cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
532: ‘Early’ versus ‘late’ 23 week neonatal outcomes

Erol Amon, Thinh Nguyen, Mohamad Al-Hosni, Jeffrey Gavard Saint Louis University, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Saint Louis, MO OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a survival difference in 23 week neonates delivered ‘early’ (23 0/7 to 23 3/7 weeks) versus ‘late’ (23 4/7 to 23 6/7 weeks). STUDY DESIGN: Records of 126 consecutive live born infants between 23 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks gestation treated at a single perinatal center over a 10 year period (2000 to 2010) were examined. These babies were divided into early and late 23 week deliveries . Statistical comparisons were made using chi-square and t-tests as appropriate (P .05) with regards to early or late delivery, antenatal steroid use, birthweight, Apgar score, location of delivery, cesarean delivery and neonatal complications and a composite of survival to discharge or first birthday. RESULTS: 72 infants were born ‘early’ and 54 were ‘late’. Overall, 38% of infants in our cohort survived to discharge or their first birthday. Survival was significantly different in the early (25%) versus late (56%) group (p 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in mean birthweight between the two groups, 547 g for early group versus 596 g for the late group (p 0.001). Additionally, birthweight was noted to be an independent factor in predicting survival (p 0.001). The early group was less likely to have received antenatal steroids (43% vs. 65%; p 0.016). There was no difference in race, gender, multiple gestations, mean 1and 5-minute Apgar scores or delivery mode between the two groups. Neonatal outcomes, including RDS, NEC, chronic lung disease were not significantly different between the two groups. Year-by-year trend analysis did not show an improvement over the ten year study period in either group. CONCLUSION: Early 23 week babies have poorer survival compared to late 23 week babies. Despite the advances in obstetric and neonatal care, neither group showed improved survival over the last decade. These data suggest that delaying delivery even one or two days confers a significant survival benefit and that aggressive intervention may be warranted in this gestational age group.
The mycoflora of domesticated and wild bees (Apoidea)

Fungi including yeasts are common in the honey stomachs and provisions of diverse bees. They may be parasites, commensals or mutualistic. Yeasts, singly or in association with bacteria, are pioneer colonizers during a microbial succession in larval cells of many subterranean bees. They are followed by fungi such asAspergillus, Penicillium, Emericellopsis, Sartorya, Pseudoarachniotus, Gymnoascus, Carpenteles andFusarium. Aspergillus flavus andSaccharomyces spp. are pathogenic to many species of bees, and fungi are the main cause of declining alkali bee populations. There are 124 species of fungi, including 36 new records, associated with Apoidea; 49 species are associated with alkali bees.
Alternative approach to multivessel coronary disease with integrated coronary revascularization.

Abstract Objective: Integrated coronary revascularization combines minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG) with left internal thoracic artery–left anterior descending artery grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. We hypothesized that integrated coronary revascularization could result in successful revascularization in suitable patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Methods: Between September 1996 and January 1998, 31 consecutive patients underwent integrated coronary revascularization. Twenty-two were male; mean age was 69 years (46-86 years) and 42% were older than 75 years. Eight patients (26%) had a Parsonnet score greater than 20%. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 46.3% ± 12%; 6 patients (19%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 35%. Results: The anastomosis time for MICABG with the internal thoracic artery was 14.6 ± 5.2 minutes and the operating time was 105 ± 20 minutes; 28 patients (90%) were extubated in the operating room. The internal thoracic artery anastomosis was patent in all 31 patients (100%). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed before MICABG in 2 patients (7%), on the same day of MICABG in 16 patients (52%), on postoperative day 1 in 3 patients (9%), and on postoperative days 2 to 4 in 10 patients (32%). Postprocedure length of stay in the hospital was 2.7 ± 1.0 days and 13 patients (42%) were discharged home on postoperative day 1 or 2. Three patients (9.6%) required repeat target vessel revascularization in the distribution of the previous percutaneous coronary intervention. All patients are alive without angina at a follow-up of 10.8 ± 3.8 months. Conclusion: Our early results demonstrate that integrated coronary revascularization can be performed safely and effectively. Long-term results will be available from a prospective randomized trial now underway to compare integrated coronary revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel coronary artery disease. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:439-46)
Single pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of bulk aqueous solutions at oceanic pressures: interrelationship of gate delay and pulse energy

The ability of oceanographers to make sustained measurements of ocean processes is limited by the number of available sensors for long-term in situ analysis. In recent years, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been identified as a viable technique to develop into an oceanic chemical sensor. We performed single pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of high pressure bulk aqueous solutions to detect three analytes (sodium, manganese, and calcium) that are of key importance in hydrothermal vent fluids, an ocean environment that would greatly benefit from the development of an oceanic LIBS sensor. The interrelationship of the key experimental parameters, pulse energy and gate delay, for a range of pressures up to 2.76x10(7) Pa, is studied. A minimal effect of pressure on the peak intensity is observed. A short gate delay (less than 200 ns) must be used at all pressures. The ability to use a relatively low laser pulse energy (less than approximately 60 mJ) for detection of analytes at high pressure is also established. Na, Mn, and Ca are detectable at pressures up to 2.76x10(7) Pa at 50, 500, and 50 ppm, respectively, using an Echelle spectrometer.
Mapping the surface properties of macromolecules

