cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The polypeptides of canine distemper virus: Synthesis in infected cells and relatedness to the polypeptides of other morbilliviruses

Abstract The biochemical and immunological properties of the polypeptides of canine distemper virus (CDV), their synthesis and processing in infected cells, and their relatedness to the polypeptides of other morbilliviruses have been studied. CDV virions contain six major polypeptides which are analogous to those of measles virus (MV). These polypeptides with their estimated molecular weights (mr) are: L (200,000); H (76,000); P (66,000); NP (58,000); F (62,000), which consists of two disulfide-linked polypeptides, F1 (40,000) and F2 (23,000); and M (34,000). The H, F1, and F2 polypeptides of CDV are glycosylated; the presence of carbohydrate on F1 is in contrast to its absence on the F1 of MV. The CDV F2 has a larger apparent Mr than the MV F2 (23,000 vs 12,000). The NP and P polypeptides of CDV are phosphorylated, and in pulse-chase experiments in CDV-labe;ed cells the P polypeptide was rapidly lost. In addition to the structural polypeptides, a putative nonstructural protein, NS (Mr ∼ 18,000), was found in CDV-infected cells. The polypeptide also turned over rapidly in pulse-chase experiments. The immunological relatedness of the polypeptides of MV and CDV and of two other morbilliviruses, rinderpest (RV) and a bovine encephalitis virus (107) was shown by immuno-precipitation of the viral polypeptides from CDV- and MV-infected cells with antisera against each of the four viruses. The only failure to exhibit reciprocal reactivity between CDV and MV was found with the H polypeptides, where only a one-way cross was found, i.e., MV antiserum precipitated all of the CDV polypeptides, whereas CDV antiserum precipitated all of the MV polypeptides except H. RV antiserum resembled that of MV; it precipitated all of the polypeptides of both MV and CDV, whereas 107 antiserum, like that of CDV, precipitated all of the CDV polypeptides and all of the MV polypeptides except H. These results indicate that these four morbilliviruses with different host ranges are antigenically closely related, with MV apparently more closely related to RV, and CDV to 107 virus. In spite of their antigenic similarities, the individual polypeptides of CDV and MV could be easily distinguished by peptide mapping. Some similarities were found in the internal polypeptides P, NP, and M, but very little in the surface glycoproteins, H and F1.
A low-overhead recovery approach for distributed computing environment

In this paper, we have proposed a simple and efficient approach for recovery in distributed computing environment. The check pointing scheme used in the work ensures that after the system recovers from failures, all processes can restart from their respective recent checkpoints; thus avoiding any domino effect. That is, the recent check points always form a consistent recovery line. The recovery scheme deals with both orphan and lost messages. Therefore, correctness of computation of the underlying application program is guaranteed.
Estrogen action: revitalization of the chick oviduct model

Despite decades of investigation, the molecular pathways triggered by estrogen that lead to tissue-specific cell proliferation, differentiation and survival are only superficially understood. If we are to modulate the actions of estrogen selectively in these processes, continued investigation using biologically relevant models is essential. The chick oviduct emerged as an early model for investigating the mechanism of action of steroid hormones because of its exquisite responsiveness to them. Unfortunately, because of experimental limitations, this model has been neglected in the past decade. Reviving this model has become intellectually attractive and technically feasible.
The Girl With the Headache and Double Vision

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), previously referred to as pseudotumor cerebri is a disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure caused by buildup or poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without a space-occupying intracranial lesion or hydrocephalus. We report a case of a 17 year old female who presented to her primary care physician (PCP) for evaluation of a headache. Upon performance of computed tomography ( CT scan) of the head and magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) of the brain: no evidence of mass lesion or abnormal enhancement in the brain parenchyma, neither evidences of acute intracranial pathology was present. Lumbar puncture (LP) was done resulting in improvement of the patient’s symptoms and decreased intensity of headache. We will discuss the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with emphasis on the different etiologies and new diagnostic criteria for this disease. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc913w
Secure quantum key distribution using squeezed states

We prove the security of a quantum key distribution scheme based on transmission of squeezed quantum states of a harmonic oscillator. Our proof employs quantum error-correcting codes that encode a finite-dimensional quantum system in the infinite-dimensional Hilbert space of an oscillator, and protect against errors that shift the canonical variables p and q. If the noise in the quantum channel is weak, squeezing signal states by 2.51 dB (a squeeze factor e r = 1.34) is sufficient in principle to ensure the security of a protocol that is suitably enhanced by classical error correction and privacy amplification. Secure key distribution can be achieved over distances comparable to the attenuation length of the quantum channel.
Failure of spot welds under in-plane static loading

