cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of sildenafil on small intestinal motility and myoelectrical activity in dogs.

Previous studies have shown that sildenafil inhibits the esophageal motility in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sildenafil on intestinal myoelectrical activity and motility. The study was composed of 2 experiments and performed in 7 healthy female dogs with a duodenal cannula 20 cm beyond pylorus (19–26 kg). The first experiment was designed to study the effects of sildenafil on intestinal myoelectrical activity and it included 2 sessions each consisting of 30-minute baseline, 15-minute posttreatment (placebo or 100 mg sildenafil) and 90 minutes after a liquid meal. Intestinal myoelectrical activity was recorded during the entire experiment period. The second experiment was aimed to investigate the effect of sildenafil on intestinal motility and was performed immediately after a solid meal. Intestinal motility was measured by a manometric catheter inserted into the small intestine via the duodenum cannula for 30 minutes at baseline and 60 minutes after sildenafil. Sildenafil significantly reduced the amplitude but had no effect on the frequency and regularity of the intestinal myoelectrical activity. Sildenafil significantly inhibited postprandial intestinal contractions. Although the frequency of the contractions was not altered, the mean area under the curve was significantly reduced during the first 30 minutes (P < .03) and second 30 minutes after sildenafil (P < .03); the power of intestinal contractile activities was also significantly reduced during the first 30 minutes (P < .0004) and second 30 minutes after sildenafil (P < .0003) in comparison with baseline. In conclusion, sildenafil inhibits the amplitude of both intestinal contractile activity and intestinal slow waves.
Broadening of Fe X (6374 Å) Profiles Above the Limb in A Coronal Hole

Profiles of the visible Fe X (6374 A) coronal emission line as a function of height above the limb were obtained out to 1.16 solar radii in a coronal hole using the NSO/Sacramento Peak Observatory Coronagraph, Universal Spectrograph and a CCD camera. These are the first coronal line profiles obtained as a function of height in a coronal hole from the ground. Analysis of the line widths suggests a large component of nonthermal broadening which increases with height ranging from 40 to 60 km/s, depending upon the assumed temperature or thermal component of the profile.
Evolutionary change during experimental ocean acidification

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions are driving unprecedented changes in seawater chemistry, resulting in reduced pH and carbonate ion concentrations in the Earth’s oceans. This ocean acidification has negative but variable impacts on individual performance in many marine species. However, little is known about the adaptive capacity of species to respond to an acidified ocean, and, as a result, predictions regarding future ecosystem responses remain incomplete. Here we demonstrate that ocean acidification generates striking patterns of genome-wide selection in purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) cultured under different CO2 levels. We examined genetic change at 19,493 loci in larvae from seven adult populations cultured under realistic future CO2 levels. Although larval development and morphology showed little response to elevated CO2, we found substantial allelic change in 40 functional classes of proteins involving hundreds of loci. Pronounced genetic changes, including excess amino acid replacements, were detected in all populations and occurred in genes for biomineralization, lipid metabolism, and ion homeostasis—gene classes that build skeletons and interact in pH regulation. Such genetic change represents a neglected and important impact of ocean acidification that may influence populations that show few outward signs of response to acidification. Our results demonstrate the capacity for rapid evolution in the face of ocean acidification and show that standing genetic variation could be a reservoir of resilience to climate change in this coastal upwelling ecosystem. However, effective response to strong natural selection demands large population sizes and may be limited in species impacted by other environmental stressors.
Biodiversity conservation: effects of changes in climate and land use.

Arising from: C. D. Thomas et al. Nature 427, 145–148 (2004)); see also communication from Thuiller et al. and communication from Harte et al.; Thomas et al. reply Thomas et al.1 argue, contrary to Sala et al.2, that climate change poses an equal or greater threat to global biodiversity than land-use change. We contest this claim, however, on the grounds that Thomas et al. incorrectly apply species–area relationships.
Polyphenyletherketone and polyphenylethersulfone adhesives for metal-to-metal joints

Abstract Two major factors play an important part in improving adhesive bonding in crystalline polyphenyletherketone ( pek ) and amorphous polyphenylethersulfone ( pes ) polymer-to-metal joint systems: (1) the mechanical strength of reaction product layers formed at polymer/metal interfaces is greater than that of the polymer itself; and (2) the extent of mechanically weak Fe2O3 layers on interfacial metal surfaces, which should be minimized to avoid the undesirable cohesive failure mode through these layers. As a result, the most promising failure mechanism for good bond performance was the mixed cohesive failure modes in which separation occurred in both the polymer and adhesive layers at the polymer/metal interfaces.
Synchronization and control of parallel algorithms

Abstract We propose a modest collection of primitives for synchronization and control in parallel numerical algorithms. These are phrased in a syntax that is compatible with FORTRAN, creating a publication language for parallel software. A preprocessor may be used to map code written in this extended FORTRAN into standard FORTRAN with calls to the run-time libraries of the various parallel systems now in use. We solicit the reader's comments on the clarity, as well as the adequacy, of the primitives we have proposed.
Cellular response of cardiac fibroblasts to amyloidogenic light chains.

