cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific interaction of a partially purified Xenopus transcription factor IIIC (TFIIIC) with frog tRNA gene.

Abstract Transcription factor IIIC (TFIIIC) from Xenopus has been partially purified and characterized. Footprinting analyses indicate that a partially purified TFIIIC fraction contains an activity which specifically recognizes the “B” block element of tRNA gene. In addition, two other regions located downstream from the “B” block sequence are also protected. Protection experiments on 5S genes by DNAase I with either TFIIIC alone or TFIIIA and TFIIIC produced a minimal change in the cleavage pattern implying that TFIIIC does not intimately associate with DNA. The implications of these findings in relation to the class III gene transcription are discussed.
Evidence for lower crustal ductile strain localization in southern New York

Historic triangulation data have been analysed to determine whether intraplate seismicity is associated with ongoing ductile deformation in the lower crust. The model we have attempted to test is basically analogous to strain accumulation and release along plate-boundary strike-slip faults like the San Andreas Fault in California. That is, beneath an elastic-seismogenic upper crust ∼20 km thick, strain is preferentially localized within ductile shear zones in the lower crust due to broad-scale plate driving forces. The localized lower-crustal ductile strain causes stress and strain to accumulate elastically in the brittle crust which is eventually released in crustal earthquakes. At greater depths, this localized shear deformation probably develops into pervasive ductile flow. Numerous geodetic measurements along the San Andreas Fault confirm that earthquakes in the brittle upper crust are produced by the release of elastic strain that results from ongoing ductile shear or slip in the lower crust1,2. We have found evidence of high rates of crustal deformation in southern New York which suggest that localized ductile shear is occurring in the lower crust.
A short review of current laboratory microcomputer systems and practice

Abstract In the last few years quite powerful complete computer systems have become available that fill many laboratory needs at low cost (US $3,000–10,000). This development is based on the use of microcomputers, which now have capabilities that were previously associated with minicomputers. Due to the rapidly expanding use of microcomputers, a very large software base has been developed. As a result it is now feasible to use a microcomputer in the laboratory for signal averaging, controlling experiments, data analysis and reduction, printing and storage of results, plotting of graphs, curve fitting, statistics and word-processing. These applications of a microcomputer can make some other laboratory equipment unnecessary, thus providing substantial savings on items such as analog tape recorders, strip chart recorders, and stimulus generators.
Capture of mass‐reared vs. wild‐like males of Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae) in trimedlure‐baited traps

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used to suppress or eradicate infestations of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), an insect whose broad polyphagy poses a serious threat to fruit and vegetable crops. The SIT involves the production, sterilization and release of sterile insects to obtain sterile male by wild female matings, thus yielding infertile eggs. Mass-rearing over many generations is known to produce dramatic changes in the behaviour and life history of C. capitata. This study investigated the possibility that mass-rearing also alters male response to trimedlure, a sex-specific attractant widely used in detection and monitoring programmes. We compared captures of released males from a mass-reared strain and a recently established colony of wild flies in trimedlure-baited Jackson traps at three spatial scales - open field, large field enclosures (75 m 2 ) and small field cages (7 m 2 ) - in two separate years. In the first year, males were used independently of flight ability, while in the second year only males with demonstrated flight capability were used. Trap capture was scored 2 days after release for the open field and the large field enclosures but either 1 h or 1 day after release in the small field cages. The findings were consistent across these different experiments: wild-like males were captured in significantly greater numbers than mass-reared males in both years of study, except in the trials lasting 1 day in the small field cages where significantly more wild than mass-reared males were captured in 1 year but not the other. These results are compared with other studies, and their implications for SIT are discussed.
Density Measurements of 2-Propanol Solutions in Supercritical CO2

Using a vibrating-tube densitometer, densities of 2-propanol solutions with compositions between (0.72 and 1.89) mol % in supercritical CO2 have been measured isothermally at (40, 50, 60, and 70) °C at pressures to 34.47 MPa. These measurements span the temperature and pressure ranges of earlier neutron scattering studies of the supercritical CO2 fluids, and density data are needed to interpret the results. In addition, these results should aid in using supercritical CO2 for separation or processing with 2-propanol and for improving the broad database supporting supercritical fluid technologies in general.
Sartre's Existentialism and Social Work

Abstract The profession of social work is currently facing a crisis of authentic identity. Social work's persistent reliance on other social sciences for its ontological justification, and its tendency to change its mission in response to social reality is inconsistent with authenticity. Existentialism, as a philosophy that values human freedom, social praxis and mutual cooperation towards fulfillment of needs, offers a framework for individual and social transformation congruent with the ideals of social work. In addition, Sartre's existential evolution from unwavering individualism in Being and Nothingness to the necessity of cooperative action in the Critique of Dialectical Reason may help to unify social work practice on the micro and macro levels.
Novel Series of Ribbon Structures in Dialkylammonium Chlorocadmates Obtained By Dimensional Reduction of the Hexagonal CdCl2 Lattice

Small dialkylammonium cations (DMA+ = dimethylammonium, DEA+ = diethylammonium, and DPA+ = dipropylammonium) were used as molecular “scissors” to obtain ribbon structures based on edge-sharing octa...
Clubbing of the digits as a primary disease.