Under in-plane loading conditions, two independent modes contribute to the failure of a spot weld: the in-plane shear mode and the in-plane rotational mode. In this work, the failures of both modes under large static load are examined individually. To study the combined failure of these two modes, two special test coupons are designed. The first coupon contains one spot weld. The second coupon contains five spot welds. Tests conducted in this work show that a very simple force-based failure criterion can be used to predict the failure of a spot weld under large in-plane combined static loads. Current multiaxial failure theory cannot explain this combined failure. This force-based spot weld failure criterion fits current automotive industry needs for body shell finite element application very well.
Long-term association between self-reported signs and symptoms and heart failure hospitalizations: the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study

Aims Although studies of the accuracy of heart failure (HF) classification scoring systems are available, few have examined their performance when restricted to self-reported items. Methods and results We evaluated the association between a simplified version of the Gothenburg score, a validated HF score comprised of cardiac and pulmonary signs and symptoms and medication use, and incident HF hospitalizations in 15 430 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants. Gothenburg scores (range: 0–3) were constructed using self-reported items obtained at study baseline (1987–89). Incident HF hospitalization over 14.7 years of follow-up was defined as the first identified hospitalization with an ICD-9 discharge code of 428 (n = 1668). Self-reported Gothenburg scores demonstrated very high agreement with the original metric comprised of self-reported and clinical measures and were directly associated with incident HF hospitalizations: [score = 1: hazard rate ratio (HRR) = 1.23 (1.07–1.42); score = 2: HRR = 2.17 (1.92–2.43); score = 3: HRR = 3.98 (3.37–4.70)]. Conclusion In a population-based cohort, self-reported Gothenburg criteria items were associated with hospitalized HF over a prolonged follow-up time. The association was also consistent across groups defined by sex and race, suggesting that this simple score deserves further study as a screening tool for the identification of individuals at high risk of HF in resource-limited settings.
Antenna structures for wireless power transfer via resonance magnetic

The wireless power transfer (WPT) efficiency of a set of antenna structures via the Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) method is studied here in the air. Work has been done loop, simple spiral and helices. This paper shows the possibilities of using a wide range of antenna structures, which are naturally electric or magnetic for wireless power transfer efficiency SCMR.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase A promotes secretory differentiation in basal prostatic epithelial cells

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) expression is associated with high-grade prostate cancer. Immunohistochemistry showed that MAO-A is also expressed in the basal epithelial cells of normal prostate glands. Using cultured primary prostatic epithelial cells as a model, we showed that MAO-A prevents basal epithelial cells from differentiating into secretory cells. Under differentiation-promoting conditions, clorgyline, an irreversible MAO-A inhibitor, induced secretory cell-like morphology and repressed expression of cytokeratin 14, a basal cell marker. More importantly, clorgyline induced mRNA and protein expression of androgen receptor (AR), a hallmark of secretory epithelial cells. In clorgyline-treated cells, androgen induced luciferase activity controlled by the promoter of prostate-specific antigen, an AR target gene, in a dose-dependent manner. This activity was blocked by the AR antagonist Casodex, showing that AR is functional. In turn, androgen decreased MAO-A expression in clorgyline-treated, secretory-like cells. Our results demonstrated that cultured basal epithelial cells have the potential to differentiate into secretory cells, and that inhibition of MAO-A is a key factor in promoting this process. Increased expression of MAO-A in high-grade prostate cancer may be an important contributor to its de-differentiated phenotype, raising the possibility that MAO-A inhibition may restore differentiation and reverse the aggressive behavior of high-grade cancer.
The design and use of a floating-point (software) simulator for testing the arithmetic behavior of mathematical software

An important aspect of any evaluative procedure for developing high quality mathematical software is testing the effects of arithmetic behavior on algorithmic implementations. This paper describes a proposed design approach and various applications of a high-level language floating-point simulator which has two inputs: the program to be tested and a description of the floating-point arithmetic under which the routine is to be executed. A brief discussion of the motivation for this approach is given along with a review of existing efforts to study the influences of computer arithmetic on the accuracy and reliability of mathematical software. An overview of the simulator's structure is presented as well as suggestions for experiments to assist in determining the effects of floatingpoint behavior across several different computer architectures. Present and future uses of the simulator are also indicated.
Reversible formation of plastic two-dimensional lipid crystals

Etudes, par microscopie d'epifluorescence, des cristaux formes dans une couche monomoleculaire de dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, a l'interface air-eau
Intervention strategies for control of foodborne pathogens

