cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized additive model and regression tree analyses of blue shark (Prionace glauca) catch rates by the Hawaii-based commercial longline fishery

Abstract Generalized additive model (GAM) and regression tree analyses were conducted with blue shark, Prionace glauca , catch rates (catch per set) as reported by National Marine Fisheries Service observers serving aboard Hawaii-based commercial longline vessels from March 1994 through December 1997 ( N =2010 longline sets). The objective was to use GAM and regression tree methodology to relate catch rates to a tractable suite of readily measured or computed variables. Because the predictor variables are also either provided in or easily computed from the logbooks that commercial vessels submit upon landing fish for sale, it is likely that a model or models fitted to accurate observer data could then be applied on a fleet-wide basis to serve as a standard of comparison for the logbooks. The GAM included nine spatio-temporal, environmental, and operational variables and explained 72.1% of the deviance of blue shark catch rates. Latitude exerted the strongest effects of any individual variable; longitude was the most influential variable when adjusted for the effects of all other factors. Relatively cold sea surface temperatures were associated with high catch rates. The initial regression tree included 68 terminal nodes and 11 predictors. It was refined to a final tree with 42 terminal nodes, which reduced the root mean deviance by 65.3%. The tree was partitioned first on latitude 26.6°N, and then branched out to reach terminal nodes after 2–8 additional partitionings. Sets south of this latitude were characterized by lower catch rates and partitionings on a greater number and variety of predictors. Northerly sets were characterized by higher and more variable blue shark catch rates. Predictions from the two analyses were highly correlated ( r =0.903, P ⪡0.001). Moreover, use of these methods in combination aided greatly in the interpretation of results. We conclude that GAM and regression tree analyses can be usefully employed in the assessment of blue shark catch rates in this fishery. We suggest that either or both of these models could serve as comparison standards for commercial logbooks.
Lysergic acid diethylamide antagonism by chlorpromazine, haloperidol, diazepam, and pentobarbital in the rabbit.

Abstract The single and interactive iv effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, 50 μg/kg) given 20 min preceding or following chlorpromazine (CPZ, 1 and 2 mg/kg), haloperidol (HPD, 1 and 2 mg/kg), diazepam (Diaz, 1 and 2 mg/kg), or pentobarbital (Pb, 5 and 10 mg/kg) were assessed on electroencephalographic (EEG) cortical voltage output (CVO), behavior, and body temperature in unrestrained rabbits. Depending on dose and administration order, each drug partially antagonized the decrease of CVO and (except for CPZ) the increase in standing duration and frozen-like postures caused by LSD. LSD-induced hyperthermia was partially antagonized by CPZ and Diaz, not altered by Pb, and augmented by HPD. Novel stereotypy emerged from the interaction of LSD with HPD, Diaz, or Pb. Additionally, three of five rabbits given LSD died shortly after HPD administration. These data indicate that LSD is partially but not completely antagonized by these drugs, and the nature of the interaction with LSD depends on dose and order of LSD-drug administration.
The future of natural selection knowledge measurement: A reply to Anderson et al. (2010)

The development of rich, reliable, and robust measures of the composition, structure, and stability of student thinking about core scientific ideas (such as natural selection) remains a complex challenge facing science educators. In a recent article (Nehm & Schonfeld 2008), we explored the strengths, weaknesses, and insights provided by a detailed exploration of three commonly used measures of student thinking about natural selection in a large sample ( > 100) of underrepresented minority students. One of our core findings was that all of the tools we studied—including the CINS—have strengths and weaknesses that must be carefully taken into consideration by those who employ, interpret, and act upon their outcomes. The continuous reevaluation and improvement of measurement instruments is a fundamental component of test development because of the inherent limitations of all methods at our disposal for capturing and quantifying student knowledge. Exploring the efficacy and generalizability of measures requires the repeated study of students from different racial and ethnic groups, geographic regions, socioeconomic and language backgrounds, and content preparations. Additionally, new methods (such as Rasch analysis) allow more accurate and precise evaluations of instrument properties. Furthermore, many science assessment developers have ignored the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA/APA/NCME, 1999), which should be applied to all measures. We view Anderson, Fisher, and Smith’s (AFS) (2010) defense of the CINS as sacrosanct to be antithetical to the spirit and reality of instrument development, evaluation, and improvement.
Does activation of the Fcγ RIIa play a role in the pathogenesis of the acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome?

