cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development of methods for immunophenotypic and lymphocyte function analyzes for assessment of Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) health

The Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The population began a pattern of slow decline in 1995. The decline was attributed to high adult mortality rates with infectious disease being the major cause of death. Multiple pathogens were implicated in these deaths including opportunistic pathogens such as Coccidiodes immitis and Toxoplasma sp. These findings suggested that the immunological health of mature animals in this population might be compromised. The primary goal of this study was to establish techniques for assessing phenotypic and functional baseline data for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in free-ranging sea otters. Standard total and differential white blood cell counts were augmented by emumeration of T and B lymphocyte subsets. Lymphocyte function was determined by both mitogen-induced proliferation and expression of IL-2 receptors. In addition to establishing normal ranges for adult animals, age-related changes were identified in B lymphocyte numbers and cell-surface density of major histocompatability complex class II (MHC II) proteins. The predominant lymphocyte subpopulation in Southern sea otters is the T lymphocyte. Substantial variation among individual animals was observed within the B lymphocyte population both in cell number and density of MHC II expression. Pups had greater numbers of T and B lymphocyte, as well as, greater MHC II expression on B lymphocytes than adults. Mitogen-induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was variable among individual animals with no significant difference in cell response between age class and gender. Concanavalin (ConA) was a more effective mitogen in stimulating proliferation and interleukin (IL)-2 receptor expression than pokeweed. This data can be used to augment routine hematology profiles and aid in the identification of animals with immunologic perturbations.
School and Community Service Providers' Perspectives on Gay, Lesbian and Questioning Bullying

ABSTRACT Existing literature details many forms of harassment against sexual minority youth, including those behaviors that are present in schools. School and community service providers, such as counselors and psychologists, often witness first-hand the bullying that occurs in schools. Through their direct contact with sexual minority youth, they remain knowledgeable of current school environments facing these youth. Their perspectives on bullying of this population, however, are lacking. Sixteen school and community service providers participated in face-to-face, in-depth interviews regarding their perceptions and observations of general bullying and specific bullying of GLBTQI youth. The principles of grounded theory are used to analyze the data, which resulted in themes on bullying of GLQ youth. Results on these themes are presented in six main categories: Types and Locations of Bullying, Characteristics of Victims, Characteristics of Bullies, Effects of Bullying, Victim Response, and “Non-Targets.” T...
On gravity waves propagated over a layered permeable bed

Abstract Flow motions of gravity waves propagated over a layered permeable bed are examined. The viscosity of a fluid is assumed to be small and its effects are important in the regions near and inside the permeable bed. Two layers of permeable medium with different permeability are adopted in the present study. The unsteady Darcy's equations are employed to calculate the velocity and pressure in the porous bed. The justifications using Darcy's Law are discussed. The dispersion relation and the viscous damping rate of the progressive wave system are also investigated.
Species dependent pancreatic islet toxicity produced by cyproheptadine: Alterations in beta cell structure and function

Abstract Cyproheptadine (CPH) produced marked cytoplasmic vacuolization of pancreatic islet tissue after repeated oral administration of 22.5–90 mg/kg to the rat. No islet cell degeneration was observed in tissue from mice, rabbits, or hamsters after po administration. Intraperitoneal administration of CPH to rats caused only a slight degree of vacuolization. Examination of aldehyde-fuchsin-stained rat islet tissue after administration of CPH, 45 mg/kg for 2 wk, indicated a marked degranulation of beta cells. Electron microscopic examination of islet tissue from CPH-treated rats (45 mg/kg) showed vesiculation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and loss of secretory granules in beta cells. These high doses of CPH produced a marked glucose intolerance in the rat as well as a diminished reponse of plasma insulin levels to glucagon stimulation.
Donors and domestic politics: Political influences on foreign aid effort

Abstract The vast majority of scholarship on foreign aid looks at either the effectiveness of foreign aid or why particular countries receive aid from particular donors. This paper takes a different approach: what are the domestic sources of support for foreign aid? Specifically, how does the donor's domestic political and economic environment influence ‘aid effort’? This paper uses a time-series cross-sectional data set to analyze the influence of changes in political and economic variables. As governments become more conservative, their aid effort is likely to fall. Domestic political variables appear to influence aid effort, but only for aid to low income countries and multilaterals while aid effort to middle income countries in unaffected. This suggests that models solely emphasizing donor economic and international strategic interests as determinants of donor aid policy may be mis-specified. These results also suggest sources of aid volatility that might influence recipient growth prospects.
Anodic behavior of high nitrogen-bearing steels in PEMFC environments

