cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
URETEROCYSTOPLASTY: IS IT NECESSARY TO DETUBULARIZE THE DISTAL URETER?

AbstractPurpose: The conventional technique for ureterocystoplasty includes complete mobilization and incision of the ureter. We describe a modified procedure in which the distal 3 cm. of ureter are left in place and intact.Materials and Methods: This modification has been used in our last 13 cases of ureterocystoplasty. The first 7 patients with followup of more than a year (mean 28 months) are included in this series, and 6 have undergone video urodynamic evaluation before and after reconstruction.Results: Clinical results have been good. Four patients who have been toilet trained are continent. There have been no problems from stagnant urine in the intact ureter with only 1 case of pyelonephritis and no bladder calculi. Mean bladder capacity on cystometrogram has increased from 103 to 236 ml. after reconstruction and reached 137% of expected capacity for age and size (range 110 to 155%). No uninhibited contractions or problems with compliance have been noted.Conclusions: The distal ureter may be left i...
From informal to authorized electricity service in urban slums: Findings from a household level survey in Mumbai

Abstract Based on a survey of 3000 households, covering both authorized and informal connections to electricity, the paper examines the key drivers of the demand for regulated electricity service in 4 slums of Mumbai. The methodology builds on the typical slum context, where informal connections are easily obtained and widespread. WTP for safe, authorized electricity provision is estimated through both “stated” preferences and “revealed” ones extrapolated from present electricity demand. WTP estimates are further validated using propensity score matching. The comparative analysis confirms that affordability (of both the initial investment and the increased consumption fees) is a primary barrier to regularization. Additionally, lack of house ownership status or address proof, precarious house construction and, possibly, pressure from local leaders all play an important role in choosing an electricity supplier. Policies to reduce the prevalence of informal connections should also address contextual issues like the intricacy of Mumbai's governance and social exclusion.
COMPARISON OF TWO AND THREE SPATIAL DIMENSIONAL SOLUTIONS OF A PARABOLIC APPROXIMATION OF THE WAVE EQUATION AT OCEAN-BASIN SCALES IN THE PRESENCE OF INTERNAL WAVES: 100–150Hz

Numerical solutions are given for a parabolic approximation to the acoustic wave equation at 100 and 150 Hz in two and three spatial dimensions to determine if azimuthal coupling in the horizontal coordinate significantly affects horizontal correlation in the presence of internal gravity waves in the sea. Coupling is a small effect at 4000 km. This implies that accurate solutions are possible using computations from uncoupled vertical slices. Shape of horizontal correlation is inconsistent with shapes given by two theories. Estimates of horizontal correlation at 4000 km and 100 and 150 Hz are about 1 km and 0.5 km respectively.
Nonpenetrating, arcuate-legged clip reconstruction of the rat uterine horn

Abstract A new method for reconstructing rat uterine horn was developed in which nonpenetrating, arcuate-legged clips are applied in interrupted fashion to everted seromuscular edges, forming an elastomeric flanged joint. This anastomosis has unusual physical and morphologic properties, with improved tissue healing and luminal restitution. Clipping is easier than suturing, and resulted in equivalent fertility rate (50–60%) and litter size. It also is associated with less granuloma formation and hystiocytic infiltration than suture. The new technique has the potential of endoscopic translation for human tubal reconstruction.
Concentrations of prolactin, LH and FSH after naloxone administration in follicular-phase gilts

Studies were initiated to extend previous data on the pituitary hormone secretion after naloxone (NAL) administration to gilts during the follicular phase. Gilts which had exhibited two previous estrous periods were randomly assigned to treatment with 1 mg naloxone (NAL)/kg b.w. on day 16 (N = 6) or day 20 (N = 6) of the estrous cycle (N = 6). Five additional gilts were treated with 2 mg NAL/kg b.w. on day 16. Control animals received saline alone on day 16 (N = 6) or day 20 (N = 6). Peripheral blood samples were collected every 15 min from 2 h prior to 6 h after infusion of NAL or saline. Prolactin, LH and FSH concentrations were determined by RIA procedures. On day 20 of the estrous cycle, prolactin concentration after NAL administration was reduced as compared to the control group for the entire post-treatment period (P < 0.05). The greatest decrease in prolactin concentration was found during the 5th hour after NAL administration (P < 0.01). On day 16 of the cycle, NAL at both doses did not influence mean concentration of prolactin. The treatment regimen failed to demonstrate significant changes in LH and FSH concentration after NAL administration on days 16 and 20 of the cycle. The results suggest that prolactin secretion is modulated by endogenous opioid peptides during the late follicular phase.
Significance of active and passive depuration in the clearance of naphthalene from the tissues of Hemigrapsus nudus (Crustacea: Decapoda)