Amyloidoses are a group of disorders characterized by abnormal folding of proteins that impair organ function. We investigated the cellular response of primary cardiac fibroblasts to amyloidogenic light chains and determined the corresponding change in proteoglycan expression and localization. The cellular response to 11 urinary immunoglobulin light chains of κ1, λ6, and λ 3 subtypes was evaluated. The localization of the light chains was monitored by conjugating them to Oregon Green 488 and performing live cell confocal microscopy. Sulfation of the proteoglycans was determined after elution over Q1-columns with a single-step salt gradient (1.5 mol/L NaCl) via dimethylmethylene blue. Light chains were detected inside cells within 4 hours and demonstrated perinuclear localization. Over 80% of the cells showed intracellular localization of the amyloid light chains. The light chains induced sulfation of the secreted glycosaminoglycans, but the cell fraction possessed only minimal sulfation. Furthermore, the light chains caused a translocation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan to the nucleus. The conformation and thermal stability of light chains was altered when they were incubated in the presence of heparan sulfate and destabilization of the amyloid light chains was detected. These studies indicate that internalization of the light chains mediates the expression and localization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans.
Self-ignition behavior of fuel droplets in hot stagnant gases

Abstract The self-ignition of single fuel droplets in hot stagnant gas environments has been investigated by high speed photographic measurements. The technique developed for this purpose involves rapid insertion of a hollow quartz filament into a furnace chamber followed immediately by formation of a droplet at the filament tip, where it is retained until ignition. This method allows determination of ignition delay times with millisecond resolution and, at the same time, observation of the formation of the initial flame front surrounding the droplet under conditions approaching spherical symmetry. This technique has been used to study the ignition of n -heptane droplets of 0·2–0·7 mm dia. in air at atmospheric pressure at temperatures of 500-860°C. Ignition delays increased monotonically from 22 msec at the highest temperature to over 2 sec at the lowest. The initial flame fronts were approximately spherical and were located at a distance of 3–4 doplet radii from the droplet surface.
Effects of Lower Surgical Fees on the Use of Physician Services Under Medicare

Background and Objective. —The changes in physician fees that will occur under the resource-based Medicare Fee Schedule (MFS) are similar to those that took place under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87), when Medicare fees for selected "overpriced" procedures and diagnostic tests were reduced. To gain insight regarding the changes in utilization that may occur under the MFS, this study examines the effects of the OBRA 87 fee reductions on the use of physician services by Medicare patients. Data and Methods. —The five specialties that were most affected by the OBRA 87 fee reductions were studied: ophthalmology, thoracic surgery, urology, orthopedic surgery, and gastroenterology. Medicare physician claims files for 1987 and 1989 were used to obtain data on utilization and fees. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the effect of changes in fees on changes in utilization. Results. —The best estimate of the effect of the OBRA 87 fee reductions on overall physician-services utilization, obtained by pooling the five study specialties, was that every 1% decrease in fees led to a 0.09% decrease in the volume and complexity of services (95% confidence interval, 0.49% decrease to 0.31% increase). This result was not sensitive to minor changes in the covariates included in the regression model. Conclusion. —To calculate payment levels during the transition to the MFS, the Health Care Financing Administration assumed that physicians whose Medicare revenue declines under the MFS will increase service volume and complexity enough to make up one half of the lost revenue. The findings of this study suggest that the Health Care Financing Administration's assumption was, at best, extreme. ( JAMA . 1993;269:2513-2518)
AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF THE GIANT GREEN ALGAL COENOCYTE, CAULERPA PROLIFERA

The general fine structure of the giant coenocyte Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskal) Lamouroux is presented. The cytoplasm forms a parietal layer throughout the plant without any regular membranous separations within organs or between organs. The vacuome is similar in structure. There are distinct patterns of organelle distribution in the highly polar cytoplasm of rhizoids and blades. The organelles are compared to those of other members of the division Chlorophyta and are typical. Amyloplast structure is compared to that of chloroplasts. A possible developmental sequence from chloroplast buds through an unusual circular body is suggested.
The relationship of blood oxygen affinity to body size in lizards

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen affinity of whole blood of 51 species of lizards from 12 families was measured at the eccritic temperature of each species. 2. 2. Blood oxygen affinity was lower than that of birds or mammals and increased with increasing body size. 3. 3. Iguanid lizards were used as a basis for comparisons of other families. Blood oxygen affinity of lizards in the families Agamidae, Cordylidae, Lacertidae and Varanidae did not differ from that of iguanids of comparable body size. 4. 4. Teiid and anguid lizards had lower oxygen affinities than iguanids. possibly reflecting their more active lives. 5. 5. Scincid and chamaeleonid lizards had higher blood oxygen affinities than iguanids, apparently as a result of their lower eccritic temperatures. 6. 6. Geckonid and xantusiid lizards had higher blood oxygen affinities than iguanids at their normally low eccritic temperatures and at higher temperatures comparable to eccritic temperatures of iguanid lizards.
A decade of prevalence surveys in a tertiary-care center: trends in nosocomial infection rates, device utilization, and patient acuity.