High nitrogen-bearing stainless steels, AISI Type 201 and AL219, were investigated in simulated polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environments to assess the use of these materials in fuel cell bipolar plate applications. Both steels exhibit better corrosion behavior than 316L steel in the same environments. Type 201 steel shows similar but lower interfacial contact resistance (ICR) than 316L, while AL219 steel shows higher ICR than 316L. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that the air-formed films on Type 201 and AL219 are composed of iron oxides, chromium oxide, and manganese oxide. Iron oxides dominate the composition of the air-formed film, specially the outer layer. Chromium oxide dominates passive films. Surface film thicknesses were estimated. The results suggest that high nitrogen-bearing stainless steels are promising materials for PEMFC bipolar plates.
Control of a ring structure with multiple hybrid piezoelectrical networks

A structural control concept, using multiple active-passive hybrid actuators (piezoelectric materials with active voltage sources and external passive RL circuits) on a ring structure, is investigated. A method is developed to simultaneously optimize the active control gains and the values of the shunt resistors and inductors. Kalman filter is employed to estimate the states of this multi-input-multi-output systems. Analysis results indicate that the proposed approach can suppress vibration and noise radiation effectively, and it can achieve better performance with less control effort as compared to a purely active system.
High-sensitivity direct detection optical communication system that operates in sunlight

In freespace laser communication systems, optical background noise rejection is a very important issue. We have designed and built a building to building direct detection optical communication system that uses a Faraday Anomalous Dispersion Optical Filter (FADOF) in the receiver. The FADOF is a narrow bandpass optical filter, which can provide a background noise rejection of 105 approximately 106, while transmitting the signal with up to 80% efficiency. The FADOF also has a signal bandwidth that is variable between 0.5 GHz and 5 GHz, a field-of-view that is flat over +/- 20 degree(s). FADOFs offer new capabilities to freespace laser communication by effectively reducing the solar background radiation that reaches the photodetector. Using the FADOF receiver, we have demonstrated that 27nW of received signal power gives a bit error rate of 10-6 (limited by the photoreceiver electronic noise) independent of solar noise up to 0.15Watt. We also repeated these measurements under the same operation conditions after replacing the FADOF with an interference filter. The experiments showed three orders higher background noise rejection capability for the FADOF receiver.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Accurate estimates of absolute left ventricular volumes from equilibrium radionuclide angiographic count data using a simple geometric attenuation correction

To simplify and clarify the methods of obtaining attenuation-corrected equilibrium radionuclide angiographic estimates of absolute left ventricular volumes, 27 patients who also had biplane contrast cineangiography were evaluated. Background-corrected left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic counts were obtained by semiautomated variable and hand-drawn regions of interest and were normalized to cardiac cycles processed, frame rate and blood sample counts. Blood sample counts were acquired on (d°) and at a distance (d′) from the collimator. A simple geometric attenuation correction was performed to obtain absolute left ventricular volume estimates. Using blood sample counts obtained at d° or d′, the attentuation.corrected radionuclide left ventricular end-diastolic volume estimates using both region of interest selection methods correlated with the cineangiographic end-diastolic volumes (r = 0.95 to 0.96). However, both mean radionuclide semiautomated variable left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (179 ± 100 [± 1 standard deviation] and 185 ± 102 ml, p Therefore, it is concluded that: 1) a simple geometric attenuation-correction of radionuclide left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic count data provides accurate estimates of biplane cineangiographic end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes; and 2) the hand-drawn region of interest selection method, unlike the semiautomated variable method that underestimates end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, provides more accurate estimates of biplane cineangiographic left ventricular volumes irrespective of the distance blood sample counts are acquired from the collimator.
Surgical site infection (SSI) rates after pediatric spine (PS) surgery: Is underlying diagnosis (UD) a predictor of infection (POI)?

ISSUE: We have tracked SSI rates in PS patients at this university-affiliated hospital since 1995. From 1995 to 2000, we successfully decreased our overall infection rate 58.5% (from 12.23% to 5.11%). In 2001, we noted a small increase, and by 2002, our SSI rate had increased almost threefold to 13.8%. During 2003, traditional interventions only reduced the rate to 11.8%. PROJECT: Increased emphasis on patient safety led us to intensify our efforts during 2004. At the 1991 meeting of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Kretzler reported SSI rates of 11% in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and spina bifida (SB) compared to 1% for those with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). We looked at our cases and infections based on UD with the intent of altering our interventions if indicated. Using discharge diagnosis (ICD-9) codes, we were able to divide our cases into the following categories: IS (including kyphosis), genetic disorders, neurological disorders (ND) (including CP, SB, and muscular dystrophy), and other. To facilitate decisions regarding interventions, we looked at depth of infection and infecting organism group as it related to UD. RESULTS: Of our cases, 62.2% had an underlying diagnosis of IS; 15.5% were ND; 3.5% were genetic, and 18.8% were other. The patients ranged in age from less than 1 year to 18 years; 66% were between ages 12 and 16. Our infection rates were 19% in our ND patients; 12.8% in our genetic patients, and 8.8% in our IS patients. We performed a multivariate analysis using logistic regression which showed that three variables were predictors of infection: being Black (versus Caucasian) (risk ratio [RR] = 1.9, p = 0.006) and having UD of either CP (RR 2.0, p = 0.02) or SB (RR 4.2, p LESSONS LEARNED: Our overall infection rate was higher for patients with underlying diagnosis of ND compared to those with IS. We were surprised to discover that race was a risk factor and further exploration of this variable is warranted. Based upon the findings related to infecting organisms, we will be looking at new interventions that address incontinence pre- and post-operatively as well as antibiotic prophylaxis that provides better coverage against enteric organisms such as a second-generation cephalosporin.
MOUSE: a teachable program for learning in conformational analysis.

