cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mycetangia of the ambrosia beetle Monarthrum fasciatum

Abstract Female beetles of Monarthrum fasciatum contain paired saclike mycetangia in the anterior, ventral prothorax. These large, specialized organs for storage and transport of the ambrosia fungus spores are apparently lined with sclerotized cuticular material and the posterior portion is heavily musculatured. A tube extends from each mycetangium to an external opening in the procoxal cavity. One section of the organ wall adjacent to the tube lacks sclerotization and contains a series of cells and ducts that terminate in pores within the mycetangia. These may be secretory cells that provide the matrix surrounding the spore aggregates.
An educational program for the assessment and development of psychological-mindedness in the chemically dependent.

Substance abusers can be conceptualized as alexithymic (Sifneos), psychically traumatized (Krystal), without internalized standards (Wurmser), and narcissistically defective (Kohut). Each of these theoretical systems conveys an important vantage point from which to view the rise of substance use and abuse and personality deterioration within the international community during this time of cultural fragmentation. Culture has been described as contributing to aspects of internalized psychic structure (Horney), to the maintenance of that structure (Bion), and to its member's performance of ongoing functions of mirroring and idealizing (Kohut). A detoxification program is described within which a psychological component has been found effective in stabilizing patients, in developing psychological-mindedness, in preparing some for psychic structural development, and in the creation of a facilitating, humanistic environment.
Trauma care at rural level III trauma centers in a state trauma system.

BACKGROUND:: Although much has been written about the benefits of trauma center care, most experiences are urban with large numbers of patients. Little is known about the smaller, rural trauma centers and how they function both independently and as part of a larger trauma system. The state of Missouri has designated three levels of trauma care. The cornerstone of rural trauma care is the state-designated Level III trauma center. These centers are required to have the presence of a trauma team and trauma surgeon but do not require orthopedic or neurosurgical coverage. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine how Level III trauma centers compared with Level I and Level II centers in the Missouri trauma system and, secondly, how trauma surgeon experience at these centers might shape future educational efforts to optimize rural trauma care. METHODS:: During a 2-year period in 2002 and 2003, the state trauma registry was queried on all trauma admissions for centers in the trauma system. Demographics and patient care outcomes were assessed by level of designation. Trauma admissions to the Level III centers were examined for acuity, severity, and type of injury. The experiences with chest, abdominal, and neurologic trauma were examined in detail. RESULTS:: A total of 24,392 patients from 26 trauma centers were examined, including all eight Level III centers. Acuity and severity of injuries were higher at Level I and II centers. A total of 2,910 patients were seen at the 8 Level III centers. Overall deaths were significantly lower at Level III centers (Level I, 4% versus Level II, 4% versus Level III, 2%, p < 0.001). Numbers of patients dying within 24 hours were no different among levels of trauma care (Level I, 37% versus Level II, 30% versus Level III, 32%). Among Level III centers 45 (1.5%) patients were admitted in shock, and 48 (2%) had a Glasgow Coma Scale score <9. Twenty-six patients had a surgical head injury (7 epidural, 19 subdural hematomas). Twenty-eight patients (1%) needed a chest or abdominal operation. There were 15 spleen and 12 liver injuries with an Abbreviated Injury Score of 4 or 5. CONCLUSIONS:: Level III trauma centers performed as expected in a state trauma system. Acuity and severity were less as was corresponding mortality. There were a paucity of life-threatening head, chest, and abdominal injuries, which provide a challenge to the rural trauma surgeon to maintain necessary skills in management of these critical injuries. Language: en
Three-Dimensional, Extended Field-of-View Ultrasound Method for Estimating Large Strain Mechanical Properties of the Cervix during Pregnancy

Cervical shortening and cervical insufficiency contribute to a significant number of preterm births. However, the deformation mechanisms that control how the cervix changes its shape from long and closed to short and dilated are not clear. Investigation of the biomechanical problem is limited by (1) lack of thorough characterization of the three-dimensional anatomical changes associated with cervical deformation and (2) difficulty measuring cervical tissue properties in vivo. The objective of the present study was to explore the feasibility of using three-dimensional ultrasound and fundal pressure to obtain anatomically-accurate numerical models of large-strain cervical deformation during pregnancy and enable noninvasive assessment of cervical-tissue compliance. Healthy subjects (n = 6) and one subject with acute cervical insufficiency in the midtrimester were studied. Extended field-of-view ultrasound images were obtained of the entire uterus and cervix. These images aided construction of anatomically accurate numerical models. Cervical loading was achieved with fundal pressure, which was quantified with a vaginal pressure catheter. In one subject, the anatomical response to fundal pressure was matched by a model-based simulation of the deformation response, thereby deriving the corresponding cervical mechanical properties and showing the feasibility of noninvasive assessment of compliance. The results of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of a biomechanical modeling framework for estimating cervical mechanical properties in vivo. An improved understanding of cervical biomechanical function will clarify the pathophysiology of cervical shortening.
Psychology of Conversion and Spiritual Transformation