During August, 1977 adult male crabs (Hemigrapsus nudus) were exposed statically in seawater to 14C-naphthalene for 12 h, followed by up to 156 h of depuration. Uptake was rapid, and by 12 h the digestive gland had accumulated 105 times the water 14C, while other tissues had accumulated less than 15 times of this. Depuration was rapid at first, but slowed by 12 h post-exposure. After 156 h of depuration, the parent naphthalene that remained was primarily found in the digestive gland and muscle. However, the highest percentages of naphthalene metabolites were found in the gills, muscle, and hemolymph. Metabolites were retained to a greater degree than the parent compound. Because no significant difference in depuration rate was found between control individuals injected with 14C-naphthalene and those with their nephropores and anus blocked, it was concluded that the gills are the major route of naphthalene elimination. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of extracts of depurated 14C-naphthalene indicated that <10% of the total naphthalene depurated was composed of metabolites. In-vitro mixed function oxygenase (MFO) activity was assayed on 15 000 g tissue homogenates, using diphenyloxazole as the terminal electron acceptor. The specific activity of the gills was 2 to 4 times that of the antennal glands, and no activity was detected in either muscle, digestive glands, or cardiac and pyloric stomachs. MFO activities were very low compared to fish or mammals. It was concluded that metabolism of naphthalene plays a minor role in the reduction of naphthalene levels, with the major role being played by simple diffusion of unmetabolized naphthalene down its concentration gradient. This occurs across the tissue with the largest body-to-water surface area, the gill.
Functional properties of extruded acetylated starch-cellulose foams

Acetylated starches, with degrees of substitution (DS) of 2, 2.5 and 3, were blended with 3%, 7.5% and 12% α-cellulose and 14%, 17% or 20% (d.b.) ethanol and twin-screw extruded at 165°C barrel temperature and 225 rpm screw speed. A response surface methodology experimental design was applied to the sub-plot and a completely randomized design to the whole plot design to test the differences among the acetylated starches and the effects of cellulose and ethanol. DS, cellulose and ethanol contents significantly affected the functional properties and specific mechanical energy requirement. DS had positive effects on radial expansion ratio (RER), compressibility and specific mechanical energy requirement and a negative effect on bulk density. Highest (RER) was obtained from 20% ethanol content. Extrudates containing 12% cellulose had the highest bulk density and the highest compressibility. Higher cellulose contents required more specific mechanical energy.
Evidence for dopamine involvement in reinforcement obtained using a latent extinction paradigm

Abstract The current experiment utilized a modified latent extinction method to examine the question of whether neuroleptic treatment blunts the reinforcing properties of food. Deprived rats were trained to traverse a runway for food reward and were then injected with haloperidol and given ten reinforced direct placements either into the goal box of the alley or into a novel cage with food present. The animals, while still under the influence of the haloperidol, were then given six standard trials of running down the alley. Animals who received goal box placements showed slower run speeds during the test trials than did the subjects who received placements into a neutral cage. These results suggest that placing the haloperidol treated rats into the baited goalbox resulted in a reduced expectation of reward and are compatible with the “anhedonia” theory of neuroleptic action.
The evolution of cooperative hierarchies through natural selection processes

According to a bioeconomic model called skew selection, individuals form cooperative hierarchies when coping with high risk environments that include predators and cycles of scarce resources. This paper reports a study that used agent-based computer simulations to experimentally test the predictions of skew selection. Results of the experiment showed that successful face-to-face transaction strategies varied with environmental risks. Risks involving resource scarcity favored clustering and stealing. Risks involving predators favored clustering and hoarding. A combination of risks involving resource scarcity and predators favored clustering and sharing. Wealthy donors gained safety-in-numbers to protect them from predators; at the same time, marginal recipients gained resources to protect them from starving. In summary, our findings show that even though natural selection is not a moral process, it can produce moral behavior.
Synthesis, electrochemistry, geometric and electronic structure of oxo-molybdenum compounds involved in an oxygen atom transferring system.

The oxygen atom transfer reactivity of Tp*MoO2(SPh) (1) (where Tp* = hydrotris-(3,5dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) with trimethyl phosphine (PMe3) has been investigated. The reaction proceed through a diamagnetic phosphoryl intermediate complex, Tp*MoO(SPh)(OPMe3) (2), which has been isolated and characterized by IR, NMR, UV-visible spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The complex crystallizes in monoclinic (P21/n) space group, a = 19.81 (1) A, b = 11.1 (4) A, c = 18.416 (5) A, β= 121.2 (3)°, V = 3463.8(25) A 3 with Z = 4. In acetonitrile, complex 2 exchanges its
Is the role of the environment in carcinogenesis overestimated

The dominant role of the physical and chemical environment in the development of cancer is challenged. Analyses of the etiology of skin, bladder, respiratory and gastric cancers are presented which demonstrate the considerable extent to which one's health status may modify the initiation and promotion of environmentally associated cancers. It is concluded that although environmental factors may initiate and/or promote 85 to 90 percent of all cancers this is misleading since it neglects the critical role of the individual's health status as a factor modifying carcinogenesis.
Serine Peptide Phosphoester Prodrugs of Cyclic Cidofovir: Synthesis, Transport, and Antiviral Activity