ALI (acute lung injury) and its more severe form ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) are inflammatory diseases of the lung characterized by hypoxaemia and diffuse bilateral infiltrates. Disruption of epithelial integrity and injury to endothelium are contributing factors of the development of ALI/ARDS, and alveolar damage is the most pronounced feature of ALI/ARDS. The resulting increase in lung microvascular permeability promotes influx of inflammatory cells to the alveolar spaces. Oedema fluid contains pro-nflammatory mediators and plasma proteins, including Igs (immunoglobulins). Moreover, several reports describe the presence of autoantibodies and immune complexes [anti-IL-8 (interleukin-8) autoantibody/IL-8 complexes] in lung fluids (oedema and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids) from patients with ALI/ARDS. These immune complexes associate with FcgammaRIIa (Fcgamma IIa receptor) in lungs of patients with ARDS. Furthermore, the expression of FcgammaRIIa is substantially elevated in lungs of these patients. FcgammaRIIa appears on virtually all myeloid cells, platelets and endothelial cells. It is a low-affinity receptor for IgG that preferentially binds aggregated immunoglobulins and immune complexes. FcgammaRs regulate phagocytosis and cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and initiate the release of inflammatory mediators. It should be noted that immune complexes formed between either anti-neutrophil autoantibodies and their specific antigens or anti-HLA (human leucocyte antigen) antibodies and target antigens are implicated in the pathogenesis of TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury), and importantly, animal studies indicate that FcgammaRs are essential for these complexes to cause damage to the lungs. Therefore, we hypothesize that FcgammaRs such as FcgammaRIIa could contribute to the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS.
Explicit formulas for the synthesis of Cheby̅shev impedance-matching networks

Explicit formulas for the matching of the most practical RLC load to a resistive generator to achieve the nth-order Chebyshev transducer power/gain characteristic having maximum attainable d.c. gain are presented.
Cobalt Ferrite Nanocrystals: Out-Performing Magnetotactic Bacteria

Magnetotactic bacteria produce exquisitely ordered chains of uniform magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) nanocrystals, and the use of the bacterial mms6 protein allows for the shape-selective synthesis of Fe(3)O(4) nanocrystals. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe(2)O(4)) nanoparticles, on the other hand, are not known to occur in living organisms. Here we report on the use of the recombinant mms6 protein in a templated synthesis of CoFe(2)O(4) nanocrystals in vitro. We have covalently attached the full-length mms6 protein and a synthetic C-terminal domain of mms6 protein to self-assembling polymers in order to template hierarchical CoFe(2)O(4) nanostructures. This new synthesis pathway enables facile room-temperature shape-specific synthesis of complex magnetic crystalline nanomaterials with particle sizes in the range of 40-100 nm that are difficult to produce using conventional techniques.
Compartment fabrication of magneto-responsive Janus microrod particles.