This article provides an overview of the four major psychological approaches used in the study of religious change. A heuristic stage model of conversion consisting of seven stages: context, crisis, quest, encounter, interaction, commitment, and consequences (Rambo 1995) serves as a framework for integrating the research of these four approaches, providing a fuller understanding of the multilayered processes involved in conversion. The authors hope that the phenomenon of spiritual transformation and conversion will continue to draw the attention of psychologists who increasingly appreciate the complexity and dynamism of religious/spiritual transformation. For the psychology of religion in general and the psychology of conversion and spiritual transformation in particular to be viable and valuable, psychologists will need to join with researchers in the human sciences and religious studies to develop methods and theories worthy of this complex subject. Additionally, through collaboration with psychologists in the People’s Republic of China, the authors look forward to exploring together the fascinating and important issues that emerge as we seek to understand the nature of conversion and spiritual transformation in China.
Multiscale model of platelet translocation and collision

The tethering of platelets on the injured vessel surface mediated by glycoprotein [email protected] ([email protected]) - Von Willebrand factor (vWF) bonds, as well as the interaction between flowing platelets and adherent platelets, are two key events that take place immediately following blood vessel injury. This early-stage platelet deposition and accumulation triggers the initiation of hemostasis, a self-defensive mechanism to prevent the body from excessive blood loss. To understand and predict this complex process, one must integrate experimentally determined information on the mechanics and biochemical kinetics of participating receptors over very small time frames ([email protected]) and length scales (10-100nm), to collective phenomena occurring over seconds and tens of microns. In the present study, a unique three dimensional multiscale computational model, Platelet Adhesive Dynamics (PAD), was applied to elucidate the unique physics of (i) a non-spherical, disk-shaped platelet interacting and tethering onto the damaged vessel wall followed by (ii) collisional interactions between a flowing platelet with a downstream adherent platelet. By analyzing numerous simulations under different physiological conditions, we conclude that the platelet's unique spheroid-shape provides heterogeneous, orientation-dependent translocation (rolling) behavior which enhances cell-wall interactions. We also conclude that platelet-platelet near field interactions are critical for cell-cell communication during the initiation of microthrombi. The PAD model described here helps to identify the physical factors that control the initial stages of platelet capture during this process.
Absolute bioavailability of imipramine: influence of food.

Imipramine hydrochloride (IMI) was administered to 12 healthy volunteers on three occasions in random sequence: 12.5 mg IV, 50 mg orally after overnight fast, and 50 mg orally 30 min after eating a standardized breakfast. IMI concentrations were measured by gas-liquid chromatography using nitrogen-phosphorous detection and pharmacokinetic and bioavailability parameters determined by iterative nonlinear least-squares regression analysis. After IV administration, mean kinetic variables were: volume of distribution, 21.0 l/kg; total clearance, 12.8 ml/min per kg, and elimination half-life, 21.2 h. Mean absolute bioavailability of IMI in the fasting state was 43.6%. When IMI was administered immediately after the standardized meal, absolute bioavailability was 44.1%. After oral administration, the time to peak IMI level was not changed by concurrent food ingestion (2.8 vs 3.2 h after dosage), and the peak IMI concentration was no different (35 vs 30 ng/ml). Thus concurrent food ingestion has no effect on IMI absolute bioavailability, peak concentration attained after oral dosing, or the time to peak concentration.
Collagen-based bioadhesives for wound closure

In this paper, we reported the results of an in vitro pilot study designed to evaluate the possible use of type-I collagen for corneal wound closure via an in situ photo-crosslink process. The wound strength was measured by rising the intraocular pressure (IOP) at a constant rate until wound breakage (blow-up test). In addition, histology was performed to study the wound appearance after photosoldering.
The topography of the nuclear fission barrier

Fission theory first developed within the framework of the liquid drop model. Shell model concepts were introduced into fission theory much later than they were in nuclear structure theory, but then with spectacular success in explaining striking experimental results then emerging in actinide fission. In the last two decades the complex topography of the fission barrier that is the result of shell model theory has been a major theme in the expanding knowledge of fission, most experimental data finding a natural explanation within this theme. The development of the concept of shell model structure in the fission barrier is outlined in this review.
Syndactyly Web Space Reconstruction Using the Tapered M-to-V Flap: A Single-Surgeon, 30-Year Experience