Abstract MOUSE is a teachable program which learns concepts of conformational analysis from examples obtained from WIZARD. The algorithms are presented, and a fully worked example is used to demonstrate how MOUSE learns about the so-called “pentane rule.”
Fluid stress disturbance activated by gravity jitters induced slosh waves in microgravity

A full scale Gravity Probe-B (GP-B) Spacecraft propellant dewar tank subjected to various frequencies of gravity jitter have been investigated. Excitation of slosh waves induced by gravity jitter are simulated. Results show that fluid stress distribution exerted on the walls of the rotating dewar are closely related to the characteristics of slosh waves excited on the liquid-vapor interface in the rotating dewar tank. Slosh wave excitations shift the fluid mass distribution in the dewar tank which impose time dependent variations in GP-B Spacecraft moment of inertia, angular momentum, and torque produced by imbalance fluid stresses. This can provide a set of data leading toward the control of spacecraft imbalance caused by the uneven fluid stress distribution from slosh waves.
Access of reabsorbed glucose to renal lymph

Measurements of the glucose to mannitol tracer concentration ratios in renal venous blood and renal lymph of rats supported the hypothesis that reabsorbed glucose may have direct access to renal lymph by passage through the interstitium.
Hydration Dynamics As Revealed By The Fluorescence Stokes Shift: The Origin Of Slow Hydration Dynamics And Breakdown Of Linear Response

Hydration dynamics in the immediate vicinity of a protein, probed by time-dependent fluorescence Stokes shift experiments, is critical to understand its biological function. Protein Stokes shifts typically exhibit biphasic relaxation following photo-excitation: fast relaxation occurs on a time scale of several picoseconds while slower components indicate additional hydration dynamics on a time scale of tens of picoseconds, or longer. Theoretical studies using both linear response and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) calculation qualitatively reproduce the observed biphasic behavior of time dependent Stokes shift for Trp-7 (W7) in myoglobin. Comparison with constrained MD simulations with protein frozen at the instant of photo-excitation reveals the molecular mechanism of slow hydration process and establishes the critical role of protein flexibility. Coupled protein-water motion is shown to be necessary for the observation of the slow component of hydration dynamics. Qualitatively similar results are found for a series of additional cases, such as monellin and staph. nuclease. We illustrate why tracking the separate contributions to the Stokes shift without constrained MD studies may not yield an accurate interpretation of protein hydration dynamics. Additionally, we examine the extent to which protein fluctuations obey Gaussian statistics and the linear response approximation to the Stokes shift is valid. Equilibrium fluctuations of the ground-excited energy difference, which control the absorption and fluorescence line shapes, in the ground and excited electronic states are not independent of each other. We illustrate how small differences from Gaussian statistics in one electronic state can be a signature of very significant deviations from linear response theory, such as isomerization, in the other electronic state.
A Theoretical Analysis of Viscous Crossflow

A theory predicting fluid flow in a stratified reservoir considering the affects of viscous crossflow is presented. In theory, the equations describing flow are applicable to an arbitrary number of layers, arbitrary initial and injection number of layers, arbitrary initial and injection conditions, arbitrary phase properties affecting flow, and encompasses fractional flow theory applied to water-oil displacements as well as enhanced oil recovery processes. At present the development is restricted to thw phases and two components in the injected phase with no partitioning of material between phases. 29 refs.
The Lightcurve and Geometric Albedo of 433 Eros during the 1998 Apparition

We obtained R-band photometry of 433 Eros at the Table Mountain 0.6-m telescope during its 1998 apparition. Our five nights of photometry yields a rotational period Psid=5.27048±0.00064 h and visual geometric albedo for 433 Eros of 0.27+0.03−0.06, high, but within the range of S-type asteroids. Utilizing lightcurve data from the 1974/1975 apparition we solved for rotational pole position (RA=00:46.9, DEC=+19:30.5; J2000) and axial ratios of 1.0:0.388:0.375, which are both significantly different from previously derived values.
Whole Lung Tuberculosis: A Disease with High Mortality Which Is Frequently Misdiagnosed