Objective:To evaluate the usefulness of repeated prevalence surveys to determine trends in the rates of nosocomial infections and to detect changes in risk factors (eg, use of invasive devices) associated with nosocomial infections.Patients And Methods:Ten annual prevalence surveys were conducted by trained infection control practitioners between 1985 and 1995 for acute-care patients on the medical, surgical, pediatric, and obstetric-gynecologic services at a 900-bed, tertiary-care, teaching hospital with 750 acute-care beds. The same methods of chart review and concurrent reporting from nursing, the microbiology and clinical laboratory, and the pharmacy were used each year to collect data on the prevalence of nosocomial infections, invasive-device utilization, and abnormal laboratory indicators. Although data were collected on a single day, a period-prevalence study approach was used, because charts were reviewed for any infection data occurring within the 7 days prior to the survey.Results:The hospital census for acute-care patients, as measured by the prevalence surveys, declined sharply over the 10 years, from 673 to 575 patients (P=.02). However, the medical service census increased from 150 to 188 patients (P=.01). During the same period, there was a significant decrease in the mean length of stay, from 7.3 to 6.0 days (P=.01), and a concomitant increase in the mean diagnosis-related-group case-mix index, from 1.03 to 1.24 (P=.001). Overall, nosocomial infection rates remained unchanged over the study period (mean of 9.85 infections per 100 patients), but rates of nosocomial bloodstream infection increased from 0.0% in 1985 to 2.3% in 1995 (P=.05). Nosocomial infection rates were significantly higher on the medical and surgical services than on other services (P<.001). Utilization rates increased significantly for Foley catheters (9.0% to 16.0%, P=.002) and ventilators (5.0% to 8.0%, P=.05).Conclusions:Despite apparent increases in the severity of illness of our patients, overall rates of nosocomial infection remained stable during a decade of study. Rates of nosocomial bloodstream infection increased, in parallel with National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System data. We found repeated prevalence surveys to be useful in following trends and rates of infection, device utilization, and abnormal laboratory values among patients at our institution. Such methodologies can be valuable and low-cost components of a comprehensive infection surveillance, prevention, and control program and other potential quality-improvement initiatives, because they enable better annual planning of departmental strategies to meet hospital needs
Escherichia coli helicase II (UvrD) protein initiates DNA unwinding at nicks and blunt ends.

Abstract The Escherichia coli uvrD gene product, helicase II, is required for both methyl-directed mismatch and uvrABC excision repair and is believed to function by unwinding duplex DNA. Initiation of unwinding may occur specifically at either a mismatch or a nick, although no direct evidence for this has previously been reported. It has recently been shown that helicase II can unwind fully duplex linear and nicked circular DNA with lengths of at least approximately 2700 base pairs in vitro; hence, a flanking region of single-stranded DNA is not required to initiate DNA unwinding. In studies with uniquely nicked duplex DNA, we present EM evidence that helicase II protein initiates DNA unwinding at the nick, with unwinding proceeding bidirectionally. We also show that helicase II protein initiates DNA unwinding at the blunt ends of linear DNA, rather than in internal regions. These data provide direct evidence that helicase II protein can initiate unwinding of duplex DNA at a nick, in the absence of auxiliary proteins. We propose that helicase II may initiate unwinding from a nick in a number of DNA repair processes.
Four issues unique to socio-cultural indicators

Four value commitments act as barriers to the development of sociocultural indicators. First, no specialists exist to develop socio-cultural indicators. Second, society is seen only as an order-seeking entity. Third, we fail to see the phenomenon as a living system. Fourth, our commitment to a pseudo-pragmatism dictates that such indicators must be ‘useful’ to those who bankroll their collection. Perhaps systems philosophers should be contracted to guide the task.
Mcl-1 antagonizes Bax/Bak to promote effector CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses.