Purpose To describe the technique and results of the tapered M-to-V flap for syndactyly web space construction. Methods We reviewed a single-surgeon, single-institution experience of all syndactyly reconstructions performed between 1982 and 2013. Demographic data and patient characteristics were recorded. Complications included flap loss, graft loss, web creep, infection, restricted range of motion, and digit deviation. Results A total of 138 web spaces were reconstructed in 93 patients. There were 89 primary congenital hand and 32 foot syndactylies. Four patients had an acquired simple incomplete syndactyly and 13 patients had secondary reconstructions. The complication rate was 14%. The most common complication was web creep resulting from partial skin graft loss (12 web spaces; 9%). There were no total flap losses. Univariate analysis revealed no factor to be predictive of an elevated complication rate. Average follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 6 mo to 26 y). Conclusions The tapered M-to-V flap proved to be a reliable and versatile technique for web space reconstruction, offering several advantages over the standard rectangular flap method of repair, such as ease of intraoperative adjustment, a z-plasty at the palmodigital crease to minimize scar contracture, and better color match. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Proinflammatory and Th2-Derived Cytokines Modulate CD40-Mediated Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Airway Epithelia: Implications for the Role of Epithelial CD40 in Airway Inflammation

Cytokines produced by activated macrophages and Th2 cells within the lung play a key role in asthma-associated airway inflammation. Additionally, recent studies suggest that the molecule CD40 modulates lung immune responses. Because airway epithelial cells can act as immune effector cells through the expression of inflammatory mediators, the epithelium is now considered important in the generation of asthma-associated inflammation. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the effects of proinflammatory and Th2-derived cytokines on the function of CD40 in airway epithelia. The results show that airway epithelial cells express CD40 and that engagement of epithelial CD40 induces a significant increase in expression of the chemokines RANTES, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), and IL-8 and the adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Cross-linking epithelial CD40 had no effect on expression of the adhesion molecule VCAM-1. The proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and the Th2-derived cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 modulated the positive effects of CD40 engagement on inflammatory mediator expression in airway epithelial cells. Importantly, CD40 ligation enhanced the sensitivity of airway epithelial cells to the effects of TNF-α and/or IL-1β on expression of RANTES, MCP-1, IL-8, and VCAM-1. In contrast, neither IL-4 nor IL-13 modified the effects of CD40 engagement on the expression of RANTES, MCP-1, IL-8, or VCAM-1; however, both IL-4 and IL-13 attenuated the effects of CD40 cross-linking on ICAM-1 expression. Together, these findings suggest that interactions between CD40-responsive airway epithelial cells and CD40 ligand + leukocytes, such as activated T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells, modulate asthma-associated airway inflammation.
Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Through a Lateral Parapatellar Approach Has High Early Survivorship

Background The literature suggests lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasties are associated with low revision rates. However, there are fewer reports describing techniques for lateral unicompartmental arthroplasty and whether technique influences ROM and function compared to reports for medial unicompartmental arthroplasty.
Psychological predictors of college students' cell phone use while driving.

Despite the known risk, many people talk on a phone while driving. This study explored psychological predictors of cell phone use while driving. College students (final N=69) completed a survey and predicted their driving performance both with and without a simultaneous phone conversation. Their actual performance on a driving simulator was then assessed. Cell phone use reduced performance on the simulation task. Further, perceiving oneself as good at compensating for driving distractions, overestimating one's performance on the driving simulator, and high illusory control predicted more frequent cell phone use while driving in everyday life. Finally, those who talked more frequently on a phone while driving had poorer real-world driving records. These findings suggest illusory control and positive illusions partly explain driver's decisions of whether to use cell phones while driving. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Cardiac catheterization in infants weighing less than 1,500 grams