1)Two cases of hereditary clubbing and two cases of idiopathic clubbing are described. The literature concerning this subject is reviewed. 2)Clubbing of the digits may be present as a primary disease and does not in itself indicate the presence of a visceral lesion.
Legal and research evidence and the O. J. Simpson Trial

(1995). Legal and research evidence and the O. J. Simpson Trial. Western Journal of Communication: Vol. 59, No. 4, pp. 347-354.
Local similarity functions derived from second-moment budgets in the convective boundary layer

A further discussion of local similarity in the convective boundary layer is presented. The similarity functions are derived from budget equations for the turbulent heat flux and temperature variance. The obtained similarity curves are compared with atmospheric measurements and with large-eddy simulation results.
Studies on some of the inherent optical properties of natural waters [Invited]

The author's experimental activities in ocean optics that are related to the inherent optical properties of natural waters are discussed. The specific subjects discussed are (1) measurements of Mueller matrices for several ocean water regions; (2) measurements of the spectral absorption of pure water throughout the visible spectrum; (3) the development of an in situ absorption meter that provides higher accuracy than is available for any other inherent optical property; (4) a relatively simple expression for the refractive index of water as a function of temperature, salinity, and wavelength; and (5) development of the first instrument to directly determine the backscattering coefficient b(b).
Domain decomposition methods for advection dominated linear-quadratic elliptic optimal control problems

Abstract We present an optimization-level domain decomposition (DD) preconditioner for the solution of advection dominated elliptic linear-quadratic optimal control problems, which arise in many science and engineering applications. The DD preconditioner is based on a decomposition of the optimality conditions for the elliptic linear-quadratic optimal control problem into smaller subdomain optimality conditions with Dirichlet boundary conditions for the states and the adjoints on the subdomain interfaces. These subdomain optimality conditions are coupled through Robin transmission conditions for the states and the adjoints. The parameters in the Robin transmission condition depend on the advection. This decomposition leads to a Schur complement system in which the unknowns are the state and adjoint variables on the subdomain interfaces. The Schur complement operator is the sum of subdomain Schur complement operators, the application of which is shown to correspond to the solution of subdomain optimal control problems, which are essentially smaller copies of the original optimal control problem. We show that, under suitable conditions, the application of the inverse of the subdomain Schur complement operators requires the solution of a subdomain elliptic linear-quadratic optimal control problem with Robin boundary conditions for the state. Numerical tests for problems with distributed and with boundary control show that the dependence of the preconditioners on mesh size and subdomain size is comparable to its counterpart applied to a single advection dominated equation. These tests also show that the preconditioners are insensitive to the size of the control regularization parameter.
PROPERTIES OF THE MINIMUM POINT OF AN UNBALANCED TWO-SIDED RANDOM WALK

In this paper, properties of minimum point of a unbalanced two-sided random walk are investigated. Under the condition that the parameters at both sides tend to zero at the same order, probabilities that the minimum point is on which side, and the second order expansions for the first two moments of the minimum point are obtained. Applications of these results are very promising. First, they can be used to study the properties of the maximum likelihood estimator for the change point in the large sample case; second, they can be used to study inference problems after CUSUM test.
Institutional adjustment and instrumental value

Abstract Eastern Europe and Russia, in their struggles to make comprehensive transformations of their economies, are being guided mainly by neoclassical theories and advisors in pursuit of stabilization, privatization, and restructuring. It is the argument of this paper that an alternative approach holds greater promise. The paper offers major tenets and principles of a contemporary institutional‐evolutionary theory of institutional adjustment. That framework is then used to present and appraise an abbreviated version of the mainstream position, especially as reflected in the views of advisor Jeffrey Sachs. Of special significance is consideration of social value aspects of institutional adjustment.
Increased efficiency in evaluating patients with suspected tuberculosis by use of a dedicated airborne infection isolation unit.