Monodispersed magneto-responsive microrod particles of variable magnetic/non-magnetic ratios and chemical compositions are created by compartment fabrication in a single poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) mold with periodic hole arrays. By labeling the two ends with green and red fluorescent dyes separately, we show that the particles can flip freely and reversibly in a confined geometry under the magnetic field, thereby displaying different patterned colors at the air–water interface.
Chloroquine is effective against influenza A virus in vitro but not in vivo

Background Chloroquine is an inexpensive and widely available 9-aminoquinolone used in the management of malaria. Recently, in vitro assays suggest that chloroquine may have utility in the treatment of several viral infections including influenza. Objectives We sought to test whether chloroquine is effective against influenza in vivo in relevant animal models. Methods The effectiveness of chloroquine at preventing or ameliorating influenza following viral challenge was assessed in established mouse and ferret disease models. Results Although active against influenza viruses in vitro, chloroquine did not prevent the weight loss associated with influenza virus infection in mice after challenge with viruses expressing an H1 or H3 hemagglutinin protein. Similarly, clinical signs and viral replication in the nose of ferrets were not altered by treatment. Conclusions Although in vitro results were promising, chloroquine was not effective as preventive therapy in vivo in standard mouse and ferret models of influenza virus infection. This dampens enthusiasm for the potential utility of the drug for humans with influenza.
Nanomanufacturing of biomaterials

In this review, we present a few of the many important objectives in the area of biomedical engineering that could open new pathways for nextgeneration biomaterials. We also provide examples of how materials for these goals can be created in an economically viable means through recent advances in high throughput production. These strategies highlight the potential for nanomanufacturing in a variety of areas of importance for human health and safety.
Survival of certain pathogenic microorganisms in sea water

Experiments were performed utilizing eight pathogenic microorganisms associated with polluted waters, including seven different bacteria and the yeast-like fungus, Candida albicans. Cultures of the organisms were added to sea water with varying salinities and were incubated at 4, 25 and 37°C for eleven days. Results indicated that only C. albicans was able to survive in the experimental environments for the duration of the test period, while no bacterial species was viable beyond nine days. The potential of C. albicans as a pollution indicator organism in marine environments is pointed out.
An environmental simulation model for transport and fate of mercury in small rural catchments

Abstract The development of an extensively modified version of the environmental model GLEAMS to simulate fate and transport of mercury in small catchments is presented. Methods for parameter estimation are proposed and in some cases simple relationships for mercury processes are derived. An application is presented for the agricultural organic soils in the South Florida Everglades (USA). Model results compare well with the limited available field observations. Mass balance and sensitivity analyses indicate that atmospheric deposition and reduction leading to evasion are the most important parameters controlling concentrations of total mercury in the upper soil. For methyl mercury, the methylation and demethylation rates are also important. Because of the special characteristics of the soils examined here, results should be interpreted in a relative sense. Limitations and potential uses of the current status of model are discussed.
Autophagy facilitates glycolysis during Ras-mediated oncogenic transformation

The protumorigenic functions for autophagy are largely attributed to its ability to promote cancer cell survival in response to diverse stresses. Here we demonstrate an unexpected connection between autophagy and glucose metabolism that facilitates adhesion-independent transformation driven by a strong oncogenic insult—mutationally active Ras. In cells ectopically expressing oncogenic H-Ras as well as human cancer cell lines harboring endogenous K-Ras mutations, autophagy is induced following extracellular matrix detachment. Inhibiting autophagy due to the genetic deletion or RNA interference–mediated depletion of multiple autophagy regulators attenuates Ras-mediated adhesion-independent transformation and proliferation as well as reduces glycolytic capacity. Furthermore, in contrast to autophagy-competent cells, both proliferation and transformation in autophagy-deficient cells expressing oncogenic Ras are insensitive to reductions in glucose availability. Overall, increased glycolysis in autophagy-competent cells facilitates Ras-mediated adhesion-independent transformation, suggesting a unique mechanism by which autophagy may promote Ras-driven tumor growth in specific metabolic contexts.
(Un)holy Toledo: Intersectionality, Interdependence, and Neighborhood (Trans)formation in Toledo, Ohio

