cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
813: Pregnancy outcomes in women with elevated free triiodothyronine (fT3) during the first half of pregnancy

813 Pregnancy outcomes in women with elevated free triiodothyronine (fT3) during the first half of pregnancy Carmen Tudela, Brian Casey, Donald McIntire, F. Gary Cunningham University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dallas, TX, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dallas, TX OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy outcomes in women identified with elevated fT3 levels during the first half of pregnancy and compare them to euthyroid women with normal range fT3 levels. STUDY DESIGN: Between November 2000 and April 2003, all women who presented for prenatal care underwent thyroid screening. Excess serum was frozen and stored at -80 degrees Celsius. Samples from 17,298 women without clinical hypothyroidism and who had been screened in the first 20 weeks of gestation and delivered a singleton infant weighing 500g or more were analyzed using a chemiluminescent assay for multiple thyroid analytes including fT3. Pregnancy outcomes in women with fT3 values above the 97.5th percentile for gestational age were compared to women with fT3 values greater than the 2.5th and less than the 97.5th percentiles. Pregnancy outcomes in these women were further stratified according to thyrotropin (TSH) level and risk. RESULTS: The upper thresholds for fT3 ranged from 5.08 to 6.05 pg/mL during the first half of pregnancy. When compared to women with normal fT3 (n 16,430) those with elevated fT3 (n 434) were at increased risk for fetal death (1% vs. 0.5%, P 0.012) See figure below for odds of fetal death according to fT3 and stratified by TSH level. CONCLUSION: Isolated elevated fT3 values during pregnancy are associated with an increase in perinatal mortality. This difference persists in women with a normal TSH and high fT3.
AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum-well power MISFET at millimeter-wave frequencies

An AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum-well MISFET developed for power operation at millimeter-wave frequencies is described. The InGaAs channel is heavily doped to increase the sheet carrier density, resulting in a maximum current density of 700 mA/mm with a transconductance of 480 mS/mm. The 0.25- mu m*50- mu m device delivers a power density of 0.76 W/mm with 3.6-dB gain and 19% power-added efficiency at 60 GHz. At 5.2 dB gain, the power density is 0.55 W/mm. A similar device built on an undoped InGaAs channel had much poorer power performance and no speed advantage. >
A Bayesian False Discovery Rate for Multiple Testing

Abstract Case-control studies of genetic polymorphisms and gene-environment interactions are reporting large numbers of statistically significant associations, many of which are likely to be spurious. This problem reflects the low prior probability that any one null hypothesis is false, and the large number of test results reported for a given study. In a Bayesian approach to the low prior probabilities, Wacholder et al. (2004) suggest supplementing the p-value for a hypothesis with its posterior probability given the study data. In a frequentist approach to the test multiplicity problem, Benjamini & Hochberg (1995) propose a hypothesis-rejection rule that provides greater statistical power by controlling the false discovery rate rather than the family-wise error rate controlled by the Bonferroni correction. This paper defines a Bayes false discovery rate and proposes a Bayes-based rejection rule for controlling it. The method, which combines the Bayesian approach of Wacholder et al. with the frequentist ...
Inhibition of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase.

Abstract The interaction of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate analogs with murine methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFS) was investigated using steady-state kinetics, molecular modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis. MTHFS catalyzes the irreversible cyclization of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate. Folate analogs that cannot undergo the rate-limiting step in catalysis were inhibitors of murine MTHFS. 5-Formyltetrahydrohomofolate was an effective inhibitor of murine MTHFS (Ki = 0.7 μM), whereas 5-formyl,10-methyltetrahydrofolate was a weak inhibitor (Ki = 10 μM). The former, but not the latter, was slowly phosphorylated by MTHFS. 5-Formyltetrahydrohomofolate was not a substrate for murine MTHFS, but was metabolized when the MTHFS active site Y151 was mutated to Ala. MTHFS active site residues do not directly facilitate N10 attack on the on the N5-iminium phosphate intermediate, but rather restrict N10 motion around N5. Inhibitors specifically designed to block N10 attack appear to be less effective than the natural 10-formyltetrahydrofolate polyglutamate inhibitors.
Atypical Generalized Zoster with Lymphadenitis Mimicking Lymphoma

"Decrudescent varicella zoster infection can result in either a localized dermatomic or disseminated disease.1 2 3 When disseminated zoster occurs, localized dermatomic eruption usually precedes the clinical evidence of dissemination.4 5 6 In "atypical generalized zoster" the initial presentation of disease consists of widely spaced, discrete vesicular lesions.2 , 3 We recently studied a case of atypical generalized zoster in a young woman who had a prostrating febrile illness with marked lymphadenopathy, initially thought to be lymphoma. However, varicella zoster virus was demonstrated in the lymph node by means of electron microscopy and specific immunofluorescence 2 1/2 weeks before skin lesions appeared. This report describes our . . .
Evaluating a skin cancer education program for the Deaf community.