Cidofovir (HPMPC, 1), a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, is currently used to treat AIDS-related human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) retinitis and has recognized therapeutic potential for orthopox virus infections, but is limited by its low oral bioavailability. Cyclic cidofovir (2) displays decreased nephrotoxicity compared to 1, while also exhibiting potent antiviral activity. Here we describe in detail the synthesis and evaluation as prodrugs of four cHPMPC dipeptide conjugates in which the free POH of 2 is esterified by the Ser side chain alcohol group of an X-L-Ser(OMe) dipeptide: 3 (X=L-Ala), 4 (X=L-Val), 5 (X=L-Leu), and 6 (X=L-Phe). Perfusion studies in the rat establish that the mesenteric permeability to 4 is more than 20-fold greater than to 1, and the bioavailability of 4 is increased 6-fold relative to 1 in an in vivo murine model. In gastrointestinal and liver homogenates, the cHPMPC prodrugs are rapidly hydrolyzed to 2. Prodrugs 3, 4, and 5 are nontoxic at 100 microM in HFF and KB cells and in cell-based plaque reduction assays had IC 50 values of 0.1-0.5 microM for HCMV and 10 microM for two orthopox viruses (vaccinia and cowpox). The enhanced transport properties of 3-6, conferred by incorporation of a biologically benign dipeptide moiety, and the facile cleavage of the Ser-O-P linkage suggest that these prodrugs represent a promising new approach to enhancing the bioavailability of 2.
Characterization of signal transduction pathway in neurotropic action of angiotensin II in brain neurons.

Interaction of angiotensin II with the neuronal angiotensin type 1 receptor stimulates the PI3K signaling pathway. Our objective in this study was to investigate the hypothesis that the PI3K cascade regulates the neurotropic actions of angiotensin II in rat brain neurons. We followed growth associated protein-43 expression and neurite extension as markers of neurotropic activity. Angiotensin II, through its interaction with the angiotensin type 1 receptor, increased growth associated protein-43 expression and neurite extension. These effects were abolished by pretreatment of neurons with wortmannin and rapamycin, but not by PD 98059. Antisense oligonucleotides specific for p70S6 kinase also inhibited angiotensin II-stimulated neurotropic activity. These data confirm the involvement of PI3K and p70S6 kinase in angiotensin II-mediated neurotropic action. Further support for this was provided by the observation that angiotensin II caused a time-dependent stimulation of p70S6 kinase by an angiotensin type 1 r...
Uterine Rupture Among Women With Unscarred Uteri: A Case-Control Comparison

Methods Patients who received prenatal care between January 1, 2003 and June 2006 were the non-nursing case management group. Patients who received prenatal care in the private physician practice between July 2006 and June 2009 were the telephone nursing case management group. Patients who received care in the clinic between July 2006 and June 2009 were the face-to-face nursing case management group. A data collection sheet was created based upon maternal and neonatal outcomes related to diabetes in pregnancy. The independent variables were participation in either type of nursing case management. The maternaldependent variables were A1C, preterm labor, and preeclampsia. The neonatal/fetal variables were macrosomia, respiratory distress syndrome, and plasma glucose level at birth.
Progressive Deformation in Piping Subjected to Internal Pressure and Cyclic Secondary Bending

Ratcheting in nuclear class-1 piping is prevented by the rules of NB-3600. Analytical considerations of shake-down limits for piping subjected to internal pressure and cyclic secondary bending are presented and compared to the rules of NB-3600. A closed form solution for the ratcheting rate of a pressurized pipe subjected to cyclic secondary bending is derived for the case of ideal elastoplasticity. Moreover, the importance of constitutive modeling in numerical simulation of piping ratcheting is discussed. The predictions from the linear Prager, the non-linear Armstrong-Frederick and the non-linear Chaboche constitutive models are investigated in relation to published experimental tests on pipe ratcheting.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Ras and RhoA suppress whereas RhoB enhances cytokine-induced transcription of nitric oxide synthase-2 in human normal liver AKN-1 cells and lung cancer A-549 cells

Ras and RhoA suppress whereas RhoB enhances cytokine-induced transcription of nitric oxide synthase-2 in human normal liver AKN-1 cells and lung cancer A-549 cells
Dissolved trace elements in the Mississippi River: Seasonal, interannual, and decadal variability

Abstract A monthly trace element sampling of the lower Mississippi River, utilizing ultra-clean methods, was conducted from October 1991 to December 1993. Dissolved concentrations were determined for Fe, Mn, Zn, Ph, V, Mo, U, Cu, Ni, Cd, Rb, and Ba. The results show significant seasonal dissolved concentration changes for a number of elements. Specifically, dissolved Mn and Fe are found to increase rapidly in the fall and then decrease in the spring. Zn and Pb follow a similar seasonal trend, though with lower percentage concentration changes. V, Mo, and U follow an opposite seasonal trend to Mn and Fe. The data do not allow a complete determination of the causes of this variability. However, changes in the adsorption process do not appear to play an important role. Hydrologic factors are also of minimal importance for most elements, with the probable exception of Ba and U. I suggest here that redox processes, occurring both in-stream and in source regions, play an important role in determining seasonal variations in dissolved trace elements. No evidence was found of significant dissolved trace element concentration changes over the past decade and interannual variability in mean concentrations was generally small. The time series also encompassed a period of extreme flooding in the U.S. Midwest. However, the flooding did not significantly influence dissolved trace element concentrations in the lower Mississippi River.
Why Are Bully Prevention Programs Failing in U.S. Schools