Background: The improved survival of very low-birth-weight (<1,500 g) infants justifies more aggressive attempts to treat underlying congenital heart disease than in the past. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all catheterizations performed at our institution between January 1, 1990 and June 1, 2004 in infants weighing <1,500 g. We performed a 3:1 case–control study. Comparisons were randomly selected from a group of patients catheterized within 6 months of the cases and weighing 2–3 kg. All catheterization data, angiograms, and hospital charts were reviewed. Results: Eighteen patients weighing <1,500 g underwent catheterization. Fifty-four patients were selected as comparisons. There were no significant differences in the age at catheterization, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, or contrast amount (cc/kg). The lower-birth-weight infants were more likely to be premature (median age 29 vs. 37 weeks, P < 0.001), and to have left-sided obstructive lesions including aortic stenosis or coarctation. The comparison patients were more likely to be postoperative (28% vs. 0%, P = 0.02), and included a higher number with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. There was an increased incidence of interventions performed in the lower-birth-weight infants (83% vs. 41%, P = 0.002). There was a difference in the interventions performed between the two groups: the comparisons had more atrial septal procedures, and the lower-birth-weight infants had more coarctation dilations and aortic valve dilations. There were no significant differences in the acute success rate of the procedures (100% vs. 95%), overall complication rate (56 vs. 57%), incidence of blood transfusions (44 vs. 30%), or major complications (11 vs. 13%) between the lower-birth-weight and comparison groups respectively. There was a trend towards higher survival rate in the comparison group in this small study population, but it did not reach significance (80 vs. 61%, P = 0.13). Conclusions: Cardiac catheterization in neonates <1,500 g is more likely to include percutaneous intervention, especially on the left side, but is generally successful with a complication rate similar to procedures performed in larger infants. Although these procedures are rare, improved miniaturization of equipment would facilitate safer interventions. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A computational study of interactions of multiple plasma filaments in DBDs with human skin

The use of atmospheric pressure air plasmas in direct contact with living tissue has therapeutic effects. When dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are used for this purpose, the plasma device typically contains the powered electrode while the tissue is the counter electrode.1 The beneficial medicinal effects produced by these DBDs may involve large electric fields applied to or produced in the tissue, fluxes of chemically active neutral radicals and ions, and energetic species (VUV, ions) onto the tissue. These DBDs have filamentary and somewhat random structures, and so the treatment of the tissue is, at least locally, somewhat statistical.
Telepathology diagnosis of prostate needle biopsies

Abstract We conducted a prospective analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of a static-image telepathology system (Roche RIAS, Elon College, NC) in the interpretation of needle biopsies of the prostate (NBx). Two hundred consecutive cases received in consultation were included. Each case was examined by one of the researchers (MHW), and images were captured either according to the areas of concern designated by the referring pathologist (set A; 100 cases) or according to the judgment of MHW (set B; 100 cases). The other researcher (JIE) daily rendered diagnoses first on the video images and then by direct microscopy. Accuracy of video diagnosis was categorized as 0 (correct), 1 (minor error), 2 (major error), or 3 (deferred). An average of 5.49 images were captured per case in set A, and 5.28 for set B. Seventy-seven, 9, 9, and 5 cases were categorized as 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for set A, and 78, 17, 1, and 4 cases, respectively, for set B. Video versus direct diagnoses for the type 2 errors were five carcinoma versus markedly atypical, two carcinoma versus atypical one carcinoma versus nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis, and two benign versus atypical. In these difficult NBx, telepathology allowed an essentially correct diagnosis in almost all of the cases. The number of images required was reasonable, and the images were of excellent quality. However, the accuracy varied from set A to set B, with the fractions of nondeferred cases that were given an essentially correct video diagnosis totaling 91% and 99%, respectively ( P
Field crickets change mating preferences using remembered social information

Plasticity in female mate choice can fundamentally alter selection on male ornaments, but surprisingly few studies have examined the role of social learning in shaping female mating decisions in invertebrates. We used the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus to show that females retain information about the attractiveness of available males based on previous social experience, compare that information with incoming signals and then dramatically reverse their preferences to produce final, predictable, mating decisions. Male ornament evolution in the wild may depend much more on the social environment and behavioural flexibility through learning than was previously thought for non-social invertebrates. The predictive power of these results points to a pressing need for theoretical models of sexual selection that incorporate effects of social experience.
DUA-forensics: a fine-grained dependence analysis and instrumentation framework based on Soot

We describe DUA-Forensics, our open-source Java-bytecode program analysis and instrumentation system built on top of Soot. DUA-Forensics has been in development for more than six years and has supported multiple research projects on efficient monitoring, test-suite augmentation, fault localization, symbolic execution, and change-impact analysis. Three core features of Soot have proven essential: the Java bytecode processor, the Jimple intermediate representation, and the API to access and manipulate Jimple programs. On top of these foundations, DUA-Forensics offers a number of features of potential interest to the Java-analysis community, including (1) a layer that facilitates the instrumentation of Jimple code, (2) a library modeling system for efficient points-to, data-flow, and symbolic analysis, and (3) a fine-grained dependence analysis component. These features have made our own research more productive, reliable, and effective.
Introduction of an Undergraduate Course in the Psychology of Human Sexuality

Despite initial objections, this course was introduced and experimentally demonstrated to have produced an increase in knowledge.
COLD-SENSITIVE CELL-DIVISION-CYCLE MUTANTS OF YEAST: ISOLATION, PROPERTIES, AND PSEUDOREVERSION STUDIES

