cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of interleukin-2 induced changes in rigidity of human natural killer cells.

The success of adoptive immunotherapy is dependent in part on the successful delivery of effector cells to the tumor and the expression of cellular activities, such as adhesion, extravasation, and cytotoxic activity of the effector cells in the tumor. The structural rigidity of the effector cell is an important determinant of these functions. The present study was designed to quantify the changes in cellular rigidity and cytotoxic activity of human natural killer (NK) cells in the presence or absence of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Micropipet aspiration was used to measure the resistance of NK cells to an imposed external deformation. Homogeneous suspensions of NK cells were activated with 1000 U/mL of recombinant IL-2 in vitro and tested for cellular rigidity from 0 to 96 h post stimulation. The IL-2 activated cells increased their rigidity within 24 h and maintained it at this level for 96 h. Prolonged incubation of cells in IL-2 (14 d) resulted in a consistently high rigidity, which was further increased on starvation of the cells from IL-2. The increased rigidity of these cells was maintained throughout 96 h of IL-2 deprivation, although significant relaxation of rigidity was observed between 48 and 96 h. The relaxation of rigidity was associated with an increase in the number of nonviable cells. Reintroduction of IL-2 for 24 h to a culture of NK cells depleted of IL-2 for 48 h did not restore the cells to the predepletion level of rigidity. Cytotoxic activity of the activated NK cells following removal of IL-2 decreased to about 60% of the control activity within 24 h and continued through 72 h postdeprivation. These findings suggest that the initial activation of human NK cells by IL-2 will produce a relatively rapid increase in rigidity that may cause entrapment of these cells in small capillaries in vivo and that removal of IL-2 will produce an additional increase in rigidity, which is associated with decreased functional activity.
Country and industry-level determinants of vertical specialization-based trade

Abstract This paper investigates country and industry-level determinants of vertical specialization-based trade. Industries that engage in this pattern of trade are identified through their use of offshore assembly provisions in the US tariff code. Findings explain why industries engage in vertical specialization-based trade and shed light on factors that enter production location decisions. Identifying factors that encourage vertical specialization-based production and trade will enhance our understanding of industry strategy and how trade patterns will evolve as the process of globalization continues. Results suggest vertical specialization-based trade will continue to grow relative to total trade.
Effects of interface kinetics, capillarity and solute diffusion on bubble growth rates in highly supersaturated liquids☆

The growth of an isolated, stationary bubble in an isothermal liquid supersaturated with an atomically or molecularly dissolved gas is treated theoretically, with emphasis on departures from “parabolic” growth produced by: (i) finite rate exsolution kinetics (ii) nonzero surface tension and (iii) nonzero initial bubble size. A convenient moment (integral) method is introduced, which takes full account of interface movement, self-induced radial velocities in the solvent and time-dependent vapor density in the bubble. In the thin solute boundary layer limit, shown to be relevant to highly supersaturated systems, accurate closed form bubble radius-time results are obtained displaying the principal effects of the governing dimensionless parameters. Graphical (radius)2-time curves, included herein for those cases of greatest physicochemical interest, clearly reveal the conditions under which each of the abovementioned phenomena become appreciable and, hence, define the range of validity of previous, more restrictive treatments of bubble growth. Illustrative calculations are included for the recently investigated case of nitrogen degassing of iron melts.
Intramolecular hydrogen bonding. X. Comparison of free jet and Shpol'skii matrix electronic spectra of 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone

Abstract Site-selected fluorescence and excitation spectra in n -octane Shpol'skii matrix, the free jet excitation spectrum, and the gas phase emission spectrum from the vibrationless level in S 1 are reported for 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone. The qualitative agreement of the gas phase and matrix spectra rules out any major influence of environment on the excited state proton transfer. However, the higher resolution of the jet excitation spectrum reveals important new and unique information on the excited state vibrational manifold. At about 600 cm −1 above the S 1 origin the excitation spectrum becomes very congested and the free jet rotational band contours also change. Combination bands and overtones of lower frequency fundamentals expected in this region are not found. Similar behavior occurs at 1100 cm −1 excess S 1 energy in 1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone. We critically assess how reliably the excited state proton transfer potential function can be extracted from the spectra. One quantum of the OH stretching vibration is identified in the jet emission spectrum of 1,8-DHAQ.
The Simulation Metamodel

Table of figures. Table of tables. Preface. 1. Introduction to simulation modeling and metamodeling. References. 2. The simulation model and metamodel. References. 3. The metamodel in perspective: statistical considerations in simulation experiments. References. 4. Metamodeling. References. 5. Survey of current research. References. 6. Metamodeling: some additional examples. References. Appendix: The linear regression model. Bibliography. Index.
Aberrant Cholesterol Transport and Impaired Steroidogenesis in Leydig Cells Lacking Estrogen Sulfotransferase

Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the sulfoconjugation and inactivation of estrogens. It is expressed abundantly in the mammalian testes in which it may modulate the activity of locally produced estrogen. We demonstrate here that testicular Leydig cells from mice rendered deficient in EST expression by targeted gene deletion acquire a phenotype of increased cholesterol ester accumulation and impaired steroidogenesis with natural aging or in response to estrogen challenge. Abnormal accumulation of cholesterol ester in the mutant Leydig cells correlated with induced expression of the scavenger receptor type B class I, and cultured EST-deficient but not wild-type Leydig cells avidly uptook high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ester ex vivo. EST-deficient Leydig cells in culture produced 50–70% less testosterone than wild-type cells. This deficiency was reversed by androstenedione but not progesterone supplementation, indicating that reduced activities of 17-α-hydroxylase-17...
Role of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in evidence-based clinical practice.