Methods are presented for the rapid computation of schematic projections of the surfaces of macromolecules, similar to the "roadmaps" used to illustrate the surfaces of viruses (Rossmann, M.G. & Palmenberg, A.C., 1988, Virology 164, 373-382). Several types of projections are described, extending the application of "roadmaps" to the external surfaces of all macromolecules and their interior binding pockets and pores. The surface projections, showing the positions of residues, can be colored, shaded, contoured, and annotated to show physical, sequence, or functional properties such as surface topology, hydrophobicity, or sequence conservation, for example. The automated procedures are useful for surveys of the surface features of proteins sharing similar functional properties.
A New Satellite of Saturn

Analysis of all available observations of faint objects near Saturn during the 1966 passage of the earth through the plane of Saturn's rings suggests the existence of at least one previously undiscovered satellite of Saturn. The data support the previously published orbit for Janus. These satellites may be major members of an extended ring.
Research and Policy Implications of IARC's Classification of Silica as a Group 1 Carcinogen

In 1997 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified crystalline silica dust exposure as a known human carcinogen, group 1. In Western countries this change in status has not resu
Hsp104: a weapon to combat diverse neurodegenerative disorders.

Many of the fatal neurodegenerative disorders that plague humankind, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are connected with the misfolding of specific proteins into a surprisingly generic fibrous conformation termed amyloid. Prior to amyloid fiber assembly, many proteins populate a common oligomeric conformation, which may be severely cytotoxic. Therapeutic innovations are desperately sought to safely reverse this aberrant protein aggregation and return proteins to normal function. Whether mammalian cells possess any such endogenous activity remains unclear. By contrast, fungi, plants and bacteria all express Hsp104, a protein-remodeling factor, which synergizes with the Hsp70 chaperone system to resolve aggregated proteins and restore their functionality. Surprisingly, amyloids can also be adaptive. In yeast, Hsp104 directly regulates the amyloidogenesis of several prion proteins, which can confer selective advantages. Here, I review the modus operandi of Hsp104 and showcase efforts to unleash Hsp104 on the protein-misfolding events connected to disparate neurodegenerative amyloidoses.
Treatment of aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess. Penicillin G vs clindamycin.

Aspiration pneumonitis and lung abscess generally involve anaerobic bacteria, which normally colonize the upper respiratory passages. The therapeutic response of these infections to parenteral penicillin G (49 patients) and parenteral clindamycin (35 patients) was compared to determine relative efficacy. No difference was discerned between these two agents in terms of time required for defervescence, roentgenographic clearing, and ultimate outcome. Seven patients with infections includingBacteroides fragiliswere treated with penicillin G, and all responded well. These data indicate that penicillin G is the preferred agent for pulmonary infections involving anaerobic bacteria. Clindamycin is a suitable alternative for patients in whom penicillin G is contraindicated. (JAMA234:935-937, 1975)
The Influence of Pt Loading, Support and Nafion Content on the Performance of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Examined on the Example of the Cathode

Nano-sized Pt colloids were prepared using the polyol method and supported on Ketjen black EC 600J (KB), Vulcan XC-72 (VC) and high surface area graphite 300 (HG). The effects of the Nafion ionomer content, and the Pt loading of the cathode catalyst layer as well as the Pt loading on the support on the performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), were studied. The membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were analysed using current–voltage curves, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and adsorbed CO stripping voltammetry. Optimum Nafion to carbon (N/C) ratios (N/C being defined as the weight ratio of the Nafion ionomer to the carbon) were determined. The optimum N/C ratios were found to depend on the support as follows, 1.4, 0.7 and 0.5 for Pt/KB, Pt/VC and Pt/HG, respectively and to be independent of the Pt/C loading range of 20–80 wt% tested in this work. The highest DMFC performances, as well as the highest electrochemical active surface areas, and improved gas diffusivities, were achieved using these ratios. For the catalysts prepared in this work, the average Pt crystallite size was found to decrease with increasing surface area of the support for a particular Pt loading. MEAs made using KB as support and the optimal N/C ratio of 1.4 showed the best performances, i.e. higher than the VC and HG supports for any N/C ratio. The highest DMFC performance was observed using 60 wt% Pt on KB cathode electrodes of 1 mg Pt cm–2 loading and an N/C value of 1.4. For all three supports studied, the 60 wt% Pt on carbon loading resulted in the best DMFC performance. This may be linked to the Pt particle size and catalyst preparation method used in this work. In comparison to literature results, high DMFC performances were achieved using relatively ‘low' Pt and Ru loadings. For example, a maximum power density of >100 mW cm–2 at 60 °C was observed using a 1 mg Pt cm–2 cathode loading and a 2 mg PtRu cm–2 anode loading.
Switch reversal of single-phase induction motor

The possibility of reversing single-phase squirrel cage induction motors simply by reversing the supply voltage at the terminals of the motor with a reversing switch has been investigated through experiments performed by the author and was found feasible. A very strong reversing torque was produced by reversing the voltage when the stator magnetizing current was near its maximum peak value. The motor was found to stop and reverse within 10 to 12 cycles.
The radiology of drug addiction affecting the brain.