The mortality rate of WLTB was significantly higher than non-WLTB in 45 of 516 cases of FTB in a 24-month period. There is no known underlying disease predisposing to WLTB. Clinically, the patients were significantly more toxic and had lower serum albumin and hemoglobin levels than non-WLTB patients. They had a lower rate of positive PPD tuberculin skin tests. The chest roentgenograms revealed three patterns: (1) DBS type in 15—all with multiple or diffuse opacities with or without cavitations; (2) DHS type in 20—eight with typical miliary lesions and 12 with atypical miliary patterns; (3) combined focal PTB and DHS type in ten. We found that atypical chest roentgenographic patterns were common in WLTB and frequently led to misdiagnosis. The delayed diagnosis and treatment of this advanced disease resulted in the high mortality. Early, empirical antituberculosis chemotherapy is indicated and life-saving.
Radiotracer study of adsorption of HSO-4 ions induced by Cd2+ adatoms at a smooth polycrystalline platinum electrode

Abstract Sulfate adsorption induced by cadmium adatoms on a smooth polycrystalline platinum electrode has been studied in 0.1 mol dm−3 HClO4 supporting electrolyte. Earlier work carried out with platinized electrodes has been confirmed, which prompts the initiation of more detailed studies at well-defined smooth electrode surfaces.
Latent Semantic Analysis

Latent semantic analysis (LSA) approximates human understanding of relations between word and passage meanings in a wide variety of ways. Keywords: LSA; machine learning; semantics; induction; meaning
Self-Directed Activity and Cognitive Development*

Abstract Both in constructivist theories of development and in educational applications of such theories, self-directed activity is aleged to play a critical role in the developmental process. The purpose of the present study was to subject this popular assertation to empirical examination. Subjects were fourth- and fifth-graders who showed no formal operational reasoning. Subjects assigned to an experimental condition were matched with yoked-control partners of the same sex and grade. An additional group of subjects was assigned to a simple control condition. Experimental and yoked-control subjects were given opportunities to solve problems requiring formal operational reasoning over a three-month period. The procedure for experimental subjects differed from that for yoked-controls only in that experimental subjects selected the particular information-seeking activities they would engage in. Yoked-control subjects carried out the same activities that had been chosen by their experimental partners. Both groups showed significant progress in the construction of new reasoning strategies, but experimental subjects showed greater progress than yoked-controls. The enhanced progress of the experimental subjects, it is suggested, was due to the increased presence of anticipatory schemes regarding the outcomes of their actions. These anticipatory schemes allowed subjects to better “make use of”, in the cognitive sense—in other words, assimilate into a theoretical framework—the data yielded by the experiments, and thus they gained more from their experience.
Bovine fetal cerebral absidiomycosis.

Only 1 case of fetal cerebral mycosis was found in 4015 aborted bovine fetuses. Absidia corymbifera was associated with vasculitis, thrombosis, abscessation and cavitation of the brain. Antibodies against A. corymbifera and other fungal antigens were not detected in fetal serum by immunodiffusion techniques. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in excess of the normal was detected in the fetal serum by radial-immunc diffusion assay.
Diabetes, Muscles, and the Myth of Ulysses' Bow

At the end of Homer's Odyssey , after 20 years of adventurous traveling, the goddess Athena brings Ulysses back to Ithaca disguised as an old man. With little hope for Ulysses' return, his faithful wife Penelope has reluctantly agreed to marry whoever wins a contest using Ulysses' bow. In spite of his infirmed appearance, Ulysses is the only contestant strong enough to string the bow and shoot an arrow through 12 axe-handles. Thus, the image of a hero as the “only one who can string the bow” has been embedded in civilization since before the beginning of written history and suggests that from time immemorial, people have equated strong muscles with youth and good health. Thousands of years later, we are beginning to understand exactly how health and age affect muscle, and we are now on the cusp of translating that knowledge into medical research and practice. In this issue of Diabetes Care , Park et al. (1) from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study group report that in individuals aged 70–79 years, a diagnosis of diabetes is associated with accelerated decline in muscle mass, especially in women and in subjects with undiagnosed diabetes. These longitudinal findings open an important chapter in our understanding of the complications and consequences of diabetes and its effect on physical function. However, to fully understand the relevance of these findings, we should interpret them in the context of the known effects of age on body composition and of diabetes on muscle strength and physical function (2,3). The aging process is associated with consistent changes in body composition in all animal species, from worms to rodents to primates, with few exceptions (4–6). With increasing age, lean …
Potent topical steroids during pregnancy affect newborn birth weight.