Background The resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) in the 1980s and early 1990s in the United States was also accompanied by numerous hospital outbreaks of TB and nosocomial transmission to health care workers. Objective To determine whether a dedicated airborne infection isolation (AII) unit improves efficiency in “ruling-out” patients suspected of having pulmonary TB. This is important because, to prevent nosocomial transmission of TB, the number and ratio of patients isolated who are subsequently found to have TB is much higher than those “ruled out” and have TB excluded. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted of all patients 18 years and older admitted to respiratory isolation during 3 separate time periods before and after opening of an 26-bed AII unit in a 1000-bed, public, university-affiliated, innercity hospital. Results A total of 879 patients were admitted during the 3 study periods. Most were black and males (87%, 72%, respectively). The median age was 42 years, and 70% of patients included in the study were HIV positive. Among patients who “ruled out,” ie, TB was excluded by having 3 negative AFB smears of respiratory specimens for TB, there was a significant decrease in time from 5.0 days in period I to 3.3 days in period III ( P P = .0015). Conclusion The decrease in isolation time after the opening of the dedicated AII unit demonstrates that a concerted effort to rule patients out by having nurses and respiratory therapists trained in tuberculosis control is efficacious and efficient and results in significant cost savings.
Presence of cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes in adult and fetal rat liver

Abstract A colony of Wistar-strain rats bred at Purdue University was composed of animals with two different isozyme patterns of liver cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3, ALDH) as determined by isoelectric focusing. One cytosolic isozyme pattern had a major activity band with a pI = 5.8 and a minor activity band at pI = 6.2. The other pattern contained three major isozymes with pI values of 5.3, 5.4 and 5.6 along with the pI 6.2 isozyme and a trace of the 5.8 one. The 5.8 and 6.2 isozymes were recognized by antibodies produced against horse and beef liver cytosolic ALDH, whereas the set of three (5.3–5.6) were not. The cytosolic isozymes were inhibited by low levels of disulfiram and had Km values for acetaldehyde in the 100 μM range, properties typical for cytosolic ALDHs. All animals contained the same isozymes of liver mitochondrial ALDH. These were a major activity with a pI = 5.2 and minor activities associated with isozymes of pI = 6.4 and 6.6. These isozymes were recognized by antibodies produced against pure horse and beef liver mitochondrial ALDHs. Both cytosolic and mitochondrial ALDHs were found in fetal liver as early as day 15 of gestation. The total activity for mitochondrial ALDH increased between day 15 and day 21 whereas that for cytosolic ALDHs remained relatively constant during development. It appeared that both cytosolic and mitochondrial ALDH were present by at least the third trimester and could afford the fetus some protection against the toxic action of endogenous or exogenous aldehydes.
Dorsal root compression produces myelinated axonal degeneration near the biomechanical thresholds for mechanical behavioral hypersensitivity

Increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli produced by transient cervical nerve root compression is dependent on the severity of applied load. In addition, trauma in the nervous system induces local inflammation, Wallerian degeneration, and a host of other degenerative processes leading to axonal dysfunction. Here, axonal degeneration and inflammation were assessed following transient dorsal root compression to establish a relationship between conditions for dorsal root axonal changes and those previously established for the onset and maintenance of mechanical behavioral hypersensitivity (26.3 mN and 38.2 mN, respectively). Compression loads were applied over a range (0-110 mN) known to produce sustained behavioral hypersensitivity. CD68- and NF200-immunoreactivity, as well as axonal pathological changes, were assessed in the dorsal root to investigate the load thresholds requisite for inducing macrophage infiltration and axonal degeneration relative to those thresholds for producing the onset and persistence of behavioral hypersensitivity. Neurofilament accumulation and the depletion of NF200-immunoreactivity in the region of compressed tissue were produced for loads that produce mechanical behavioral hypersensitivity. A 50th-percentile load threshold was determined (31.6 mN) governing the onset of NF200 depletion. However, CD68-immunoreactivity was increased for nearly all loads, suggesting that macrophage recruitment may not be directly related to nerve root-mediated behavioral hypersensitivity. This study provides new evidence for threshold-mediated degenerative changes in the context of behavioral hypersensitivity following nerve root compression.
Studies on the bacteriophage PS-8 of Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith and Townsend) Conn: purification and properties.

An efficient method for the purification of the bacteriophage PS-8 from the plant-tumorigenic bacterium,A. tumefaciens is described followed by the study of some of its biological, biophysical and biochemical properties. The bacteriophage PS-8 produces plaques of about 1.3 mm diameter. After prolonged centrifugation it bands in CsCl at a density of 1.516±0.008 g/ml. It has a nucleic-acid∶protein ratio of 54∶ 46 and an E260/E280 ratio of 1.55. The sedimentation coefficient (s∘20, w) is 520S. Based on this coefficient a molecular-weight of 59.8×106 daltons was estimated for the entire particle. The bacteriophage has a hexagonal head of 700 ±70 A diameter and a flexible tail of 2600 ±400 A length and 140±20 A width. The proteins of the bacteriophage PS-8 were analyzed by SDS-gel electrophoresis. CsCl purified virus showed 11 protein bands, 4 of which were predominant. The molecular-weights of these proteins were estimated. The relation of this bacteriophage to other bacteriophages fromA. tumefaciens is discussed.
Analysis of Gas Foil Bearings With Piecewise Linear Elastic Supports

