cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-associating block copolymer networks for microchip electrophoresis provide enhanced DNA separation via "inchworm" chain dynamics.

We describe a novel class of DNA separation media for microchip electrophoresis, “physically cross-linked” block copolymer networks, which provide rapid (<4.5 min) and remarkably enhanced resolution of DNA in a size range critical for genotyping. Linear poly(acrylamide-co-dihexylacrylamide) (LPA-co-DHA) comprising as little as 0.13 mol % dihexylacrylamide yields substantially improved electrophoretic DNA separations compared to matched molar mass linear polyacrylamide. Single-molecule videomicroscopic images of DNA electrophoresis reveal novel chain dynamics in LPA-co-DHA matrixes, resembling inchworm movement, to which we attribute the increased DNA resolution. Substantial improvements in DNA peak separation are obtained, in particular, in LPA-co-DHA solutions at polymer/copolymer concentrations near the interchain entanglement threshold. Higher polymer concentrations yield enhanced separations only for small DNA molecules (<120 base pairs). Hydrophobically cross-linked networks offer advantages over con...
Homeless children in the USSR, 1917–1957

(1988). Homeless children in the USSR, 1917–1957. Soviet Studies: Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 64-83.
CKD-MBD after kidney transplantation.

Successful kidney transplantation corrects many of the metabolic abnormalities associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, skeletal and cardiovascular morbidity remain prevalent in pediatric kidney transplant recipients and current recommendations from the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) working group suggest that bone disease—including turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth, and strength—as well as cardiovascular disease be evaluated in all patients with CKD. Although few studies have examined bone histology after renal transplantation, current data suggest that bone turnover and mineralization are altered in the majority of patients and that biochemical parameters are poor predictors of bone histology in this population. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning, although widely performed, has significant limitations in the pediatric transplant population and values have not been shown to correlate with fracture risk; thus, DXA is not recommended as a tool for the assessment of bone density. Newer imaging techniques, including computed tomography (quantitative CT (QCT), peripheral QCT (pQCT), high resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), which provide volumetric assessments of bone density and are able to discriminate bone microarchitecture, show promise in the assessment of bone strength; however, future studies are needed to define the value of these techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of renal osteodystrophy in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
Is nursing ready for 2006

From the worsening nursing shortage to changes in Medicare's structure, nursing has much to do in preparation for next year.
Labeling of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P increases in subnucleus caudalis of rabbit during maxillary sinusitis

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) and substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) were evaluated in subnucleus caudalis following induction of sinusitis. Three days after induction, intensity of labeling for CGRP-LI and SP-LI increased in ipsilateral subnucleus caudalis. Labeling for CGRP-LI and SP-LI appeared normal at later time points (20 and 28 days). Early changes in these neuropeptides may contribute to the inflammatory process and painful symptoms accompanying sinusitis.
Flow-based video synthesis and editing

This paper presents a novel algorithm for synthesizing and editing video of natural phenomena that exhibit continuous flow patterns. The algorithm analyzes the motion of textured particles in the input video along user-specified flow lines, and synthesizes seamless video of arbitrary length by enforcing temporal continuity along a second set of user-specified flow lines. The algorithm is simple to implement and use. We used this technique to edit video of water-falls, rivers, flames, and smoke.
Laterality effects in the haptic horizontal-vertical illusion

The tactile horizontal-vertical illusion was studied as a function of hand, size, and figure (L or inverted T). Independent groups of subjects examined raised-line L and inverted T shapes with their left or right thumbs. The illusion varied with stimulus size and the nature of the figure—that is, with whether the pattern was an inverted T or an L shape. No illusion appeared for the L configuration. Furthermore, the strength of the illusion was linked to stimulus size, with the illusion appearing for larger inverted T patterns. The illusion vanished when the left thumb was used for haptic examination. Illusory judgments were only present for the right thumb, implicating the superiority of the right hemisphere for spatial processing.
The role of antimicrobial agents in 130 surgical procedures performed on the colon

Sterilization of the colon is not essential to good results following colon surgery. Elimination of all coliform organisms preoperatively in a small group of patients prepared with a combination of bacitracin and neomycin in this series increased postoperative morbidity and led to its discontinuance.
Perceptions of fairness in the justice system: A cross-cultural comparison

Research comparing the adversarial and inquisitorial justice systems has consisted primarily of American participants reading descriptions of each system in their "pure" form, rather than descriptions that allow for the flexibility with which these systems are actually employed. In this study, participants from the Netherlands and the United States read short, realistic descriptions of each system and answered questions about the fairness of both procedures. Results indicated that while the adversarial system was rated significantly higher on the likelihood that all evidence will be presented, and the likelihood that both the victim and the defendant will get an opportunity to voice their cases, people showed a clear preference for their own system. This bias toward one justice system over another may be due to the cultural values reflected in each system.
Characterization of membrane blood oxygenation devices using computational fluid dynamics