Skin cancer is the most common, preventable, and treatable cancer, so public education has been a priority. Unfortunately, for the Deaf community, most skin cancer information is difficult to access, so tailored approaches are needed. Participants (N = 136) were randomly assigned to view either a skin cancer education video in American Sign Language (n = 75) or an alternate video (n = 61). All participants completed skin cancer knowledge questionnaires at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 2-month post-intervention. Control group participants could then transfer to the experimental condition, using their 2-month follow-up data as their baseline. Participants who saw the skin cancer video gained significantly more knowledge than control participants, demonstrating the video's effectiveness in increasing skin cancer control knowledge. There was no difference between the original experimental group and the delayed intervention group on knowledge gains.
Convergence of weighted sums of tight random elements

Abstract Convergence of weighted sums of tight random elements {Vn} (in a separable Banach space) which have zero expected values and uniformly bounded rth moments (r > 1) is obtained. In particular, if {ank} is a Toeplitz sequence of real numbers, then | Σk=1∞ ankf(Vk)| → 0 in probability for each continuous linear functional f if and only if ‖Σk=1∞ ankVk ‖→ 0 in probability. When the random elements are independent and max1≤k≤n | ank | = O (n−8) for some 0 1 s , then |Σk=1∞ ankVk ‖→ 0 with probability 1. These results yield laws of large numbers without assuming geometric conditions on the Banach space. Finally, these results can be extended to random elements in certain Frechet spaces.
Modulation of the tight binding of carboxyarabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate to the large subunit of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase.

Abstract The large subunit (L) of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) from Synechococcus PCC 6301 was expressed in Escherichia coli , purified as the octamer L 8 , and analyzed for its ability to tightly bind the transition state analog, 2-carboxyarabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate (CABP). [ 14 C]CABP remained tightly bound to L 8 after challenging with [ 12 C]CABP and gel filtration, indicating that L 8 alone without the small subunit (S) could tightly bind CABP. Binding of CABP to L 8 induced a shift in the gel filtration profile due to apparent aggregation of L 8 . Aggregation did not occur with the L 8 S 8 -CABP complex nor with L 8 -CABP in the presence of 150 m m MgCl 2 . If ionic strength was increased with either KCl or MgCl 2 during or after the binding of [ 14 C]CABP to L 8 , [ 14 C]CABP in the complex exchanged with [ 12 C]CABP and was lost from the protein. Ionic strength strongly affected the rate constant ( k 4 ) for [ 14 C]CABP dissociation from the L 8 -[ 14 C]CABP complex, but had little effect on k 4 for the L 8 S 8 -CABP complex. The differences in CABP binding characteristics between the L 8 -CABP and L 8 S 8 -CABP complexes demonstrate that S is intimately involved in maintaining the stability of the tight binding of CABP to the active site. These are the same interactions stabilizing the intermediate, 3-keto-2-carboxyarabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate, to native rubisco during CO 2 fixation.
The effectiveness of different power styles of project managers in gaining project support

The results of a field study identify the leadership style that may optimize project performance in a project-oriented environment. The relationships of a project manager's leadership style to the degree of support he receives from project personnel is examined and related to project performance and effectiveness as judged by general management. The findings may help the professional manager in the field of project management to identify what type of leadership style optimizes the project performance. The paper concludes that work challenge and expertise as intrinsic motivation factors appear to be the most important influence methods for establishing a climate of high support, while authority and penalty methods appear to hinder the development of such a climate.
Practical problems of gravity modelling

This paper is intended to draw attention to some of the more important problems in the construction and interpretation of gravity models. It examines the principal factors which may lead to dissimilarities between models, drawing on two models presented at a recent planning inquiry at Bristol as illustrations. The implications for future modelling of this kind are discussed, and consideration is given to those applications where these techniques are likely to be applied usefully.
Effect of domestic and occupational roles on morbidity and mortality.

Abstract This study examines the effect of labor force participation, occupational status and domestic roles on morbidity and mortality among women and men over a 15-year period. The main research questions address the long-term effects of multiple roles. Does the combination of domestic and work roles result in adverse health effects, or provide some health advantage? The study population was randomly selected from among members of a large HMO and were part of a household interview conducted in 1970–71. Medical records for the two years prior to the interview and for 15 years after the interview for the cohort members are linked with the survey data. The findings show that for women there is some longevity advantage in paid employment. Overall, the combination of employment and domestic roles apparently poses no health threat to women, and may provide some advantage. Multiple roles are unrelated to mortality and morbidity outcomes among men.
Chemotherapy of germ cell tumors of the testis. I. Induction of remissions with vinblastine, actinomycin D, and bleomycin