Members of the Bcl-2 family have critical roles in regulating tissue homeostasis by modulating apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic molecules physically interact and restrain pro-apoptotic family members preventing the induction of cell death. However, the specificity of the functional interactions between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members remains unclear. The pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bcl-2 interacting mediator of death (Bim) has a critical role in promoting the death of activated, effector T cells following viral infections. Although Bcl-2 is an important Bim antagonist in effector T cells, and Bcl-xL is not required for effector T-cell survival, the roles of other anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1) in regulating effector T-cell responses in vivo. We found, at the peak of the response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, that Mcl-1 expression was increased in activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Retroviral overexpression of Mcl-1-protected activated T cells from death, whereas deletion of Mcl-1 during the course of infection led to a massive loss of LCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, the co-deletion of Bim failed to prevent the loss of Mcl-1-deficient T cells. Furthermore, lck-driven overexpression of a Bcl-xL transgene only partially rescued Mcl-1-deficient effector T cells suggesting a lack of redundancy between the family members. In contrast, additional loss of Bax and Bak completely rescued Mcl-1-deficient effector T-cell number and function, without enhancing T-cell proliferation. These data suggest that Mcl-1 is critical for promoting effector T-cell responses, but does so by combating pro-apoptotic molecules beyond Bim.
Pertussis toxin treatment prevents 5‐HT5a receptor‐mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in rat C6 glioma cells

We have investigated the functional coupling of the rat 5HT(5a) receptor subtype to adenylate cyclase in a rat C6 glioma cell line. In 5HT(5a) receptor-transfected cells, 5HT caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, with an EC(50) value of 41 nM and a maximal effect of 57% inhibition. This effect was dependent on the concentration of forskolin used to elevate cAMP levels. Methiothepin (1 mcM), which has high affinity for the 5HT(5a) receptor, antagonized the 5HT(5a) receptor-mediated inhibition, and unmasked a stimulation of cAMP formation similar to that observed in untransfected cells, whereas ketanserin (0.1 mcM) enhanced the inhibitory effect of 5HT. Pertussis toxin treatment (0.5 mcg/ml) completely blocked the inhibitory effect of 5HT on cAMP formation, also revealing increase in cAMP accumulation. Pretreatment of the transfected membranes with pertussis toxin abolished subsequent ADP-ribosylation of a 41 kDa protein, correlating the cAMP effect with a functional uncoupling of an inhibitory G protein from its receptor. These results demonstrate an efficient functional coupling of the rat 5HT(5a) receptor to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G[alpha(i)], inhibitory G-protein.
On the accuracy of models for predicting sound propagation in fitted rooms

The objective of this article is to make a contribution to the evaluation of the accuracy and applicability of models for predicting the sound propagation in fitted rooms such as factories, classrooms, and offices. The models studied are 1:50 scale models; the method-of-image models of Jovicic, Lindqvist, Hodgson, Kurze, and of Lemire and Nicolas; the emprical formula of Friberg; and Ondet and Barbry's ray-tracing model. Sound propagation predictions by the analytic models are compared with the results of sound propagation measurements in a 1:50 scale model and in a warehouse, both containing various densities of approximately isotropically distributed, rectangular-parallelepipedic fittings. The results indicate that the models of Friberg and of Lemire and Nicolas are fundamentally incorrect. While more generally applicable versions exist, the versions of the models of Jovicic and Kurze studied here are found to be of limited applicability since they ignore vertical-wall reflections. The Hodgson and Lindqvist models appear to be accurate in certain limited cases. This preliminary study found the ray-tracing model of Ondet and Barbry to be the most accurate of all the cases studied. Furthermore, it has the necessary flexibility with respect to room geometry, surface-absorption distribution, and fitting distribution. It appears to be the model with the greatest applicability to fitted-room sound propagation prediction.
High resolution optical frequency domain reflectometry for characterization of components and assemblies.

We describe a technique for polarization sensitive optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) that achieves 22 micrometer two-point spatial resolution over 35 meters of optical length with -97 dB sensitivity in a single measurement taking only seconds. We demonstrate OFDR’s versatility in both time- and frequency-domain metrology by analyzing a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in both the spectral and impulse response domains. We also demonstrate how a polarization diversity receiver can be used in an OFDR system to track changes in the polarization state of light propagating through a birefringent component.
Functional Outcome of Cognitively Impaired Hip Fracture Patients on a Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes (physical functions and discharge destinations) of cognitively impaired and intact older hip fracture patients, and to identify cognitive skills related to functional gains. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study of hip fracture patients treated on an acute inpatient rehabilitation service, with evaluation of functional performance and living status determined at admission and discharge. SETTING: A specialized inpatient geriatric rehabilitation program at Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital, which is affiliated with Emory University School of Medicine. SUBJECTS: Fifty-eight hip fracture patients, 35 with and 23 without cognitive impairment. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive functioning measured by the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS); functional outcome assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM); comparison of pre-fracture with discharge living environments. MAIN RESULTS: Both cognitively impaired and intact hip fracture patients exhibited similar overall FIM motor improvements as well as functional gains in specific FIM areas measuring self-care, sphincter control, and locomotion (e.g., walking). Cognitively intact patients, however, displayed significantly greater gains in mobility (e.g., transfers) at discharge. Cognitively impaired patients who lived in the community were as likely as intact patients to return to the community. Patients who entered the program at a modified dependence level (FIM 3–5) and achieved motor independence at discharge (FIM 6–7) had higher MDRS initiation/perseveration and memory scores. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture patients with cognitive impairments can achieve positive outcomes as defined by functional improvement and discharge destination. Intensive post-fracture rehabilitation in the early phase of recovery may promote functional independence and a return to the community for older patients at risk for nursing home placement. Future research should examine the long-term maintenance of these improvements and explore how rehabilitation interventions can be altered to enhance outcome.
Continuous five‐day infusion of pala and 5FU: A pilot phase II trial