Abstract The ability to accurately predict blood flow and mass transport in blood oxygenating devices is critical in the design optimization process. To this end, we explored computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and implemented a general gas–blood transport model for hollow fiber membrane-based oxygenators. This CFD model was validated using a mini-oxygenator; in addition, it was further tested on a commercially available Medtronic Affinity NT blood-gas oxygenator. The blood oxygenation was modeled as a convection–diffusion process, the membrane fiber bundle was modeled as a porous medium, and the viscous and inertial losses caused by fiber bundle were estimated by Ergun correlation. Pressure distribution, fluid dynamics, and gas transport in both devices were computationally characterized. A parallel in vitro experimental study was carried out to validate the computational modeling. The CFD predicted results correlated well with the experimental data including distributions of fluid pressure, oxygen partial pressure, and oxygen saturation. It demonstrated that the CFD simulation is a promising approach in the development and optimization of blood oxygenating devices.
Cyclosporine A-induced contractions and prostacyclin release are maintained by extracellular calcium in rat aortic rings: role of protein kinase C

Chronic treatment with the immunosuppressive drug, Cyclosporine A (CsA), is associated with increased intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells, which may cause vasoconstriction and/or activate phospholipase A2. We used rat aortic rings to investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in CsA-induced contractions and secondary prostacyclin (PGI2) release. CsA (10(-9) M) produced a sustained contraction in rat aortic rings. Both CsA-induced contractions and PGI2 release were inhibited 84 to 89% by 10(-9) M, and 99 to 100% by 10(-6) M pretreatment doses of any of three different PKC inhibitors, i.e. 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonylmethyl) piperazine (H7), staurosporine or 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl) piperazine. Pretreatment with (10(-9) M) of diltiazem (a voltage-sensitive L-type calcium channel blocker) completely inhibited both CsA-induced contractions and PGI2 release. Conversely, pretreatment with (10(-9) M) of thapsigargin (an intracellular calcium channel blocker) did not alter the action of CsA. These results strongly suggest that PKC, in association with an influx of extracellular calcium mediates CsA-induced contractions and secondary PGI2 release in rat aortic rings.
An update on Cryptococcus among HIV-infected patients

Cryptococcus remains an important opportunistic infection in HIV patients despite considerable declines in prevalence during the highly active antiretroviral therapy era. This is particularly apparent in sub-Saharan Africa, where Cryptococcus continues to cause significant mortality and morbidity. This review discusses the microbiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation of cryptococcal infections in HIV patients. Additionally, a detailed approach to the management of cryptococcosis is provided.
Ionization of Rydberg Wave Packets by Subpicosecond, Half-Cycle Electromagnetic Pulses

We have studied the ionization of Rydberg wave packets by subpicosecond, nearly unipolar electromagnetic field pulses, in the regime where the duration of the electric field is less than the classical Kepler orbit time 2pn3 for the wave packet. In contrast to the subpicosecond optical pulses, subpicosecond field pulses can ionize wave packets when the probability density near the inner turning point of the Kepler orbit is low. The transfer of energy from the electromagnetic field to essentially free electrons demonstrates that the pulses are substantially shorter than one field cycle. Such “half-cycle” pulses can track the wave packet throughout its orbit, in order to study wave packet trajectories or other processes at the quantum-classical boundary.
Transport of oxygen in solutions of hemoglobin and myoglobin

Abstract A method to solve numerically the diffusion-reaction equations that describe the steady state transport of oxygen through solutions of hemoglobin and myoglobin is presented. The method has a rather general range of applicability; in particular, it does not depend on the assumption of near chemical equilibrium. In the first part of the paper the chemical kinetics are described by the single step reaction P + X ⇌ PX . The nature of the method allows for its extension to more complex situations. In the latter part of the paper, it is extended to take into account the cooperative properties induced by the four step reaction (Adair) of the hemoglobin-oxygen chemical kinetics. The method will be extended in reports forthcoming to include the nonhomogeneous spatial parameters as they occur in the striated muscle. An analysis of the available experimental information is presented here. The results confirm those from previous analysis that the experimental facilitated transport of oxygen can be accounted for by the simultaneous diffusion of oxygen, the protein, and the oxygen-protein compound plus their chemical interaction. The magnitude of the facilitated transport of oxygen for the model that includes the cooperative properties of hemoglobin is compared with the one for the model associated with the single step reaction. Some features contained in the former, that are not available in the single step model, are shown to favor the facilitated transport. The results for hemoglobin as it occurs in the red cells make it plausible that facilitation may contribute to the transport of oxygen in the red cell inside the systemic capillaries.
Retinoic acid treatment abrogates elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in rats