We isolated 18 independent recessive cold-sensitive cell-division-cycle (cdc) mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in nine complementation groups. Terminal phenotypes exhibited include medial nuclear division, cytokinesis, and a previously undescribed terminal phenotype consisting of cells with a single small bud and an undivided nucleus. Four of the cold-sensitive mutants proved to be alleles of CDC11, while the remaining mutants defined at least six new cell-division-cycle genes: CDC44, CDC45, CDC48, CDC49, CDC50 and CDC51.--Spontaneous revertants from cold-sensitivity of four of the medial nuclear division cs cdc mutants were screened for simultaneous acquisition of a temperature-sensitive phenotype. The temperature-sensitive revertants of four different cs cdc mutants carried single new mutations, called Sup/Ts to denote their dual phenotype: suppression of the cold-sensitivity and concomitant conditional lethality at 37 degrees. Many of the Sup/Ts mutations exhibited a cell-division-cycle terminal phenotype at the high temperature, and they defined two new cdc genes (CDC46 and CDC47). Two cold-sensitive medial nuclear division cdc mutants representing two different cdc genes were suppressed by different Sup/Ts alleles of another gene which also bears a medial nuclear division function (CDC46). In addition, the cold-sensitive medial nuclear division cdc mutant csH80 was suppressed by a Sup/Ts mutation yielding an unbudded terminal phenotype with an undivided nucleus at the high temperature. This mutation was an allele of CDC32. These results suggest a pattern of interaction among cdc gene products and indicate that cdc gene proteins might act in the cell cycle as complex specific functional assemblies.
Implementing Positive Behavior Support With Chinese American Families: Enhancing Cultural Competence

In positive behavior support (PBS) practices, one critical issue involves helping professionals understand and respect the values of families from culturally diverse backgrounds. This article summarizes embedded cultural values of PBS represented in four key features of the PBS process: collaborative partnerships, functional assessment, contextual fit, and meaningful lifestyle outcomes. With acknowledgment of acculturation, the contrast between Chinese cultural values and embedded PBS values is illustrated in the context of implementing PBS for Chinese American families.
Oxygen Permeability of FRP-Concrete Repair Systems

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are increasingly used for repairing corrosion-damaged concrete structures. The performance of the repairs is critically dependent on the oxygen permeability of the FRP-concrete system. This paper presents the results of an experimental study in which the oxygen permeation of concrete and FRP-concrete systems were determined. In the study, concrete specimens with three different water-cementitious ratios were initially tested. Subsequently, uni directional one and two-layer carbon and fiberglass material were bonded to the concrete surface, and the oxygen permeation of the FRP-concrete systems were determined. The results showed a significant reduction in the oxygen permeation of concrete after FRP had been bonded. The best performance was obtained for FRP bonded to concrete with the highest water-cementitious ratio. An expression for the equivalent thickness of FRP-concrete systems was derived by using Fick’s law. This facilitates the evaluation of the effectiveness of alternate FRP-concrete corrosion repair schemes.
Recent Advances in the CVD of Metal Nitrides and Oxides

Use of metal-organic precursor materials has permitted thermal CVD of many metal nitrides at remarkably low temperatures and without corrosive by-products. Metallic TiN, VN, Nb3N4 and Mo2N3; semiconducting GaN and Sn3N4; and insulating AIN, Zr3N4, Hf3N4 and Ta3N5 can be deposited at temperatures typically in the range 100 to 400 C. Deposits free of carbon are obtained by transamination reactions of metal dialkylamido precursors with a sufficiently large excess of ammonia. The resulting TiN films are good diffusion barriers, and provide low contact resistance between metals and silicon. Transparent semiconducting oxide films, such as SnO2, ZnO and TiO2, are often made by MOCVD for use in solar cells, energy-efficient window coatings and electro-optical displays. These wide band-gap semiconductors can be doped to n-type conductivity by a variety of dopant elements. Fluorine is the dopant which produces materials with the highest electron mobility, conductivity and transparency, by substituting for oxygen. Certain organic fluorine compounds have been found to be very effective fluorine dopants for these CVD reactions, yielding films with very shallow donors having nearly 100 % electrical activity. Precursors for the CVD of alkaline earth metal oxides, particularly barium, lack the volatility and stability needed for reproducible deposition of superconducting, ferroelectric or magnetic oxides. Use of ammonia or volatile amines as carrier gases greatly enhances the volatility and stability of betadiketonates of barium, strontium and calcium, providing high and stable transport rates for source temperatures below 100 C, even for non-fluorinated ligands.
fMRI investigation of sentence comprehension by eye and by ear: Modality fingerprints on cognitive processes