In order to determine whether a simultaneous infusion of N-(phospho-n-acetyl)-L-aspartic acid (PALA) was able to increase the rate of antitumor response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a pilot study was conducted. Of 10 evaluable patients with previously drug-untreated colorectal carcinoma, there were only two partial responses, lasting 2.3 and 1.6 months. No partial responses were observed in three evaluable patients with soft tissue sarcomas. The dose-limiting toxicity was dermatitis. The simultaneous infusion of PALA and 5-FU is not likely to produce a high number of antitumor responses of long duration in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Covalent adlayer growth on a diamond thin film surface.

The surface of boron-doped diamond thin films can be modified by exposure to a strong oxidizing agent, resulting in the formation of −OH and O terminated diamond. The −OH groups are reacted with an acid chloride to produce a covalently bound, modified diamond thin film surface. The demonstration of these reactions allows for the facile modification of diamond surfaces using techniques well established for oxide surfaces. Characterization of the covalently bound species shows submonolayer coverage, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements are reflective of the highly featured nature of the diamond film.
Resting sestamibi imaging for the prognosis of low-risk chest pain.

. Objective: To assess the prognostic value of resting Tc-99m sestamibi scanning for adverse cardiac events (ACEs) in ED chest pain patients with a low probability of acute cardiac ischemia (ACI). Methods: Sixty-nine consenting, hemodynamically stable patients with chest pain and a nondiagnostic electrocardiogram received an injection of 25 mCi of sestamibi during or within two hours of active pain. Scans were interpreted locally by a nuclear cardiologist or radiologist. Interrater reliability was assessed. ACEs of myocardial infarction (MI), death, or revascularization were assessed during the index hospitalization and over a one-year follow-up period. Results: For ACEs, rest scanning with sestamibi had a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI = 0.33 to 0.97), a specificity of 92% (95% CI = 0.82 to 0.97), and an accuracy of 90% (95% CI = 0.87 to 0.99). The positive predictive value was 50% (95% CI = 0.19 to 0.82) and the negative predictive value was 97% (95% CI = 0.87 to 0.98). Sestamibi scanning was highly discriminating, with 62% of patients with positive scans but only 3% with negative scans having ACEs (p < 0.001, log rank test). Conclusion: In patients with low-risk chest pain, sestamibi scanning has good specificity and moderate sensitivity for ACEs over a 12-month period.
A theory of metallic conductivity of the two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract It is well known that electron–electron interaction in two-dimensional disordered systems leads to logarithmically divergent Altshuler–Aronov corrections to conductivity at low temperatures (Tτ⪡1; τ is the elastic mean-free time). This work is devoted to the fate of such corrections at intermediate temperatures Tτ>1. We show that in this (ballistic) regime the temperature dependence of conductivity is still governed by the same physical processes as the Altshuler–Aronov corrections—electron scattering by Friedel oscillations. However, in this regime the correction is linear in temperature; the value and even the sign of the slope depends on the strength of electron–electron interaction (this sign change may be relevant for the “metal-insulator” transition observed recently).
Target detection from image sequences using pixel-based decision criterion

In the pursuit of detecting ever smaller and dimmer object the track-before-detect methodology has been employed to integrate the target energy through a time sequence of frames. Current track-before-detect algorithms maintain a path statistic for each potential object trajectory. This set of trajectories is usually trimmed to keep the number of statistics manageable, and it becomes difficult to characterize the performance of the detector. In this paper we propose a pixel based statistic rather than a path based statistic and use it in a track-before-detect algorithm for a class of trajectories constrained only by a maximum target velocity.
Cation exchange capacity of two-component container media predicted from laboratory analysis of components.