Introduction: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of well-designed and executed randomized controlled trials have the potential to provide the highest levels of evidence to support diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in urology. Materials and Methods: The role of systematic reviews in the urological literature is described. A three-step appraisal of the validity, magnitude and applicability of results will permit an evidence-based approach to incorporating findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses into practice. Results: The validity of systematic reviews depends on a focused clinical question that generates specific inclusion and exclusion criteria for identifying studies through an exhaustive literature search. The primary studies must be of high methodological quality and assessments should be reproducible. Informed consumers of the urological literature should be aware of the consistency of results between trials in a review, as well as the magnitude and precision of the best estimate of the treatment effects. When making decisions about implementing the results, urologists should consider all patient-important outcomes, the overall quality of the evidence and the balance between benefits, potential harms and costs. Conclusion: This framework will lead to a more evidence-based application of systematic reviews within the urological literature. Ideally, utilization of an evidence-based approach to systematic reviews will improve the quality of urological patient care.
Poly(A) polymerase and a dissociable polyadenylation stimulatory factor encoded by vaccinia virus

Abstract mRNA made in eukaryotic cells typically has a 3′ poly(A) tail that is added posttranscriptionally. To investigate mechanisms by which 3′ poly(A) is formed, we identified the genes for the two vaccinia virus-encoded polypetides, VP55 and VP39. Primer-dependent polyadenylation activity was associated exclusively with purified VP55-VP39 heterodimer, which, although stable to column chromatography and glycerol gradient sedimentation, was readily dissociated by antibody to an N-terminal peptide of VP55. Poly(A) polymerase activity was associated with immunopurified VP55, but not with immunopurified of chromatographically purified VP39. VP39 was, however, required for the formation of long poly(A) molecules, in conjunction with either purified VP55 or low concentrations of the heterodimer, and was shown to bind free poly(A). Thus, a catalytic polypeptide and a dissociable poly(A)-binding stimulatory factor each contribute to poly(A) tail formation. No prokaryotic or eukaryotic homologs of either polypeptide were detected in sequence data bases, consistent with the absence of previously reported poly(A) polymerase genes from any source.
The effect of elevated temperature on flash-welded aluminum-copper joints

BOTH ALUMINUM and copper have high conductivity and hence are excellently suited for use as electric conductors. Since both metals are widely used, connections between them frequently have to be made. The most common type of connection is the bolted joint, as when an aluminum bus bar is bolted to a copper stud. Although this type of connection is satisfactory, frequently a more efficient and less bulky connection, with better appearance, can be made by flash welding, as illustrated in Fig. 1.
Effect of iron limitation on Bacteroides gingivalis

This study was undertaken to describe the effects of iron limitation on Bacteroides gingivalis. Four strains of B. gingivalis were grown in brain heart infusion broth, substituting protoporphyrin IX for hemin. Culture with protoporphyrin IX resulted in a loss of a 28 kDa membrane protein, but no decrease in growth. Iron-restricted cultural conditions for the growth of B. gingivalis were achieved using alpha/alpha'-dipyridyl, a ferrous iron chelator, at concentrations from 12.5 microM to 300 microM. Total suppression of bacterial growth for strain A7A1-28 and strain 381 was achieved at 200 microM alpha/alpha'-dipyridyl. At 300 microM alpha/alpha'-dipyridyl, strain W50 and Bowden 18/10 showed 100% and 80% suppression of growth, respectively. The ferric iron chelator Desferal did not show suppression of growth in concentrations up to 500 microM. The dipyridyl inhibition of cell growth for strain A7A1-28 could be reversed by adding excess ferrous ammonium sulphate but not by ferric nitrate. Iron regulation of proteolytic enzymes could not be demonstrated. Two new membrane proteins 42 kDa and 24 kDa are expressed with iron limitation, and the 45 kDa membrane protein was decreased with iron limitation.
Human Bites and Blood Exposures in New York City Schools

The epidemiology of human bites and blood exposures in urban schools has not been described. The authors reviewed 734 human bite and blood exposure incidents in New York City schools from September 1999 to June 2001. School site, age, gender, body site, temporal distributions, and underlying health status of individuals were reviewed. Nine incidents involved children known or suspected to be HIV-infected. Medical interventions included EMS involvement, emergency room treatment, hospitalization, vaccine administration, laceration suturing, systemic antibiotic therapy, and serologic evaluation for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. These incidents occur with a high prevalence in NYC schools and have potential for serious outcomes.
Post-surgical inflammatory neuropathy