Not uncommonly, dermatologists are presented with the following scenario. A long-standing patient with atopic dermatitis informs you that she is pregnant. For the safety of her unborn child, you discontinue systemic medications but instruct her to continue using her topical steroids. Does use of topical steroids confer a risk to the fetus, and, if so, what is the risk? This clinical situation was, in part, the rationale behind the study by Chi and colleagues (2011, this issue), who utilized two clinical and administrative databases in the United Kingdom (the UK General Practice Research Database and a pregnancy-specific Mother–Baby Link data set) to address this question. Previous studies were limited by sample size and other data issues, leading to inconclusive results (Chi et al., 2010).
Effects of sulfate ligand on uranyl carbonato surface species on ferrihydrite surfaces

Understanding uranium (U) sorption processes in permeable reactive barriers (PRB) are critical in modeling reactive transport for evaluating PRB performance at the Fry Canyon demonstration site in Utah, USA. To gain insight into the U sequestration mechanism in the amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFO)-coated gravel PRB, U(VI) sorption processes on ferrihydrite surfaces were studied in 0.01 M Na(2)SO(4) solutions to simulate the major chemical composition of U-contaminated groundwater (i.e., [SO(4)(2-)] ~13 mM L(-1)) at the site. Uranyl sorption was greater at pH 7.5 than that at pH 4 in both air- and 2% pCO(2)-equilibrated systems. While there were negligible effects of sulfate ligands on the pH-dependent U(VI) sorption (<24 h) in both systems, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis showed sulfate ligand associated U(VI) surface species at the ferrihydrite-water interface. In air-equilibrated systems, binary and mono-sulfate U(VI) ternary surface species co-existed at pH 5.43. At pH 6.55-7.83, a mixture of mono-sulfate and bis-carbonato U(VI) ternary surface species became more important. At 2% pCO(2), there was no contribution of sulfate ligands on the U(VI) ternary surface species. Instead, a mixture of bis-carbonato inner-sphere (38%) and tris-carbonato outer-sphere U(VI) ternary surface species (62%) was found at pH 7.62. The study suggests that the competitive ligand (bicarbonate and sulfate) coordination on U(VI) surface species might be important in evaluating the U solid-state speciation in the AFO PRB at the study site where pCO(2) fluctuates between 1 and 2 pCO(2)%.
A WAXD/SAXS/DSC study on the melting behavior of Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalyzed isotactic polypropylene

A small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering study was performed on two metallocene catalyzed isotactic polypropylene (miPP) resins. The results were compared with two similar molecular weight Ziegler-Natta catalyzed isotactic polypropylene (zniPP) materials. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) results showed the existence of two crystalline structures in the metallocene samples, the α-monoclinic and γ-orthorhombic crystal structure, with increasing relative amounts of γ-orthorhombic phase as the lamellae thickness increased. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans exhibited a melting peak for each crystal structure. The metallocene resins had the same equilibrium melting temperature (186 ± 2 °C) as the high tacticity Ziegler-Natta (ZNHT) resin, whereas a second Ziegler-Natta resin had a lower equilibrium melting temperature (178 ± 2 °C). The equilibrium melting temperature for the γ-orthorhombic crystal structure in the metallocene resins was found to be 178 ± 4 °C. The results were explained by the distribution of defects within the miPP chains, generating higher fold surface free energies for the miPP resins.
Construction contracts in a competitive market: C3M, a simulation game

Simulation games provide practical decision‐making and strategy development experiences to students in a classroom setting. Having the ability to develop a bidding strategy that secures work and increases market share is vital in a competitive market. This paper presents a simulation game, called C3M (Construction Contracts in a Competitive Market), which mimics a bidding situation and allows users to experiment with different strategies. It is aimed at upper undergraduate students taking courses in construction management or cost and bid analysis, but can be utilized also in a professional training program. The game introduces the principles of competitive bidding through a series of simulated bidding decisions and provides for interaction between the bid prices of the competing teams over a simulated period of time. It can be implemented on any commercial spreadsheet, as described. Trial runs are provided to test the interlocking nature of the decisions made.
Effect of Ion Beam Irradiation on Two Nanofiltration Water Treatment Membranes

Abstract Ion beam irradiation has long been recognized as an effective method for the synthesis and modification of diverse materials, including polymers. Ion beam irradiation is the bombardment of a substance with energetic ions. When the ions penetrate through the surface of a membrane, they may eliminate tall peaks and deep valleys, resulting in an overall reduction in surface roughness. Two nanofiltration membranes, one with a sulfonated polysulfone selective layer and the other with an aromatic polyamide selective layer, were used to study the effects of ion beam irradiation on surface morphology, microstructure, and performance. A beam of 25 keV H+ ions with four irradiation fluences (1 × 1013 ions/cm2, 5 × 1013 ions/cm2, 1 × 1014 ions/cm2 and 5 × 1014 ions/cm2) was used for ion beam irradiation of the membrane. Atomic face microscopy (AFM) analysis show that the roughness of the membranes decreased after irradiation. An increase in flux after ion beam irradiation was also observed. Hydrophobicity, ...
Method for Decreasing Computation Load and Memory Access Frequency during Interpolation for Video Coding