Patients with disseminated testicular carcinoma were treated with the combination of vinblastine, actinomycin D, and bleomycin in an attempt to induce remission. Of 47 patients receiving an initial adequate trial of this regimen, 34% achieved a complete or partial remission; in the 18 patients with either no prior nonsurgical treatment or treatment with actinomycin D alone, the response rate was 61%. Those who attained complete response status enjoyed significant prolongation of life compared with the nonresponders or partial responders. Responses were seen in all histologic categories and were not related to the performance status of the patient at the start of the trial, to the total dose of drug in the first month of therapy, or the extent of hematologic toxicity produced by the drugs. Responders had a higher incidence of stomatitis than nonresponders.
A coupler for thermogravimetry—gas chromatography☆

Abstract A technique coupling thermogravimetry (TG) and gas chromatography (GC) has been previously described [ Anal. Chem ., 40 (1968) 1516], which separates and analyzes the volatiles generated at various weight-change stages as shown on the TG curve. Applications of such a technique for studying polymer blends and copolymers, analyzing organic coatings, and identifying solvents, monomers and additives in polymer systems have been demonstrated. The present work describes the construction and operation of an all-metal coupler to replace the glass coupling system previously used. The apparatus is semi-automatic, easy to operate, and readily built from standard components. It can be adapted to most commercial TG and GC instruments without much modification. Examples are given to illustrate the performance of this unit.
Death in the PICU: Caring for the “other” families

This article discusses the care of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) families who are present during the death of a child other than their own. "Other" families witness bereavement and experience grief, and there is no literature available to evaluate and describe their needs. Many PICU families are exposed to the death of a child. Nursing interventions to ameliorate self-awareness skills, validate the significance of the event, eliminate unnecessary fears, and cultivate effective coping strategies are necessary to decrease the stress of the experience. Research is needed to specify the needs of "other" families and to improve care for everyone present during the death of a child.
An Entomopathogenic Nematode by Any Other Name

Among the diversity of insect-parasitic nematodes, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are distinct, cooperating with insect-pathogenic bacteria to kill insect hosts. EPNs have adapted specific mechanisms to associate with and transmit bacteria to insect hosts. New discoveries have expanded this guild of nematodes and refine our understanding of the nature and evolution of insect–nematode associations. Here, we clarify the meaning of “entomopathogenic” in nematology and argue that EPNs must rapidly kill their hosts with the aid of bacterial partners and must pass on the associated bacteria to future generations.
Parent-offspring recognition in bank swallows (Riparia riparia): I. Natural history

Abstract A field study of the highly colonial bank swallow (Riparia riparia) revealed several contexts in which parent-offspring recognition occurs. Parents find their young away from the bank when the young make spontaneous flights from the burrow, and also when the young, after such flights, have returned to incorrect burrows. The resident adult in the latter situation also shows recognition, by ‘evicting’ alien chicks. Resident adults also make mistakes, however, and feed alien chicks. An analysis of these mistakes revealed that (a) the majority of mistakes are made by the male parent, and (b) mistakes generally do not exceed 0.5% of the parent's total feeding bouts. Parents also feed young in a creche away from the bank, both before and after the burrow is vacated.
Normalization of Insulin Sensitivity With Lithium in Diabetic Rats

Lithium salts are commonly used in psychiatric patients and have been shown to have an insulinlike action in vitro. To define the impact of lithium ion on in vivo glucose metabolism, the effect of 2 wk of lithium treatment on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin-mediated glucose disposal, and skeletal muscle glycogen synthesis in normal and diabetic rats was examined. Our results demonstrated the ability of lithium ions to completely restore insulin sensitivity to normal in diabetic rats. The insulinmimetic activity of the cation seems to be highly specific for the glycogenic pathway in skeletal muscle. These results raise the possibility that lithium ion may prove effective in reversing the defect in glycogen storage that characterizes non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in humans.
Synthesis and properties of turbostratically disordered, ultrathin WSe 2 films

Turbostratically disordered tungsten diselenide (WSe2) thin films with as few as two c-axis-oriented (basal plane) structural units were synthesized from modulated elemental reactants. By varying t...
Intensity of peri-operative glycemic control and postoperative outcomes in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis.