Post-surgical neuropathies are usually attributed to mechanical factors, such as compression, stretch, contusion or transection. The role of inflammatory mechanisms in neuropathies occurring after surgeries is poorly appreciated and not well characterized, and may provide a rationale for immunotherapy. A total of 23 selected patients with post-surgical neuropathies received nerve biopsies, of which 21 demonstrated increased inflammation. Here we report the clinical features in these 21 cases of biopsy-confirmed and 12 cases of clinically suspected post-surgical inflammatory neuropathies, in whom no trauma to the nerves was documented. All neuropathies developed within 30 days of a surgical procedure. Of 33 patients, 20 were male and the median age was 65 years (range 24–83). Surgical procedures were orthopaedic ( n = 14), abdominal/pelvic ( n = 12), thoracic ( n = 5) and dental ( n = 2). Patients developed focal ( n = 12), multifocal ( n = 14) or diffuse ( n = 7) neuropathies. Focal and multifocal neuropathies typically presented with acute pain and weakness, and focal neuropathies often mimicked mechanical aetiologies. Detailed analyses, including clinical characteristics, electrophysiology, imaging and peripheral nerve pathology, were performed. Electrophysiology showed axonal damage. Magnetic resonance imaging of roots, plexuses and peripheral nerves was performed in 22 patients, and all patients had abnormally increased T2 nerve signal, with 20 exhibiting mild ( n = 7), moderate ( n = 12) or severe ( n = 1) enlargement. A total of 21 patients had abnormal nerve biopsies that showed increased epineurial perivascular lymphocytic inflammation (nine small, five moderate and seven large), with 15 diagnostic or suggestive of microvasculitis. Evidence of ischaemic nerve injury was seen in 19 biopsies. Seventeen biopsies had increased axonal degeneration suggesting active neuropathy. Seventeen biopsied patients were treated with immunotherapy. In 13 cases with longitudinal follow-up (median 9 months, range 3–71 months), the median neuropathy impairment score improved from 30 to 24 at the time of last evaluation ( P = 0.001). In conclusion: (i) not all post-surgical neuropathies are mechanical, and inflammatory mechanisms can be causative, presenting as pain and weakness in a focal, multifocal or diffuse pattern; (ii) these inflammatory neuropathies may be recognized by their spatio-temporal separation from the site and time of surgery and by the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging features; (iii) occasionally post-surgical inflammatory and mechanical neuropathies are difficult to distinguish and nerve biopsy may be required to demonstrate an inflammatory mechanism, which in our cohort often, but not exclusively, exhibited pathological features of microvasculitis and ischaemia; and (iv) recognizing the role of inflammation in these patients’ neuropathy led to rational immunotherapy, which may have resulted in the subsequent improvement of neurological symptoms and impairments. * Abbreviations : NIS : Neuropathy Impairment Score
Copper uptake kinetics in diverse marine phytoplankton

We measured short-term uptake rates of copper using the gamma-emitting radioisotope 67 Cu in seven algal species in natural and artificial seawater. Cellular net uptake of Cu was typically rapid over periods of 2‐20 min. Net uptake ceased after about 60 min. The most copper-sensitive species examined, Synechococcus sp., exhibited 2‐3 orders of magnitude higher carbon and surface-area‐normalized Cu-accumulation rates (46 mmol Cu mol C 21 min 21
Development of a Dual Monoclonal Antibody Immunoassay for Total Human Kallikrein 2

Background: Human kallikrein 2 (hK2) shares 80% sequence identity with prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Because both hK2 and hK2-α1-antichymotrypsin (hK2-ACT) complexes have been identified in patient sera, we devised an immunoassay for total hK2 [(thK2); hK2 and hK2-ACT] and evaluated it in healthy subjects and patients with prostate disease. Methods: We developed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high specificity for hK2 and hK2-ACT and minimal cross-reactivity to PSA. Using these mAbs, a sandwich assay was developed and its specificity for forms of hK2 was assessed. Serum samples (n = 1035) from healthy volunteers, patients with increased PSA, and men who had undergone radical prostatectomy were assayed for thK2. We also measured thK2 in samples before and after storage under common laboratory conditions. Results: The minimum detectable concentration in the thK2 assay was 0.008 μg/L, and PSA cross-reactivity was <0.001%. The assay detected prohK2 and three different hK2–serum protease complexes. The median serum concentration of thK2 in control samples (0.013 μg/L) was significantly lower than the median in samples from patients with increased PSA concentrations (0.085 μg/L). Immunoreactive hK2 changed little in samples stored for up to 1 month at −70 °C. Conclusions: The thK2 assay recognizes all forms of hK2 that have been found in bodily fluids to date.
The impact of gridding artifacts on the local spatial properties of MODIS data : Implications for validation, compositing, and band-to-band registration across resolutions