Bullying among school-age children is highly prevalent, reduces academic achievement, and results in psychosocial problems that extend into adulthood (Copeland, Wolke, Angold, & Costello, 2013; Esp...
Hidden treatments in ecological experiments: re-evaluating the ecosystem function of biodiversity.

Interactions between biotic and abiotic pro- cesses complicate the design and interpretation of eco- logical experiments. Separating causality from simple correlation requires distinguishing among experimental treatments, experimental responses, and the many pro- cesses and properties that are correlated with either the treatments or the responses, or both. When an experi- mental manipulation has multiple components, but only one of them is identified as the experimental treatment, erroneous conclusions about cause and eAect relation- ships are likely because the actual cause of any observed response may be ignored in the interpretation of the experimental results. This unrecognized cause of an observed response can be considered a ''hidden treat- ment.'' Three types of hidden treatments are potential problems in biodiversity experiments: (1) abiotic condi- tions, such as resource levels, or biotic conditions, such as predation, which are intentionally or unintentionally altered in order to create diAerences in species numbers for ''diversity'' treatments; (2) non-random selection of species with particular attributes that produce treatment diAerences that exceed those due to ''diversity'' alone; and (3) the increased statistical probability of including a species with a dominant negative or positive eAect (e.g., dense shade, or nitrogen fixation) in randomly selected groups of species of increasing number or ''diversity.'' In each of these cases, treatment responses that are actually the result of the ''hidden treatment'' may be inadver- tently attributed to variation in species diversity. Case studies re-evaluating three diAerent types of biodiversity experiments demonstrate that the increases found in such ecosystem properties as productivity, nutrient use eAciency, and stability (all of which were attributed to higher levels of species diversity) were actually caused by ''hidden treatments'' that altered plant biomass and productivity.
Controlling regimes for surface reactions in catalyst pores

Abstract We examine the classical Bischoff–Aris pore diffusion problem with a first-order surface reaction and identify three controlling regimes. The first two of these are well known for over 60 years and correspond to the limiting cases of φ s 2 ⪡1, φ 2 ⪡1 and φ s 2 ⪡1, φ 2 ⪢1 , respectively. (Here, φ s 2 and φ 2 are the Thiele moduli based on transverse and longitudinal diffusion times and are defined by φ s 2 =2k s r p /D m , φ 2 =2k s L 2 /r p D m , where r p is the pore radius, L is the pore length, D m is the molecular diffusivity and k s is the surface rate constant.) In the first limiting case (φ s 2 ⪡1, φ 2 ⪡1) the concentration gradients are negligible in both the transverse and longitudinal directions, the pore effectiveness factor is close to unity ( η ≈1) and the rate constant ( k v ) based on unit pore volume is related to the surface rate constant by k v ≈2 k s / r p . In the second limiting case ( φ s 2 ⪡1, φ 2 ⪢1) the concentration gradients are negligible in the transverse direction but exist in the longitudinal direction, the pore effectiveness factor is given by η ≈1/ φ and the observed rate constant ( k v ) is related to the surface rate constant by k v ≈(1/L) 2k s D m /r p . The third limiting regime which we identify in this work corresponds to the limit in which the characteristic reaction time being much smaller compared to both the transverse and longitudinal diffusion times (φ s 2 ⪢1, φ 2 ⪢1) . In this mass transfer controlled regime (which corresponds to a fast surface reaction with both transverse and longitudinal concentration gradients), we show that the pore effectiveness factor is given by the asymptotic formula η≈Δ′/φ, Δ′=(4/φ s )[(1/π) ln (2φ s 2 /3π)+0.251] and the observed rate constant is a logarithmic function of the surface rate constant, i.e. k v ≈(4 D m / r p L )[(1/ π )ln(4 k s r p /3π D m )+0.251]. We also examine various simplified one-dimensional models used in the literature and show that these models do not describe the mass transfer controlled (fast reaction) regime accurately. We derive analytical expressions for the local Sherwood number and propose a one-dimensional two-phase model with position-dependent mass transfer coefficient that has the same qualitative features as the two-dimensional model.
Behavioral plasticity in the sensitive plant, Mimosa.