A history of drug abuse was obtained in 12 patients with neurologic abnormalities, nine of whom were seen at Montefiore Medical Center, one at Bronx Municipal Hospital, one at White Plains Hospital, and one at Mt. Sinai Hospital. One patient was examined prior to the advent of CT; the remaining 11 were examined by CT. Cerebral angiography was also performed in one patient. The EMI 1010 scanner was used in nine patients, the GE 8800 in two.
Feature selection for steganalysis using the Mahalanobis distance

Steganalysis is used to detect hidden content in innocuous images. Many successful steganalysis algorithms use a large number of features relative to the size of the training set and suffer from a "curse of dimensionality": large number of feature values relative to training data size. High dimensionality of the feature space can reduce classification accuracy, obscure important features for classification, and increase computational complexity. This paper presents a filter-type feature selection algorithm that selects reduced feature sets using the Mahalanobis distance measure, and develops classifiers from the sets. The experiment is applied to a well-known JPEG steganalyzer, and shows that using our approach, reduced-feature steganalyzers can be obtained that perform as well as the original steganalyzer. The steganalyzer is that of Pevn´y et al. (SPIE, 2007) that combines DCT-based feature values and calibrated Markov features. Five embedding algorithms are used. Our results demonstrate that as few as 10-60 features at various levels of embedding can be used to create a classifier that gives comparable results to the full suite of 274 features.
A dissociation of frequency and regularity effects in pronunciation performance across young adults, older adults, and individuals with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Abstract The regularity of a given spelling-to-sound sequence in English primarily influences the ease of naming low-frequency words and produces little influence on the ease of naming high-frequency words. This frequency × regularity interaction has been accommodated within both a single-route connectionist model and dual-route models of pronunciation performance. Recent evidence presented by dual-route theorists suggests that the sublexical route in naming performance demands more attention than the lexical route. The present study further explores this possibility by investigating the word-frequency by regularity interaction across five different groups of subjects that have well-documented changes in attentional capacities. The five groups were healthy young adults, older adults between 60 and 80 years of age, older adults greater than 80 years of age, very mildly demented individuals with senile dementia of the Alzheimers Type (SDAT), and mild/moderately demented SDAT individuals. The response latency results from a simple word-naming experiment indicated that there was a consistent increase in the word-frequency effect across the five subject groups (from young to mildly demented individuals) without any corresponding increase in either the regularity effect or the frequency × regularity interaction. However, the results also indicated that there was an increased likelihood of regularization errors (e.g., pronouncing the word pint such that it rhymes with hint ) across the subject groups. These results are viewed as most consistent with a model in which healthy young adults are especially slow to name low-frequency irregular words because they must inhibit inconsistent output from an assembled route and produce the correct output from the addressed route. We argue that the increased likelihood of regularization errors in the healthy aged individuals and to a greater extent in the SDAT individuals may be due to a breakdown in the inhibitory control of partially activated (assembled route) information.
Cross-channel correlations in tetrode recordings: implications for spike-sorting

Abstract We are exploring new methods of spike detection to improve spike-sorting in tetrode recordings. Based on our observation that the four channels of the tetrode carry highly correlated signals, we propose the use of a hyperellipsoidal thresholding surface in the four-dimensional space of the signal values to detect spikes. This surface is determined by the cross-channel covariance matrix and provides a better approximation of the equiprobable surface of the noise amplitude distribution compared to the traditionally used hypercubical thresholding surface. This spike detection procedure greatly improves the separation of signal clusters from the noise cluster around the origin. We have extended these approaches to automatic spike-sorting in both amplitude and full waveform spaces.
A t(1;9)(q10;q10) translocation with additional 6q23 and 9q22 rearrangements in a case of chondromyxoid fibroma

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare cartilaginous tumor of bone. It typically presents in the long tubular bones and to a lesser extent in the small bones of the hands and feet of young adults. To date, several cytogenetic abnormalities have been described in association with CMF. We studied a phalangeal CMF from a 13-year-old female by cytogenetic methods. We found a novel unbalanced translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 1 and 9, resulting in loss of 1p. In addition, rearrangements involving the 6q23 and 9q22 regions were also observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature describing this novel chromosomal translocation in CMF.
ON THE MECHANISM OF PHOTOCHEMICAL ALKYNE INSERTION INTO CYCLOPENTADIENYLIRONDICARBONYL DIMER: ALKYNE ADDITION TO A “TIED-BACK” Cp-Fe DIMER