Gridding artifacts between observations and predefined grid cells strongly influence the local spatial properties of MODIS images. The sensor observation in any grid cell is only partially derived from the location of the cell, with the average overlap between observations and their grid cells being less than 30%. This mismatch between grid cells and observations has strong implications for the use of reference data for the validation of MODIS products or the training of MODIS algorithms. When generating multidate composites, gridding artifacts introduce bias when spectral compositing criteria are used. Also, results indicate that the ability to generate consistent long-term remote sensing records is dependent on both consistent sensing scenarios (spectral bands, view angle distributions, geolocation error) as well as consistent compositing approaches. The band-to-band registration for the different spatial resolutions of gridded MODIS data can be poor if the different resolutions of data are gridded before aggregation. In all cases it is imprecise to characterize the subpixel properties of the coarser resolution bands using the finer resolution bands due to poor correspondence in the areas from which the observations are derived. All of the band-to-band registration problems are minimized when the MODIS data are aggregated to coarser resolutions. When validating algorithm accuracy, available data on the observation dimensions and the offsets between the grid cell and the observation should be included to ensure the quality of validation results. If this information is not available, MODIS data should be aggregated to coarser resolutions to improve the correspondence between the location of observations and grid cells.
Investigation of Evidence for Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Seated Subjects Who Performed a Reaching Task

The paradigm for study of anticipatory postural adjustments permits investigation of the coordination of postural and voluntary components of functional movement. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were anticipatory postural adjustments for voluntary movement in seated subjects under clinically relevant conditions. Eight neurologically normal subjects performed a reaching task to a target placed at shoulder height, 45 degrees to the right of midline. Onsets and magnitudes of lateral and fore-aft reactive forces associated with the movement and of electromyographic (EMG) activity of the ipsilateral deltoid and external abdominal oblique and contralateral paraspinal muscles were monitored. Conditions of trunk support, reach speed, and distance reached were manipulated. Onsets of deltoid muscle EMG activity preceded onsets of postural muscle (external oblique and paraspinal) EMG activity in 70% of all trials for seated subjects in contrast to reports of EMG activity onset in the postural muscles in advance of the prime mover in standing subjects who performed a similar task. The role of the trunk musculature and the significance of reactive forces in advance of hand movement were equivocal. This study has implications for evaluation of postural instability in persons unable to stand for testing.
Psychometric properties of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale.

Background. The present study provides data on the reliability, validity and treatment sensitivity of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), one of the most commonly used clinician-administered scales for the assessment of social phobia.Method. Three hundred and eighty-two patients from several studies of the treatment of social phobia were evaluated. An independent assessor administered the LSAS to each patient prior to the initiation of treatment. Patients also completed other measures of social anxiety and avoidance, although the specific measures varied across samples.Results. The LSAS and its subscales were normally distributed and demonstrated excellent internal consistency. The convergent validity of the LSAS was demonstrated via significant correlations with other commonly-used measures of social anxiety and avoidance. These correlations also tended to be larger than correlations with measures of depression, especially after treatment. However, the pattern of correlations of LSAS subscales with one another and with the other measures suggest that the fear subscales and the avoidance subscales may not be sufficiently distinct in clinical samples. The LSAS was also demonstrated to be sensitive to the effects of pharmacological treatments of social phobia over time and in comparison to double-blind pill placebo.Conclusion. The LSAS appears to be a reliable, valid and treatment sensitive measure of social phobia. Further study of the LSAS, both in samples with severe social phobia and in community samples, is needed.
Human Papillomavirus Testing Using Hybrid Capture II With SurePath Collection Initial Evaluation and Longitudinal Data Provide Clinical Validation for This Method

BACKGROUND. Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) is an integral part of equivocal cervical cytology triage. Clinical validation of non-FDA (Food and Drug Administration)–approved methods is therefore important because of the high volume of such tests and the implications for missed high-grade lesions if test performance is not optimal. METHODS. A preinitiation study and 17 months of follow-up data using Hybrid Capture II (HC II) HPV detection with SurePath (SP) sample collection were analyzed. Results of HPV tests on abnormal cytology samples were collected and compared with follow-up results. HPV-positive rates were determined in cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and follow-up rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were determined in HPV-positive and -negative cases of atypical squamous cells of unknown significance (ASC-US). Rates were compared with published data using FDA-validated methods. RESULTS. The preinitiation study showed the test method to be 100% sensitive for the detection of LSIL (20 cases) and HSIL (8). The ASC-US follow-up study (2319 cases with 625 having biopsy results) showed that the rate of CIN IIIþ in HPV þ/� cases was 7.8%/1.4%, and of CIN IIþ was 17.5%/4.3%, respectively. The positive predictive values/negative predictive values (PPV/NPVs) (CIN IIþ) for the test were 17.5%/95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Published FDA-validated HPV testing follow-up data show that the expected rates of CIN IIIþ and CIN IIþ in the HPV-negative ASC-US population are 1.4% and 5%, respectively, with PPV/NPVs (CIN IIþ) of 20%/99%, respectively. By comparison, the present data using HC II with SP show strong similarity, indicating clinical validity for the use of this method. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006;108:468–74. � 2006 American Cancer Society.
A 3-dimensional ultrasound C-scan imaging technique for optic nerve measurements