Research on large metropolitan areas dominates understandings of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) urban lives. Investigating cities further down the urban hierarchy can nuance accounting of LGBT and queer place-making, neighborhood formation, and cultural politics. Comparative analysis can further illuminate the local foundations of place-based logics. Through the conceptual lenses of intersectionality and interdependence, this article looks at the appropriation and formation of Toledo's LGBT neighborhood, the Old West End, and its relation to another central-city neighborhood, Vistula; the development of the local LGBT and queer community more broadly; and the interrelation of these gay and queer neighborhoods with other social sites and spaces. This qualitative study involving oral histories and archival research demonstrates that community organizing and neighborhood (trans)formation depend on a host of socio-spatial conditions. Although LGBT neighborhood transformation is often conflated...
Region of interest and windowing-based progressive medical image delivery using JPEG2000

An important telemedicine application is the perusal of CT scans (digital format) from a central server housed in a healthcare enterprise across a bandwidth constrained network by radiologists situated at remote locations for medical diagnostic purposes. It is generally expected that a viewing station respond to an image request by displaying the image within 1-2 seconds. Owing to limited bandwidth, it may not be possible to deliver the complete image in such a short period of time with traditional techniques. In this paper, we investigate progressive image delivery solutions by using JPEG 2000. An estimate of the time taken in different network bandwidths is performed to compare their relative merits. We further make use of the fact that most medical images are 12-16 bits, but would ultimately be converted to an 8-bit image via windowing for display on the monitor. We propose a windowing progressive RoI technique to exploit this and investigate JPEG 2000 RoI based compression after applying a favorite or a default window setting on the original image. Subsequent requests for different RoIs and window settings would then be processed at the server. For the windowing progressive RoI mode, we report a 50% reduction in transmission time.
Use of force and police reform in Brazil: a national survey of police officers

This study examined self-reported use of force on the street by police officers in Brazil. The survey was conducted as part of an evaluation of a nationwide reform effort aimed at upgrading police professionalism, tightening standards for police operations, improving managerial practices, enhancing quality of life among the lower ranks, and inculcating greater respect for citizens’ rights through training. Respondents were serving in 26 of the country’s 27 federal states and 1938 different municipalities. The opportunity to participate was presented on the web page that they log on to routinely in order to perform administrative tasks. The frequency of self-reported use of force was driven most strongly by perceptions of a risky work environment, including both their self-assess personal risk and a general rating of the area in which they worked. Use of force was reported being used less frequently by officers who were satisfied with their careers, scored high on a personal professionalism index, supporte...
Estimation of variance functions in assays with possibly unequal replication and nonnormal data

SUMMARY Estimation of parametric variance functions using transformations of standard deviations based on replication at each design point is common in, but not limited to, assay analysis. It is shown that ignoring unequal replication can lead to bias and inefficiency in estimation. Efficiency comparisons for different transformations for nonnormal distributions are given. A method to account for bias is described that can offer robustness to nonnormality and leads to a comparison of Gini's mean difference to sample standard deviation. A method for computing all of these estimators using standard software is described.
The influence of age on volunteer contributions in a nonprofit organization

This study examines the role of chronological age and age diversity in relation to the effects of organizational influences on the contributions of 458 volunteers in 74 geographically dispersed teams of a large nonprofit organization. The results indicate that the quality of member selection has a greater positive influence on in-role performance for older rather than younger volunteers that the quality of training for group members has a greater positive influence on in-role performance for volunteers who are less dissimilar in age from others in the group, and that the positive effects of chronological age on helping behaviors depend on the mean age of the group such that it is stronger for groups with older age means. The findings are discussed along with their practical implications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A molecular characterization of spontaneous frameshift mutagenesis within the trpA gene of Escherichia coli.