Abstract The photochemical insertion of phenylacetylene with the “tied-back” dinuclear complex [(η5-C5H4)2SiMe2]Fe2(CO)2(μ-CO)2 (4) yields, by X-ray structural analysis, a dimetallacyclopentenone product entirely analogous to that obtained from the photochemical reaction of the alkyne with (η5 - C5H5)2Fe2(CO)2(μ-CO)2 (1). This result is interpreted as evidence for an alternative pathway for photochemical alkyne addition to 1. Attempts to identify the photochemical intermediates from 4 have been unsuccessful. A competition study between 1 and 4 indicates that photochemical alkyne insertion into 1 is preferred by approximate ratio of 2:1 over insertion into 4.
Managing hard-disk PCs in the introductory laboratory

A method is described for managing stand-alone hard-disk PCs, in an environment in which students are allowed to explore the hard disk. The system, application, and student-created files are safeguarded by management software which helps eliminate "accidental" loss or modification.
Polybutadiene/polystyrene network composites prepared via concentrated emulsion polymerization

A series of polybutadiene/polystyrene (PB/PS) network composites in the form of latexes were prepared via the concentrated emulsion polymerization method. The polymerization rate and the relative content of the crosslinked species were determined and compared at various polymerization temperatures, concentrations of initiator, and with vinyl-terminated PBs of different molecular weights. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied by tensile testing. The effects of the reactant composition and conversion on the mechanical properties were investigated.
A Simple Technique for the Purification of Plasma Membranes from Ejaculated Boar Spermatozoa

Spermatozoa were initially separated from fresh boar ejaculates using a 1.0 M sucrose density gradient. Spermatozoa (1 x 10(8) cells/ml) were subjected to gas cavitation (650 psi, 10 minutes), followed by a 4-step centrifugation technique to yield the final plasma membrane preparation. Purity of the plasma membrane isolate was determined using microscopic techniques (i.e. differential interference contrast and transmission electron microscopy) and marker enzymes for biochemical characterization. Plasma membranes were found to be removed primarily from the periacrosomal region of the sperm. Acrosomes appeared to remain intact on the cavitated spermatozoa. Transmission electron microscopy yielded a homogenous population of 100-200 microns unilamellar vesicles. Enzyme markers specific for plasma, acrosome and mitochondrial membranes substantial the purity observed under visual examination.
Fabrication of flaw-tolerant aluminum-titanate-reinforced alumina

Abstract The fabrication and the flaw tolerance behavior of particulate aluminum-titanate-reinforced alumina composites have been studied. High-density (∼99% theoretical) composites with controlled microstructures are readily produced via a conventional ceramics processing scheme using starting powders of α-alumina and β-aluminum titanate. Indentation-strength measurements demonstrate that these composites are highly flaw tolerant. Direct observations of crack evolution from Vickers indentations during loading reveal a strong crack-stabilization with prefailure extensions of a millimeter or more. This stabilization gives rise to the flaw tolerance properties and results from pronounced crack-resistance (R-curve) behavior. Grain-localized crack bridging is active in these materials and is believed to be a contributor to the R-curve properties.
Dandy-Walker syndrome and monochorionic twins: insight into a possible etiological mechanism.

Objective. Dandy–Walker syndrome (DWS) is a developmental malformation of the central nervous system characterized by complete or partial absence of the cerebellar vermis, the presence of a posterior fossa cyst, and ventriculomegaly. Although DWS can be seen with Mendelian and chromosomal disorders, the actual pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for the syndrome is unknown. The incidence of DWS is approximately 1–8/100 000 births. We have noted a higher than expected incidence of DWS in a population of twins referred as complicated monochorionic twins, to include twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of DWS in monochorionic twins.Methods. The database of all patients referred with complicated monochorionic twins was queried for the diagnosis of DWS. TTTS was defined sonographically as the combined presence of a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of ≥8 cm in the recipient and ≤2 cm in the donor twin. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was defined as ...
Ferritin-like family proteins in the anaerobe Bacteroides fragilis: when an oxygen storm is coming, take your iron to the shelter

Bacteroides are gram-negative anaerobes and one of the most abundant members the lower GI tract microflora where they play an important role in normal intestinal physiology. Disruption of this commensal relationship has a great impact on human health and disease. Bacteroides spp. are significant opportunistic pathogens causing infections when the mucosal barrier integrity is disrupted following predisposing conditions such as GI surgery, perforated or gangrenous appendicitis, perforated ulcer, diverticulitis, trauma and inflammatory bowel diseases. B. fragilis accounts for 60–90 % of all anaerobic infections despite being a minor component of the genus (<1 % of the flora). Clinical strains of B. fragilis are among the most aerotolerant anaerobes. When shifted from anaerobic to aerobic conditions B. fragilis responds to oxidative stress by inducing the expression of an extensive set of genes involved in protection against oxygen derived radicals and iron homeostasis. In Bacteroides, little is known about the metal/oxidative stress interactions and the mobilization of intra-cellular non-heme iron during the oxidative stress response has been largely overlooked. Here we present an overview of the work carried out to demonstrate that both oxygen-detoxifying enzymes and iron-storage proteins are essential for B. fragilis to survive an adverse oxygen-rich environment. Some species of Bacteroides have acquired multiple homologues of the iron storage and detoxifying ferritin-like proteins but some species contain none. The proteins found in Bacteroides are classical mammalian H-type non-heme ferritin (FtnA), non-specific DNA binding and starvation protein (Dps) and the newly characterized bacterial Dps-Like miniferritin protein. The full contribution of ferritin-like proteins to pathophysiology of commensal and opportunistic pathogen Bacteroides spp. still remains to be elucidated.
A characterization of the exponential distribution by higher order gap

