weeks postsurgery. Celecoxib (25 mg/kg/day) and Ketorolac (4 mg/kg/day) were administered daily for 2 weeks or 5 weeks. PGE2 was infused locally at a dose of 800 nmol/kg per day via osmotic minipump for 4 weeks. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase by daily administration of the Celecoxib or Ketorolac for 5 weeks reduced new bone ingrowth by about 60% (P < 0.05). The percentage of bony bridging in both drug-treated groups was significantly decreased at 5 weeks. Temporal administration of Celecoxib for 2 weeks also significantly reduced bone formation by 45% and withdrawal of the Celecoxib only led to slight recovery of bone formation at the graft side. In contrast to the inhibitory effects of NSAIDS, PGE2 infusion at the cortical bone junction increased bone formation by about twofold. These results demonstrated that COX-2 is essential for bone allograft incorporation. Furthermore, our data support the notion that COX-2-dependent PGE2 produced at the early stage of bone healing is prerequisite for efficient skeletal repair.
The Teton-Yellowstone Tornado of 21 July 1987

The Teton-Yellowstone Tornado, rated F4, crossed the Continental Divide at 3070 m, leaving behind a damage swath 39.2-km long and 2.5-km wide. A detailed damage analysis by using stereo-pair and color photos revealed the existence of four spinup swirl marks and 72 microburst outflows inside the damage area. The tornado was spawned by a mesocyclone that formed at the intersection of a mesohigh boundary and a warm front. The parent cloud of the tornado, tracked on eight infrared-temperature maps from GOES East and West, moved at 25 m s-1 and the number of cold temperature pixels below -60 C reached a distinct peak during the tornado time. Identified and tracked also are two warm spots enclosed inside the cold anvil cloud. On the basis of their identity and movement, an attempt was made to explain the cause of these spots as being the stratospheric cirrus clouds.
The genus Euryparasitus in North America (Mesostigmata: Euryparasitidae)

The genus Euryparasitus in North America is revised on the basis of the deutonymphal instar. Four species are recognized, two previously described and two new. The four species fall into two easily recognizable groups. The first group, consisting of E. longicheta Bondartchuk & Buyakova and E. occidentalis n. sp., lacks barbed setae on the idiosoma and serrations on the anterior free margin of the gnathotectum, and shows a well differentiated acrotarsus on legs I. The second, consisting of E. calcarator (Banks) and E. maseri n. sp., has barbed setae on the idiosoma and serrations on the anterior margin of the gnathotectum, but lacks a well differentiated acrotarsus I. A key to the deutonymphs for the species of Euryparasitus and genera of Euryparasitidae in North America is provided. The host association pattern of Euryparasitus species appears to fit better with ecological than with host specificity.
Combined extracranial-intracranial resection of a maxillary desmoid tumor

Desmoid tumors are a locally infiltrative, nonmetastasizing form of fibromatosis. Wide en bloc extirpation is the therapy of choice, with a high recurrence rate reported for lesser resections. The first case of a desmoid invading intracranially is reported, and the combined intracranial-extracranial resection is described.
EXAMPLE OF OUTPUT REGULATION FOR DISTRIBUTED PARAMETER SYSTEMS

Our interest is in the development of a systematic methodology for the design of feedback control schemes capable of shaping the response of complex dynamical systems. In the present paper we present a brief survey of our recent development of a geometric approach to feedback design for linear distributed parameter systems with bounded actuators and sensors. In this paper, we give an example of our feedback design methodology for the problem of periodic tracking for a one dimensional heat equation. Our design methodology, which is based on the geometric theory of output regulation, derives from invariance principles and the infinite dimensional center manifold theorem. Our numerical studies suggest that for neutrally stable exogenous reference signals, these control laws perform very well. These same methods have recently been applied in the case of unbounded controls and, also, for one dimensional nonlinear models.