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the use of 3-dimensional ultrasound C-scan imaging for optic nerve diameter measurements. Design Prospective observational case series. Participants Thirty-eight normal eyes of 32 healthy adults. Methods Coronal C-scans of 38 normal optic nerves were imaged 3 mm behind the globe. Main outcome measures Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and optic nerve diameter (OND). Results Mean ONSD was 4.8 mm (range: 3.9–5.9; SD 0.6), whereas mean optic OND was 1.9 mm (range: 1.8–2.1; SD 0.1). Mean ONSDs were 4.9 mm (male), 4.5 mm (female), 5.0 mm (subjects younger than 50 years), and 4.6 mm (subjects 50 and older). Conclusion Coronal C-scans generated from 3-dimensional ultrasound can be used to measure the optic nerve diameters in adult eyes.
An Algorithm for the Rapid Analysis of Genetic Pedigrees.

An algorithm has been developed for the rapid determination of single-gene inheritance patterns from genetic pedigrees.
Micromechanics of actuation of ionic polymer-metal composites

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) consist of a polyelectrolyte membrane (usually, Nafion or Flemion) plated on both faces by a noble metal, and is neutralized with certain counter ions that balance the electrical charge of the anions covalently fixed to the backbone membrane. In the hydrated state (or in the presence of other suitable solvents), the composite is a soft actuator and sensor. Its coupled electrical-chemical-mechanical response depends on: (1) the chemical composition and structure of the backbone ionic polymer; (2) the morphology of the metal electrodes; (3) the nature of the cations; and (4) the level of hydration (solvent saturation). A systematic experimental evaluation of the mechanical response of both metal-plated and bare Nafion and Flemion in various cation forms and various water saturation levels has been performed in the author’s laboratories at the University of California, San Diego. By examining the measured stiffness of the Nafion-based composites and the corresponding bare Nafion, under a variety of conditions, I have sought to develop relations between internal forces and the resulting stiffness and deformation of this class of IPMCs. Based on these and through a comparative study of the effects of various cations on the material’s stiffness and response, I have attempted to identify potential micromechanisms responsible for the observed electromechanical behavior of these materials, model them, and compare the model results with experimental data. A summary of these developments is given in the present work. First, a micromechanical model for the calculation of the Young modulus of the bare Nafion or Flemion in various ion forms and water saturation levels is given. Second, the bare-polymer model is modified to include the effect of the metal plating, and the results are applied to calculate the stiffness of the corresponding IPMCs, as a function of the solvent uptake. Finally, guided by the stiffness modeling and data, the actuation of the Nafion-based IPMCs is micromechanically modeled. Examples of the model results are presented and compared with the measured data.
On the performance analysis of the MVDR beamformer in the presence of correlated interference

Expressions are developed that describe the output of an adaptive array, based on the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer when multiple correlated interfering signals are present. Such signals may arise in certain multipath scenarios or in the case of smart jamming. Previous analyses considered only the case of single correlated interferer. Three scenarios of interest are examined: very high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), moderately high SNR, and very low SNR. The analysis is based on simpler linear algebra concepts and generalizes a number of previously reported results proved for special cases. In addition, a modification of MVDR beamforming based on total least squares is introduced as a means of mitigating the sensitivity of the MVDR beamformer to uncertainties in element positions, pointing angle, etc. >
FUTURE EXPERIMENTS WITH NEUTRINO SUPERBEAMS, BETA-BEAMS, AND NEUTRINO FACTORIES

This report describes the goals of the next generations of accelerator-based neutrino experiments, and the various strategies that are being considered to achieve those goals. Because these next steps in the field are significantly different from the current or previous steps, novel techniques must be considered for both the detectors and the neutrino beams themselves. We consider not only conventional neutrino beams created by decays of pions, but also those which could be made by decays of beams of relativistic isotopes (so-called ''beta-beams'') and also by decays of beams of muons (neutrino factories).
Multimedia-based educational applications of computer simulations of chemical engineering processes

A series of computer simulations of industrial chemical engineering processes designed to be used as senior chemical engineering laboratory "experiments" are being developed. Each company sponsor has also produced a 20-minute videotape of the process so that students may "tour" the facilities. Four modules have been completed. Two additional modules are currently being developed. The distribution of all materials will be handled by CACHE. Although the modules were designed for use in the senior chemical engineering laboratory course, schools report success in applying the modules in other chemical engineering courses.
Historical contingency and the purported uniqueness of evolutionary innovations.