Pulmonary emphysema is a common disease in which destruction of the lung's gas-exchange structures (alveoli) leads to inadequate oxygenation, disability and frequently death; lung transplantation provides its only remediation. Because treatment of normal rats with all-trans-retinoic acid increases the number of alveoli, we tested whether a similar effect would occur in rats with emphysema. Elastase was instilled into rat lungs, producing changes characteristic of human and experimental emphysema: increased lung volume reflecting a loss of lung elastic recoil, larger but fewer alveoli and diminished volume-corrected alveolar surface area due to destruction of alveolar walls. Treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid reversed these changes providing nonsurgical remediation of emphysema and suggesting the possibility of a similar effect in humans.
The polygalacturonase complex produced by Sclerotium rolfsii

Abstract Sclerotium rolfsii (isolate 14) was shown to produce at least two polygalacturonases. Both of these enzymes exhibited maximal activity on polygalacturonic acid substrates near pH 4·0 and had isoelectric points near pH 5·2. The two enzyme fractions were resolved by gel-filtration in Sephadex G-75 and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The larger enzyme component had an estimated molecular weight of 46, 000 to 48, 000 and exhibited exopolygalacturonase activity. The smaller enzyme fraction had an estimated molecular weight of 28, 000 to 31, 000 and exhibited both endopolygalacturonase and exopolygalacturonase activities. Polygalacturonic acid substrates were readily converted to oligogalacturonides by endopolygalacturonase action and the oligomers were converted to galacturonic acid by exopolygalacturonase. The pectic enzyme complex produced by S. rolfsii would appear to function in tissue maceration, as well as provide a means of converting the pectic polymers of the host plant to a utilizable substrate for pathogen growth during pathogenesis.
Characterization of β2‐glycoprotein I‐dependent and ‐independent “antiphospholipid” antibodies from lupus‐prone NZW/BXSB F1 hybrid male mice

Male (NZW x BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice develop a systemic lupus-like syndrome characterized by thrombocytopenia, coronary vascular disease, nephritis, and anticardiolipin antibodies. Three stable hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal anticardiolipin antibodies were developed from these mice by fusing their splenic lymphocytes with nonsecreting myeloma cell line, NS-1. Monoclonal antibody A1.17 reacted with cardiolipin in a beta2-Glycoprotein I-dependent manner. The epitope for this antibody consisted of beta2-glycoprotein I bound to cardiolipin or immobilized on plastic plates. Other anionic phospholipid-binding proteins, such as prothrombin or annexin V, had no significant effect in the reactivity of these antibodies. The specificity is similar to the autoimmune anticardiolipin antibodies described in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other infectious diseases. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies A1.72 and A1.84 reacted with cardiolipin in the absence of beta2-glycoprotein I. Beta2-glycoprotein I, either in the fluid phase or bound to cardiolipin, inhibited the binding of these antibodies. The specificity of the latter two antibodies was similar to that described in patients with syphilis and allied disorders. Both types of antibodies had lupus anticoagulant properties. Thus lupus-prone male (NZW x BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice develop both beta2-glycoprotein I-dependent and beta2-glycoprotein I-independent anticardiolipin antibodies.
Ascaris suum: Immunoglobulin responses in mice

Abstract The immune response in mice to infection with Ascaris suum was characterized by determining (1) changes in serum immunoglobulin levels and (2) changes in the relative proportions of immunoglobulin-containing cells in major lymphoid tissues and sites of possible local immunoglobulin production. Significant increases in IgG 1 and IgA occurred during the third week of infection. IgM was the only immunoglobulin exhibiting a major change in relative serum concentrations; levels increased approximately 15-fold during the second week of infection. Absorption experiments with ascaris extract indicated that up to 50% of the serum IgM may be antibody. Inhibition studies showed that the IgM anti-body precipitating with ascaris extract has a phosphoryl choline specificity. A relative increase in IgM-containing cells was observed in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes early after infection and preceded the rise in serum IgM concentration. The relative distribution of immunocytes by immunoglobulin class in the lung and liver was similar to that of the spleen.
Hyperspectral target detection using Gaussian filter and post-processing

A novel target detection technique is developed in this paper for hyperspectral imagery. The proposed technique involves a Gaussian filter to process the reference target signature as well as the unknown pixel signature from the given input scene. After performing correlation operation between the signatures, a post-processing scheme is employed to decide whether the specific pixel contains the target material. Theoretical analyses and computer simulation results presented in this paper show that the technique can successfully overcome the problem of variations in the target signature due to changes in the environment and addition of noise to the input scene. Investigation on real-life hyperspectral imagery proves that the proposed technique can successfully detect the potential targets present in the input scene without generating any significant amount of false alarm.
Price formation in commodity markets