Gas foil bearings (GFBs) rely on their underlying elastic foundation to support radial loads at high rotor speeds. The bump foil strip compliance determines the maximum load capacity with large rotor excursions, well in excess of the bearing nominal clearance. GFBs must be designed properly to permit their reliable (predictable) usage in aircraft engines and other heavy load applications because an elastic foundation that is too soft results in a limited load capacity. Configurations in practical use include a second bump-strip layer or stop-pins underneath the original bumps which become active above a certain load threshold. In these last configurations, the overall stiffness of the support structure has piecewise load versus deflection characteristics. Presently, a simple physical model for GFBs with piecewise linear elastic supports follows. The analysis couples the Reynolds equation for the thin film flow of an ideal gas to the elastic supports motion. An exact flow advection model is adopted to solve the partial differential equations for the zeroth- and first- order pressure fields, thus rendering the GFB load capacity and frequency dependent rotordynamic force coefficients. Predictions show that heavily loaded GFBs comprising two bump layers in series and including stop pins prevent too large bump deflections which may induce permanent plastic deformations. The structural damping or loss factor in a GFB with a two bump strip layer enhances the bearing direct damping force coefficients.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Invitation for flexible sigmoidoscopy screening reduced colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer mortality

Source Citation Holme O, Loberg M, Kalager M, et al. Effect of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014;312:606-15. 251...
Sensitivity to word order cues by normal and language/learning disabled adults.

Abstract Sixteen adults with language/learning disabilities (L/LD) and 16 adults who lacked a personal or familial history of L/LD participated in a study designed to test sensitivity to word order cues that signaled grammatical versus ungrammatical word strings belonging to an artificial grammar. In an exposure phase, participants heard word strings constructed of novel CVC words for a period of 5 min. In a test phase, participants were asked to judge new sentences as either obeying or violating the rules of the grammar they heard. L/LD participants performed significantly below the comparison group on this task. The results suggest that this skill, which emerges early in life for normal children, is problematic for adults with L/LD. Learning outcomes The reader will become familiar with a paradigm that allows assessment of rapid learning of word order rules and how this learning differs for normal and language/learning disabled adults.
Versatile wireless sacrificial transducers for electronic structural surveillance sensors

The goal of this work is to develop novel transducers for use with our low-cost unpowered wireless Electronic Structural Surveillance (ESS) sensors aimed at monitoring corrosion of the steel reinforcement in concrete. A new transduction scheme is presented which incorporates a fully exposed sacrificial transducer element capable of non-contact interaction with the sensor circuitry. This wire-free interaction of the fully exposed, sacrificial transduction layer is the key innovation avoiding the need to breach the hermetic seal that protects the sensing circuit and yet maintain direct monitoring of corrosion. This design also allows the transducer to make use of a variety of materials and morphologies. Here we present our new design, experimentally demonstrate the behavior of our prototype sensor, and develop a new paradigm for transduction in passive wireless sensors.
Failure of guideline adherence for intervention in patients with severe mitral regurgitation

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the incidence with which adult patients with significant mitral regurgitation (MR) do not undergo surgical intervention despite guideline recommendations, and the associated considerations resulting in no intervention. Background Despite the existence of accepted guidelines, many patients with severe symptomatic heart valve disease might not undergo intervention. Methods At a single large tertiary medical center, patients were retrospectively identified who had moderate-to-severe or severe MR on echocardiographic imaging during 2005. Clinical data were reviewed to determine indications for intervention and whether surgery was performed. Results During 2005, 300 patients were identified with significant MR, including 188 with functional MR and 112 with organic MR. Mitral surgery was performed in 30 of 188 patients with functional MR, mostly to treat heart failure or during another cardiac surgical procedure. Mitral surgery was performed in 59 (53%) of 112 patients with organic MR. Among unoperated patients with organic MR, common reasons included stable left ventricular size or function, absence of symptoms, and prohibitive comorbidities. Using American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, 1 or more indication for intervention was present in 39 (74%) of 53 unoperated patients. Perioperative mortality risk was not higher for patients who did not undergo surgery (median 1.2%, interquartile range [IQR] 0.4% to 3.3%) than for those who did (median 1.1%, IQR 0.6% to 5.3%; p = 0.71). During follow-up, there were 12 cardiac and 2 unexplained deaths. Conclusions Among patients with severe organic MR, surgical intervention occurred in approximately one-half. However, accepted guideline indications for intervention were present in the majority of unoperated patients. Objectively assessed operative risk was not prohibitive in many unoperated patients.
Wick–Malliavin approximation to nonlinear stochastic partial differential equations: analysis and simulations