Many events in the history of life are thought to be singular, that is, without parallels, analogs, or homologs in time and space. These claims imply that history is profoundly contingent in that independent origins of life in the universe will spawn radically different histories. If, however, most innovations arose more than once on Earth, histories would be predictable and replicable at the scale of functional roles and directions of adaptive change. Times of origin of 23 purportedly unique evolutionary innovations are significantly more ancient than the times of first instantiation of 55 innovations that evolved more than once, implying that the early phases of life’s history were less replicable than later phases or that the appearance of singularity results from information loss through time. Indirect support for information loss comes from the distribution of sizes of clades in which the same minor, geologically recent innovation has arisen multiple times. For three repeated molluscan innovations, 28–71% of instantiations are represented by clades of five or fewer species. Such small clades would be undetectable in the early history of life. Purportedly unique innovations either arose from the union and integration of previously independent components or belong to classes of functionally similar innovations. Claims of singularity are therefore not well supported by the available evidence. Details of initial conditions, evolutionary pathways, phenotypes, and timing are contingent, but important ecological, functional, and directional aspects of the history of life are replicable and predictable.
Incidence, Timing, Symptoms, and Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

• BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after cardiac surgery and a major cause of morbidity and increased cost of care. • OBJECTIVES To examine the incidence, timing, symptoms, and risk factors for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. • METHODS A total of 302 patients were continuously monitored for atrial fibrillation with standard hardwire and telemetry devices during hospitalization after coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery and with wearable cardiac event recorders for 2 weeks after discharge from the hospital. After discharge, patients recorded and transmitted their rhythm by telephone daily and whenever they had symptoms suggestive of atrial fibrillation. • RESULTS Of the 302 patients, 127 (42%) had atrial fibrillation; 41 had it after discharge, and for 10 it was their first episode. The first episode occurred at a mean of 2.9 days after surgery (SD, 3.1; range, day of surgery to 21 days after surgery). Although palpitations was the most common symptom (17%), most episodes of atrial fibrillation (69%) were not associated with symptoms. Independent predictors of atrial fibrillation were age 65 years or greater, history of intermittent atrial fibrillation, atrial pacing, male sex, white race, and not having hyperlipidemia. Independent predictors of atrial fibrillation after discharge from the hospital were having atrial fibrillation while hospitalized, valve surgery, and pulmonary hypertension. • CONCLUSIONS Atrial fibrillation is common after cardiac surgery and often occurs after discharge from the hospital and without accompanying symptoms. Outpatient monitoring may be warranted in patients with characteristics that place them at increased risk for atrial fibrillation. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2003;12:424-435)
Bi-Dimensional Acculturation and Cultural Response Set in CES-D among Korean Immigrants

This study examined a cultural response set to positive affect items and depressive symptom items in CES-D among 172 Korean immigrants. Bi-dimensional acculturation approach, which considers maintenance of Korean Orientation and adoption of American Orientation, was utilized. As Korean immigrants increased their American Orientation, they tended to score higher on positive affect items, with no changes occurring in depressive symptom items. Korean Orientation was not related to either positive affect items or depressive symptom items. Korean immigrants have a response bias toward positive affect items in CES-D, which decreases as they adopt more American Orientation. CES-D lacks cultural equivalence for Korean immigrants.
New insights from hemichordate genomes: prebilaterian origin and parallel modifications in the paired domain of the Pax gene eyegone

The evolutionary origin of the Drosophila Pax transcription factor gene eyegone (eyg) has long been enigmatic owing to the failure in detecting orthologs in other species and the unusual N-terminal truncation of the DNA-binding paired domain (PD). Based on the discovery of eyg orthologs in representatives of hemichordate phyla, we show that the origin of eyg predated metazoan diversification and that the PD experienced similar but independent N-terminal modifications in the lineages to sea urchins and insects. Sequence conservation patterns further raise the possibility of persisting functionality in the N-terminal PD of strongly modified eyg orthologs. Finally, we note that the evolutionary histories of eyg and the vertebrate Pax6 isoform 5a, which have been considered functional homologs, are not correlated. Taken together, these findings identify Drosophila eyg as the baptizing member of an ancient Pax gene subfamily and recommend abandoning its classification as Pax6(5a)-related gene.
Tethered Transplants for Estimating Biomass Growth Rates of the Arctic LichenMasonhalea richardsonii

Abstract Air quality studies often take advantage of the ability of lichens and mosses to accumulate certain contaminants in their tissues. In order to evaluate the rate of contaminant accumulation from concentrations in tissues, the age of the tissue must be known. Our objective was to develop and test a method for estimating annual growth rates and thallus ages for Masonhalea richardsonii, a vagrant clonal lichen abundant throughout its Beringean range. The annual growth rate of healthy individuals from Arctic Alaska, based on the 75th percentile of a cumulative frequency distribution, was 11.6% (90% confidence interval: 11.2–13.3%). This growth rate suggests that the biomass of a healthy M. richardsonii individual doubles within a period of approximately 6.3 years (90% confidence interval: 5.6–6.5 years). Average ages for the thalli in this study were estimated at 5 to 41 years using a negative compound interest formula and assuming initial masses of thallus fragments. Calculations and their appropriat...
Temporality of two-way functional coupling between FSH and follicles in heifers