SupposeX is a non-negative random variable with an absolutely continuous (with respect to Lebesgue measure) distribution functionF (x) and the corresponding probability density functionf(x). LetX 1,X 2,...,X n be a random sample of sizen fromF andX i,n is thei-th smallest order statistics. We define thej-th order gapg i,j(n) asg i,j(n)=X i+j,n−Xi,n′ 1≤i<n, 1≤n≦n−i. In this paper a characterization of the exponential distribution is given by considering a distribution property ofg i,j(n).
The role of alliances in the high-tech industry

Strategic alliances are one possible solution to delivering end-to-end value to the customer, but industry research shows that these partnerships often do not pan out as expected. This paper looks at both benefits and challenges of forming alliances, using a survey method to validate the criteria used to determine when alliances will be pursued and what form they will take. This includes the role of learning, competitive vs. complimentary aspects, technology maturity, intellectual property, alignment to the business, and culture. A framework is proposed which provides guidance for decision makers looking to maximise the value received from alliances.
Proximate causes of sexual size dimorphism in Colorado pikeminnow, a long‐lived cyprinid

Evidence for sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and its possible causes were examined in the endangered Colorado pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius, a large, piscivorous, cyprinid endemic to the Colorado River system of North America. Individuals representing 18-24% of the upper Colorado River population were captured, measured, sexed and released in 1999 and 2000. Differing male and female total length-(L T ) frequency distributions revealed SSD with females having greater mean and maximum sizes than males. Although both sexes exhibit indeterminate post-maturity growth, growth trajectories differed. The point of trajectory divergence was not established, but slowed male growth might coincide with the onset of maturation. Differing growth rate was the dominant proximate cause of SSD, accounting for an estimated 61% of the observed difference in mean adult L T . The degree of SSD in adults, however, was also related to two other factors. Evidence suggests males become sexually active at a smaller size and earlier age than females; a 2 year difference, suggested here, accounted for an estimated 12% of the between-sex difference in mean adult L T . Temporal shifts in gender-specific survival accounted for an additional 27% of the observed between-sex difference in mean adult L T . Estimated age distributions indicated a higher number of older females than older males and more younger males than younger females in the population during the period of sampling. Dissimilarity of age distributions was an unexpected result because the male : female population sex ratio was 1 : and estimates of long-term annual survival for adult males and females were equal (88%). Future assessments of SSD in this population are apt to vary depending on the prior history of short-term gender-specific survival. Without recognizing SSD, non-gender-specific growth curves overestimate mean age of adult females and underestimate mean age of adult males of given L T . Assuming age 8 years for first reproduction in males and age 10 years for females, the adult male : female ratio was estimated as 1·1: 1 and mean adult age, or generation time, was estimated as 16·4 years for males and 18·4 years for females.
Trimethylamine oxidase of nurse shark liver and its relation to mammalian mixed function amine oxidase.

Abstract 1. 1. Trimethylamine (TMA) oxidase activity was characterized in nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) liver homogenates. Enzyme activity was absolutely dependent on NADPH and was localized mainly in the microsomes. 2. 2. Inhibitors of cytochrome oxidase (azide) and cytochrome P-450 (CO and SKF-525A) had little or no effect on TMA oxidase activity. 3. 3. The tertiary amines, N,N-dimethylaniline and chlorpromazine, inhibited TMA oxidation. 4. 4. N,N-dimethylaniline was oxidized readily by liver homogenates from nurse shark and lemon shark but only slightly by homogenates from spiny dogfish and little skate. A similar pattern was found for the oxidation of trimethylamine.
Identification and immunolocalization of the laminin binding protein from embryonic avian corneal epithelial cells.