Approximating nonlinearities in stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) via the Wick product has often been used in quantum field theory and stochastic analysis. The main benefit is simplification of the equations but at the expense of introducing modelling errors. In this paper, we study the accuracy and computational efficiency of Wick-type approximations to SPDEs and demonstrate that the Wick propagator, i.e. the system of equations for the coefficients of the polynomial chaos expansion of the solution, has a sparse lower triangular structure that is seemingly universal, i.e. independent of the type of noise. We also introduce new higher-order stochastic approximations via Wick–Malliavin series expansions for Gaussian and uniformly distributed noises, and demonstrate convergence as the number of expansion terms increases. Our results are for diffusion, Burgers and Navier–Stokes equations, but the same approach can be readily adopted for other nonlinear SPDEs and more general noises.
Single surgical procedure with general anaesthesia early in life is associated with subsequent impaired language development and cognitive function.

Commentary on: Ing C, Dimaggio C, Whitehouse A, et al. Long-term differences in language and cognitive function after childhood exposure to anesthesia. Pediatrics 2012;130:e476–85.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Thus far, more than 250 studies in immature animals have demonstrated that exposure to commonly used anaesthetics produces neuronal cell death, alters brain development and may lead to neurocognitive impairment.1 ,2 Similarly, in humans, an association between learning disabilities and two or more anaesthetic exposures has been observed in some studies, as most recently reported in children under 2 years of age.3 Ing and colleagues examined individually administered neuropsychological tests performed at 10 years of age in over 2500 members of a birth cohort born in Western Australia between 1989 and 1992. Children who had undergone a surgical procedure under 3 years of age (n=321) were compared with those who did not (n=2287). Language skills were … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatrics%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1542%252Fpeds.2011-3822%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22908104%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=pediatrics&resid=130/3/e476&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F4%2Fe39.atom
Experiences of HIV/AIDS Counselors in Zimbabwe and Their Perceptions on the State of HIV/AIDS Counseling in Zimbabwe

This study investigated Zimbabwean counselors' experiences of providing HIV/AIDS counseling and their perceptions about the state of HIV/AIDS counseling in Zimbabwe. The participants were a diverse group of counselors, 30 through 59 years of age, who provided counseling services to HIV/AIDS clients. Participants thought HIV/AIDS counselors in Zimbabwe received minimal support and supervision and were undertrained. They identified that the first sessions with clients were the most difficult. They also found it problematic to work with couples who were serodiscordant (one partner who is HIV positive and the other HIV negative) and couples wanting children. The later stages of the counseling process were also found to be challenging. Though the participants acknowledged they had negative psychological experiences when counseling HIV/AIDS clients, they also expressed feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment in their work.
The medical director's role: neglect in long-term care.

Elder mistreatment is a significant problem in nursing homes. Analysis of databases generated from annual state surveys and formal complaints showed that more than 30% of the nursing homes in the United States were cited for abuse violations that had potential for significant harm to residents. 1 Many frail elders are fearful of residing in facilities because of concerns involving mistreatment. Allegations of neglect constitute a significant portion of elder mistreatment. In general, neglect of a resident typically involves the failure to provide life essentials such as food, water, medication, comfort, safety, personal hygiene, clothing, and other necessities as required by the individual’s physical condition. The US Code of Federal Regulations establishes requirements for care of long-term care residents (42 CFR Part 483). 2 These requirements include the charge to maintain a resident’s functional status and to prevent medical problems that are commonly present in cases of neglect. In the nursing home, poor care or care below accepted medical standards may result in signs and symptoms of neglect. Signs of neglect may include dehydration, malnutrition, pressure ulcerations, poor hygiene, and contractures. For the year 2004, complaints of gross neglect reported to the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS), made up 0.9%, or 2056 of 227,721 complaints. 3 Twenty-nine percent, 65,075 of 227,721, of the complaints under the “resident care” category, included improper handling, delayed assistance, care planning, contractures, pressure sores, and unattended symptoms. 3 Some of these complaints could also qual
Iterative reconstruction of tomographic images with Fourier components as model parameters

Iterative tomographic image reconstruction methods have focused on the optimization of some measure in the acquired data space with the image pixel values serving as the model parameters. We have developed an alternative approach in which the model parameters are instead pixel values in the two-dimensional frequency space representation of the model image. The results are at least equivalent to those obtained with the model in image space with the advantage of a considerable decrease in computational cost. >
A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Findings on the Role of Spirituality and Religiosity Among Culturally Diverse Domestic Violence Survivors