The intervals from removal of FSH suppressants by follicle ablation to an increase in FSH and from an increase in FSH to an increase in follicle diameter were determined hourly during follicular wave 1 in a follicles-intact group (n = 7) and a follicles-ablated group (n = 20). Follicles other than the largest subordinate follicle of wave 1 (SF1) were ablated when the dominant follicle of wave 1 (DF1) was about 11 mm (hour 0) and FSH concentration was basal. In an ablated-regressed subgroup (n = 5), SF1 diameter decreased constantly during hours 0 to 8. In an ablated-maintained subgroup (n = 15), SF1 decreased for 2 or 3 hours and then increased (n = 11) or increased constantly (n = 4). Average diameter of SF1 during 8 hours was greater (P < 0.01) in the maintained subgroup (8.3 ± 0.07 mm) than in the regressed subgroup (7.3 ± 0.09 mm). Concentration of FSH increased (P < 0.02) similarly between the two ablated subgroups but did not change during the 8 hours in the follicles-intact group. In each wave in the ablated-maintained subgroup with a decrease and then an increase in SF1 diameter (n = 11), the SF1 increase was preceded by an FSH increase. The interval from hour 0 (removal of source of FSH suppressants) to the beginning of an increase in FSH was 0.8 ± 0.3 hours. The interval from the beginning of an FSH increase to the beginning of an SF1 diameter increase was 2.8 ± 0.4 hours. The immediate coupling and decoupling between follicles and FSH may be essential aspects of follicle deviation during selection of DF1 by impeding the growth rate of the future SF1 before it can attain the developmental stage needed for continued growth during low FSH.
International migration trends in Latin America: research and data survey

Since the 1950s, international migration in Latin America has been transformed from immigration from extra-regional sources, to migration among countries within Latin America itself. While this shift has been noted in the literature, its systematic study remains in its infancy. This paper provides an overview of the literature dealing with international migration in Latin America, and it addresses problems with transit and census data for the region. In addition, the main themes of the other papers of this issue are introduced and several lines of needed research are suggested.
India's path to knowledge.

Debate about science and higher education in India needs to shift away from preoccupation with bureaucratic control, the likely emergence of India as a powerhouse of science, and allocation of resources to elite universities (“India rising,” R. Stone, News Focus, 24 February, p. [904][1]).
Variation in the glans penes and bacula among Latin American populations of the Peromyscus boylii species complex

Geographic and nongeographic variation was examined in the glans penesand bacula of 34 samples representing five nominate taxa of Peromyscus boylii -like forms ( P. boylii rowleyi, P. b. sacarensis, P. beatae, P. levipes levipes , and P. l. ambiguus ). Sixteen qualitative and quantitative characters were analyzed by use of cluster and principal-component analyses. Five types of phalli are found among the five taxa examined. One of these types is unique in that epidermal spines are absent from the surface of the glans penis. The other four are described in terms of their differences in size, spine development, furrowing, and length of cartilaginous tip. The pattern of phallic variation among samples of P. boylii is not entirely concordant with the pattern depicted by craniometric, biochemical, and chromosomal data. Populations bearing the first, second, and perhaps third phallic types described herein apparently represent undescribed taxa in the Peromyscus boylii species complex.
Structure of Turbulent Boundary Layers and Surface Pressure Fluctuations on a Patch of Roughness Elements

Measurements were made in a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer over two roughness patches containing hemispherical and cubical elements. The elements were 3 mm in height and spaced 16.5 mm apart in an array containing 7 streamwise rows and 6 spanwise columns for a total of 42 elements per patch. The boundary layer thickness was approximately 60 mm, so the ratio of element height to that thickness was a large amount at k= = 1=20. A three velocity component laser Doppler velocimeter measured instantaneous velocities. Mean ow and turbulence statistics were calculated as well velocity energy spectra. Surface pressure uctuations were measured using a two-microphone subtraction method. The results show that hemispherical elements produce larger turbulence quantities in their wakes compared to the cubes. This is due to the hemispheres having a frontal area nearly 60% larger than that of the cubes. The turbulence levels behind the hemispheres is a maximum behind the rst streamwise row of elements, and decreases afterwards. The cubical elements maintain a nearly constant amount of turbulence in their wake, signifying little interaction between cubical elements. Surface pressure uctuations vary little in the streamwise direction of the patches. The hemispherical elements produce a larger sound pressure level behind them than the cube elements do. Velocity spectra results show large normal stress energy for regions at and below the element height. The energy for locations high in the boundary layer increases as the ow moves downstream. Coherency plots show that there is a large correlation between the turbulent structure and production of shear stress at the roughness height. Any measurements taken at or below the roughness height are highly correlated under 10 kHz, while locations higher in the boundary layer are correlated under 2 kHz.
Is reaction time different for long and short response durations in simple and choice conditions

Subjects pressed a key down as fast as possible but controlled the response duration of the keypress. The task required long (300 ±100 msec) and short (150±50 msec) durations in both simple (long only or short only) and choice (mixed long and short) conditions. Choice reaction time was slower than simple reaction time, but reaction time for long and short durations did not differ significantly for either simple or choice conditions. This finding fails to support a study by Klapp, Wyatt, and Lingo (1974) which found reaction time differences between long and short durations for choice but not simple conditions.
Population dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum sporogony in laboratory-infected Anopheles gambiae.