Abstract Aims Peri-operative hyperglycemia is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, the role of specific glycemic targets in reducing this risk has not been defined, particularly among patients with diabetes. Thus, our objective was to conduct a meta-analysis relating distinct peri-operative glycemic targets and postoperative outcomes in patients with diabetes. Methods A systematic review was performed by two authors utilizing pre-specified terms: “diabetes mellitus” and “perioperative” and “mortality” and “blood glucose” or “strict glucose control” or “intensive insulin therapy” in PUBMED, CENTRAL and EMBASE. Glycemic control was considered strict when perioperative targets ranged between 100 and 150 mg/dL (5.6–8.3 mmol/l), moderate when the targets ranged between 150 and 200 mg/dL 8.3–11.1 mmol/l), and liberal when the target was >200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/l). The data were combined utilizing the Dersimoan–Laird random-effects method. The primary endpoint was postoperative mortality with secondary endpoints of postoperative atrial fibrillation, wound infection, and stroke. Results The literature search yielded 760 studies, of which only 6 met inclusion criteria. When compared with a liberal target, pooled data showed that a moderate glycemic target was associated with reduced postoperative mortality (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.76) and stroke (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.98), but no differences in atrial fibrillation or wound infection were found. There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes between moderate versus strict perioperative glycemic target. Conclusions Pooled results suggest that in patients with diabetes, a moderate peri-operative glycemic target (150–200 mg/dl [5.6–8.3 mmol/l]) is associated with reduction in postoperative mortality and stroke compared with a liberal target (>200 mg/dl [11.1 mmol/l]), whereas no significant additional benefit was found with more strict glycemic control (
The health styles of nurse practitioners.

Purpose To examine the formal and informal health care beliefs, behaviors, and practices of nurse practitioners (NPs). Data Sources A self-administered questionnaire with a primarily closed-ended format was distributed over a 3-day period to a convenience sample of 321 NPs attending a national NP conference. Conclusions The overall health status and health practices of NPs were found to be fairly good, but there was room for improvement, particularly with regard to nutrition, health responsibility, physical activity, and stress management. Implications for Practice Respondents were more likely to self-diagnose and self-treat minor illnesses and largely received their primary health care from physicians. The majority of NPs indicated a willingness to receive health care from an NP; however, the nonavailability of NPs restricted this option.
Effects of immediacy on recall of information

This study was designed to investigate the effects of immediacy on cognitive learning in an experimental situation which removed the effects of affect from the measurement of cognitive learning. The theoretical rationale examines immediacy behaviors as arousal stimuli which are associated with attentional focus, enhanced memory and recall. Results indicated that a combination of eye contact and physical immediacy accounted for 19.5% of the overall variance in recall, with equivalence and interaction of the two immediacy agents suggesting that other immediacy behaviors should produce potentially similar beneficial results.
Effect of a Multiple-Scanning Beam Device and Trough Filter on Scatter in Chest Radiography

The use of a trough compensation filter to reduce the large difference in x-ray transmission between the lung parenchyma and mediastinum results in beam hardening and increased scattered radiation which causes a reduction of subject contrast in the lung fields. When the Rotating Aperture Wheel (RAW) multiple-scanning-beam device is used with the filter, this image degradation in the lung fields can be prevented while obtaining improved visualization of the mediastinum. Quantitative comparisons of image contrast and scatter distributions over chest radiographs obtained using various com-binations of anti-scatter device and filter are examined.
A persistent hog cholera viremia in young pigs.

SummaryA persistent hog cholera viremia was produced in pigs from non-immune mothers that were 6 weeks of age, but not in pigs that were 3 months of age or in pigs from immune mothers that were 6 weeks of age. Although a similar condition of immunological tolerance has been reported for other animals, it was produced either in utero or shortly after birth. These pigs, therefore, appear unusual because persistence of virus was established at an older age. Pigs with persistent viremia failed to grow and showed elevated temperatures but survived for periods from 6 to 17 weeks. During this interval, persistent virus reverted to a fully virulent state. When they became moribund, virus titers of spleens from stunted pigs ranged from 107 to 109 in contrast to 105 found in spleens from moribund pigs infected with virulent virus in the usual manner. The ability of hog cholera virus to transmit in utero and to persist in pigs after birth may have epidemiological implications.
Cointegration Tests and Spatial Price Linkages in Regional Cattle Markets

This analysis empirically evaluates spatial linkages in regional cattle markets using cointegration tests of regional price series. Several markets were not cointegrated over the 1980 through 1987 period. However, significant increases in cointegration of several regional livestock markets are observed through the 1980s. The increased cointegration parallels significant structural changes in the livestock industry. A formal analysis of market characteristics reveals that distances between markets, industry concentration ratios, market volumes, and market types have significant influences on cointegration relationships between markets.
The Vertical Temperature Distribution and the Layer of Minimum Temperature

Abstract Seven years of temperature observations from Cape Canaveral, Florida, are used for a detailed examination of the vertical temperature structure. In the troposphere, temperature variations increase with time; in the stratosphere 12-hour temperature changes are greatest and 24-hour changes are least, showing the diurnal temperature control. In the troposphere, temperature variations are greatest in winter, least in summer; the reverse is true in the stratosphere. The smallest annual median temperature range, 3.6C, occurs at 13 km altitude. Stratospheric temperatures over Cape Canaveral are warmest in early spring, coinciding with the maximum ozone concentration of early spring, with only 2–3 months elapsing between the warmest and coldest temperatures of the year. Cape Canaveral summer temperatures compare closely to the mean summer temperatures of other tropical maritime areas, as shown by earlier studies. Three years of temperature data, at 23 stations from Eureka to Amundsen-Scott, are used to e...
On the use of momentum balance and the assumed modes method in transverse impact problems