The neural substrate underlying reading vs. listening comprehension of sentences was compared using fMRI. One way in which this issue was addressed was by comparing the patterns of activation particularly in cortical association areas that classically are implicated in language processing. The precise locations of the activation differed between the two modalities. In the left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's area), the activation associated with listening was more anterior and inferior than the activation associated with reading, suggesting more semantic processing during listening comprehension. In the left posterior superior and middle temporal region (roughly, Wernicke's area), the activation for listening was closer to primary auditory cortex (more anterior and somewhat more lateral) than the activation for reading. In several regions, the activation was much more left lateralized for reading than for listening. In addition to differences in the location of the activation, there were also differences in the total amount of activation in the two modalities in several regions. A second way in which the modality comparison was addressed was by examining how the neural systems responded to comprehension workload in the two modalities by systematically varying the structural complexity of the sentences to be processed. Here, the distribution of the workload increase associated with the processing of additional structural complexity was very similar across the two input modalities. The results suggest a number of subtle differences in the cognitive processing underlying listening vs. reading comprehension.
Sequence-specific transcriptional repression by KS1, a multiple-zinc-finger-Krüppel-associated box protein.

The vertebrate genome contains a large number of Kruppel-associated box-zinc finger genes that encode 10 or more C(2)-H(2) zinc finger motifs. Members of this gene family have been proposed to function as transcription factors by binding DNA through their zinc finger region and repressing gene expression via the KRAB domain. To date, however, no Kruppel-associated box-zinc finger protein (KRAB-ZFP) and few proteins with 10 or more zinc finger motifs have been shown to bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner. Our laboratory has recently identified KS1, a member of the KRAB-ZFP family that contains 10 different C(2)-H(2) zinc finger motifs, 9 clustered at the C terminus with an additional zinc finger separated by a short linker region. In this study, we used a random oligonucleotide binding assay to identify a 27-bp KS1 binding element (KBE). Reporter assays demonstrate that KS1 represses the expression of promoters containing this DNA sequence. Deletion and site-directed mutagenesis reveal that KS1 requires nine C-terminal zinc fingers and the KRAB domain for transcriptional repression through the KBE site, whereas the isolated zinc finger and linker region are dispensable for this function. Additional biochemical assays demonstrate that the KS1 KRAB domain interacts with the KAP-1 corepressor, and mutations that abolish this interaction alleviate KS1-mediated transcriptional repression. Thus, this study provides the first direct evidence that a KRAB-ZFP binds DNA to regulate gene expression and provides insight into the mechanisms used by multiple-zinc-finger proteins to recognize DNA sequences.
Predicting the fate and transport of E. coli in two Texas river basins using a spatially referenced regression model.

: The two main rivers of southeast Texas: Guadalupe and San Antonio have shown high temporal increase in bacteria concentration during the last decade. The SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed (SPARROW) attributes model, developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has been applied to predict the fluxes and concentrations of contaminants in unmonitored streams and to identify the sources of these contaminants. This model identifies every reach as a basic network unit to distribute the sources, delivery, and attenuation factors. The model is data intensive and implements nonlinear regression to solve the parsimonious relations for describing various watershed processes. This study explored watershed and hydrological characteristics (land uses, precipitation, human and animal population, point sources, areal hydraulic load and drainage density, etc.) as the probable sources and delivery mechanisms of waterborne pathogens and their indicator (Escherichia coli [E. coli]) in the Guadalupe and San Antonio River basins. The effect of using various statistical indices for model selection on the final model’s ability to explain the various E. coli sources and transport processes was also analyzed.
The Effect of Theophylline on Estimated Hepatic Blood Flow

We observed the effect of aminophylline administration on estimated hepatic blood flow. Indocyanine green (ICG) 0.5 mg/kg was administered as an intravenous bolus dose before and after intravenous infusion of 7 mg/kg aminophylline. Venous blood was collected at timed intervals over 15 minutes to construct ICG concentration-time graphs. Pharmacokinetic values were calculated using non-compartmental methods. Estimated hepatic blood flow decreased from 790 +/- 190 to 665 +/- 100 ml/minute (p less than 0.05) after administration of aminophylline.
Bytecode fetch optimization for a Java interpreter