This paper develops a theory-consistent market model for storable commodities and illustrates its characterization of the data-generating process for a set of major traded commodities. The dynamics of the system incorporate recent advances in modelling techniques. Cointegrated variables in the demand functions are represented by the error correction mechanism (ECM), and expected prices in the stock demand relationship are generated by a rational expectations process. The outside-sample performance of the model is tested against the pure time-series model used to formulate expected prices, and is shown to have a smaller mean square error than that of the time-series model. Thus the model provides comparatively efficient forecasts and, unlike models constructed in their reduced form, permits consideration of key behavioural relationships in commodity markets.
Micro determination of iodine by a catalytic method

A procedure is described for the determination of quantities of iodide of the order of 0,05 to 3γ in 1 ml. solution or in a suitable amount of solid sample (sodium chloride). The method is based upon the strong catalytic effect of iodide upon the reaction between ceric sulfate and an excess of arsenious acid in dilute sulfuric acid (1,5–2N). The effect of temperature and foreign substances has been investigated and procedures have been given which are applicable in the presence of salts affecting the rate of the catalyzed reaction. By refinement of the experimental technique it should be possible to determine quantities of iodine much smaller than 0,05γ.
Ohmic contact formation to doped GaN

Ohmic contact strategies for n- and p-type GaN have been investigated electrically, chemically, and microstructurally using transmission line measurements, high-resolution EELS and cross-sectional TEM, respectively. The contributions to contact performance from work function differences, carrier concentrations, annealing treatments, and interface metallurgy have been examined. The contact materials of Ti, TiN, Au, and Au/Mg were deposited via electron beam evaporation; Al was deposited via thermal evaporation. As-deposited Al and TiN contacts to highly doped n-GaN were ohmic, with room-temperature specific contact resistivities of 8.6×10−5 Ω cm2 and 2.5×10−5 Ωcm2 respectively. The Ti contacts developed low-resistivity ohmic behavior as a result of annealing; TiN contacts also improved with further heat treatment. For p-GaN, Au became ohmic with annealing, while Au/Mg contacts were ohmic in the as-deposited condition. The performance, structure, and composition of different contact schemes varied widely from system to system. An integrated analysis of the results of this study is presented below and coupled with a discussion of the most appropriate contact systems for both n- and p-type GaN.
Supporting New Parents Through Home Visits: Effects on Mother-Infant Interaction

In a study of family support through home visiting, paraprofessionals provided informal social support to low income parents during pregnancy and for 1 year afterward. Most infants were normal, but...
The developmental genetics of congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of infant morbidity in the Western world, but only in the past ten years has its aetiology been understood. Recent studies have uncovered the genetic basis for some common forms of the disease and provide new insight into how the heart develops and how dysregulation of heart development leads to disease.
On the inconclusiveness of “crucial” cognitive tests of dissonance versus self-perception theories

Abstract Several recent experiments are claimed to have tested conflicting predictions of cognitive dissonance and self-perception theories. It is argued that these claims fail to take into account the capacity of each formulation to account adequately for results “predicted” by the other. This argument is then continued, at a metatheoretical level, to reach the conclusion that the two theories are not capable of producing unequivocally contradictory predictions of cognitive consequences of experimental procedures.
Metformin suppresses gluconeogenesis by inhibiting mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase

Metformin is considered to be one of the most effective therapeutics for treating type 2 diabetes because it specifically reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis without increasing insulin secretion, inducing weight gain or posing a risk of hypoglycaemia. For over half a century, this agent has been prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide, yet the underlying mechanism by which metformin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis remains unknown. Here we show that metformin non-competitively inhibits the redox shuttle enzyme mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, resulting in an altered hepatocellular redox state, reduced conversion of lactate and glycerol to glucose, and decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis. Acute and chronic low-dose metformin treatment effectively reduced endogenous glucose production, while increasing cytosolic redox and decreasing mitochondrial redox states. Antisense oligonucleotide knockdown of hepatic mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in rats resulted in a phenotype akin to chronic metformin treatment, and abrogated metformin-mediated increases in cytosolic redox state, decreases in plasma glucose concentrations, and inhibition of endogenous glucose production. These findings were replicated in whole-body mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase knockout mice. These results have significant implications for understanding the mechanism of metformin's blood glucose lowering effects and provide a new therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
Deformation along a salient-transverse zone junction: An example from the Leamington transverse zone, Utah, Sevier fold-thrust belt (USA)

Abstract Within fold-thrust belts, the junctions between salients and recesses may hold critical clues to the overall kinematic history of fold-thrust belts. The deformation history within these junctions is best preserved in areas where thrust sheets extend from a salient through an adjacent recess. We examine one such junction within the Sevier fold-thrust belt (western United States) along the Leamington transverse zone, northern Utah. The Canyon Range thrust sheet can be traced continuously from the Leamington transverse zone to its adjacent salient to the south, the Central Utah segment. Deformation within the Canyon Range thrust sheet took place by faulting and cataclastic flow. Analyses of these fault networks preserved throughout the Canyon Range thrust sheet are used to develop a kinematic history of the Leamington transverse zone. Field data is supplemented by analog sandbox experiments. This study suggests that, in detail, deformation within the overlying thrust sheet may not directly reflect the underlying basement structure. Moreover, these junctions may contain several types of accommodating structures that helped to maintain critical-taper and that serve as potential targets for natural resource exploration.
On the extended Thomas-Fermi approximation to the kinetic energy density