The objective of this investigation is to examine the validity of applying the assumed modes method and the generalized impulse momentum approach that involves the coefficient of restitution in the analysis of transverse impact in constrained elastic systems. A simple impact model that consists of a rotating beam which is subjected to a transverse impact by a mass (impact hammer) moving with a constant velocity is used. For the purpose of comparison and in order to check the validity of using the proposed technique, the transverse deformation of the beam with respect to the beam coordinate system is described using three different assumed sets of orthogonal functions. The different sets of modes are the clamped-free modes, pin-free modes, and a set of assumed harmonic functions. The system mass matrix that accounts for the coupling between the rigid body motion and the elastic deformation is identified and used with the Jacobian matrix of the kinematic constraints and the coefficient of restitution to define the algebraic generalized impulse momentum equations that describe the transverse impact. The series solution obtained using the generalized impulse momentum equations is used to define the generalized impulse, the jump discontinuity in the system reference and modal velocities, and the jump discontinuities in the generalized joint reaction forces. It is shown in this investigation, that by increasing the number of elastic degrees of freedom, the jump discontinuity in the angular velocity of the rod as well as the generalized impulse converge to zero regardless of the assumed complete set of modes used. The effect of the coefficient of restitution and the mass ratio on the jump in the system velocities and the generalized reaction forces is also examined.
Correlation of the Activation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II with the Initiation of Insulin Secretion from Perifused Pancreatic Islets

An experimental procedure has been designed to permit the simultaneous assessment of the activation status of the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) with insulin secretion in perifused islets. By this procedure, the activation of CaM kinase II by glucose correlated closely with the initial and sustained phases of insulin secretion within a 30-min test period. By contrast, islets (160-200/tube) in static incubations neither supported second-phase insulin secretion nor CaM kinase II activation beyond 10-15 min. This was not the result of the accumulation of insulin, because the introduction of insulin (40-160 ng/ml) into the perifusion medium failed to mimic the suppression of glucose-induced insulin secretion or CaM kinase II activation. A similar addition of SRIF (0.01-1 microM) or epinephrine (1 microM) profoundly suppressed insulin secretion although failing to significantly influence CaM kinase II activation. Finally, on withdrawal of glucose from perifused islets, insulin secretion rapidly returned to basal rates, but CaM kinase II deactivation was significantly delayed. The correlation of kinase activation with the initiation of insulin secretion suggests that CaM kinase II may be important in the regulation of glucose-induced insulin secretion. The observed dissociation of these parameters in the presence of inhibitory hormones or after the withdrawal of a glucose stimulus, however, suggests that the kinase is not directly involved in the final steps of insulin exocytosis.
Reduced expression of connexin-43 and functional gap junction coupling in human gliomas.

Gap junctions are an important means for intercellular communication during development, processes of tissue differentiation, and in maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. We investigated the expression levels and distribution of connexin-43 (Cx-43), the most abundant astrocytic gap junction protein, in acutely isolated astrocytes and glioma cells from biopsy tissue obtained from patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), low-grade astrocytomas (LGAs), or mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses indicated an inverse correlation between the amount of Cx-43 protein and tumor malignancy grade, as assessed by calculating tissue mitotic indexes (MI) obtained using anti-Ki-67 nuclear antigen staining. Samples from epilepsy patients had a low MI and were intensely positive for Cx-43 staining, while LGA tissue samples exhibited moderate staining for Cx-43 and average MI, and GBM biopsies showed significantly lower levels of Cx-43 and high MI. Functional coupling was assayed using fluorescence recovery after photobleach (FRAP). We found that cells from glioma cell lines and primary cultures of human astrocytes from GBM tissues displayed significantly lower degrees of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) as indicated by longer and less complete recovery from photobleaching. Mean recovery values were GBM 23.8% +/- 11.4%, LGA 49.4% +/- 47%, and nontumor astrocytes 67.2% +/- 8.4%. Western blot analysis of several human glioma cell lines and tissue biopsies showed variable expression levels of Cx-43, which correlated negatively with the extent of recovery in the same samples. Taken together, our findings suggest that high-grade brain tumors show reduced intercellular communication and a decrease in connexin-43 protein levels.
Unidirectional solidification of a binary alloy and the effects of induced fluid motion