The population dynamics of cultured Plasmodium falciparum parasites was examined during their sporogonic development in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Estimates of absolute densities were determined for each life stage, and life tables were constructed for each of 38 experimental infections. Macrogametocyte and ookinete mortalities contributed equally to the overall mortality. On average, there was a 40-fold decrease in parasite numbers in the transition from the macrogametocyte to the ookinete stage, a 69-fold decrease in the transition from ookinete to oocyst stages, and a total net decrease in parasite numbers from macrogametocyte to oocyst stage of 2,754-fold (i.e., multiplicative). There was no relationship between macrogametocyte and ookinete densities due to the inherent variability in fertility among different gametocyte cultures. There was a curvilinear relationship (r2 = 0.66) between ookinete and oocyst densities. Above a threshold of about 30 ookinetes/mosquito, the oocyst yield per ookinete became increasingly greater with increasing ookinete density. There was a linear relationship (r2 = 0.73) between oocyst and sporozoite densities, with an average of 663 salivary gland sporozoites produced per oocyst. Sporozoite production per oocyst was not affected by oocyst density and virtually all oocyst infections resulted in sporozoite infections of the salivery glands. This quantitative study indicates that the sporogony of cultured P. falciparum in laboratory-infected A. gambiae is an inefficient process and that the ookinete is the key transitional stage affecting the probability of vector infectivity.
Studies of controlled reperfusion after ischemia. XVIII. Reperfusion conditions: attenuation of the regional ischemic effect by temporary total vented bypass before controlled reperfusion

This study tests the hypothesis that total vented bypass can attenuate the regional ischemic effect during a defined time interval before controlled blood cardioplegic reperfusion. Thirty-three dogs underwent 2 or 4 hours of occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and then received a regional blood cardioplegic reperfusate on total vented bypass. Cardiopulmonary bypass and reperfusion were started after 2 hours of ischemia in eight dogs, and after 4 hours of ischemia in 25 others. Among the 25 dogs, seven had total vented bypass started after the first 2 hours of the 4 hours of regional ischemia. Segmental shortening (ultrasonic crystals), tissue water content (wet/dry weight), and histochemical damage (triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain) were assessed 2 hours after reperfusion. Dogs reperfused after 2 hours of ischemia recovered 73% +/- 8% of control systolic shortening and sustained only 11% triphenyltetrazolium chloride nonstaining. Dogs undergoing 4 hours of regional ischemia, but with total vented bypass 2 hours before reperfusion had improved recovery of systolic shortening (49% versus 31%, p less than 0.05), limited epicardial edema (79.6% versus 81.1% water content, p less than 0.05), and reduced histochemical damage (24% versus 39% triphenyltetrazolium chloride nonstaining, p less than 0.05). These findings imply that institution of total vented bypass during ischemia attenuates the infarct process, increases regional recovery of contractility, limits edema and restricts histochemical damage, and may be a useful adjunct to myocardial salvage when controlled reperfusion can be provided.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection probability is influenced by seasonal activity of organisms

Environmental DNA (eDNA) holds great promise for conservation applications like the monitoring of invasive or imperiled species, yet this emerging technique requires ongoing testing in order to determine the contexts over which it is effective. For example, little research to date has evaluated how seasonality of organism behavior or activity may influence detection probability of eDNA. We applied eDNA to survey for two highly imperiled species endemic to the upper Black Warrior River basin in Alabama, US: the Black Warrior Waterdog (Necturus alabamensis) and the Flattened Musk Turtle (Sternotherus depressus). Importantly, these species have contrasting patterns of seasonal activity, with N. alabamensis more active in the cool season (October-April) and S. depressus more active in the warm season (May-September). We surveyed sites historically occupied by these species across cool and warm seasons over two years with replicated eDNA water samples, which were analyzed in the laboratory using species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. We then used occupancy estimation with detection probability modeling to evaluate both the effects of landscape attributes on organism presence and season of sampling on detection probability of eDNA. Importantly, we found that season strongly affected eDNA detection probability for both species, with N. alabamensis having higher eDNA detection probabilities during the cool season and S. depressus have higher eDNA detection probabilities during the warm season. These results illustrate the influence of organismal behavior or activity on eDNA detection in the environment and identify an important role for basic natural history in designing eDNA monitoring programs.