Abstract The extend Thomas-Fermi (ETF) model is used to express the average kinetic energy density τ (r) of a system of independent particles in terms of the average nucleon density ϱ (r) . Numerical tests made using Strutinsky-averaged densities from a local Woods-Saxon potential indicated that using terms up to and including the Weizsacker term is not sufficiently accurate. However, if the next order terms are included, the average kinetic energy of a large nucleus is reproduced to within 2–5 MeV. The expansion is not very useful for the exact densities as it leaves out all shell effects. We have also expanded the ETF approximation to include the effects of nonlocalities in the potential; in particular the effective mass and spin-orbit contributions to the kinetic energy are given.
Age and Body Weight at Sexual Maturity in Female White Leghorn Chickens

Age and body weight at sexual maturity were measured in females from two lines of White Leghorns known to differ in these traits. Within-line correlations between age and body weight at sexual maturity were not different from zero. The data demonstrated that egg-type chickens must reach a minimum age and body weight before commencing egg production - results consistent with those obtained for meat-type chickens and Japanese quail.
Exploring Liberal Norms

Bruce A. Ackerman, Social Justice in the Liberal State Scott Gordon, Welfare, Justice, and Freedom Jennifer L. Hochshild, What's Fair? American Beliefs about Distributive Justice
Studies of smectite membrane behavior: Electrokinetic, osmotic, and isotopic fractionation processes at elevated pressures

Abstract A 1.087 m NaCl brine was forced through a day membrane 0.32 cm thick at 294 ± 1°K. The clay membrane was made by compacting the 0.5 to 2.0 micron size fraction of Cheto montmorillonite from Chambers, Arizona. A confining pressure of 34.5 MPa (5000 psi) and a mean hydraulic pressure of 15.9 MPa (2300 psi) were chosen to simulate a depth of about 1.5 km (5000 ft) in sedimentary basins. Differential hydraulic pressure across the day was 13.8 MPa (2000 psi). This differential hydraulic pressure setting was disturbed for only brief intervals during the experimental run. Hydraulic flow rate, electrical conductance, electrical potential across the clay, electroosmotic flow rate, and the chemical composition of the brine were determined periodically until constancy of both effluent chemical composition and electrical potential across the clay was achieved. Then, osmotic flow rate and stable oxygen isotopic compositions of both input and effluent reservoirs were determined before the run was terminated. The experimental results conform to the predictions of nonequilibrium thermodynamics under these simulated subsurface conditions. The electroviscous effect caused a significant reduction in the hydraulic flow rate but did not disturb the linearity between the flow rate and differential hydraulic pressure. Osmotic and electroosmotic effects may be responsible for driving large amounts of cross-formatkmal subsurface fluid flow in nature. A measured 13O fractionation of 0.25%. compares well with published field and laboratory data.
African American Female Faculty in Predominantly White Graduate Schools of Social Work.

This study of African American female faculty in predominantly White schools of social work was designed to examine the unique experience of these faculties. The examination also aimed to develop a better understanding of the challenges and the experiences of these faculty members. This exploratory study sampled African American female social work faculty from predominantly White schools of social work in the United States. The authors were specifically interested in identifying psychosocial factors that undergird the nature of the experiences of these women. The special challenges of these women are discussed from the framework of Kanter's theory of proportional representation and the tenets of relational/cultural theory.
Friendships with Peers Who are Low or High in Aggression as Moderators of the Link between Peer Victimization and Declines in Academic Functioning

This paper reports two prospective investigations of the role of friendship in the relation between peer victimization and grade point averages (GPA). Study 1 included 199 children (105 boys, 94 girls; mean age of 9.1 years) and Study 2 included 310 children (151 boys, 159 girls; mean age of 8.5 years). These children were followed for two school years. In both projects, we assessed aggression, victimization, and friendship with a peer nomination inventory, and we obtained children's GPAs from a review of school records. Peer victimization was associated with academic declines only when children had either a high number of friends who were above the classroom mean on aggression or a low number of friends who were below the classroom mean on aggression. These results highlight the importance of aggression levels among friends for the academic adjustment of victimized children.
Interactions of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium with gut bacteria.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the gut microbiota on the growth and survival of S. Typhimurium. This was tested in two-species co-cultures and in mixed cultures with a simplified gut model microbiota. Subsequently, interactions between S. Typhimurium and human faecal bacteria were quantified in both batch and continuous culture systems simulating the human colon. The exponential growth of S. Typhimurium was halted when the population of Escherichia coli reached the maximum population density in a two-compartment co-culture system where the two species were separated by a 0.45 μm pore membrane. Furthermore, the growth of some gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus gasseri and Bifidobacterium bifidum was inhibited by the presence of S. Typhimurium in the other compartment. The survival of S. Typhimurium was severely affected in mixed batch cultures with human faecal samples; a reduction of 103–104 cfu/ml in the concentration of S. Typhimurium was observed in these cultures. However, no effect on S. Typhimurium survival was observed in mixed batch cultures with a simplified gut model microbiota under the same conditions. The effect of human faecal samples on S. Typhimurium in a three-stage continuous culture was different to that obtained in batch cultures; its growth rather than survival was affected under these conditions. S. Typhimurium growth was inhibited, and the bacterium was therefore eliminated by the continuous flow of the medium. Depending upon culturing conditions, the gut microbiota caused either growth inhibition, inactivation or did not affect S. Typhimurium.
A Prospective Study of the Intake of Vitamins C and B6, and the Risk of Kidney Stones in Men