The leaves of the sensitive plant Mimosa can adapt their closing response to electrical and mechanical stimulation so that they reopen to repeated stimulation. The more intense the stimuli and the longer the intertrial interval, the longer it takes to adapt. Leaves adapted to the effects of mechanical stimulation can still respond by closing to electrical stimulation and vice versa. The physiology of this phenomenon is discussed and compared to animals.
The lipids of normal diploid (WI‐38) and sv40‐transformed human cells

The lipids of human diploid cell strain WI-38 and of a line derived from it by SV40 transformation have been studied. The lipid composition and fatty acid spectra of both resemble those reported for other tissue culture cells and human tissues. The lipids of the normal and transformed cells are similar except that there are decreases in the content of phospholipids and of arachidonic acid in the transformed cells. The ability of the cells to synthesize lipids was assayed in a „resting” cell system. Both cell types were able to incorporate labelled acetate into their component neutral lipids and phospholipids, but the rates observed were lower than that required for cell growth. Elevation in the rate of cholesterol synthesis was observed in the transformed cells. The data are discussed in relation to other reports in the literature on lipids and neoplasms.
Anisotropic Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Modeling of the Effect of Crystal Orientation and Solder Joint Geometry on Deformation after Temperature Change

The crystal orientation of the tin phase in a Pb-free Sn solder joint has a significant effect on the stress state, and hence on the reliability of the solder joint. A set of crystal plasticity analyses was used to evaluate stress and strain resulting from a 165°C temperature change in a single-crystal joint using two simplified geometries used in practical solder joints. Phenomenological flow models for ten slip systems were estimated based upon semiquantitative information available in the literature, along with known anisotropic elastic property information. The results show that the internal energy of the system is a strong function of the tin crystal orientation and geometry of the solder joint. The internal energy (and presumably the likelihood of damage) is highest when the crystal c-axis lies in the plane of the substrate, leading to significant plastic deformation. When the a-axis is in the plane of the interface, deformation due to a 165°C temperature change is predominantly elastic. The texture of the copper substrate using isotropic Cu elastic properties, or anisotropic elastic properties with [001] $$ \parallel $$ substrate normal direction, does␣not have a significant effect on the stress or strain in the Sn phase of the joint.
Research misconduct policies of scientific journals.

The purpose of this study was to gather information on the misconduct policies of scientific journals. We contacted editors from a random sample of 399 journals drawn from the ISI Web of Knowledge database. We received 197 responses (49.4% response rate): 54.8% had a policy, and 47.7% had a formal (written) policy; 28.9% had a policy that only outlined procedures for handling misconduct, 15.7% had a policy that only defined misconduct, 10.2% had a policy that included both a definition and procedures; 26.9% of journals had a policy that was generated by the publisher, 13.2% had a policy that was generated by the journal, and 14.7% had a policy that was generated by another source, such as a professional association. We analyzed the relationship between having a policy and impact factor, field of science, publishing house, and nationality. Impact factor was the only variable with a statistically significant association with having a policy. Impact factor was slightly positively associated with whether or n...
Measurement of local permeability at subcellular level in cell models of agonist- and ventilator-induced lung injury

Alterations of cell monolayer integrity and increased vascular permeability are key to many pathologies, including atherosclerosis, stroke, lung injury, cancer, digestive disorders and others. Current approaches to probe cell permeability require specific culture conditions and provide an average estimation of trans-monolayer permeability, while analysis of regional monolayer permeability in static and mechanically challenged monolayer at a single-cell scale resolution remains unavailable. We describe a novel method for visualization and rapid quantification of trans-monolayer permeability based on high-affinity interactions between ligand (FITC-conjugated avidin) added in the culture medium, which permeates cell monolayer to reach substrate-bound acceptor (biotinylated gelatin or collagen). This approach was used to simultaneously evaluate general and local permeability responses by endothelial cell (EC) monolayer to a spectrum of barrier protective and barrier disruptive agonists and their combinations. The results revealed the paracellular pathway as the predominant mechanism of agonist-induced mass transport by pulmonary EC. We also detected for the first time, in a direct assay, a synergistic effect of pathologically relevant levels of cyclic stretch (CS) and edemagenic agent thrombin in the development of pulmonary EC hyper-permeability response observed in ventilator-induced lung injury. The reported novel assay provides unique information about local monolayer permeability changes induced by agonists, mechanical factors or molecular perturbations in single cells. However, the spectrum of substrates, assay formats and experimental conditions compatible with this assay suggest its broad application in the areas of endothelial and epithelial biology, cancer research and other fields.
Synthesis and characterization of a series of N3O-ligated mononuclear Mn(II) halide complexes