Spontaneous frameshift mutations are an important source of genetic variation in all species and cause a large number of genetic disorders in humans. To enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of frameshift mutagenesis, 583 spontaneous Trp+ revertants of two trpA frameshift alleles in Escherichia coli were isolated and DNA sequenced. In order to measure the contribution of methyl-directed mismatch repair to frameshift production, mutational spectra were constructed for both mismatch repair-proficient and repair-defective strains. The molecular origins of practically all of the frameshifts analyzed could be explained by one of six simple models based upon misalignment of the template or nascent DNA strands with or without misincoroporation of primer nucleotides during DNA replication. Most frameshifts occurred within mononucleotide runs as has been shown often in previous studies but the location of the 76 frameshift sites was usually outside of runs. Mismatch repair generally was most effective in preventing the occurrence of frameshifts within runs but there was much variation from site to site. Most frameshift sites outside of runs appear to be refractory to mismatch repair although the small number of occurrences at most of these sites make firm conclusions impossible. There was a dense pattern of reversion sites within the trpA DNA region where reversion events could occur, suggesting that, in general, most DNA sequences are capable of undergoing spontaneous mutational events during replication that can lead to small deletions and insertions. Many of these errors are likely to occur at low frequencies and be tolerated as events too costly to prevent or repair. These studies also revealed an unpredicted flexibility in the primary amino acid sequence of the trpA product, the α subunit of tryptophan synthase.
What History Can Teach Us: Implications for the Conceptualization and Treatment of Interpersonal Trauma in Women

This article reviews the history of scholarship on interpersonal violence as it pertains to the United States, ending with the reaction to the Women's Liberation Movement. Understanding this history helps us critically appraise current definitions, conceptualizations, and interventions for interpersonal trauma that we teach our future mental health professionals. History shows that much of women's experience was left out of current definitions of trauma response; therefore, it is important to look at alternative conceptualizations and intervention models. One place to look for these alternative perspectives is in the feminist movement, which helped give voice again to women's experiences of violence.
An Egr-1 master switch for arteriogenesis: studies in Egr-1 homozygous negative and wild-type animals.

Background Arteriogenesis has been implicated as an important biologic response to acute vascular occlusion. The early growth response 1 (Egr-1) gene encodes an immediate-early response transcription factor that is upregulated by changes in vascular strain and that in turn upregulates a number of putative angiogenic and arteriogenic growth factors. We therefore hypothesized that early growth response 1 might be a critical arteriogenic messenger that induces revascularization in the setting of acute vascular occlusions. Methods Wild-type or Egr-1 −/− (null) C57 BL mice, or Sprague-Dawley rats, underwent unilateral iliofemoral artery excision and subsequent analyses for angiogenesis and arteriogenesis through cell-specific immunohistochemistry. Rats were also administered an adenoviral vector encoding for Egr-1 (AdEgr group), noncoding vectors (AdNull group), or saline, after which these animals were assessed by means of serial laser Doppler perfusion imaging and morphologic examination of rat foot-pad ischemic lesions. Results Egr-1 wild-type mice demonstrated an equivalent number of capillaries but a greater number of arterioles following excision versus Egr-1 null mice. AdEgr group rats demonstrated greater distal perfusion from 7 to 21 days after excision compared with control animals ( P Conclusion These data suggest the importance of Egr-1 as a critical and potentially therapeutic mediator of revascularization after vascular occlusion and implicate arteriogenesis (collateral vessel formation) as a critical component of this process.
Microcirculatory dysfunction following perfusion with hyperkalemic, hypothermic, cardioplegic solutions and blood reperfusion. Effects of adenosine.

BACKGROUNDCardioplegic solutions have been used to enhance myocardial preservation during cardiac surgery. The benefits derived from preventing myocardial ischemia with cardioplegic solutions may, however, be countered by tissue damage that occurs when the myocardium is reperfused with oxygenated blood. Furthermore, cardioplegia-induced endothelial dysfunction may contribute to depressed myocardial function postoperatively. The endothelium of coronary arteries and vein grafts is damaged by crystalloid cardioplegic solutions. There is less known about the effects of cardioplegic solutions on the microvasculature.METHODS AND RESULTSThe hypothesis that microvascular damage occurs following perfusion with hyperkalemic, crystalloid, cardioplegic solutions and blood reperfusion, leading to decreased blood flow and increased neutrophil accumulation, was tested in a model system. Intravital microscopic observations were performed during a 20-minute perfusion of the hamster cremaster muscle with cardioplegic solut...
Rabbit testis proacrosin: Immunological similarities between testis, sperm proacrosins and the initially formed testis acrosin