AbstractPurpose: The association between the intake of vitamins C and B6, and kidney stone formation was examined.Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study of the relatioship between the intake of vitamins C and B6 and the risk of symptomatic kidney stones in a cohort of 45,251 men 40 to 75 years old with no history of kidney calculi. Vitamin intake from foods and supplements was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire completed in 1986.Results: During 6 years of followup 751 incident cases of kidney stones were documented. Neither vitamin C nor vitamin B6 intake was significantly associated with the risk of stone formation. For vitamin C the age-adjusted relative risk for men consuming 1,500 mg. daily or more compared to less than 250 mg. daily was 0.78 (95 percent confidence interval 0.54 to 1.11). For vitamin B6 the age-adjusted relative risk for men consuming 40 mg. daily or more compared to less than 3 mg. daily was 0.91 (95 percent confidence interval 0.64 to 1.3...
The Risk of Mortality Among Older Adults Over an Eight-Year Period

Mortality risks over an 8-year period are assessed among the 7,527 older adults interviewed as part of the Longitudinal Study on Aging. Using a modified version of the behavioral model, hierarchical methods are used to sequentially introduce the predisposing and enabling characteristics, disease history, disabilities and functional limitations, perceived health, and health services utilization both at and after baseline. Based on their partial r statistics (shown in parentheses), the proportional hazard analyses identify the mean annual number of hospital episodes after baseline (.13), age (.07), female gender (-.05), non-kin social supports (-.03), body mass (-.03), and having a history of diabetes (.03) as the six most salient predictors. These six variables account for 80% of the overall model fit.
A parallel finite-element framework for large-scale gradient-based design optimization of high-performance structures

Abstract Structural optimization using gradient-based methods is a powerful design technique that is well suited for the design of high-performance structures. However, the ever-increasing complexity of finite-element models and design formulations results in a bottleneck in the computation of the gradients required for the design optimization. Furthermore, in light of current high-performance computing trends, any methods intended to address this bottleneck must efficiently utilize parallel computing resources. Therefore, there is a need for solution and gradient evaluation methods that scale well with the number of design variables, constraints, and processors. We address this need by developing an integrated parallel finite-element analysis tool for gradient-based design optimization that is designed to use specialized parallel solution methods to solve large-scale high-fidelity structural optimization problems with thousands of design variables, millions of state variables, and hundreds of load cases. We describe the most relevant details of the parallel algorithms used within the tool. We present consistent constraint formulations and aggregation techniques for both material failure and buckling constraints. To demonstrate both the solution and functional accuracy, we compare our results to an exact solution of a pressure-loaded cylinder made with either isotropic or orthotropic material. To demonstrate the parallel solution and gradient evaluation performance, we perform a structural analysis and gradient evaluation for a large transport aircraft wing with over 5.44 million unknowns. The results show near-ideal scalability of the structural solution and gradient computation with the number of design variables, constraints, and processors, which makes this framework well suited for large-scale high-fidelity structural design optimization.
Evidence against a role for the JIL-1 kinase in H3S28 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 recruitment to active genes in Drosophila.