Treatment of a N 3 O-donor chelate ligand (mpppa = N -methyl- N -((6-pivaloylamido-2-pyridyl)methyl)- N -(2-pyridylethyl)amine; bpppa = N -benzyl- N -((6-pivaloylamido-2-pyridyl)methyl)- N -(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) with equimolar amounts of Mn(ClO 4 ) 2 · 6H 2 O and Me 4 NX (X = Cl, Br, I) in methanol resulted in the production of a series of mononuclear Mn(II) halide complexes of the formula [(L)Mn-X(CH 3 OH)]ClO 4 (L = mpppa or bpppa). X-ray crystallographic studies of [(mpppa)Mn-Cl(CH 3 OH)]ClO 4 · CH 3 OH ( 2 · CH 3 OH), [(mpppa)Mn-Br(CH 3 OH)]ClO 4 · CH 3 OH ( 4 · CH 3 OH), [(mpppa)Mn-I(CH 3 OH)]ClO 4 · CH 3 OH ( 6 · CH 3 OH), and [(bpppa)Mn-I(CH 3 OH)]ClO 4 · O 2 (CH 2 CH 3 ) 2 ( 7 · O(CH 2 CH 3 ) 2 ) revealed for each a mononuclear Mn(II) center having tetradentate coordination of the chelate ligand, one coordinated halide anion, and one molecule of coordinated methanol. An increase in the Mn-X distance through the halide series (Cl, Br, I) correlates linearly with the increase in the radius of the anion. The magnetic moment of each halide complex, measured via Evans method in methanol, is consistent with the presence of a high-spin distorted octahedral Mn(II) center. The EPR features of the halide complexes in methanol do not change as a function of the nature of the halide coordinated to the Mn(II) center.
Operating Cooperatively (OC) Sensor for Highly Specific Recognition of Nucleic Acids

Molecular Beacon (MB) probes have been extensively used for nucleic acid analysis because of their ability to produce fluorescent signal in solution instantly after hybridization. The indirect binding of MB probe to a target analyte offers several advantages, including: improved genotyping accuracy and the possibility to analyse folded nucleic acids. Here we report on a new design for MB-based sensor, called ‘Operating Cooperatively’ (OC), which takes advantage of indirect binding of MB probe to a target analyte. The sensor consists of two unmodified DNA strands, which hybridize to a universal MB probe and a nucleic acid analyte to form a fluorescent complex. OC sensors were designed to analyze two human SNPs and E.coli 16S rRNA. High specificity of the approach was demonstrated by the detection of true analyte in over 100 times excess amount of single base substituted analytes. Taking into account the flexibility in the design and the simplicity in optimization, we conclude that OC sensors may become versatile and efficient tools for instant DNA and RNA analysis in homogeneous solution.
Meta-analysis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Gene Expression Defines a Variant Subgroup and Identifies Gender Influences on Tumor Biology

Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) displays molecular and histologic heterogeneity. Previously described subsets of this disease, ccA and ccB, were defined based on multigene expression profiles, but it is unclear whether these subgroupings reflect the full spectrum of disease or how these molecular subtypes relate to histologic descriptions or gender.
Buoyant densities of DNA from various strains of Streptococcus mutans.

CARIOGENESIS has been correlated with the presence of certain streptococci in the oral cavity and on tooth surfaces. Various studies dealing with the serological relationships of cariogenic strains resembling Streptococcus mutans (CLARKE, 1924; EDWARDSSON, 1968) have implied a certain amount of heterogeneity within this group (Tow and SHKLAIR, 1967; ZINNER and JABLON, 1968; BRATTHALL, 1970). Recent studies by COYKENDALL (1970; 1971), involving melting point determinations and homology studies on deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from different strains, indicate that these microorganisms vary widely in their genetic material and should probably be classified into several groups. In this communication, we present data dealing with CsCl buoyant density determinations on DNA isolated from various strains of Strept. mutans and essentially con
Curved composite boundary elements for second-order two-dimensional problems

Finite elements with a curved edge often require relatively large numerical effort to form.1–4 Relatively simple triangular elements with a single curved edge are developed in this paper for second-order, two-dimensional problems. A convex boundary element is formed as a composite of two straight-edged triangles and a circular sector. Application of the convex composite boundary element results in less numerical effort for a comparable error in circular and elliptical domain test problems than the application of straight-edged elements in all cases shown, and in most cases when compared to the curved isoparametric elements. For domains with concave boundaries, the application of straight-edged, concave composite boundary and curved isoparametric elements give comparable accuracies and numerical efforts because of a fortuitous cancellation of error that occurs with straight-edged elements in this case.
Antarctic amoebae adventures

Ice, slush, sediment and water samples were collected from the Ross Sea, Antarctica and enriched with a variety of inorganic and organic nutrients. All cultures were maintained at an ambient temperature of 1°C, and amoebae were observed to occur in the slush, sediment and water enrichments. Amoebae were isolated into clonal or monocultures, and their characterization was accomplished using a combination of molecular and morphological methods. Full-length 18S ribosomal DNA sequence data indicated that seven of the isolates represented four different amoebae of the Vexilliferidae and Vannellidae families. Acquisition of 18S ribosomal sequences from the parasomes of two amoebae further confirmed their identification as Neoparamoeba species. Light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and TEM observations were accomplished and further support the molecular data. To determine whether these amoebae represented psychrophilic strains, their temperature tolerances were tested. Cultures were inoculated at 1°C and the temperature was raised 1°C/day (to a total of 5°), and then held at that temperature for 6 days. This pattern was repeated in 5°-increments, up to 20°C. The cultures were observed frequently for death and possible cyst formation. Three (2 types of Vannellids) out of seven amoeba cultures survived up to 20°C. Whereas, the two different Vexilliferids died at a range of temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. These data indicate that amoebae found in the Antarctic are varied in their physiological adaptation for growth at cold temperatures.
Fluorescence Anisotropy Reveals Order and Disorder of Protein Domains in the Nuclear Pore Complex