Abstract A mathematical equation predicting cation exchange capacity (CEC) of pine bark‐sand container media from CEC of the individual components was formulated. The equation is the weighted sum of milliequivalents contributed by each component and is corrected for shrinkage due to mixing of components. Both measured and predicted CEC increased linearly with increasing percent volumetric bark in pine bark‐sand media. Regression equations describing measured and predicted CEC were not statistically different. The predictive equation was also tested on 6 non‐synthesized 2‐component media prepared from peat moss, perlite, pine bark, vermiculite, and sand. No statistical differences between measured and predicted CEC were obtained.
Obacunone Represses Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands 1 and 2 in an envZ-Dependent Fashion

Obacunone belongs to a class of unique triterpenoids called limonoids, present in Citrus species. Previous studies from our laboratory suggested that obacunone possesses antivirulence activity and demonstrates inhibition of cell-cell signaling in Vibrio harveyi and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The present work sought to determine the effect of obacunone on the food-borne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 by using a cDNA microarray. Transcriptomic studies indicated that obacunone represses Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1), the maltose transporter, and the hydrogenase operon. Furthermore, phenotypic data for the Caco-2 infection assay and maltose utilization were in agreement with microarray data suggesting repression of SPI1 and maltose transport. Further studies demonstrated that repression of SPI1 was plausibly mediated through hilA. Additionally, obacunone seems to repress SPI2 under SPI2-inducing conditions as well as in Caco-2 infection models. Furthermore, obacunone seems to repress hilA in an EnvZ-dependent fashion. Altogether, the results of the study seems to suggest that obacunone exerts an antivirulence effect on S. Typhimurium and may serve as a lead compound for development of antivirulence strategies for S. Typhimurium.
Interactive communication for resource allocation

For the resource allocation problem in a multiuser OFDMA system, we propose an interactive communication scheme between the base station and the users with the assumption that this system utilizes a rateless code for data transmission. We describe the problem of minimizing the overhead measured in the number of bits that must be exchanged required by the interactive scheme, and solve it with dynamic programming. We present simulation results showing the reduction of overhead information enabled by the interactive scheme relative to a straightforward one-way scheme in which each user reports its own channel quality.
Solution of the Kondo problem

This review covers in great detail the Bethe-ansatz approach to the solution of various versions of the Kondo problem.
Adaptive control techniques for dynamic visual repositioning of hand-eye robotic systems

Using active monocular vision for 3-D visual control tasks is difficult since the translational and the rotational degrees of freedom are strongly coupled. The paper addresses several issues in 3-D visual control and presents adaptive control schemes for the problem of robotic visual servoing (eye-in-hand configuration) around a static rigid target. The objective is to move the image projections of several feature points of the static rigid target to some desired image positions. The inverse perspective transformation is assumed partially unknown. The adaptive controllers compensate for the servoing errors, the partially unknown camera parameters, and the computational delays which are introduced by the time-consuming vision algorithms. The authors present a stability analysis along with a study of the conditions that the feature points must satisfy in order for the problem to be solvable. Finally, several experimental results are presented to verify the validity and the efficacy of the proposed algorithms. >
Renormalized cosmological perturbation theory

We develop a new formalism to study nonlinear evolution in the growth of large-scale structure, by following the dynamics of gravitational clustering as it builds up in time. This approach is conveniently represented by Feynman diagrams constructed in terms of three objects: the initial conditions (e.g. perturbation spectrum), the vertex (describing nonlinearities) and the propagator (describing linear evolution). We show that loop corrections to the linear power spectrum organize themselves into two classes of diagrams: one corresponding to mode-coupling effects, the other to a renormalization of the propagator. Resummation of the latter gives rise to a quantity that measures the memory of perturbations to initial conditions as a function of scale. As a result of this, we show that a well-defined (renormalized) perturbation theory follows, in the sense that each term in the remaining mode-coupling series dominates at some characteristic scale and is subdominant otherwise. This is unlike standard perturbation theory, where different loop corrections can become of the same magnitude in the nonlinear regime. In companion papers we compare the resummation of the propagator with numerical simulations, and apply these results to the calculation of the nonlinear power spectrum. Remarkably, the expressions in renormalized perturbation theory can be written in a way that closely resembles the halo model.
"Software jobs go begging, threatening technology boom" Computer services employment in U.S. metropolitan areas, 1982 and 1993

The campaign to promote the networking of America underscores the importance of information infrastructures that can support regional competitiveness. One crucial element of a regional information infrastructure is a computer services (CS) industry that supports computer systems, provides backward and forward linkages among all sectors of the economy, serves as engines for economic growth, enhances production efficiency, and encourages innovation. But research on metropolitan CS has been limited, and where CS are analyzed directly, spatial units of analysis vary and CS are rarely disaggregated. This paper situates CS employment within spatial analyses of producer services, outlines infrastructural characteristics, analyzes CS distribution across metropolitan areas in 1982 and 1993, and considers the implications of the findings. The data suggest that while large metropolitan areas are most likely to have a diverse base of specializations in multiple CS types, many smaller metropolitan areas possess CS specializations. We conclude that ranking in the urban CS hierarchy is more likely to be a function of local economic structure than metropolitan population. The uneven dispersion of CS capacity across metropolitan areas potentially has negative ramifications for implementation of national policy and development of underserved regional economies.
Viability of Trichomonas vaginalis in Copan universal transport medium and eSwab transport medium.