The increasing numbers of illnesses associated with foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7, has renewed concerns about food safety because of consumer preferences for minimally processed foods that offer convenience in availability and preparation. Accordingly, the need for better control of foodborne pathogens has been paramount in recent years. Mechanical removal of microorganisms from food can be accomplished by centrifugation, filtration, trimming and washing. Cleaning and sanitation strategies can be used for minimizing the access of microorganisms in foods from various sources. Other strategies for control of foodborne pathogens include established physical microbiocidal treatments such as ionizing radiation and heating. Research has continued to demonstrate that food irradiation is a suitable process to control and possibly eliminate foodborne pathogens, for example Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7, from a number of raw and cooked meat and poultry products. Heat treatment is the most common method in use today for the inactivation of microorganisms. Microorganisms can also be destroyed by nonthermal treatments, such as application of high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, oscillating magnetic fields or a combination of physical processes such as heat-irradiation, or heat-high hydrostatic pressure, etc. Each of the non-thermal technologies has specific applications in terms of the types of food that can be processed. Both conventional and newly developed physical treatments can be used in combination for controlling foodborne pathogens and enhancing the safety and shelf life of foods. Recent research has focused on combining traditional preservation factors with emerging intervention technologies. However, many key issues still need to be addressed for combination preservation factors or technologies to be useful in the food industry to meet public demands for foods with enhanced safety, freshness and appeal. As a result of systematic study in these areas together with detailed assessment of technological performance of available preservatives and preservation technologies in real food formulations, new intervention processes and products are likely to be developed. The ultimate goal is to identify potential new approaches for the safer production of foods. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss key developmental activities concerning microbial reduction by intervention technologies.
Determination of the Predominant Catechins in Acacia catechu by Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization−Mass Spectrometry

A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) method under selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) was developed to quantitate the predominant catechins, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, in the medicinal plant catechu (Acacia catechu). Other major secondary products including caffeine, flavanol dimers, and flavonol glycosides were also identified by their molecular ion peaks and fragmentation peaks using LC/MS and LC/MS/MS. For the investigated ion concentration ranges of catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, good linearities (r2 > 0.99) were obtained for each calibration curve. Validation for this method showed an accuracy ranging from 1.06 to 11.76%, and the precision (relative standard deviation) varied between 1.60 and 9.36% for these four analytes. This is the first quantitative determination of all predominant catechins in catechu heartwood and leaves....
A tale of two magnetospheres — the cold and the hot

Abstract The plasmasphere owes its discovery to the accidental observation of whistlers, mysterious natural VLF signals, of unknown origin at the time, by Barkhausen, in 1919. Storey in 1953 proposed the first quantitative theory of whistlers that implied a revolutionary model of the Earth's outer atmosphere, with electron density of 400 el / cm 3 at L=3, completely at odds with the then accepted model of the exosphere. Mapping by D.L. Carpenter of this outer region using “nose” whistlers revealed a large volume of plasma whose unexpected sharply defined outer boundary, the plasmapause, was reported in 1963. With the discovery in 1958 of the radiation belts by Van Allen it was realized that there were two intermixed magnetospheres, one the thermal electrons and ions and the other the trapped energetic particles of the radiation belts. This mixture of the two magnetospheres, the “cold” and the “hot”, led directly to the identification and study of a fascinating array of nonlinear interactions between energetic particles and whistler-mode waves, both natural and man-made, including exponential wave growth and wave-induced particle precipitation. The two major forefronts of current research on the plasmasphere are: (1) the static and dynamic properties of the plasmasphere, including the still unsolved problem of the removal of the outer plasmasphere during substorms, and (2) the description and modeling of the many wave–particle interactions that depend on the properties of both magnetospheres.
The structure of the S127P mutant of cytochrome b5 reductase that causes methemoglobinemia shows the AMP moiety of the flavin occupying the substrate binding site.

Methemoglobinemia, the first hereditary disease to be identified that involved an enzyme deficiency, has been ascribed to mutations in the enzyme cytochrome b5 reductase. A variety of defects in either the erythrocytic or microsomal forms of the enzyme have been identified that give rise to the type I or type II variant of the disease, respectively. The positions of the methemoglobinemia-causing mutations are scattered throughout the protein sequence, but the majority of the nontruncated mutants that produce type II symptoms occur close to the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor binding site. While X-ray structures have been determined for the soluble, flavin-containing diaphorase domains of the rat and pig enzymes, no X-ray or NMR structure has been described for the human enzyme or any of the methemoglobinemia variants. S127P, a mutant that causes type II methemoglobinemia, was the first to be positively identified and have its spectroscopic and kinetic properties characterized that revealed alte...
Characteristics of a Crappie Population in an Unfished Small Impoundment Containing Northern Pike