Abstract We report the identification of a 65-k Da lamininbinding protein (LBP) on the basal cell surface of embryonic corneal epithelium in chicken. The 65-k Da LBP was isolated by affinity chromatography with laminin-Sepharose. When reconstituted with lipid vesicles, it demonstrated specific binding for laminin. We produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against 65-k Da LBP; these MAbs immuno-histochemically localized to the basal epithelial cell surface. One MAb interfered with the binding of laminin to isolated epithelia and purified 65-k Da LBP. It appears that we have identified, at least in part, a cell-surface binding site for laminin. This site would provide the important link between the extracellular laminin and the intracellular cytoskeleton, and potentially the metabolic machinery of the corneal epithelial cell.
A strain-compatible method for micromechanical analysis of multi-phase composites

A new method for micromechanical analysis of multi-phase composites is presented. The new method is inspired by the generalized method of cells which is widely utilized in the field of composite mechanics. The new method, called strain-compatible method of cells, exhibits the so called shear coupling effect, absent in the generalized method of cells. Because of this shear coupling, the method is especially useful when shear effects are important. In the present study, the new method is used to predict the micro-stresses and to model the effective elastic constants of unidirectional composites. Results obtained with the strain-compatible method of cells compare very well with those of well-established traditional tools like finite element analysis. A variety of numerical results comparing the accuracy and performance of the new method with those of the generalized method of cells, the finite element method, and the classical Reuss and Voigt approximations is presented.
Describing MANETS: principal component analysis of sparse mobility traces

Data collected in realistic mobility traces for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETS) is intrinsically high dimensional. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a good tool for reducing the data dimemsion by extracting important features of the data. We propose a method for computing principal components using iterative regression for high dimensional matricies with missing values with an application to node degree time series. We expand this method to handle an additional dimension of information for a defined neighborhood ancestry of node degree, exposing patterns when they exist. We test our methodology on node degree data from a simulated university campus model (Pedsims) and real campus data. Results indicate that in both cases, the student's major field of study along with class schedule are strong factors to differentiate mobile node degree time series. The ability to detect differences is a powerful tool for application specific network management, allowing for: optimal placement of routers, design of specialized protocols for various user populations and lending insight to gauging the energy/bandwidth needs of mobile devices
Chemistry of C-Trimethylsilyl-Substituted Heterocarboranes. 22. Synthetic, Spectroscopic, Structural, and Bonding Studies on Half- and Full-Sandwich Gallacarboranes of 2,3- and 2,4-C2B4 Carborane Ligand Systems

The reaction of the TMEDA-solvated group 1 salts of the carborane dianions [2,n-(SiMe3)2-2,n-C2B4H4]2- (n = 3, 4) with GaCl3 in a 2:1 carborane-to-GaCl3 molar ratio gave the corresponding full-sandwich gallacarboranes [2,2‘,n,n‘-(SiMe3)4-1,1‘-commo-Ga(1,2,n-GaC2B4H4)2]- (n = 3 (I), 4 (II)) in 36% and 38% yields, respectively. Lowering the carborane-to-GaCl3 molar ratio to 1:1 produced the half-sandwich chlorogallacarboranes 1-(TMEDA)-1-Cl-2,n-(SiMe3)2-1,2,n-GaC2B4H4 (n = 3 (III), 4 (IV)) in 51% and 41% yields, respectively. Compounds I−IV were characterized on the basis of 1H, 11B, and 13C NMR spectra, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray analyses. The structures of the gallacarboranes show that the gallium atoms are not equally bonded to the atoms in the C2B3 faces of the carboranes but are slipped toward the more boron rich sides of the faces. Slippages in I and II are such that maximum differences in the Ga−C2B3 distances were 0.34 A in I and 0.45 A in II. The distortions were much larger in III and IV...
Effects of altered gliogenesis on activity-dependent K+ accumulation in the developing rat optic nerve

Gliogenesis in the rat optic nerve is disrupted by neonatal treatment with the mitotic inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-AZ). The rate of myelination and number of glial cells are markedly reduced in treated animals. We analyzed the physiological consequences of these chemically induced morphological alterations in terms of activity-dependent K+ accumulation in brain extracellular space and characteristics of the compound action potential (CAP). Nerves from 5-AZ-treated animals older than 5 days of age showed significantly higher activity-dependent 'ceiling levels' of extracellular K+ concentration ( [K+]o) than controls. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that glial cells are involved in K+ homeostasis at a cellular level and play a role in helping to set the ceiling level of activity-dependent K+ accumulation. The CAPs of 5-AZ-treated nerves older than 5 days of age were larger and generally of simpler configuration than those observed in control animals, perhaps due, among other factors, to the retained uniformity of axonal conduction velocity caused by inhibition of myelination.
Weaning management of newly received beef calves with or without continuous exposure to a persistently infected bovine viral diarrhea virus pen mate: effects on rectal temperature and serum proinflammatory cytokine and haptoglobin concentrations.