The prevalence of trichomoniasis, a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, has been estimated from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to be approximately 3.1% in the United States among women of reproductive age and as high as 13.3% in African Americans (4). Furthermore, trichomoniasis is a risk factor for preterm birth and a marker of high-risk sexual behavior and is often associated with other reportable STDs (2, 5). T. vaginalis is most frequently identified by microscopic examination of vaginal fluid, but this method has a sensitivity of only about 60% compared to that of culture (3). Most physicians’ offices do not maintain media for the culture of T. vaginalis or have the equipment, such as incubators, required for T. vaginalis culture. The goal of this study was to evaluate routine transport media (universal transport medium [UTM] and eSwab transport medium; Copan Diagnostics, Inc., Murrieta, CA) used by many clinics for transport to a formal laboratory setting where delayed culture for T. vaginalis can be performed. The patients selected for the study met the following criteria: females presenting to the Jefferson County Department of Public Health (Alabama) STD clinic for examination/treatment, postpubescent and 16 years of age, not pregnant, and not having taken metronidazole or tinidazole within 2 weeks of recruitment. Vaginal swab specimens for T. vaginalis culture were randomized into two equal groups: those stored at room temperature (RT) and those stored at 37°C. All participants, as per the standard of care, were inoculated in the clinic via vaginal swab with an InPouch (Biomed Diagnostics, White City, OR) for T. vaginalis culture; these “bedside inoculated” cultures were kept at 37°C in the clinic and the laboratory and are the gold standard samples for the study. Specimens for transport in UTM and eSwab medium were taken from all participants by using a flocked swab provided with each kit. The UTM and eSwab media inoculated with the RT specimens were stored at RT in the clinic and during transport, and the UTM and eSwab media inoculated with the 37°C specimens were stored at 37°C in the clinic and during transport. In the laboratory, all the UTM and eSwab media were used to inoculate InPouches, which were subsequently incubated at 37°C. Clinic-derived InPouches and InPouches inoculated from UTM and eSwab transport medium were evaluated for positive culture for 5 consecutive days. Cultures that failed to grow after 5 consecutive days were recorded as negative for T. vaginalis.
Fuzzy information technology and knowledge management

Fuzzy information technology (fuzzy IT) is a useful extension of traditional IT in that it can manipulate qualitative or non-crisp data. This ability of fuzzy methodologies may fill an important role in the growing concern firms have for identifying, measuring, and managing the knowledge in the firm. This corporate knowledge is now considered to be intellectual capital which firms can leverage for competitive advantage. Fuzzy IT researchers need to relate their methods to the concepts and models used in knowledge (intellectual capital) management so that they can more easily demonstrate how much fuzzy IT can contribute to the effort. In some cases, both fuzzy and crisp versions of IT exist that can be used to gather, formalize, and leverage knowledge, but they may need to be fine-tuned for this specific application. In other cases, no fuzzy extension has been developed for an information technology tool that supports knowledge management. These cases represent research opportunities for fuzzy IT researchers.
Information fusion methods based on physical laws

We consider systems whose parameters satisfy certain easily computable physical laws. Each parameter is directly measured by a number of sensors, or estimated using measurements, or both. The measurement process may introduce both systematic and random errors which may then propagate into the estimates. Furthermore, the actual parameter values are not known since every parameter is measured or estimated, which makes the existing sample-based fusion methods inapplicable. We propose a fusion method for combining the measurements and estimators based on the least violation of physical laws that relate the parameters. Under fairly general smoothness and nonsmoothness conditions on the physical laws, we show the asymptotic convergence of our method and also derive distribution-free performance bounds based on finite samples. For suitable choices of the fuser classes, we show that for each parameter, the fused estimate is probabilistically at least as good as its best measurement as well as best estimate. We illustrate the effectiveness of this method for a practical problem of fusing well-log data in methane hydrate exploration.
Comparison of C4d Immunostaining Methods in Renal Allograft Biopsies