Abstract Desirable black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) populations were documented in a small impoundment in Colorado. Individuals 250 mm long and longer comprised 21% of the black crappies and 44% of the white crappies 130 mm long and longer. Mean relative weight (Wr) information indicated that crappie were in good condition and growth rates were average. Northern pike (Esox lucius) population estimates for 550-mm long and longer individuals varied from 119 to 217 fish during the 1973-1980 sampling period. Biomass of northern pike 550 mm long and longer was estimated to be 18.4 kg/hectare in 1980. Northern pike predation may help maintain desirable crappie populations in small impoundments.
The Influence of Varied Teacher Behavior on Performance in Correspondence Study

ONE OF THE concerns of those involved in teaching by correspondence is that of defining the role of the teacher. Inmost correspondence schools the student is provided with a syllabus i n which there are work sheets or assignments that the student works out and sends to the correspondence school for evaluation. The teacher in the corres pondence school reads the material and returns it to the student with corrections and comments. The teacher also corrects the tests which the student takes periodically under the supervision of someone in his community, usually a professional person. When the student completes the required work of a course he receives a grade based on his perform ance in the assignments and the tests. The syllabus is regarded as the pri mary teach ing device in the correspondence course. In the syllabus the objectives of the course are outlined along with a plan of study that guides the student to ward achieving the objectives of the course. The syllabus also contains assignments in texts or other study materials along with explanatory material, study aids, and self-check tests. These last serve to emphasize important points and concepts and provide the student with an opportunity to check his own progress. Although the basic guidance for an individual in studying a course is thought to be provided by the syllabus, the teacher in the correspondence school is also considered to be an integral part of the cor respondence study method. The teacher is assigned the task of evaluating the work of the student and by making corrections and comments on the paper or other submitted material the teacher will help guide the student in his learning of the material. The teacher may correct wrong answers or clear up points that seem to be vague in the student's mind by either requesting that the student read certain material or by explaining the material directly. The teacher also makes comments on the papers that are designed to encourage the student to continue work ing and to stimulate him to do the work he is capable of doing.
Adverse effects of liver dysfunction and portal hypertension on intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome in children.

Abstract Background The effects of liver dysfunction and portal hypertension on intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome are generally unknown. The presence of these disorders may adversely affect the ability to wean these patients from parenteral nutrition. Methods: Forty-two infants with short bowel syndrome were placed in one of three Child’s classifications, depending on serum bilirubin, prothrombin time, ascites, albumin, and liver biopsy, and compared for time to diet tolerance, time required for parenteral nutrition, and survival. A subgroup of these patients also underwent portal pressure measurement, which was combined with liver biopsy results to compare three groups for the same parameters. Results: Survival was Child’s class A 100%, B 84%, C 61%, while time to feeding tolerance was A 16.3 days, B 20.0 days, C 28 days, and total parenteral nutrition time was A 80.0 days, B 98.0 days, C 100.0 days. In the groups that underwent portal pressure measurement, the survival was group I (normal biopsy and pressure) 100%, group II (abnormal biopsy and normal pressure) 90%, group III (abnormal biopsy and pressure) 66%, while time to feeding tolerance was I 15.0 days, II 18.0 days, III 24.0 days, and total parenteral nutrition time was I 72.0 days, II 94.0 days, III 184.0 days. Conclusions Cholestatic liver disease, especially associated with portal hypertension adversely affects bowel adaptation in short bowel syndrome.
Association of alternative complement pathway components with human blood platelets: Secretion and localization of factor D and β1H globulin

Abstract Factor D and β1H were each detected in homogenates of washed human blood platelets, which did not contain factor B, C3, or properdin. Platelet-associated factor D had an apparent molecular weight of 25,000, and reacted with an antibody to plasma factor D. Stimulated platelets secreted factor D. Thrombin-induced factor D secretion paralleled β-thromboglobulin secretion (an α-granule marker protein), and subcellular fractionation experiments demonstrated factor D hemolytic activity in the α granule fraction of platelet homogenates. When incubated with C3b-coated erythrocytes, factor B, factor D, and nephritic factor, platelet homogenates also inhibited the formation, and accelerated the decay of the alternative pathway convertase. Immunochemically and functionally detectable quantities of β1H in platelet homogenates accounted for the acceleration of convertase decay. At sites where platelets accumulate in vivo, the small quantities of factor D and β1H contained in platelets may modulate formation and decay of the alternative pathway convertase.
Plasmapheresis Treatment in Patients with Severe Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