In this metasynthesis study, the author explores, extracts, and synthesizes themes from related qualitative studies on the role of spirituality and religiosity with culturally diverse domestic violence survivors. Using Noblit and Hare's metaethnographic strategy, the main themes and concepts from eight qualitative articles (six actual research studies, as three articles were written by the same author from the same data set) were reduced to nine themes. Themes include (a) strength and resilience, (b) tension stemming from religious definition of family, (c) tension stemming from religious definition of gender role expectations, (d) spiritual vacuum, (e) reconstruction, (f) recouping spirit and self, (g) new interpretations of submission, (h) forgiveness as healing, and (i) giving back. Implications for practitioners are discussed.
MAD phasing: Bayesian estimates of FA

A Bayesian approach is applied to the calculation of Patterson functions and cross-Fourier maps in the analysis of multi-wavelength anomalous-diffraction (MAD) data. This procedure explicitly incorporates information available a priori on the likely magnitudes of partial structure factors (FA) corresponding to the anomalously scattering atoms, uses weighted-average estimates of FA, and incorporates estimates of errors in the data that are not represented in the instrumental uncertainties. The method is demonstrated by application to MAD data collected on selenomethionine-containing gene V protein.
Familial correlations of HDL subclasses based on gradient gel electrophoresis.

We used nondenaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis to examine the familial correlations of high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses for 150 offspring in 47 nuclear families. The absorbance of protein stain was used as an index of mass concentrations at intervals of 0.01 nm within five HDL subclasses: HDL3c (7.2-7.8 nm), HDL3b (7.8-8.2 nm), HDL3a (8.2-8.8 nm), HDL2a (8.8-9.7 nm), and HDL2b (9.7-12 nm). Parent-offspring correlations were computed for two different characterizations of the parents: 1) by sex (i.e., mother versus father) and 2) by their relative values (highest versus lowest HDL). Sibling resemblance was assessed by using the intraclass correlations coefficient. Family members were significantly related for the following subclasses: HDL3c (sibling and father-offspring), HDL3b (sibling), HDL3a (sibling and mother-offspring), HDL2a (mother-offspring), and HDL2b (sibling, father-offspring, and mother-offspring). The offsprings' HDL3c and HDL2b values were more strongly related to their fathers' than to their mothers' values, whereas their HDL2a levels were more strongly related to their mothers' than their fathers' values. In addition, fathers' HDL2b levels were inversely correlated with the offsprings' HDL3b. The parents' HDL subclass levels were more strongly related to subclass levels of their younger (< or = 20 years) than their older offspring. Among all subclasses, HDL2b showed the strongest parent-offspring relation, with the parents' HDL values accounting for over 30% of the variance in offsprings' HDL2b.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Device Design for a 12.3-Megapixel, Fully Depleted, Back-Illuminated, High-Voltage Compatible Charge-Coupled Device

A 12.3-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD) that can be operated at high substrate-bias voltages has been developed in support of a proposal to study dark energy. The pixel size is 10.5 mum, and the format is 3512 rows by 3508 columns. The CCD is nominally 200 mum thick and is fabricated on high-resistivity n-type silicon that allows for fully depleted operation with the application of a substrate-bias voltage. The CCD is required to have high quantum efficiency (QE) at near-infrared wavelengths, low noise and dark current, and an rms spatial resolution of less than 4 mum. In order to optimize the spatial resolution and QE, requirements that have conflicting dependences on the substrate thickness, it is necessary to operate the CCD at large substrate-bias voltages. In this paper, we describe the features of the CCD, summarize the performance, and discuss in detail the device-design techniques used to realize 200-mum-thick CCDs that can be operated at substrate-bias voltages in excess of 100 V.
Optimization of a Photonically Controlled Microwave Switch and Attenuator

A silicon-based photoconductive switch and attenuator for microwave signals has been demonstrated and optimized for low insertion loss and high attenuation response upon illumination from a standard infrared LED. This device is fabricated within a coplanar waveguide for easy integration into a planar antenna for photonic control of an array. A general tradeoff exists between the goals of low insertion loss and high attenuation range. However, design and process enhancements are found to improve the device performance. A device that offers up to 20-dB attenuation with insertion loss of only 0.6 dB at 2.0 GHz is demonstrated. These devices show a frequency range where the insertion phase shift upon attenuation is significantly less than 1°/dB.
Impact of Metabolism by Extragastrointestinal Tissue on Secretory Rate of Milk Proteins

This paper reviews the current state of knowledge about the postabsorptive utilization of AA. Data on the duodenal entry of AA and the projected output of these same AA as milk protein demonstrate significant losses. Within the essential AA, these losses range from 70% for Thr to 40% for Met and Lys. For Val, almost half of the loss is due to its use for nonsecretory purposes by the mammary gland; values decrease to 0% for other AA. The liver is the other major organ, apart from the portal-drained viscera, that is responsible for significant AA disposal. Interactions of Met metabolism with other methyl sources and gluconeogenic precursors that can alter the Met requirement also are discussed. Data on the transhepatic and transsplanchnic AA balance in lactating cows, and the coordinated use of these balances with duodenal flow and mammary balance, are needed. Further research also is needed into the functionality of use of AA for purposes other than milk protein synthesis to determine whether excess catabolism of AA occurs; assuming it does, more efforts are needed to identify regulation of AA disposal in the crucial tissues.
Essential Role of Lymph Nodes in Contact Hypersensitivity Revealed in Lymphotoxin-α–Deficient Mice