Anti-rabbit proacrosin IgG was prepared from goat serum following immunization with a homogeneous preparation of rabbit testis proacrosin. The “auto-activation” products of purified testis proacrosin were separated into 68,000 and 34,000 molecular weight (mol wt) acrosins by Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Immunodiffusion analysis of testis and epididymal sperm proacrosins and acrosins on agarose gel against goat anti-rabbit testis proacrosin showed immunological identity between rabbit testis and sperm proacrosins and the initial testis acrosin (mol wt 68,000). However, the 34,000 mol wt form of testis acrosin showed weaker reaction with the antibody and only partial identity with the proacrosin and the 68,000 mol wt form of acrosin. These results suggest that there is no major structural difference between testis and sperm proacrosins and between proacrosin and the 68,000 mol wt acrosin, but such a structual change occurs when the 34,000 mol wt acrosin is formed.
Energetics of surface atomic processes

The energies needed in various surface atomic processes such as surface diffusion, binding of small atomic clusters on the surface, interaction between two adsorbed atoms, dissociation of an atom from a small cluster or from a surface layer, binding of kink site atoms or atoms at different adsorption sites to the surface etc. can be derived from a field ion microscope image analysis and a kinetic energy measurement of field desorbed ions using the time-off-light atom-probe field ion microscope. These energies can be used to understand the transport of atoms on the surface in atomic reconstructions, crystal growth, adsorption layer superstructure formation, and why an atomic ordering at the surface is energetically favored. Mechanisms of various atomic processes can also be clarified by these studies.
Activation of opioid μ-receptors in the commissural subdivision of the nucleus tractus solitarius abolishes the ventilatory response to hypoxia in anesthetized rats.

BACKGROUND : The commissural subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius (comNTS) is a key region in the brainstem responsible for the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) because it contains the input terminals of the carotid chemoreceptor. Because opioids inhibit the HVR via activating central μ-receptors that are expressed abundantly in the comNTS, the authors of the current study asked whether activating local μ-receptors attenuated the carotid body-mediated HVR. METHODS : To primarily stimulate the carotid body, brief hypoxia (100% N2) and hypercapnia (15% CO2) for 10 s and/or intracarotid injection of NaCN (10 μg/100 μl) were performed in anesthetized and spontaneously breathing rats. These stimulations were repeated after: (1) microinjecting three doses of μ-receptor agonist [d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol]-Enkephalin (DAMGO) (approximately 3.5 nl) into the comNTS; (2) carotid body denervation; and (3) systemic administration of DAMGO (300 μg/kg) without and with previous intracomNTS injection of d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2, a μ-receptor antagonist. RESULTS : Study results showed that DAMGO at 0.25 and 2.5, but not 0.025 mM, caused a similar decrease in baseline ventilation (approximately 12%). DAMGO at 0.25 mM largely reduced (64%) the HVR, whereas DAMGO at 2.5 mM abolished the HVR (and the VE response to NaCN) and moderately attenuated (31%) the hypercapnic ventilatory response. Interestingly, similar HVR abolition and depression of the hypercapnic ventilatory response were observed after carotid body denervation. Blocking comNTS μ-receptors by d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 significantly attenuated the HVR depression by systemic DAMGO with little change in the DAMGO modulatory effects on baseline ventilation and the hypercapnic ventilatory response. CONCLUSION : The data suggest that opioids within the comNTS, via acting on μ-receptors, are able to abolish the HVR by affecting the afferent pathway of the carotid chemoreceptor.
Influence of deformation history on the yield locus and stress-strain behavior of aluminum and copper