A 19-year-old woman with hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (the hyper-IgE syndrome [HIE]) and a 62-year-old man with atopic dermatitis experienced dramatic improvement in their chronic ocular symptoms and signs of atopic keratoconjunctivitis after plasmapheresis was instituted. Both patients had previously received topical and oral corticosteroids as well as topical cromolyn sodium without significant beneficial effect. The authors recommend a trial of plasmapheresis in selected patients with recalcitrant and debilitating atopic keratoconjunctivitis when standard therapy proves unsuccessful.
Body image, body satisfaction, and eating patterns in normal-weight and overweight/obese women current smokers and never-smokers

To explore differences between women smokers and never-smokers in body image and eating patterns, we analyzed data obtained from 587 women (18-55 years old) recruited to participate in laboratory investigations not focused on weight concerns. The sample consisted of 420 current smokers and 167 never-smokers; 44% of each group were overweight or obese (BMI>or=25). Questionnaires included measures of body image, body dissatisfaction, and restrained and disinhibited eating. Smokers did not differ from never-smokers on perceived body shape but endorsed a thinner preferred body shape and scored lower on body satisfaction than never-smokers. Smokers also scored higher on measures of disinhibited eating. Among smokers, those who were overweight/obese scored higher than normal-weight smokers on concerns about post-cessation weight gain and lower on self-efficacy to avoid relapse if weight increased. Our findings suggest that women smokers may require help in attaining a more realistic body image and attention to dysfunctional eating patterns if they are to achieve and maintain a healthful weight and/or to quit smoking successfully. They also indicate that overweight smokers may be at elevated risk of relapse in the face of post-cessation weight gain.
Febrile Status Epilepticus: Current State of Clinical and Basic Research

Febrile status epilepticus occurs in up to 5% of all cases of febrile seizures and has been linked to the development of focal epilepsy. This article reviews the clinical characteristics and treatment issues of febrile status. Controversy exists regarding the relationship of febrile status epilepticus to the subsequent development of epilepsy. This subject is discussed by first reviewing the clinical research literature and then highlighting the basic science research regarding this controversial question. The current literature appears to support a role for febrile status in the development of focal epilepsy but is clearly neither necessary nor sufficient in the focal epileptogenisis process. Multiple insults are likely necessary for a child with febrile status epilepticus to develop epilepsy later in life.
Stabilization of mineralized and sclerotized puparial cuticle of muscid flies

Abstract Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are the major mineral elements in puparial exuviae of the face fly, Musca autumnalis , house fly, M. domestica and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans , but they are 20–50 times more prevalent in face fly than in the other two species that sclerotize the puparium. Carbon and nitrogen are approx. 5 times more abundant in house fly puparia than in face fly puparia. Face fly puparia contain two and three-fold less total amino acids than the house fly and stable fly, respectively. β-Alanine is a major amino acid in puparial cuticle of the house fly and stable fly, but it is absent in the face fly. There is no significant difference in glucosamine (chitin) content between the three species. Dopamine is the major catechol detected in face fly puparial cuticle while N - β -alanyldopamine (NBAD) is 10 to 15 times more prevalent than other catechols such as dopamine, N -acetyldopamine (NADA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in house fly and stable fly puparial cuticles. The latter two species have 75 to nearly 200 times higher levels of extractable catechols than the face fly. At the onset of pupariation, dopamine and NBAD attain nearly equivalent titres in puparial cuticles of face fly and house fly, respectively. Dopamine subsequently decreases more than 40-fold in the face fly as the cuticle becomes stabilized, while NBAD continues to accumulate in the house fly. The house fly covalently incorporates about 150 times more catechols in the puparium than does the face fly. The force required to fracture house fly and stable fly puparia is about three-fold greater than that required to fracture face fly puparia of comparable thickness. However, the face fly puparium attains a strength comparable to those of house fly and stable fly puparia by significantly increasing its thickness. These results demonstrate that dipterans use both catecholamines and minerals for stabilization of puparial cuticle with the house fly and stable fly relying primarily on sclerotization and the face fly on mineralization.
CHANGES IN THE OSMOTIC ACTIVITY OF LIVER AND OF KIDNEY TISSUE CAUSED BY PASSAGE OF SODIUM CHLORIDE, UREA, AND SOME OTHER SUBSTANCES INTO CELLS

The osmotic activity of liver tissue and of kidney cortex tested within 10 minutes after immersion in solutions of sodium chloride has been increased by procedures which introduce sodium chloride, urea or creatinin into the body in excess of its elimination. A substance formed by cell metabolism, namely urea, can increase the osmotic activity of liver and of kidney cells. The amino acids, glycine and arginine, under similar conditions have not increased the osmotic activity of liver or of kidney cortex.
Why US children use dietary supplements