Immunostaining of renal allograft biopsies for C4d deposition has become an important diagnostic tool in the recognition of humoral-mediated graft rejection. The majority of studies have been performed on frozen tissue sections with one of several commercially available antibody reagents. However, only a single small series that compared reagents or methods, including staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, has been published. Two different staining methods in 138 renal allograft biopsies were compared directly: A mAb (Quidel, San Diego, CA) on frozen tissue sections with indirect immunofluorescence (IF) and a polyclonal antibody (Biomedica Gruppe, distributed by ALPCO, Windham, NH) applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue with immunohistochemical (IHC) detection. An initial data set of 107 consecutive cases showed complete agreement between staining methods in 104 (97%) cases. Overall, nine of 107 cases were positive with one or both methods, representing 8.4% of all allograft biopsies tested, 15% of clinically indicated biopsies, and 24% of biopsies with a histologic diagnosis of acute cellular rejection. A second set of 31 cases included 17 cases that were positive by either method, with concordance in 29 of 31 cases. Combining the two data sets, the overall specificity of the IHC method compared with IF was 98%, and sensitivity was 87.5%. Direct comparison demonstrates that IHC staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue with anti-C4d polyclonal antibody has acceptable sensitivity and specificity, as compared with IF staining of frozen tissue with the Quidel mAb.
Analogies at War

What is war, as we now use the term? What are the consequences thereof for the meaning of law? Under what conditions is the language of war necessary for capturing the demands on law in times of transition? By examining the evolution of ‘war talk’ and ‘law talk’, and the implications thereof for ‘rights talk’, this article examines the promise – and limits – of transformative law, with particular reference to recent developments in the United States. From the ‘war on poverty’ to the ‘war on crime’ and from the ‘war on drugs’ to the ‘war on terrorism’, the practice of law in the United States has taken its cue from the language of war. To ascertain the meaning of language, this article provides a discourse analysis of law – and war – in times of transition. The article introduces modes of analogical reasoning and demonstrates the importance of analysing language for understanding law and public policy. The analysis shows that decision-makers use analogies not simply to justify law and public policy (what I term rhetoric) but also to perform specific cognitive and information-processing tasks essential to decision-making (what I term reason). Applying this framework for analysis to the case at hand, the article traces the emergence of the ‘war on terrorism’ and explains, first, how the language of war informed US responses to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and delineates, second, the consequences thereof for political rights and civil liberties.
Economic Justification of Laboratory Automation

In these times of tight pharma R&D budgets, tightening academic budgets, and increasing merger and acquisition pressures (and following the burst of the biotechnology bubble), investments in laboratory automation demand justification beyond simple declarations that something is better or faster. Choices need to be analyzed to convince not only top management but also convince us that automation makes sense for an organization, be it an established pharmaceutical company, start-up biotech, or academic research center. Formal techniques exist to help complete this analysis and answer the key question posed by economic justification: Is this the best choice for an organization given limited funds? Laboratory automation is a technological endeavor. As such, existing economic tools and financial techniques can be used to compare technology and investments based on economic measures of effectiveness. These tools and techniques are often called economic analysis, engineering economy, or economic decision analysis. Traditionally used in engineering and manufacturing, these techniques have become ingrained into public sector decision making and therefore are taught widely. They run the gamut from a simple comparison of alternatives to
Collection of Photoelectrons and Operating Parameters of CsI Photocathode GEM Detectors

A study has been made of the parameters affecting the extraction and collection of photoelectrons from the surface of a CsI photocathode in a triple GEM detector. The purpose of this study was to optimize the photoelectron collection efficiency and GEM operating conditions for the PHENIX Hadron Blind Detector (HBD) at RHIC. The parameters investigated include the electric field at the surface of the photocathode, the voltage across the GEM, the electric field below the GEM, the medium into which the photoelectrons are extracted (gas or vacuum), and the wavelength dependence of the extraction efficiency. A small, calibrated light source, or ldquoscintillation cuberdquo was used to illuminate a GEM CsI photocathode with a known photon flux produced by the scintillation light from 5.48 MeV alpha particles in CF4. The photoelectron collection efficiency was calculated by comparing the number of photoelectrons produced to the number collected at the GEM readout pad. Results are presented on the study of the parameters affecting the photoelectron collection efficiency and the construction and calibration of the scintillation cube.
The Oak Ridge Spreadsheet Battle Model

The Oak Ridge Spreadsheet Battle Model, a historically based, spreadsheet-implemented battle-outcome-predicting model, is a static model that predicts the outcome of one battle at a time. This outcome includes the predicted length of the battle; however, the predictions are based not on a dynamic, time stepped process, but on a straightforward set of (mostly linear) equations relating the predictions to the input data. The construction of the model is based on statistical analyses of historical data and simulations based on these analyses. The model can provide the basis for a dynamic simulation of warfare. The spreadsheet model assumes that forces X and Y, supplied by the user, are to fight and yields the estimated results. However, one of the major factors of warfare is the selection and positioning of forces for battle and the timing of the actual engagement. A simulation containing the battle assessment model could direct the majority of its processing to the strategic and logistics issues of war. >