We present a new approach for studying individual protein domains within the nuclear pore complex (NPC) using fluorescence polarization microscopy. The NPC is a large macromolecular complex, the size and complexity of which presents experimental challenges. Using fluorescence anisotropy and exploiting the symmetry of the NPC and its organization in the nuclear envelope, we have resolved order and disorder of individual protein domains. Fluorescently tagging specific domains of individual nucleoporins revealed both rigid and flexible domains: the tips of the FG domains are disordered, whereas the NPC-anchored domains are ordered. Our technique allows the collection of structural information in vivo, providing the ability to probe the organization of protein domains within the NPC. This has particular relevance for the FG domain nucleoporins, which are crucial for nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Evaluation of the evidence to support current recommendations to meet the needs of premature infants: the role of human milk

The beneficial effects of human milk extend to the feeding of premature infants, because their nutrition support must be designed to compensate for metabolic and gastrointestinal immaturity, immunologic compromise, and maternal psychosocial conditions. Significant effects on the recipient host, such as reduction in sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, have been reported for premature infants fed their mothers' milk. However, nutritional concerns arise because the quantity of nutrients in breast milk may not meet the great nutrient needs of premature infants born weighing <1500 g. Human milk supplements, or fortifiers, are available to augment the nutrient content of unfortified breast milk. Host defense benefits observed in infants fed unfortified human milk also are found in premature infants fed fortified human milk. Availability of milk is an issue for mothers delivering prematurely. Donor pasteurized human milk has been suggested as a proxy for the mother's own milk.
Feasibility study of erythrocyte long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and mortality risk in hemodialysis patients.

Objective Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are increasingly believed to be cardioprotective. We tested the hypothesis that erythrocyte n-3 PUFA levels, as measured by the omega-3 index (O3I), are inversely related to mortality in hemodialysis patients. Design and Study Population This was a retrospective study of 93 prevalent urban American hemodialysis patients with baseline n-3 PUFA blood levels. Main Outcome Measure The mortality rate was measured over a median period of 755 days. Results The median omega-3 index was 4.69 mean weight %. During follow-up, 19 patients died, and 8 underwent renal transplantation. The probability of survival was significantly greater in patients with an O3I above the median ( P = .025). Univariate analyses found that increasing age and a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index were associated with reduced survival, whereas a higher O3I and black race were linked with greater survival. In a multivariate model, only the Charlson Comorbidity Index score clearly predicted mortality (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.62), though a protective trend was observed with an O3I above the median (hazard ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 6.95). Conclusion Though this modest-sized study did not find a statistically significant relationship between erythrocyte n-3 PUFA levels and mortality, an inverse association was suggested. The existence of such a relationship will need to be confirmed in cohorts with greater statistical power.
Assessing the condition of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas) larvae using muscle-based flow cytometric cell cycle analysis

Flow cytometric cell cycle analysis was used to determine the fraction of muscle cells in the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, which were used as covariates with temperature and standard length, in a laboratory-developed model to assess the physiological condition of wild walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, larvae. The assay was calibrated to the range of temperatures larvae are likely to encounter in the eastern Bering Sea, and it was sensitive to changes in condition within 3 days of starvation. The S and G2 phases of the cell cycle gave an indication of larval walleye pollock condition. Healthy larvae had a larger fraction of cells in the S phase than G2 phase, and unhealthy larvae had a larger fraction of cells in the G2 phase than the S phase. Validation tests showed that the model classified 75% to 83% of the larvae correctly. The assessment of the condition of walleye pollock larvae collected from the southeastern Bering Sea in 2007 indicated that unhealthy larvae were located on the continental shelf (6%), and this may be due in part to the coldest temperatures occurring there and less abundant prey. In the continental slope/ocean basin waters, where prey levels were higher and temperatures warmest, no larvae in unhealthy condition were found.
Harmful Effects of Increased LDLR Expression in Mice With Human APOE*4 But Not APOE*3

Objective— Increased expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is generally considered beneficial for reducing plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis, and its downregulation has been thought to explain the association between apolipoprotein (apo) E4 and increased risk of coronary heart disease in humans. Methods and Results— Contrary to this hypothesis, doubling Ldlr expression caused severe atherosclerosis with marked accumulation of cholesterol-rich, apoE-poor remnants in mice with human apoE4, but not apoE3, when the animals were fed a Western-type diet. The increased Ldlr expression enhanced in vivo clearance of exogenously introduced remnants in mice with apoE4 only when the remnants were already enriched with apoE4. The rates of nascent lipoprotein production were the same. The adverse effects of increased LDLR suggest a possibility that the receptor can trap apoE4, reducing its availability for the transfer to nascent lipoproteins needed for their rapid clearance, thereby increasing...
Dual Bond Ratings: A Test of the Certification Function of Rating Agencies