Thin-walled tubular specimens of 1100-0 aluminum and OFHC copper were loaded biaxially through the application of simultaneous axial load and internal pressure. The effects of loading path and deformation history on the stress-strain and yield locus characteristics were studied at strains less than 2.0 pct. The observed plastic strains for both materials depended on the loading path to a given stress point, whereas the loading path during prestraining did not affect subsequent deformation. Deformation subsequent to prestraining depended on the prestraining magnitude and direction at strains less than 0.2 pct and only on the magnitude at larger strains. The resulting plastic response was, therefore, anisotropic at small strains and isotropic at large strains. The small strain behavior cannot be predicted by present continuum plasticity theories, whereas the large strain behavior agrees with the isotropic hardening rule. It was also found that a prestraining operation of sufficient plastic strain can erase some of the prior deformation history.
A systematic review of electronic portal usage among patients with diabetes

Abstract The objectives of this review were (1) to examine characteristics associated with enrollment and utilization of portals among patients with diabetes and (2) to identify barriers and facilitators of electronic patient portal enrollment and utilization. PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were systematically searched for papers reporting original research using quantitative or qualitative methods on characteristics, barriers, and facilitators associated with portal enrollment and utilization among patients with diabetes in the United States. The search was limited to articles published between February 1, 2005 (the date of the national symposium on personal health records) and January 1, 2014. Sixteen articles were identified. Of these, nine were quantitative, three were qualitative, and four used mixed-methods. Several demographic characteristics, having better-controlled diabetes, and providers who engaged in and encouraged portal use were associated w...
Evidence for substantial seasonal variations in the structure of the mesospheric Fe layer

Lidar measurements of mesospheric Fe were conducted at Urbana, IL (40°N, 88°W) during the fall of 1989 and the spring through fall of 1991. The Fe layer abundance, centroid height and rms width varied substantially during the observation period with minimum values for all three parameters in summer. The abundance varied from 3.3×109 - 25×109 cm−2, the centroid height from 86.7 – 90.4 km and the rms width from 2.1 – 3.9 km. Sporadic Fe (Fes) layers were also frequently observed. The Fe measurements are compared with the extensive Na layer observations obtained during the past decade at Urbana. The mean Fe column abundance is more than twice the average Na column abundance. The Fe layer is also on average approximately 3.6 km lower and 32 % narrower than the Na layer. The seasonal behavior of the Fe layer is discussed in light of our preliminary temperature measurements of the mesopause region as well as a simple chemical model.
Molecular cloning of protease gene(s) from Xanthomanas campestris pv. campestris: Expression in Escherichia coli and role in pathogenicity

The recombinant plasmid pIJ3070 isolated from a genomic library of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris constructed in the conjugal cosmid pLAFR3 contains protease gene(s) which can be expressed in Escherichia coli. Tn5 mutagenesis and subcloning revealed that the protease structural gene(s) is(are) located in a ca. 10 kb EcoRI fragment. Several protease-minus mutants of X. c. campestris were obtained by Tn5 mutagenesis of pIJ3070 and marker exchange techniques. Studies of pathogenicity of these Tn5 mutants showed that the protease is not critically important for the pathogenicity of X. c. campestris on turnip plants but may play a minor role in disease development.
New developments in bioanalytical chromatography.