This paper proposes a method to address the computation load and memory access frequency problems during interpolation for video processing (coding or decoding). The motion compensation process in video processing is computationally intensive and takes considerable computation time of the system, while the interpolation step in the process incurs the heaviest computation load. Exploiting the characteristics of strong correlation between natural images in a frame, this paper proposes a patented method that stores the computed interpolation values and then manages the values using memory address rotation (MAR) technique to decrease the computation load and memory access frequency.
Coupling and coordination in gene expression processes: a systems biology view

Genome-scale analyses have allowed us to progress beyond studying gene expression at the level of individual components of a given process by providing global information about functional connections between genes, mRNAs and their regulatory proteins. Such analyses have greatly increased our understanding of the interplay between different events in gene regulation and have highlighted previously unappreciated functional connections, including coupling between nuclear and cytoplasmic processes. Genome-wide approaches have also revealed extensive coordination within regulatory levels, such as the organization of transcription factors into regulatory motifs. Overall, these studies enhance our understanding of how the many components of the eukaryotic cell function as a system to allow both coordination and versatility in gene expression.
Effects of microstructure on the strain-controlled fatigue failure behavior of an aluminium-alloy/ceramic-particle composite

Abstract A study has been made to understand the cyclic fatigue and cyclic fracture characteristics of a cast aluminium alloy metal matrix discontinuously reinforced with particulate silicon carbide. The Al/SiCp composite was strained to failure over a range of strain amplitudes giving lives of less than 104 cycles to failure. The specimens were cycled by using tension-compression loading under total strain control. In the as-cast condition, the aluminum-alloy/ceramic composite displayed combinations of cyclic hardening and softening to failure at higher cyclic-strain amplitudes, and progressive softening to failure at low cyclic-strain amplitudes. The spray-atomized and deposited composite exhibited softening to failure at the higher cyclic-strain amplitudes and combinations of softening and hardening behavior at the lower strain amplitudes. The observed hardening and softening behavior is a mechanical effect and attributed to concurrent and competing influences of interactions between cyclic deformation and composite microstructure during cyclic straining. The processed microstructure exhibited better cyclic ductility and cyclic-strain resistance than the as-cast composite microstructure. The cyclic fatigue behavior of the alloy is briefly interpreted in the light of composite microstructural effects, plastic strain amplitude and concomitant response stress.
Kohler's rule and relaxation rates in high-Tc superconductors

Abstract We show in this paper that care must be exercised when applying Kohler's rule to the magnetoresistance of some conductors, including high- T c superconductors, where the density of charge carriers might change with temperature T . The rigorous form of Kohler's rule is used in corroboration with other transport data, such as the Hall coefficient. The result suggests that a single relaxation rate offer a reasonable explanation on the normal-state in-plane transport processes of high- T c superconductors.
Triticeous cartilage: prevalence on panoramic radiographs and diagnostic criteria.

Objectives To determine (1) the prevalence of calcified triticeous cartilage on panoramic radiographs of subjects older than 40 years of age, (2) the age and sex distribution of the subjects who have calcified triticeous cartilage, and (3) if the shape of triticeous cartilage differs from that of calcified carotid atheroma. Study design In this retrospective study, triticeous cartilages were diagnosed from 847 panoramic radiographs. The shapes of triticeous cartilages and calcified carotid atheromas were determined using SigmaScan software. Results Prevalence of triticeous cartilage was 5.0% in males and 12.0% in females. The prevalence was 9.3% in the 40- to 60-year-old group (n = 464) and 7.8% in the group older than 60 years (n = 383). The triticeous cartilages were oval with smooth borders, whereas calcified carotid atheromas were mostly linear. Conclusions Calcified triticeous cartilage was more prevalent in females. The prevalence was not age dependent. Shape, outline, and location of the triticeous cartilage can help in differentiating it from a carotid atheroma.
Space Tracking and Data System, Emphasizing the Commercial Aspects

Near-earth orbit tracking and data acquisition activities are evolving from a ground tracking station network located in the U.S. and around the world, to a space network of two tracking and data relay satellites plus an in-orbit spare in geosynchronous orbit. This paper briefly discusses the major elements that comprise this evolving Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Network that provides the basis for the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) operations in the 1980's and emphasizes the commercial aspects of the system.
Labeling of Lumbar Discs Using Both Pixel- and Object-Level Features With a Two-Level Probabilistic Model