Lymph nodes (LNs) are important sentinal organs, populated by circulating lymphocytes and antigen-bearing cells exiting the tissue beds. Although cellular and humoral immune responses are induced in LNs by antigenic challenge, it is not known if LNs are essential for acquired immunity. We examined immune responses in mice that lack LNs due to genetic deletion of lymphotoxin ligands or in utero blockade of membrane lymphotoxin. We report that LNs are absolutely required for generating contact hypersensitivity, a T cell–dependent cellular immune response induced by epicutaneous hapten. We show that the homing of epidermal Langerhans cells in response to hapten application is specifically directed to LNs, providing a cellular basis for this unique LN function. In contrast, the spleen cannot mediate contact hypersensitivity because antigen-bearing epidermal Langerhans cells do not access splenic white pulp. Finally, we formally demonstrate that LNs provide a unique environment essential for generating this acquired immune response by reversing the LN defect in lymphotoxin-α−/− mice, thereby restoring the capacity for contact hypersensitivity.
A murine model for catheter-associated candiduria.

Candiduria is a common finding in hospitalized patients with indwelling urine-draining devices. Animal models for candiduria are not well-developed and, despite its prevalence and associated mortality, candiduria is understudied. The presence of Candida in urine does not imply disease because it is also a commensal. Biofilm formation on catheters and the host–pathogen interaction are likely to be important factors that contribute to the pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to establish a candiduria model in mice with indwelling catheters. Our data demonstrate that biofilm formation on indwelling catheters and persistent candiduria can be established in mice. The study supports the concept that biofilm formation contributes to persistence. It also outlines differences between catheter-related candiduria in mice and humans. Specifically, mice exhibit higher levels of leukocyturia. In addition, mean daily fungal burden in urine in the murine model is 10- to 100-fold lower than that in humans. These important findings must be taken into consideration when using this model to study host–pathogen interaction in the setting of candiduria.
Rosetta Stone Experiments

Dynamic failure events such as armor penetration and explosive fragmentation are too complex to be treated by classical single-crack continuum fracture mechanics. In such cases deformation and fracture result from multiple cracks, voids, and shear bands acting simultaneously and influencing one another’s evolution. An alternative “meso” fracture mechanics is needed that treats microfailure activity while permitting fast and inexpensive predictive computations. This paper discusses the approach and experiments that elucidate and quantify failure physics on the micron level. “Rosetta Stone” experiments that isolate a damage mode, produce statistical distributions of damage features, and “freeze in” damage at various stages of development are described and illustrated. The observations and data lead to equations describing nucleation and growth of cracks, voids, and shear bands. The resulting mesomechanical material failure models link the microworld with the macroworld and can be used in continuum hydrocodes for fast, efficient simulations of dynamic fracture scenarios.
Iron‐Oxide‐Based Nanovector for Tumor Targeted siRNA Delivery in an Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenograft Mouse Model

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds promise as a new class of therapeutics for HCC, as it can achieve sequence-specific gene knockdown with low cytotoxicity. However, the main challenge in the clinical application of siRNA lies in the lack of effective delivery approaches that need to be highly specific and thus incur low or no systemic toxicity. Here, a nonviral nanoparticle-based gene carrier is presented that can specifically deliver siRNA to HCC. The nanovector (NP-siRNA-GPC3 Ab) is made of an iron oxide core coated with chitosan-polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted polyethyleneimine copolymer, which is further functionalized with siRNA and conjugated with a monoclonal antibody (Ab) against human glypican-3 (GPC3) receptor highly expressed in HCC. A rat RH7777 HCC cell line that coexpresses human GPC3 and firefly luciferase (Luc) is established to evaluate the nanovector. The nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA against Luc effectively suppresses Luc expression in vitro without notable cytotoxicity. Significantly, NP-siLuc-GPC3 Ab administered intravenously in an orthotopic model of HCC is able to specifically bound to tumor and induce remarkable inhibition of Luc expression. The findings demonstrate the potential of using this nanovector for targeted delivery of therapeutic siRNA to HCC.
Seed predation and climate impacts on reproductive variation in temperate forests of the southeastern USA