Interpreters play an important role in many languages, and their performance is critical particularly for the popular language Java. The performance of the interpreter is important even for high-performance virtual machines that employ just-in-time compiler technology, because there are advantages in delaying the start of compilation and in reducing the number of the target methods to be compiled. Many techniques have been proposed to improve the performance of various interpreters, but none of them has fully addressed the issues of minimizing redundant memory accesses and the overhead of indirect branches inherent to interpreters running on superscalar processors. These issues are especially serious for Java because each bytecode is typically one or a few bytes long and the execution routine for each bytecode is also short due to the low-level, stack-based semantics of Java bytecode. In this paper, we describe three novel techniques of our Java bytecode interpreter, write-through top-of-stack caching (WT), position-based handler customization (PHC), and position-based speculative decoding (PSD), which ameliorate these problems for the PowerPC processors. We show how each technique contributes to improving the overall performance of the interpreter for major Java benchmark programs on an IBM POWER3 processor. Among three, PHC is the most effective one. We also show that the main source of memory accesses is due to bytecode fetches and that PHC successfully eliminates the majority of them, while it keeps the instruction cache miss ratios small.
Distinct Interactions Select and Maintain a Specific Cell Fate

The ability to specify and maintain discrete cell fates is essential for development. However, the dynamics underlying selection and stability of distinct cell types remain poorly understood. Here, we provide a quantitative single-cell analysis of commitment dynamics during the mating-mitosis switch in budding yeast. Commitment to division corresponds precisely to activating the G1 cyclin positive feedback loop in competition with the cyclin inhibitor Far1. Cyclin-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of the mating pathway scaffold Ste5 are required to ensure exclusive expression of the mitotic transcriptional program after cell cycle commitment. Failure to commit exclusively results in coexpression of both cell cycle and pheromone-induced genes, and a morphologically mixed inviable cell fate. Thus, specification and maintenance of a cellular state are performed by distinct interactions, which are likely a consequence of disparate reaction rates and may be a general feature of the interlinked regulatory networks responsible for selecting cell fates.
A comparison of locomotor performance of the semiarboreal Pacific marten (Martes caurina) and semiaquatic mustelids

The relatively long body and short limbs of mustelids allow them to exploit resources from a diversity of habitat types. This body plan also has important implications for energetics because of inc...
LONG-TERM VARIATION IN ABUNDANCE OF ELLIOT'S SHORT- TAILED SHREW (BLARINA HYLOPHAGA) IN TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

Abstract Elliot's short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga) were studied in tallgrass prairie at Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. Based on sampling of 14 permanent traplines from autumn 1981 to spring 1999, relative abundance was high in autumn (X = 2.5 ± 0.4 SE shrews/trapline) but very low in spring (<0.1 shrews/trapline). Interannual variability in abundance in autumn was large with a range 0.1–7.0 shrews/trapline. Relative abundance of shrews in autumn was correlated positively with precipitation, soil moisture, and depth of plant litter and correlated negatively with proportion of area burned and maximum temperature. Two variables, precipitation, and amount of litter, accounted for 87% of variation in abundance of shrews in autumn. Ambient moisture and a well-developed litter layer that ameliorates microclimatic extremes appear to be the most important factors influencing abundance of shrews in tallgrass prairie.
Tumor biology and the surgical pathologist.

I WOULD like to share with you some thoughts regarding the impact molecular biology is having and will continue to have upon the field of surgical pathology. I draw, in part, on my experiences as a member of the College of American Pathologist’s subcommittee on molecular pathology. This has given me a unique perspective on the process of incorporating the new technologies of molecular biology into the quality-controlbased realm of clinical diagnosis. A major area of medicine that will be affected is that of surgical pathology.
Cogan Syndrome: Autoimmune-Mediated Audiovestibular Symptoms And Ocular Inflammation

Background: Cogan syndrome is an uncommon disorder that presents with symptoms involving the eyes and ears. At its onset, it can mimic many common entities. Family physicians should be aware of Cogan syndrome because it can be successfully treated if it is recognized early in its course. It is one of the few treatable causes of deafness. Methods: MEDLINE files were searched from 1982 to the present for “Cogan’s syndrome.” Additional references were obtained by cross-referencing bibliographies from available articles. Results and Conclusions: As first defined in 1945, Cogan syndrome includes nonsyphilitic interstitial keratitis and attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Although it usually begins with only one symptom, most patients have both auditory and ocular findings within 1 year of the onset. If untreated, most patients become deaf within 36 months. Blindness occurs in about 5 percent of patients, but ocular symptoms relapse during a period of years. The disease eventually involves other organs with clinical and pathologic findings that suggest vasculitis. Aortic insufficiency, the most serious complication, develops in 15 percent of patients. The cause of Cogan syndrome remains unknown, but several studies suggest an autoimmune-mediated process. Many reports document an improvement in symptoms with immunosuppressive therapy, particularly if started early in the course of the illness. Family physicians should include Cogan syndrome in their differential diagnosis when a young adult seeks care with audiovestibular symptoms or ocular inflammation.
A spatial workbench for physically-based sound