Bond researchers have recently observed that issues with split ratings have yields more closely resembling the yields on bonds with the lower of the two ratings. This evidence could lead researchers to question why an issuer ever obtains more than one rating in an environment where two ratings, when split, can never reduce yields, whereas two ratings, when split, can increase yields. This paper explores the rating function in a certification framework and concludes that investors value a second rating. Bond issues with two identical ratings have yields significantly less than issues receiving that rating from only one rating agency.
Representing Causality Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Causal reasoning occupies a central position in human reasoning. In order to algorithmically consider causal relations, the relations must be placed into a representation that supports manipulation. The most widespread causal representation is directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). However, DAGs are severely limited in what portion of the common sense world they can represent. This paper considers the needs of commonsense causality and suggests Fuzzy Cognitive Maps as an alternative to DAGs.
AtDB, the Arabidopsis thaliana Database, and graphical-web-display of progress by the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative

AtDB, the Arabidopsis thaliana Database, has a primary role to provide public access to the collected genomic information for A. thaliana via the World Wide Web (URL: http://genome-www.stanford. edu/ ). AtDB presents interactive physical and genetics maps that are hyperlinked with detailed information about the clones and markers placed on these maps. A large literature collection on Arabidopsis , contact information on researchers worldwide, laboratory method manuals and other information useful to plant molecular biologists are also provided. This paper discusses the database-driven clickable displays that provide easy navigation within a variety of genomic maps, including those summarizing progress of the international Arabidopsis genomic sequencing effort, AGI (the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative). The interface uses client-side hyperlinked GIF-images that direct the user to detailed database-information. A new BLAST service is also described. This gives users access to the thousands of Arabidopsis BAC clone end-sequences and includes hyperlinked images summarizing the search results. The linking of genetic and physically mapped regions and their sequence into information for loci within that region is an ongoing goal for this project.
Efficient implementation of complex interventions in large scale epidemic simulations

Realistic agent-based epidemic simulations usually involve a large scale social network containing individual details. The co-evolution of epidemic dynamics and human behavior requires the simulation systems to compute complex real-world interventions. Calls from public health policy makers for executing such simulation studies during a pandemic typically have tight deadlines. It is highly desirable to implement new interventions in existing high-performance epidemic simulations, with minimum development effort and limited performance degradation. Indemics is a database supported high-performance epidemic simulation framework, which enables complex intervention studies to be designed and executed within a short time. Unlike earlier approaches that implement new interventions inside the simulation engine, Indemics utilizes DBMS and reduces implementation effort from weeks to days. In this paper, we propose a methodology for modeling and predicting performance of Indemics-supported intervention studies. We demonstrate our methodology with experimental results.
A simple method for evaluating elastic modulus of thin films by nanoindentation

A simple empirical method that extracts the elastic moduli of both thin films and the underlying substrates is proposed and validated by both new nanoindentation experiments and published data. Deconvolution of thin film’s elastic properties from the substrate is achieved by statistical estimation, where a simple function relating the elastic moduli of the thin film and substrate to the film-substrate composite modulus is used to fit the experimental data plotted against the logarithmic indentation depth normalized by film thickness. Experimental data from a wide range of soft and hard films on substrate were used to demonstrate the deconvolution and validate the method. The estimated elastic moduli of thin films and substrates agree well with their corresponding standard values or values obtained by other methods. The advantages of this method are discussed, and recommendations are made on how to design experiments to obtain reliable data for this method.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate-early protein ICP0 diffuses out of infected rabbit corneas

Herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) results from infection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the cornea. Recurrent HSV infection is a leading cause of corneal scarring and visual loss. Although it is generally thought that HSK is the result of an immune response to one or more viral proteins, no viral proteins have been detected in HSK corneas. Thus, the viral proteins involved in HSK, if any, remain undetermined. In contrast, it is reported here that when HSK corneal buttons from latently infected rabbits were fixed using standard procedures, the important immediate-early HSV-1 protein ICP0 was readily detected in the fixative by Western blotting. Similarly, when HSK corneal buttons were soaked in buffer (rather than fixative), ICP0 was readily detected in the soaking buffer. Other HSV-1 proteins were not detected either in the fixative or in the soaking buffer. It is also reported here that ICP0 was consistently detected in virus-free tears from the eyes of rabbits acutely infected with HSV-1. These results suggest that ICP0 rapidly diffuses out of the cornea and may explain why ICP0 was detected in the fixative of HSK corneas and in the soaking buffer of acutely infected corneas.
Pairing virtual reality with dynamic posturography serves to differentiate between patients experiencing visual vertigo.

Background To determine if increased visual dependence can be quantified through its impact on automatic postural responses, we have measured the combined effect on the latencies and magnitudes of postural response kinematics of transient optic flow in the pitch plane with platform rotations and translations.