Exposure to animals persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) results in immunomodulation in cohorts. It is hypothesized that the extent of modulation differs for low-risk, precondi- tioned (PC) vs. high-risk, auction market (AM) beef cat- tle. Our objective was to compare immune responses of PC or AM calves in the presence (PI) or absence (CON) of a PI-BVDV pen mate. Crossbred PC steers (n = 27) from a single ranch origin were weaned, dewormed, vaccinated against respiratory and clostridial pathogens, tested for PI-BVDV, and kept on the ranch for 61 d. Subsequently, PC steers were transported to a receiv- ing unit (RU), weighed, stratifi ed by d −1 BW, and assigned randomly to treatment (PCPI or PCCON) with no additional processing. Simultaneously, crossbred AM calves (n = 27) were assembled from regional auction markets and transported to the RU. The AM calves were weighed, stratifi ed by gender and d −1 BW, processed under the same regimen used for PC steers at their origin ranch, except bull calves were castrated, then assigned randomly to treatment (AMPI or AMCON). Treatment pens were arranged spatially so that PI did not have fence line contact with CON. Blood samples were col- lected on d 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 to determine serum con- centrations of haptoglobin (Hp), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, and IL-6. Rectal temperature (RT) was recorded concurrent with blood sampling. In AM calves, RT and Hp increased (man- agement effect; P < 0.001) sharply on d 1; however, exposure to a PI-BVDV pen mate did not affect either variable (P ≥ 0.79) during the 14-d evaluation period. Serum concentrations of TNF-α tended to increase (P = 0.09) for the PI cohort. A treatment × day interaction (P ≤ 0.05) was observed for IFN-γ on d 7 and 14 and IL-6 on d 14; these indices were greatest for AMPI. Results indicate weaning management and PI-BVDV exposure alter the immune status of newly received beef cattle. These main effects may be additive because proinfl am- matory cytokine concentrations were greatest for AMPI. Therefore, results further indicate that potential health or growth consequences in cohorts exposed to a PI-BVDV pen mate are impacted by previous management and health history.
Photocurrent, rectification, and magnetic field symmetry of induced current through quantum dots.

We report mesoscopic dc current generation in an open chaotic quantum dot with ac excitation applied to one of the shape-defining gates. For excitation frequencies large compared to the inverse dwell time of electrons in the dot (i.e., GHz), we find mesoscopic fluctuations of induced current that are fully asymmetric in the applied perpendicular magnetic field, as predicted by recent theory. Conductance, measured simultaneously, is found to be symmetric in field. In the adiabatic (i.e., MHz) regime, in contrast, the induced current is always symmetric in field, suggesting its origin is mesoscopic rectification.
A Broadband Three-Dimensionally Isotropic Negative-Refractive-Index Medium

When designing negative-refractive-index (NRI) metamaterials, scientists have struggled to overcome three primary obstacles: polarization dependence, narrow bandwidth, and fabrication challenges. Here, we address these issues with the design of a three-dimensional, fully isotropic, broadband NRI medium that can be produced on a large scale. The simulated structure exhibits a NRI bandwidth of 24.1%, more than twice that achievable using a typical split-ring resonator/wire medium. A four-hundred-unit-cell slab measuring 15 cm×15 cm×6 cm is fabricated and used as a flat NRI lens. The lens produces a super- resolved focus independent of the type of source or its polarization.
Duration of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Likelihood of Giving Birth in a Medicaid Population in Maryland

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of duration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on a woman's likelihood of giving birth. Using longitudinal data from the Maryland state Human Immunodeficiency Virus Information System and a retrospective cohort design, the authors compared 1,642 women with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to 8,443 uninfected women enrolled in the Medicaid program between 1985 and 1995. The decade before AIDS diagnosis was divided into four 2.5-year periods. Proximity to AIDS diagnosis served as a proxy for duration of infection. An extension of the Cox model was used to estimate the relative risk for giving birth, with adjustment for covariates and repeated outcomes. The average number of births per 100 person-years was 6.0 for HIV-infected women and 11.1 for uninfected women (adjusted relative risk = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57, 0.68). Accounting for duration of infection, the adjusted relative risks for birth among HIV-infected women, as compared with uninfected women, were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.03), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.86), 0.55 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.64), and 0.45 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.55) for successive 2.5-year periods before AIDS diagnosis. Demographic characteristics, contraception, abortion, fetal loss, or drug use could not fully explain the reductions. These results suggest that HIV-infected women experience a progressive reduction in births years before the onset of AIDS. This may compromise estimation of HIV prevalence and interpretation of time trends from serosurveillance of pregnant women.
Both DNA topoisomerases I and II relax 2 μm plasmid DNA in living yeast cells

Abstract Measurements at various temperatures of the linking number of yeast 2 μm plasmid DNA in wild-type cells and in cells bearing mutations in the DNA topoisomerase I and II genes show that bulk 2 μm plasmid minichromosomes are maintained in a relaxed state by the combined action of topoisomerases I and II. Bulk 2 μm minichromosomes are not under torsional stress in vivo and are not substrates for a putative gyrase-like topoisomerase.
Externality Policy Reform: A General Equilibrium Analysis

We characterize Pareto-improving and equilibrium-preserving policy reforms in a second-best (Diamond/Mirrlees) world with a consumption externality. A counterintuitive finding is that, starting from an initial equilibrium with no direct quantity control on the externality, it is possible that all Pareto-improving and equilibrium-preserving directions of change require an increase in a negative externality. We provide intuition for these results by establishing a nexus between Guesnerie's approach to designing (tax) policy reforms and the standard Kuhn–Tucker technique for identifying the manifold of feasible Pareto-optimal states, given the instruments available to the policy maker.
Optical pulsations in the Large Magellanic Cloud remnant 0540–69.3