In this research, we embed physically-based sound models in a spatial, interactive, multi-modal context to make a workbench for exploring new musical ideas. Instruments made with the workbench make sounds that are physically plausible, and they may be controlled in familiar ways, but they go beyond the physical to do things impossible or difficult to do in the real world. Our system outputs both real-time sound and real-time animation in response to users' actions.
Stable Fatty Acid Vesicles form under Low-pH Conditions and Interact with Amino Acids and Dipeptides

Understanding how biopolymers, specifically RNA and proteins, formed prebioticly is important for understanding the origin of life. These bio-molecules are composed of building blocks that would have been widespread and at very low concentrations in early oceans. Here we investigate whether fatty acid membranes, which form spontaneously in water, could have co-assembled with these building blocks, leading to their selection and concentration and to increased membrane stability. Our previous work showed that RNA bases and ribose do bind to and stabilize fatty acid vesicles [Black et al. PNAS 110, 13272 (2013)]. Similar experiments with protein building blocks have been hampered by the extreme sensitivity of vesicle formation to pH and ionic strength at pH 7.5-8.0. Our new experiments show that decanoic acid vesicle solutions produced at pH 6.8-6.9, with phosphate buffer and 0.1 M NaCl, undergo little or undetectable change in pH upon the addition of up to 10 mM of amino acids or dipeptides, and little change in structure upon addition of a further 10 mM NaCl. Using turbidity measurements to assay vesicle formation, we find that some amino acids under these conditions, including glycine and serine, increase vesicle formation, while others, including leucine, do not. Alanine causes only a small increase in turbidity, but adding the same number of alanine residues joined to form a dipeptide doubles the effect. Blocking either the amine or carboxyl end eliminates the dipeptide-induced increase, suggesting that both ends interact with the vesicle surface. Cryo-electron microscopy images indicate that in addition to altering the extent of vesicle formation, alanine-alanine increases contact between lamellae in multilamellar vesicles. Thus prebiotic membranes may have assembled with amino acids and short peptides, which in turn would have altered membrane formation and structure.
Histologic study of gastric lesions in food-restricted rats.

SummaryRats limited to food intake of 1 hr a day and allowed to run in an activity wheel developed gastric lesions which, on histologic examination, resembled human stress ulcers. The lesions in the animals started as small mucosal hemorrhages and developed progressively to form ulcers in the gastric mucosa. Some of the lesions penetrated to the submucosal layers. No thrombi were observed in the mucosal vessels.
Bargaining and Intellectual Property Treaties: The Case for a Pro-Development Interpretation of TRIPS but Not TRIPS Plus

This paper argues that, while a pro-development interpretation is warranted for the multilateral TRIPS agreement, it should not be applied to recent bilateral treaties known as “TRIPS Plus.” This case is made despite the fact that TRIPS Plus treaties appear on their face to be more detrimental to developing countries because they provide for more extensive protection of IP. Indeed, the thesis is in conflict with most of the academic and journalistic criticism of IP treaties, the bulk of which maintains that either: (a) TRIPS was a “fair deal” while TRIPS Plus treaties “go too far”; or (b) TRIPS was bad for developing countries while TRIPS Plus agreements are even worse. The thesis of the paper inverts this conventional wisdom by focusing on the conditions under which the intellectual property agreements are made rather than on a facial reading of their terms. More specifically, it evaluates whether there were information asymmetries or political or economic coercion between the parties during the negotiating process. These findings are then tested against a cost-benefit analysis of IP treaties that seeks to gauge their actual economic effects. In those cases when formation of the agreement is undermined by information asymmetries or economic coercion, the paper challenges, or suggests an exception to, the principle that agreements must always be kept in accordance with a narrow construction of their terms. On a more general level, the paper questions two frameworks through which international economic agreements are commonly understood. What could be termed the “dim view” relies on the structuralist arguments of dependency theory, and holds that the uneven distribution of power in the international economy necessarily means that agreements between poor and rich nations are coercive and exploitative. The “sanguine view,” which usually relies on theories of the rational actor, assumes that international agreements are voluntary transactions between rational parties seeking mutual gain, and concludes that when a weaker nation enters into an agreement with a more powerful nation it receives some benefit. The following analysis seeks to demonstrate, by focusing on the specific conditions of the bargaining process, that in some cases rational states will enter into agreements that are to their disadvantage and in other cases they will not.
Dermal Spreading of Hyaluronidase as Influenced by Prolonged Local Treatment with Adrenal Cortical Extract.

SummaryAn accentuation of hyaluronidase activity was observed in skin which had been treated locally with adrenal cortical extract for 4 months. This effect was the result of a probable alteration in the connective tissue ground substance.