Dietary supplements are used by one-third of children. We examined motivations for supplement use in children, the types of products used by motivations, and the role of physicians and health care practitioners in guiding choices about supplements. We examined motivations for dietary supplement use reported for children (from birth to 19 y of age; n = 8,245) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2010. Dietary supplements were used by 31% of children; many different reasons were given as follows: to “improve overall health” (41%), to “maintain health” (37%), for “supplementing the diet” (23%), to “prevent health problems” (20%), and to “boost immunity” (14%). Most children (~90%) who use dietary supplements use a multivitamin–mineral or multivitamin product. Supplement users tend to be non-Hispanic white, have higher family incomes, report more physical activity, and have health insurance. Only a small group of supplements used by children (15%) were based on the recommendation of a physician or other health care provider. Most supplements used by children are not under the recommendation of a health care provider. The most common reasons for use of supplements in children are for health promotion, yet little scientific data support this notion in nutrient-replete children.
A comparison of maternal and child intonation: Does adult input support child production?

Intonation involves the musical aspects of speech production and consists of suprasegmental aspects of phonology (i.e., pitch, length and loudness). The development of intonation involves various changes throughout the first 2 years of life as children learn how to manipulate intonation features as their linguistic system develops. Evidence from the literature provides a mixed message related to the influence of surrounding adult models on intonation production. The current study observed intonation characteristics in 23 mother-child pairs. Results indicated that, in general, children did not directly imitate maternal intonation, but that maternal support assisted the production of wider contours.
Large eddy simulation of a coaxial jet with a synthetic turbulent inlet

Abstract This study analyzed the effects of two methods of synthetic inlet turbulence on the accuracy of coaxial, circular jet simulations with regards to experimental data. The two methods that were utilized in the study were a digital filter method and a synthetic eddy method. This study examines the implementation of these methods into an academic LES code, with extensive evaluation of the simulation data compared to experimental results. The results in the paper are presented for two different mesh resolutions, 22 and 8 million cells. The simulations were performed for three different velocity ratios of the annular to the inner jet: 0.0, 1.0 and 1.5. The inlet methods were utilized in two ways, one by setting the velocity fluctuation profile based on experimental data of the inlet flow, the second by setting an estimated isotropic-fluctuation profile. In this way, using the estimated method can be compared to using the prescribed fluctuations, which may not be usable if experimental data of the inlet is not available. When comparing the centerline profiles to the velocity data for the turbulent inlet, the data for velocity ratios 1.0 and 1.5 were improved compared to the experimental profiles. However, for the velocity ratio 0.0 case velocity data when using the turbulent inlet the data showed significant decay and did not match experimental profiles in the far field of the jet. The radial data for a velocity ratio of 0.0 showed better agreement with the experimental data in the jet spreading to develop the proper velocity profile. The velocity fluctuation data was the most accurate in the near field region when the turbulent inlet was used. A comparison can also be made between using a prescribed fluctuation inlet and just using the approximated inlet condition. In the near field region using the prescribed fluctuations from data is better, as is expected. However, in some cases the approximation can perform just as well in the fluctuation profile in the far field region. For velocity ratios of 0.0 and 1.0, simply using an approximation for the inlet with isotropic fluctuations performed almost as well as the prescribed fluctuation method in the far-field region. At a velocity ratio of 1.5 this improvement was not present, possibly due to the higher Reynolds number in the annular region.
YopK controls both rate and fidelity of Yop translocation

Summary Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, utilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) to intoxicate host cells. The injection of T3SS substrates must be carefully controlled, and dysregulation leads to altered infection kinetics and early clearance of Y. pestis. While the sequence of events leading up to cell contact and initiation of translocation has received much attention, the regulatory events that take place after effector translocation is less understood. Here we show that the regulator YopK is required to maintain fidelity of substrate specificity, in addition to controlling translocation rate. YopK was found to interact with YopD within targeted cells during Y. pestis infection, suggesting that YopK's regulatory mechanism involves a direct interaction with the translocation pore. In addition, we identified a single amino acid in YopK that is essential for translocation rate regulation but is dispensable for maintaining fidelity of translocation. Furthermore, we found that expression of YopK within host cells was sufficient to downregulate translocation rate, but it did not affect translocation fidelity. Together, our data support a model in which YopK is a bifunctional protein whose activities are genetically and spatially distinct such that fidelity control occurs within bacteria and rate control occurs within host cells.
Impact of finger posture on mapping from muscle activation to joint torque.