Climatic effects on tree recruitment will be determined by the interactive effects of fecundity and seed predation. Evaluating how insect and vertebrate seed predators mediate tree reproductive responses to climate depends on long-term studies of seed production, development, and predation. In this study, our objectives were to (1) assess the effects of interannual climate variation on seed abortion rates, (2) assess the impact of seed density on predation rates, and (3) examine the degree to which density-dependent seed predation would amplify or dampen interannual variation in fecundity associated with seed abortion. We used a 19-year study of seed abortion and pre-dispersal predation rates by insects and vertebrates (birds and rodents) for five temperate tree species across forest plots from the North Carolina Piedmont to the Southern Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern USA. We found that rates of seed abortion and predation increased reproductive variation for oaks (Quercus species). Probability of seed abortion was greatest during years with cool, dry springs. Responses of seed predation on Quercus species to current year’s seed density varied by species, but exhibited positive density-dependence to previous year’s seed density consistent with numerical responses of seed predators. Seed abortion and predation rates for two drupe species responded little to variation in climate or seed density, respectively. Given that predation increased interannual variation in seed availability and the negative density-dependence to previous year’s seed density, our results indicate that consistent numerical responses of oak seed predators may amplify interannual variation due to climate-mediated processes like seed abortion.
Biomarkers and the Fontan Circulation

Although the dramatically improved survival of children with single‐ventricle heart disease with Fontan circulation in the recent era is a tremendous accomplishment in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, it has been accompanied by a growing realization that Fontan circulation is largely a
The ethics of insurance limiting institutional medical care: It's all about the money

Dr F. Inest practices surgery at a renowned medical center but is concerned because increasing numbers of medical insurers are excluding his institution from coverage. Many of his former referring physicians are beginning to send their patients elsewhere for this reason. The marketing people have been busy increasing their advertising buys and exploring new business models. There is even talk about reducing expensive clinical trials. However, regardless of his affiliation, he has little control over these and other organizational decisions that directly impact his practice clinically and fiscally. What should he do?
Dynamic modeling of large-scale morphing aircraft

The dynamics of morphing flight, in which large changes in structural geometry may occur, include various components that are not apparent in the standard rigid flight equations. The additional terms include parameter and/or time varying aerodynamic forces and inertial forces due to relative motion. Here we study the importance of the inertial forces and moments, in particular those involving rate terms, with the goal of reducing the dynamics that must be considered in a flight control design. The dynamics are analyzed within the framework of the standard longitudinal flight assumptions and an example is given, constructed to be typical of a modern large-scale morphing aircraft. I. Introduction Modern aircraft are capable of large payload transport, extreme-maneuverability, high speeds, high altitudes, and long ranges; they are capable of stealth, vertical take-off and landing, and unmanned flight. Of course, no one design possesses all of these qualities. In fact, aircraft designs may be radically different depending on the operational requirements. The reason for varying aircraft designs is that, due to atmospheric interactions, mission capability is dictated predominantly by structural geometry. As a result, while a rigid aircraft may be designed to perform exceptionally in some given flight regime, another can be found in which the performance is relatively poor. An apparent remedy to this situation is to provide the necessary shape altering capability that would enable a single aircraft to encompass a larger range of performance. Morphing aircraft are flight vehicles that alter their shape to effectuate a change in either mission performance and/or to provide control authority for maneuvering. Aircraft with morphing capability promise the distinct advantage of being able to fly multiple types of missions and to perform extreme maneuvers not possible with conventional aircraft designs. The most current US sponsored morphing program is DARPA’s Morphing Aircraft Structures (MAS) program. This program was initiated with goal of researching larger wing shape changes than have been previously investigated. Under the MAS program a morphing aircraft was defined as a multirole platform that: • Changes its state substantially to adapt to changing mission environments.
The botanical molecule p -hydroxycinnamic acid as a new osteogenic agent: insight into the treatment of cancer bone metastases

Bone homeostasis is maintained through a balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Bone loss with aging is induced by decreasing in osteoblastic bone formation and increasing in osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis with its accompanying decrease in bone mass is widely recognized as a major public heath problem. Pharmacologic and nutritional factors may play a role in the prevention and treatment of bone loss with aging. p-Hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA), which stimulates bone mineralization in mouse bone tissues in vitro, has been found to be present in the leafstalk of wasabi (Wasabi japonica MATSUM) among various food and plants. Other phenolic acids including cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid did not have osteogenic effects. HCA was demonstrated to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and suppresses osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro by antagonizing activation of the nuclear factor kappa B. Oral administration of HCA was found to exhibit restorative effects on bone loss induced by ovariectomy and diabetic states, supporting a role in the treatment of osteoporosis. Moreover, HCA was demonstrated to prevent the suppressed osteoblastic mineralization and the enhanced osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow cells cocultured with bone metastatic MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in vitro. The botanical molecule HCA, as a new osteogenic agent, is suggested to play a role in the treatment of cancer bone metastases. This review will discuss an advanced recent finding that HCA may be a useful agent to treat bone metabolic disorder.