Backbone anatomical structure detection and labeling is a necessary step for various analysis tasks of the vertebral column. Appearance, shape and geometry measurements are necessary for abnormality detection locally at each disc and vertebrae (such as herniation) as well as globally for the whole spine (such as spinal scoliosis). We propose a two-level probabilistic model for the localization of discs from clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data that captures both pixel- and object-level features. Using a Gibbs distribution, we model appearance and spatial information at the pixel level, and at the object level, we model the spatial distribution of the discs and the relative distances between them. We use generalized expectation-maximization for optimization, which achieves efficient convergence of disc labels. Our two-level model allows the assumption of conditional independence at the pixel-level to enhance efficiency while maintaining robustness. We use a dataset that contains 105 MRI clinical normal and abnormal cases for the lumbar area. We thoroughly test our model and achieve encouraging results on normal and abnormal cases.
Oral glutamine to alleviate radiation-induced oral mucositis: a pilot randomized trial.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the influence of oral glutamine on radiation-induced oral mucositis in the radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. Methods and Materials: From July 1997 through June 1998, 17 patients with head and neck cancer receiving primary or adjuvant irradiation were randomized to either glutamine suspension (16 g in 240 ml normal saline) ( n = 8) or placebo (normal saline) ( n = 9) arm. Patients were instructed to swish the test solutions (30 ml) four times per day. All patients received half-mouth irradiation at least. Patients were treated 1.8 Gy per fraction daily, 5 days a week. We evaluated the grading of oral mucositis daily fraction at each day of treatment until 45 Gy/25 fractions. World Health Organization (WHO) step analgesic medication and body weight change were compared between the two arms. Results: The duration of objective oral mucositis ≥ Grade 1 ( p = 0.0097), Grade 2 ( p = 0.0232), and Grade 3 ( p = 0.0168) was shorter in the glutamine arm. Mean maximum grade of objective oral mucositis was less severe in the glutamine arm (1.6 vs. 2.6) ( p = 0.0058). Glutamine did not reduce the duration and severity of subjective oral mucositis except for duration ≥ Grade 3 ( p = 0.0386). In the analysis of mean maximum WHO step of analgesic medication, there was no statistical difference ( p = 0.5374) between the two arms. Mean body weight change was also not significantly different ( p = 0.8070). Conclusions: Oral glutamine may significantly reduce the duration and severity of objective oral mucositis during radiotherapy. It may shorten the duration of ≥ Grade 3 subjective mucositis.
Establishment of a theoretical base-design of a lower extremity prosthesis.

A conceptual model that relates the phenomenological stimuli responsible for bone remodeling has been developed as a preliminary exercise in a study designed to quantify Wolff's Law. In this regard, a set of thermodynamic and chemical kinetic equations have been formulated and their use in describing and predicting the formulation of crystalline hydroxypatite is presented. As a parallel activity, a macrocopic structural analysis of the bone-pylon interface has been conducted using a finite element representation and the results of this investigation are discussed as they relate to establishing a set of pylon design criteria. Finally, a modular, endoskeletal prosthetic system is described. The design of this appliance is based on the concept of total cosmesis and provides the present amputee with increased comfort and functionality as well as providing a system that can be effectively interfaced with a bone pylon when direct skeletal attachment (DSA) becomes a clinically accepted procedure.
Single, Ancient Origin of a Plastid Metabolite Translocator Family in Plantae from an Endomembrane-Derived Ancestor

Phylogenetic analyses show the single origin of a plastid metabolite translocator family in the Plantae from a gene encoding an existing endomembrane-derived protein. Red algal secondary endosymbiosis has spread a translocator gene into the ancestor of the “chromalveolate” protists, where it has diversified into a novel clade of proteins.
Developing scales to evaluate staff perception of the effects of the physical environment on patient comfort, patient safety, patient privacy, family integration with patient care, and staff working conditions in adult intensive care units: a pilot study.

This is the author's accepted manuscript. The original publication can be found online at http://journals.lww.com/ccnq/pages/default.aspx.
Is double coverage of gram-negative organisms necessary?

Purpose The appropriateness of combination therapy for infections caused by gram-negative organisms is examined. Summary Mortality from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is particularly high; therefore, empirical regimens are often selected to ensure coverage for this organism. The initial use of combination antimicrobial therapy for gram-negative infections is usually justified by one of three reasons: the potential for synergistic activity between two classes of antimicrobial agents, the broad empirical coverage provided by two antimicrobial agents with differing spectra of activity and resistance patterns, or the prevention of resistance development during antimicrobial therapy. Disadvantages of using combination therapy are increased drug toxicity, increased costs, and increased risk of superinfection with more-resistant bacteria or fungi. There are no clinical data that suggest that the combination of a β-lactam plus a fluoroquinolone results in improved patient outcomes compared with a β-lactam alone or a β-lactam plus an aminoglycoside. Results from studies that evaluate combination therapy versus monotherapy for gram-negative bacilli conflict with the common practice of use of double coverage. Strong evidence to support the administration of antimicrobials for double coverage of gram-negative organisms is lacking. Antimicrobial overuse may lead to antibiotic resistance, unnecessary adverse effects, and increased costs. Conclusion The available clinical evidence does not support the routine use of combination antimicrobial therapy for treatment of gram-negative infections. Patients with shock or neutropenia may benefit from combination therapy that includes an aminoglycoside.
Molecular basis for resistance against phosphonate antibiotics and herbicides