Background. The mapping from muscle activation to joint torque production can be difficult to determine for the multi-articular muscles of the fingers. This relationship was examined in vivo as a function of posture in the index finger. Methods. Five healthy adults participated in an experiment in which the seven muscles of the index finger were sequentially electrically stimulated using intramuscular electrodes. Each muscle was stimulated at 12 different finger postures consisting of specified flexion of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, while fingertip forces and moments were recorded. Findings. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that joint torques resulting from the stimulation were significantly dependent upon finger posture (p < 0.05). The magnitude of the change in joint torque across postures was generally greater than 60%. This value is much larger than the difference attributable to the increase in active muscle force that occurs at longer muscle length, in accordance with the force–length curve (10–20% for the estimated length changes). In addition, the relative distribution of the joint torques generated by a given muscle activation was dependent upon finger posture for the intrinsic muscles and the long finger flexors (p < 0.05); the ratio of one joint torque to another varied with posture for these muscles, in some cases by more than 50%. Interpretation. Joint torque is a product of both muscle force and the corresponding moment arm. As the change in active muscle force was limited, these data suggest that substantial changes in muscle moment arms occur with posture. Therefore, this postural dependence should be considered when constructing biomechanical models of the hand or planning tendon transfers for the fingers. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Wear Characteristics of Graphene as an Atomically-Thin Protective Coating

Lamellar atomically-thin sheets such as graphene (and its bulk equivalent graphite) and molybdenum disulfide have emerged as excellent solid lubricants at the macro scale and show great promise as protective coatings for nanoscopic applications. In this study, the failure mechanisms of graphene under sliding are examined using atomistic simulations. An atomic tip is slid over a graphene membrane that is adhered to a semi-infinite substrate. The impact of sliding velocity and substrate rigidity on the wear and frictional behavior of graphene is studied. In addition, the interplay of adhesive and abrasive wear on the graphene coating is also examined. The preliminary results indicate that graphene has excellent potential as a nanoscale due to its atomically-thin configuration and high load carrying capacity.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Cooperation Between the Septins and the Actomyosin Ring and Role of a Cell-integrity Pathway During Cell Division in Fission Yeast

A major question about cytokinesis concerns the role of the septin proteins, which localize to the division site in all animal and fungal cells but are essential for cytokinesis only in some cell types. For example, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, four septins localize to the division site, but deletion of the four genes produces only a modest delay in cell separation. To ask if the S. pombe septins function redundantly in cytokinesis, we conducted a synthetic-lethal screen in a septin-deficient strain and identified seven mutations. One mutation affects Cdc4, a myosin light chain that is an essential component of the cytokinetic actomyosin ring. Five others cause frequent cell lysis during cell separation and map to two loci. These mutations and their dosage suppressors define a signaling pathway (including Rho1 and a novel arrestin) for repairing cell-wall damage. The seventh mutation affects the poorly understood RNA-binding protein Scw1 and severely delays cell separation when combined either with a septin mutation or with a mutation affecting the septin-interacting, anillin-like protein Mid2, suggesting that Scw1 functions in a pathway parallel to that of the septins. Taken together, our results suggest that the S. pombe septins participate redundantly in one or more pathways that cooperate with the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis and that a septin defect causes septum defects that can be repaired effectively only when the cell-integrity pathway is intact.
Enforcement of Competition Law: Case Studies

The usual objective of the enforcement of antitrust (AT) laws is to prevent mergers and business practices from reducing economic welfare.
Infrared emission spectroscopy in H2/F2 and CH4/F2 premixed flames

The infrared emission corresponding to the Δ v=1 transitions of the vibrationally excited HF (1 < =v< =3) has been recorded in rich premixed hydrogen-fluorine and methanefluorine flames burning at various pressure (1.3–9 torr). The initial hydrogen and fluorine element content was identical in both CH4-and H2- fluorine flames. The rational temperature profiles have been determined as well as in H2/F2 flames than in CH4/F2 ones. The analysis of the experimental data has put forward the occurrence of an equilibrated vibrational population relatively early in the burnt gases region of flames burning at pressures higher than 5 torr. From these evidences, profiles of the relative mole fractions of HF in its vibrationally excited states (1 < =v< =3) have been established in both series of flames. The absolute total concentrations of HF have been deduced by considering the Lewis number equals to one and therefore the absolute mole fraction profiles of the individual vibrationally excited HF (0 < =v< =3) have been determined. Besides the well-known mechanism of the HF formation in H2/F2 systems it appears clearly that in CH4/F2 flames the final concentration of fluorocarbon derivatives are close to those of fluorhydric acid. This evidence indicates that in rich methane-fluorine flames the reaction CH3 + F2 CH2F + HF and subsequent reactions of CH2F are important in addition of the primary attack of methane CH4 + F CH3 + HF and CH4 + F CH3F + H.
Novel approach using antimicrobial catheters to improve the management of central line-associated bloodstream infections in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheter (CVC) removal has often been recommended for the treatment of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). However, CVC removal is not always practical in patients with cancer, and changing CVCs with noncoated CVCs over guidewire may result in cross-infection of the new CVC. Therefore, the current matched retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of exchanging infected CVCs for minocycline- and rifampin (MR)-coated CVCs in cancer patients with CLABSIs. METHODS: The authors identified all cancer patients with CLABSIs who had undergone either CVC exchange with MR-coated CVCs or CVC removal at the study institution. All patients were treated with appropriate systemic antibiotics. The exchange group was matched in a 1:2 ratio with the removal group by organism, underlying disease, and neutropenia. The demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcome were compared. Overall response was defined as the resolution of clinical signs and symptoms and eradication of bacteremia within 72 hours after CVC exchange or removal, without disease recurrence or infection-related death. RESULTS: A total of 120 cancer patients were included (40 in the exchange group and 80 in the removal group). Overall response rates were 95% in the exchange group and 76% in the removal group (P = .011). No disease recurrences or infection-related deaths occurred in the exchange group; 8 disease recurrences or deaths (11%) occurred in the removal group (P = .05). Patients in the exchange group also experienced lower rates of mechanical failure (3% vs 15%; P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Exchanging CVCs for MR-coated CVCs in cancer patients with CLABSIs may improve the overall response rate and decrease the risk of mechanical failure, disease recurrence, and infection-related mortality. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Decision support system: An activity-oriented design