Abstract Solidification of a binary substance in a bottom-chilled geometry is numerically simulated under conditions for which large-scale convection results from a compositionally induced density inversion in the mushy region. Model results successfully predict characteristics of mushy region channel formation which have previously been observed but have heretofore eluded prediction. Channel growth is predicted to begin at the liquidus front and, due to localized freezing point depression (melting), to propagate downward toward the chill plate. The channels act as paths of least resistance for the transport of interdendritic fluid into the overlying bulk fluid. Fluid escaping from the mushy zone forms buoyant plumes at the mouth of each channel, and the plumes are sustained by penetration of bulk liquid across the liquidus front and subsequent advection toward the channels. Predictions for channel development and flow in the overlying melt agree qualitatively with previous experimental observations.
Diagnosis of fetal loss caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus and Leptospira spp

Efficient reproduction is a major contributing factor to the economic viability of the cattle industry [1,2]. Factors that make reproduction less efficient can have a significant economic impact on producers, whose enterprises require that their cattle be able to produce viable and healthy offspring. Causes of reproductive inefficiency are numerous, and range from simple management errors to complicated multifactorial disease complexes. Infectious diseases can be a significant cause of reproductive inefficiency. Many bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and parasites have been linked to reproductive losses in cattle. Infectious diseases have been associated with infertility, early embryonic deaths, abortions, and congenital defects. Worldwide, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Leptospira spp cause two of the most common infectious diseases associated with reproductive losses [3–9] When investigating reproductive inefficiency problems, these two pathogens should be primary considerations and should be ruled out first.
Neutron-Proton Interaction: The Scattering of Neutrons by Protons

The inadequacy of present theories of proton-neutron interaction is shown in work in which 730 proton tracks produced by collisions of fast neutrons with hydrogen nuclei have been studied and measured to determine the distribution-in-angle. The recoils have been observed in three gaseous media; hydrogen, ethylene and hydrogen sulphide, by the use of a sylphon-type Wilson chamber and two cameras mounted in such a way as to give two views of each recoil, thus enabling a stereoscopic projection and a direct measurement of the angle of scattering to be made for each track. In this way it is found that the intensity distribution of recoil protons shows a maximum in the neighborhood of 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The distribution referred to unit solid angle in each angle interval exhibits a sharp maximum at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in close agreement with the work of Kurie, but in contradiction to those who have believed the scattering to be of the classical type. Various factors, both geometrical and statistical, which may lead to distortion of the angular distribution are cited, and it is shown that their effect is taken into account in these experiments, but not necessarily in those of the other workers. The contradictions in the results reported at present in the literature are assumed to arise from these factors. The bearing of the distribution found in these experiments on the neutron-proton inter-action is considered in the light of the modern nuclear theories and evidence is deduced for an exchange or some other type of interaction at energies lower than predicted on the basis of these theories. The mechanism favored by both the classical and quantum theories, namely elastic collision of like spheres, is inadequate to explain the distribution. The present distribution is found to be consistent with Fermi's explanation for the efficiency of hydrogen nuclei in slowing fast neutrons, but indicates an even higher efficiency.
Linear alkaline earth metal phosphinate coordination polymers: synthesis and structural characterization.

Reaction of alkaline earth metal salts with diphenylphosphinic acid in dimethylformamide solvent afforded four coordination polymers: [Mg3(O2PPh2)6(DMF)2]·2DMF (I), [Ca(O2PPh2)2(DMF)2] (II), [Sr(O2PPh2)2(DMF)2] (III) and [Ba(O2PPh2)2(DMF)2] (IV) (where DMF is N,N-dimethylformamide). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that all four compounds produce linear chain structures in the solid state, with the Ca, Sr and Ba forming isostructural crystals. The bulk materials were characterized by FT–IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses.
A surgical simulator for planning and performing repair of cleft lips.

Summary The objective of this project was to develop a computer-based surgical simulation system for planning and performing cleft lip repair. This system allows the user to interact with a virtual patient to perform the traditional steps of cleft-lip repair (rotation-advancement technique). Materials and methods The system interfaces to force-feedback (haptic) devices to track the user's motion and provide feedback during the procedure, while performing real-time soft-tissue simulation. An 11-day-old unilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate patient was previously CT scanned for ancillary diagnostic purposes using standard imaging protocols and 1 mm slices. High-resolution 3D meshes were automatically generated from this data using the ROVE software developed in-house. The resulting 3D meshes of bone and soft tissue were instilled with physical properties of soft tissues for purposes of simulation. Once these preprocessing steps were completed, the patient's bone and soft tissue data are presented on the computer screen in stereo and the user can freely view, rotate, and otherwise interact with the patient's data in real time. The user is prompted to select anatomical landmarks on the patient's data for preoperative planning purposes, then their locations are compared against that of a ‘gold standard’ and a score, derived from their deviation from that standard and time required, is generated. The user can then move a haptic stylus and guide the motion of the virtual cutting tool. The soft tissues can thus be incised using this virtual cutting tool, moved using virtual forceps, and fused in order to perform any of the major procedures for cleft lip repair. Real-time soft tissue deformation of the mesh realistically simulates normal tissues and haptic-rate ( > 1 k Hz ) force-feedback is provided. The surgical result of the procedure can then be immediately visualized and the entire training process can be repeated at will. A short evaluation study was also performed. Two groups (non-medical and plastic surgery residents) of six persons each performed the anatomical marking task of the simulator four times. Results Results showed that the plastic surgery residents scored consistently better than the persons without medical background. Every person's score increased with practice, and the length of time needed to complete the 11 markings decreased. The data was compiled and showed which specific markers consistently took users the longest to identify as well as which locations were hardest to accurately mark. Conclusion These findings suggest that the simulator is a valuable training tool, giving residents a way to practice anatomical identification for cleft lip surgery without the risks associated with training on a live patient. Educators can also use the simulator to examine which markers are consistently problematic, and modify their training to address these needs.
NetSpy: Automatic Generation of Spyware Signatures for NIDS