We have detected pulsed optical emission from the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) X-ray pulsar PSR 0540-693 (Seward et al. 1984). The pulsed emission has a time averaged magnitude of approximately 22.7. The X-ray pulsar was discovered in the LMC remnant, 0540-69.3 as a pulse repetition period of approx. 50 milliseconds (ms) in Einstein Obsrvatory data (Seward et al. 1984). Earlier, Clark et al. (1982) had noted that this remnant resembles the Crab Nebula because of the X-ray power law spectrum, and suggested that the nebular emission was synchrotron radiation powered by a central pulsar. After the announcement of X-ray pulsed emission, Chanan et al. (1984) measured the broad optical band properties of the nebula and found evidence for synchrotron emission. They reported that the 4.5 arc second continuum emission remnant has only a tenth the luminosity of the Crab Nebula. We have recorded broad-band optical time-series data at 1 ms intervals with the 4-m and 1.5-m Cerro Tololo telescopes and have found strong pulsations, employing the usual Fourier transform methods. A summary of the observations, including magnitudes, barycentric frequencies and times of arrival is given.
Information in the joint aggregate pixel distribution of two images

Pixel value distributions of most real images have structure that cannot be modeled by simple and commonly used probability distributions, such as Gaussian or log-normal distributions. Estimation of pixel value distribution in the joint measurement space ( JMS ) of two real images reveals the joint density structure and allows its interpretation by means of statistical dependence measures. A dependence measure is a general way to express similarity or divergence between images. Candidate dependence measures include adaptations of information measures such as Shannon Entropy and Fisher Information. The dependence measure built from Fisher Information is tested and demonstrated by experiments in Independent Components Analysis ( ICA ) and co-registration of synthetic and real Landsat TM images, including successful co-registration of images from different spectral bands with zero linear correlation.
Performance evaluation of the next-generation sequencing approach for molecular diagnosis of hereditary hearing loss.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of a next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based targeted resequencing genetic test, OtoSeq, to identify the sequence variants in the genes causing sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary children’s hospital.Subjects and MethodsA total of 8 individuals presenting with prelingual hearing loss were used in this study. The coding and flanking intronic regions of 24 well-studied SNHL genes were enriched using microdroplet polymerase chain reaction and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. The filtered high-quality sequence reads were mapped to reference sequence, and variants were detected using NextGENe software.ResultsA total of 1148 sequence variants were detected in 8 samples in 24 genes. Using in-house developed NGS data analysis criteria, we classified 810 (~71%) of these variants as potential true variants that include previously detected pathogenic mutations in 5 patients. To validate our strategy, we Sanger sequenced t...
Highly enantioselective synthesis of a fluorescent amino acid

Abstract A high enantiomeric excess (>99.5%) synthesis of l- 2-amino-3-(7-methoxy-4-coumaryl) propionic acid ( l- Amp) is described. The two step synthesis route of this non-proteinogenic amino acid includes an oxazinone derivative as glycine enolate, which is alkylated with the fluorogenic group.
Emerging areas in computer science education

Computer Science is an evolving discipline. It continues to reinvent itself every 5-7 years. In order to keep up, Computer Science educators have had to continually modify the curriculum, either changing existing courses or introducing new ones. It is next to impossible for educators to keep abreast of all the developments in the discipline - learning a new area can place substantial demands on their time and effort.Therefore, this panel is intended as a quick introduction to some of the emerging areas and practices in Computer Science that deserve inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum. The panelists will present four new emerging areas - Grid Computing, Cybersecurity, Bioinformatics, and Robotics in the traditional Artificial Intelligence course. Each panelist will present a typical syllabus, list sample resources, and recount his/her experience developing the course. It is hoped that this panel will help interested faculty adopt successful practices.
Surgeon confidence in an outpatient setting

Background We have the impression that provider uncertainty arises from either nonspecific pathology or disproportionate symptoms and disability, both of which correlate with symptoms of depression, heightened illness concern, and low patient self-efficacy. This study tested the primary null hypothesis that there is no correlation between provider confidence and patient self-efficacy.
Nutritional Support In Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study

Summary The medical records of animals with pancreatitis that received nutritional support were evaluated. Over a five year period (1989–1994), 16 patients with pancreatitis (14 dogs and 2 cats) received nutritional support. Affected animals commonly exhibited vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, as well as multiple clinicopathological abnormalities. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was used in 13 of the cases, while two animals received partial parenteral nutrition (PPN), and one was fed through a jejunostomy tube. The duration of nutritional support ranged from one to 13 days, with a mean of 6.6 days. Three of the animals receiving TPN had complications resulting from the nutritional support, including hyperglycemia, hyperammonemia, and hyperlipidemia. The survival rate for all 16 cases was 56% (9 of 16). A variety of nutritional support techniques can be successfully used in animals with pancreatitis and are associated with few complications, most of which can be managed with adjustments in treatment regimen.