Decision Support Systems (DSSs) have been defined in a number of ways by various researchers. The result is disagree ment and confusion. No one is quite sure of its exact definition. In this research, we have tned to redefine it by asking two basic questions: What things to support and how to support them? It is argued that critical activity analysis is a preferable starting point for a DSS design, and a DSS needs to support activities rather than decisions. A tool-kit framework for a DSS is presented for its design. Finally, a case study application is described where such a framework has been implemented in APL.
A connector-aware middleware for distributed deployment and mobility

To address the need for highly configurable and customizable distributed systems, researchers and practitioners are investigating various innovative approaches. One of the promising techniques emerging from this area of study is mobile computing. In this paper we present an architecture-based approach to supporting distributed deployment and mobility of software systems. We exploit a connector-aware architectural middleware in providing these capabilities. The approach has been successfully tested on several applications for networks of small, mobile, resource constrained devices (e.g., hand-held computers).
Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Induces Tight Junction Disruptions and Loss of Transepithelial Resistance Across Porcine Vas Deferens Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells lining the male excurrent duct contribute to male fertility by employing a number of physiological mechanisms that generate a luminal microenvironment conducive to spermatozoa maturation and storage. Among these mechanisms, male duct epithelia establish intercellular tight junctions that constitute a barrier to paracellular diffusion of water, solutes, large molecules, and cells. Mechanisms regulating the male duct epithelial barrier remain unidentified. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) is a regulatory cytokine present in high concentrations in human semen. This study examined whether TGFB has any effects on epithelial function exhibited by primary cultures of porcine vas deferens epithelia. TGFB1 exposure caused a 70%–99% decrease in basal transepithelial electrical resistance (RTE, a sensitive indicator of barrier integrity), while a significant decrease in anion secretory response to forskolin was detected at the highest levels of TGFB1 exposure employed. SB431542, a selective TGFB receptor I (TGFBR1) inhibitor, prevented decreases in barrier function. Results also demonstrated that TGFB1 exposure modifies the distribution pattern of tight junction proteins occludin and claudin 7. TGFBR1 is localized at the apical border of the native porcine vas deferens epithelium. Pharmacological inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 11 (also known as p38-MAPK) did not alter the effect of TGFB1 on RTE significantly. These data suggest that epithelia lining the vas deferens are subject to disruptions in the physical barrier if active TGFB becomes bioavailable in the luminal fluid, which might be expected to compromise fertility.
Comparisons of Two Techniques for Measuring Relative Rates of Moisture Evaporation from Limited Skin Areas of Dairy Cattle

Abstract Comparisons of sweating rates of three breed groups consisting of three heifer, first-lactation, and third-lactation females, were made by measuring moisture loss from and salts accumulation on the skin. Estimated average evaporation rates for Holsteins, Jerseys, and Jersey-Brahmans were 592, 562, and 551gm/m 2 /hr, respectively. Rates for Holsteins were significantly higher (P r =+0.99) with evaporation rates than with respiration and pulse rates or rectal temperatures. Salts accumulated on the skin of Holsteins averaged 4.9mg/81.3cm 2 /72 hr, significantly higher than the averaged rate of 3.1mg for Jerseys and Jersey-Brahmans. Measuring salts accumulation on the skin is a meritorious technique for estimating true sweating rates in cattle.