We present NetSpy, a tool to automatically generate network-level signatures for spyware. NetSpy determines whether an untrusted program is spyware by correlating user input with network traffic generated by the untrusted program. If classified as spyware, NetSpy also generates a signature characterizing the malicious substrate of the spyware?s network behavior. Such a signature can be used by network intrusion detection systems to detect spyware installations in large networks. In our experiments, NetSpy precisely identified each of the 7 spyware programs that we considered and generated network-level signatures for them. Of the 9 supposedly-benign programs that we considered, NetSpy correctly characterized 6 of them as benign. The remaining 3 programs showed network behavior that was highly suggestive of spying activity.
Blooms of the picoplanktonic cyanobacterium Synechococcus in Florida Bay, a subtropical inner-shelf lagoon

Seventeen sites in Florida Bay were sampled on a monthly basis for 51 months to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of phytoplankton blooms. The study focused on the picoplanktonic cyanobacterium Synechococcus. The greatest frequency and intensity of blooms was observed in the north-central region of Florida Bay, where cellular biovolumes of this species regularly exceeded 10 × 106μm3 ml−1 and chlorophyll a concentrations were frequently >20 mg m−3. Synechococcus blooms were often restricted to this region of the bay, in part because of the network of shallow mudbanks and islands that restrict water exchange with other regions and outlying waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The most severe blooms occurred in the summer and fall (May–December). High concentrations of Synechococcus also appeared during the fall in the south-central region of the bay. The appearance of blooms in this region coincided with the onset of seasonal cold fronts, whose strong northerly and northwesterly winds appear to drive bloom-laden water from the north-central region into adjacent parts of the bay. A number of physical and chemical factors appear to contribute to the remarkably high phytoplankton biovolumes observed in the north-central region of Florida Bay. Physical factors include the shallowness and hydrological isolation of the region. The dominance of Synechococcus in the center of the bay may be attributable to several of the unique physicochemical characteristics of this species, including its small size, cyanobacterial metabolism, euryhaline character, buoyancy, and tolerance to high light intensity.
Intrusion detection: current capabilities and future directions

Intrusion detection is a technique employed tocatch and report attacks as they occur. It isneeded given that vulnerabilities in operatingsystems, network protocols, applications, andconfigurations leave systems open to attacks.
Regulation of APC/C Activators in Mitosis and Meiosis

The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is a multisub- unit E3 ubiquitin ligase that triggers the degradation of multiple sub- strates during mitosis. Cdc20/Fizzy and Cdh1/Fizzy-related activate the APC/C and confer substrate specificity through complex interactions with both the core APC/C and substrate proteins. The regulation of Cdc20 and Cdh1 is critical for proper APC/C activity and occurs in multiple ways: targeted protein degradation, phosphorylation, and di- rect binding of inhibitory proteins. During the specialized divisions of meiosis, the activity of the APC/C must be modified to achieve proper chromosome segregation. Recent studies show that one way in which APC/C activity is modified is through the use of meiosis-specific APC/C activators. Furthermore, regulation of the APC/C during meiosis is car- ried out by both mitotic regulators of the APC/C as well as meiosis- specific regulators. Here, we review the regulation of APC/C activators during mitosis and the role and regulation of the APC/C during female meiosis.
Characterization of a complex chromosomal rearrangement maps the locus for in vitro complementation of xeroderma pigmentosum group D to human chromosome band 19q13.

Microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT) is a powerful genetic technique that permits the transfer of a single chromosome from one mammalian cell to another. The utility of MMCT for gene mapping strategies is critically dependent on the careful characterization of the chromosomes being transferred. We have recently reported the identification of a single rearranged human chromosome, designated Tneo, which corrects the UV sensitivity and excision repair defect of cells of xeroderma pigmentosum genetic complementation group D (XP-D) in culture (Flejter WL et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89:261–265, 1992). Additionally, those studies demonstrated a role for the excision repair cross-complementing 2 (ERCC2) gene in the observed phenotypic correction. We now report the results of detailed conventional and molecular cytogenetic characterization of the complementing Tneo chromosome. This analysis revealed a complex rearrangement involving material from human chromosomes 16, 17, and 19. Characterization of deletions of Tneo which retained or lost XP-D complementing ability mapped the gene responsible for phenotypic correction to a small region of the terminal q-arm of this chromosome. This region includes the previously described human DNA repair gene cluster located in the region 19q13.2-q13.3, a result consistent with the notion that the in vitro correction of XP-D cells by the Tneo chromosome is rendered by die ERCC2 locus. The data illustrate the potential value of detailed cytogenetic characterization of a human chromosome present in a somatic cell hybrid, even when that material involves complex rearrangements.
An efficient continuation method for use in globally convergent dc circuit simulation

The use of continuation methods and various homotopies used for globally convergent dc operating point simulation are discussed. A new homotopy that gives the shortest possible arc length between the initial solution and the desired operating point is introduced. In addition, it is shown that for the case where a circuit possesses multiple operating points, this homotopy allows the user to choose which operating point is found first and is guaranteed to find at least three operating points in a single analysis.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Inhibits Growth of VCaP Prostate Cancer Cells Despite Inducing the Growth-Promoting TMPRSS2:ERG Gene Fusion

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists have been shown to reduce the growth of several prostate cancer cell lines. However, the effects of VDR activation have not been examined in the presence of the recently identified androgen-regulated TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusions, which occur in a high percentage of prostate cancers and play a role in growth and invasiveness. In a previous microarray study, we found that VDR activation induces TMPRSS2 expression in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Here we show that the natural VDR agonist 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and its synthetic analog EB1089 increase expression of TMPRSS2:ERG mRNA in VCaP prostate cancer cells; this results in increased ETS-related gene (ERG) protein expression and ERG activity as demonstrated by an increase in the ERG target gene CACNA1D. In VCaP cells, we were not able to prevent EB1089-mediated TMPRSS2:ERG induction with an androgen receptor antagonist, Casodex, although in LNCaP cells, as reported for some other common androgen receptor and VDR target genes, Casodex reduces EB1089-mediated induction of TMPRSS2. However, despite inducing the fusion gene, VDR agonists reduce VCaP cell growth and expression of the ERG target gene c-Myc, a critical factor in VDR-mediated growth inhibition. Thus, the beneficial effects of VDR agonist treatment override some of the negative effects of ERG induction, although others remain to be tested.
Lung Antioxidant Enzymes and Cardiopulmonary Responses in Young Rats Exposed to Hyperoxia and Treated Intratracheally with PEG Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase

The 27-day-old rat exposed to 100% oxygen (O2) for 8 days will have predictable lung vascular and parenchymal changes at 60 days of age. Using this model, the goals of this study are (1) to measure the lung antioxidant enzyme activities serially following intratracheal PEG antioxidant therapy during the 8-day O2 exposure; and (2) to assess chronic cardiopulmonary changes in the O2-exposed rats treated with PEG-CAT and/or PEG-CuZn SOD given intraperitoneally (IP) and/or intratracheally (IT). The study encompassed 202 male rats exposed to room air or oxygen. CuZn SOD doses were 300 U IT and 2000 U IP. The CAT dose was 500 or 4000 U IT and 10,000 U IP. At 60 days of age, the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVP), RV weight, % acinar wall arterial thickness, and parenchymal air space were significantly increased in O2-exposed rats compared to RA rats. The RVP, RV weight, and parenchymal changes were prevented by daily IT PEG-CAT 4000 U + CuZn SOD 300 U but the increased small artery muscularization was no...
Adhesive protein interactions with chitosan: Consequences for valve endothelial cell growth on tissue-engineering materials

Stable endothelialization of a tissue-engineered heart valve is essential for proper valve function, although adhesive characteristics of the native valve endothelial cell (VEC) have rarely been explored. This research evaluated VEC adhesive qualities and attempted to enhance VEC growth on the biopolymer chitosan, a novel tissue-engineering scaffold material with promising biological and chemical properties. Aortic VEC cultures were isolated and found to preferentially adhere to fibronectin, collagen types IV and I over laminin and osteopontin in a dose-dependent manner. Seeding of VEC onto comparison substrates revealed VEC growth and morphology to be preferential in the order: tissue culture polystyrene > gelatin, poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), chitosan > poly(hydroxy alkanoate). Adhesive protein precoating of chitosan did not significantly enhance VEC growth, despite equivalent protein adsorption as to polystyrene. Initial cell adhesion to protein-precoated chitosan, however, was higher than for polystyrene. Composite chitosan/collagen type IV films were investigated as an alternative to simple protein precoatings, and were shown to improve VEC growth and morphology over chitosan alone. These findings suggest potential manipulation of chitosan properties to improve amenability to valve tissue-engineering applications.