Research studies in recent years have illuminated data on the mechanisms and targets of phosphonic acid antibiotics and herbicides, including fosfomycin, glyphosate, fosmidomycin and FR900098. Here we review the current state of knowledge of the structural and biochemical characterization of resistance mechanisms against these bioactive natural products. Advances in the understanding of these resistance determinants have spurred knowledge-based campaigns aimed at the design of derivatives that retain biological activity but are less prone to tolerance.
A review of 218 pediatric cases of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Purpose This study evaluates the incidence trends and clinical outcomes of children with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and assesses factors predictive of patient survival. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was queried from 1973 to 2009 for all patients between ages 0 and 19 with primary HCC. Demographics, tumor histology, surgical intervention, and patient survival were collected. Results Overall, 218 patients were identified. The annual age-adjusted incidence was 0.05 cases per 100,000 in 2009. Fibrolamellar subtype tumors were exclusive to children >5years old and exhibited greater survival compared to non-fibrolamellar subtype (57% vs. 28%, respectively, p=0.002). Tumor extirpation for patients with resectable disease significantly improved overall survival at 5years compared to no surgery (60% vs. 0%, respectively, p Conclusion Over the past four decades, the incidence of HCC has remained relatively stable. Children of Hispanic ethnicity have high mortality rates. However, HCC resection for curative intent significantly improves outcomes.
Machinability experimental study of sintered alumina (Al2O3) ceramics material by chemical vapor deposition diamond coating milling tools

The sintered alumina (Al2O3) ceramic materials featured with high temperature stability, excellent wear resistance, and high strength are highly in demand for various commercial applications. Alumi...
Health Care Reform in the United States: Implications for Training and Practice in Marriage and Family Therapy

Americans are spending 12-14% of their income on health care, and costs are rising about 11 -12%per year. These increases are fueled by many social problems and are not limited strictly to health matters. Many alternatives have been examined to limit the rapidly increasing costs. The long-term results of these eflorts are likely to be a reduction in health care benefits for many and the continued development of a two-tier system of health care. This article addresses the place of mental health care in general and marriage and family therapy in particular in the emerging system. Suggestions for training and practice for the new health care system are given. The current crisis in health care in the United States, as reflected in widespread public dissatisfaction with the American health care system (Blendon, Leitman, Morrison, & Donelan, 1990), has begun a transformation of our health care system. The first half of this paper discusses the health care system in general. The second half addresses the effect of cost containment in mental health services and the implications for the training and practice of marriage and family therapy. In the search for a solution to this crisis, the key questions are what are the causes of the increased cost of health care, what can be done to control these costs, and what are the implications of these changes for the training and practice of mental health providers in general and for marriage and family therapy in particular.
No Evidence of Elevated Germline Mutation Accumulation Under Oxidative Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans

Variation in rates of molecular evolution has been attributed to numerous, interrelated causes, including metabolic rate, body size, and generation time. Speculation concerning the influence of metabolic rate on rates of evolution often invokes the putative mutagenic effects of oxidative stress. To isolate the effects of oxidative stress on the germline from the effects of metabolic rate, generation time, and other factors, we allowed mutations to accumulate under relaxed selection for 125 generations in two strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the canonical wild-type strain (N2) and a mutant strain with elevated steady-state oxidative stress (mev-1). Contrary to our expectation, the mutational decline in fitness did not differ between N2 and mev-1. This result suggests that the mutagenic effects of oxidative stress in C. elegans are minor relative to the effects of other types of mutations, such as errors during DNA replication. However, mev-1 MA lines did go extinct more frequently than wild-type lines; some possible explanations for the difference in extinction rate are discussed.
Assessing the Quality of Longitudinal Surveys.

A growing concern has emerged in recent years about the use of relatively large national longitudinal surveys. This concern arises in part from a heightened sensitivity to the diminished support for new data-collection programs across the U.S. federal statistical system and the increasing competition throughout the research and policy communities for what have undoubtedly always been scarce resources for research. Despite this concern, there have yet to be developed tools for evaluating the relative or comparative value of longitudinal surveys and criteria by which more intelligent decisions can be made with respect to whether an ongoing survey should be continued or terminated This article argues that criteria are unlikely to be developed for evaluating whether one longitudinal survey is "better" than another, but that one can assess the quality and usefulness of a particular survey, and it suggests specific guidelines for such assessments.
Management of Spasticity from Spinal Cord Dysfunction

Spasticity is a common component of those with spinal cord dysfunction. Spasticity can lead not only to pain and potential secondary complications such as contracture and pressure sores but also to significant functional impairment. The clinician must identify specific goals of spasticity treatment and assess the potential benefit of spasticity, particularly as it pertains to transfers and ambulation. Conservative treatment measures that include avoidance and identification of potential noxious stimuli and a daily stretching program that can be performed by the patient or caregivers are initiated in all patients.