JIL-1 is the major kinase controlling phosphorylation of histone H3S10 and has been demonstrated to function to counteract heterochromatization and gene silencing. However, an alternative model has been proposed in which JIL-1 is required for transcription to occur, additionally phosphorylates H3S28, and recruits 14-3-3 to active genes. Since these findings are incompatible with our previous demonstration that there are robust levels of transcription in the complete absence of JIL-1 and that JIL-1 is not present at developmental or heat shock-induced polytene chromosome puffs, we have reexamined JIL-1’s possible role in H3S28 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 recruitment. Using two different H3S28ph antibodies we show by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting that in Drosophila the H3S28ph mark is not present at detectable levels above background on polytene chromosomes at interphase but only on chromosomes at pro-, meta-, and anaphase during cell division in S2 cells and third instar larval neuroblasts. Moreover, this mitotic H3S28ph signal is also present in a JIL-1 null mutant background at undiminished levels suggesting that JIL-1 is not the mitotic H3S28ph kinase. We also demonstrate that H3S28ph is not enriched at heat shock puffs. Using two different pan-specific 14-3-3 antibodies as well as an enhancer trap 14-3-3e-GFP line we show that 14-3-3, while present in salivary gland nuclei, does not localize to chromosomes but only to the nuclear matrix surrounding the chromosomes. In our hands 14-3-3 is not recruited to developmental or heat shock puffs. Furthermore, using a lacO repeat tethering system to target LacI-JIL-1 to ectopic sites on polytene chromosomes we show that only H3S10ph is present and upregulated at such sites, not H3S28ph or 14-3-3. Thus, our results argue strongly against a model where JIL-1 is required for H3S28 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 recruitment at active genes.
Effects of herbivory, nutrient levels, and introduced algae on the distribution and abundance of the invasive macroalga Dictyosphaeria cavernosa in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Since the 1960s, and possibly earlier, the macroalga Dictyosphaeria cavernosa has overgrown and displaced corals on reef slopes and outer reef flats in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. This shift in reef community composition is generally attributed to nutrient enrichment resulting from sewage discharge. Following the diversion of most of the sewage effluent in 1977–1978, it was expected that D. cavernosa growth would become nutrient-limited and its abundance would consequently decline, but the alga remains abundant in much of the bay. One explanation for its persistence is that nutrients are once again high enough to support the alga's growth. An alternative explanation is that there has been a reduction in grazing intensity in the bay. In this study we resurveyed the distribution and abundance of D. cavernosa at 120 reef slope sites originally surveyed in 1969. We conducted additional surveys to estimate the biomass of herbivores and the areal coverage of D. cavernosa and other macroalgae on reef slopes and flats. Field experiments were used to determine spatial and temporal patterns of grazing intensity on and growth rates of D. cavernosa and the introduced macroalga Acanthophora spicifera. Laboratory experiments were used to examine preferences among herbivores for some of the most abundant macroalgae on Kaneohe Bay reefs. Twenty years after sewage diversion, D. cavernosa cover on reef slopes has decreased substantially in southern Kaneohe Bay, the site of most of the historical sewage discharge. D. cavernosa cover has changed less in other regions, remaining high in the central bay and low in the north bay. D. cavernosa thalli protected by grazer exclusion cages sustained positive growth rates on reef slopes and flats throughout the bay. Reduced nutrient concentrations may have caused a reduction in D. cavernosa growth rates, and a consequent reduction in D. cavernosa abundance in the south bay shortly after sewage diversion. Measurements of grazing intensity and surveys of herbivorous fish abundance suggest that the continued abundance of D. cavernosa is the result of a reduction in grazing intensity. Reduced grazing intensity on D. cavernosa may in turn be the result of a historical reduction in herbivore biomass or the establishment of several introduced macroalgae on reef flats. The introduced species are preferred by herbivorous fishes over D. cavernosa, as indicated by preference tests. The hypothesis that reduced grazing pressure on D. cavernosa is related to the establishment of introduced species is supported by the observation that D. cavernosa cover is highest on reef slopes where the cover of preferred introduced macroalgae on the adjacent outer reef flat is also high. Conversely, D. cavernosa cover is low or zero on reef slopes where the cover of introduced macroalgae on the adjacent reef flat is low or zero
A sub-1.5/spl deg/ /sub rms/ Phase-Noise Ring-Oscillator-Based Frequency Synthesizer for Low-IF Single-Chip DBS Satellite Tuner-Demodulator SoC

A fully integrated 0.13mum CMOS ring-oscillator-based PLL for low-IF single-chip DBS satellite tuner-demodulator IC is presented. A noise-attenuating loop filter reduces the oscillator gain, helping both front-end noise and spur rejection and allowing the on-chip integration of the filter capacitance. The PLL shows <1.5degrms double-sided integrated phase noise, <-60dBc reference spurs, <-50dBc coupled spurs. It occupies 0.3mm2 die area and consumes 40mA at 3.3V
In vitro–differentiated TH17 cells mediate lethal acute graft-versus-host disease with severe cutaneous and pulmonary pathologic manifestations

The morbidity and mortality associated with graft-host-disease (GVHD) is a significant obstacle to the greater use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Donor T cells that predominantly differentiate into TH1/Tc1 T cells and generate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mediate GVHD. Although numerous studies have described a pathogenic role for IFN-γ, multiple reports have demonstrated that the lack of IFN-γ paradoxically exacerbated GVHD lethality. This has led to speculation that another subset of T cells may significantly contribute to GVHD mortality. Several groups have demonstrated a new lineage of CD4+ T helper cell development distinct from TH1 or TH2 differentiation. This lineage is characterized by production of interleukin (IL)–17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-21 and has been termed TH17 cells. Here, we demonstrate that a highly purified population of TH17 cells is capable of inducing lethal GVHD, hallmarked by extensive pathologic cutaneous and pulmonary lesions. Upon transfer, these cells migrate to and expand in GVHD target organs and secondary lymphoid tissues. Finally, we demonstrate differential roles for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-17A in the clinical manifestations of GVHD induced by TH17 cells. Our studies demonstrate that cells other than TH1/Tc1 can mediate acute GVHD.
The interaction between reading skills and reading instruction

Abstract Research on the underlying nature of reading disability, exemplified in the present papers, is essentially correlational. Differences in acoustic memory skills, partial cue utilization, or symbol-sound knowledge may be a result rather than a cause of reading skill differences. Suggestions are made on how to untangle the cause-effect problem through longitudinal investigation and careful analysis of some possible interactions between cognitive skills and reading ability.
Photoinitiated polymerization of a liquid crystalline monomer: order and mobility effects

Abstract The photopolymerization of a cholesterol-containing monotropic liquid crystalline (LC) acrylate monomer has been followed with polarized light microscopy and a modified differential scanning calorimeter. Polymerization in the cholesteric phase is accompanied by a phase change of the initial LC state. The acrylate LC monomer can exist in two distinct crystalline states having different degrees of order. The photopolymerization in two crystalline phases, LC phase and isotropic phase, reveals the importance of ordering and mobility in the polymerization process.
Novel shape descriptors for molecular graphs.

We report on novel graph theoretical indices which are sensitive to the shapes of molecular graphs. In contrast to the Kier's kappa shape indices which were based on a comparison of a molecular graph with graphs representing the extreme shapes, the linear graph and the “star” graph, the new shape indices are obtained by considering for all atoms the number of paths and the number of walks within a graph and then making the quotients of the number of paths and the number of walks the same length. The new shape indices show much higher discrimination among isomers when compared to the kappa shape indices. We report the new shape indices for smaller alkanes and several cyclic structures and illustrate their use in structure−property correlations. The new indices offer regressions of high quality for diverse physicochemical properties of octanes. They also have lead to a novel classification of physicochemical properties of alkanes.
Complete response of a stage IV uterine papillary serous carcinoma to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Taxol and carboplatin.

Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is an aggressive histologic subtype of endometrial cancer. Currently, no effective chemotherapy regimens exist. We report a case of complete response of a stage IV UPSC to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Taxol and carboplatin.
Reconstruction of low-complexity control programs from data

In this paper, we study the problem of generating control programs, i.e. strings of symbolic descriptions of control-interrupt pairs (or modes) from input-output data. In particular, we take the point of view that such control programs have an information theoretic content and thus, that they can be more or less effectively coded. As a result, we focus our attention on the problem of producing low-complexity programs by recovering the strings that contain the smallest number of distinct modes. An example is provided where the data is obtained by tracking ten roaming ants in a tank.
Ethanol sensitivity: a central role for CREB transcription regulation in the cerebellum

Lowered sensitivity to the effects of ethanol increases the risk of developing alcoholism. Inbred mouse strains have been useful for the study of the genetic basis of various drug addiction-related phenotypes. Inbred Long-Sleep (ILS) and Inbred Short-Sleep (ISS) mice differentially express a number of genes thought to be implicated in sensitivity to the effects of ethanol. Concomitantly, there is evidence for a mediating role of cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling in aspects of alcoholism modelled in animals. In this report, the extent to which CREB signalling impacts the differential expression of genes in ILS and ISS mouse cerebella is examined. A training dataset for Machine Learning (ML) and Exploratory Data Analyses (EDA) was generated from promoter region sequences of a set of genes known to be targets of CREB transcription regulation and a set of genes whose transcription regulations are potentially CREB-independent. For each promoter sequence, a vector of size 132, with elements characterizing nucleotide composition features was generated. Genes whose expressions have been previously determined to be increased in ILS or ISS cerebella were identified, and their CREB regulation status predicted using the ML scheme C4.5. The C4.5 learning scheme was used because, of four ML schemes evaluated, it had the lowest predicted error rate. On an independent evaluation set of 21 genes of known CREB regulation status, C4.5 correctly classified 81% of instances with F-measures of 0.87 and 0.67 respectively for the CREB-regulated and CREB-independent classes. Additionally, six out of eight genes previously determined by two independent microarray platforms to be up-regulated in the ILS or ISS cerebellum were predicted by C4.5 to be transcriptionally regulated by CREB. Furthermore, 64% and 52% of a cross-section of other up-regulated cerebellar genes in ILS and ISS mice, respectively, were deemed to be CREB-regulated. These observations collectively suggest that ethanol sensitivity, as it relates to the cerebellum, may be associated with CREB transcription activity.