Abstract Recent trends in the chromatography of biological molecules are reviewed, emphasizing advances in liquid chromatography column technology, miniaturized separation systems, ultrasensitive detection, and supercritical fluid chromatography.
The Effects of Sex and Chronic Restraint on Instrumental Learning in Rats

Chronic stress has been shown to impact learning, but studies have been sparse or nonexistent examining sex or task differences. We examined the effects of sex and chronic stress on instrumental learning in adult rats. Rats were tested in an aversive paradigm with or without prior appetitive experience, and daily body weight data was collected as an index of stress. Relative to control animals, reduced body weight was maintained across the stress period for males (-7%, P ≤ .05) and females (-5%, P ≤ .05). For males, there were within-subject day-by-day differences after asymptotic transition, and all restrained males were delayed in reaching asymptotic performance. In contrast, stressed females were facilitated in appetitive and aversive-only instrumental learning but impaired during acquisition of the aversive transfer task. Males were faster than females in reaching the appetitive shaping criterion, but females were more efficient in reaching the appetitive tone-signaled criterion. Finally, an effect of task showed that while females reached aversive shaping criterion at a faster rate when they had prior appetitive learning, they were impaired in tone-signaled avoidance learning only when they had prior appetitive learning. These tasks reveal important nuances on the effect of stress and sex differences on goal-directed behavior.
On compromise in foraging and an experiment by Krebs et al. (1977)

A vectorized version of the method of stochastic dynamic programming is used to demonstrate that behaviour observed in Parus major by Krebs et al. (1977) is more consistent with the hypothesis that animals compromise between time and energy in foraging than with the hypothesis that they maximize their rate of energy gain.
Epidermal growth factor-induced precocious incisor eruption is associated with decreased tooth size☆☆☆

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) causes precocious eruption of incisors in vivo and is mitogenic for tooth-derived cells in vitro. These two observations lead to the hypothesis that the EGF-induced precocious eruption is the result of an increase in the size of the incisor. To test this hypothesis, neonatal mice were injected daily with various doses of EGF and, seven days after birth, were perfused with fixative. EGF causes a retardation of overall growth (as measured by body weight) and a dose-dependent thickening of the epidermis. The incisors were examined in midsagittal histological sections and in X-ray microradiographs. Contrary to our expectations, EGF causes a dose-dependent decrease in the size of the incisors. This result suggests that the stimulation of the growth of odontogenic cells seen in tissue culture is not part of the physiological response to EGF in vivo and that EGF-induced precocious eruption of incisors is not due to an increase in the growth rate of the tooth.
Improving the Fracture Resistance of Dental Ceramic

A time-temperature sequence for optimally strengthening dental ceramic by ion exchange was investigated. Stress relaxation occurs at higher temperatures and/or longer times. Improved strengths are obtained in a reasonable period of time that could be used for clinical application.
Time experience of selected institutionalized adult clients.

Time experiences of 25 selected institutionalized adult clients were studied using the Time Experience Scale. Subject selection criteria were age, ability to comprehend written and oral English, institutionalization, and willingness to participate in the study. The findings suggest that institutionalized adult clients experienced time moving faster as they get older. Meaning, referring to concerns about dying and "attention to death," was found to be more important than past orientation, suggesting that institutionalized older adult clients were concerned about their time experience, its meaning, and influence on death Nursing interventions could be directed toward increasing meaningful and purposeful activities, such as planned reminiscence therapy and reorientation techniques.
Modeling the Zebrafish Segmentation Clock’s Gene Regulatory Network Constrained by Expression Data Suggests Evolutionary Transitions Between Oscillating and Nonoscillating Transcription

During segmentation of vertebrate embryos, somites form in accordance with a periodic pattern established by the segmentation clock. In the zebrafish (Danio rerio), the segmentation clock includes six hairy/enhancer of split-related (her/hes) genes, five of which oscillate due to negative autofeedback. The nonoscillating gene hes6 forms the hub of a network of 10 Her/Hes protein dimers, which includes 7 DNA-binding dimers and 4 weak or non-DNA-binding dimers. The balance of dimer species is critical for segmentation clock function, and loss-of-function studies suggest that the her genes have both unique and redundant functions within the clock. However, the precise regulatory interactions underlying the negative feedback loop are unknown. Here, we combine quantitative experimental data, in silico modeling, and a global optimization algorithm to identify a gene regulatory network (GRN) designed to fit measured transcriptional responses to gene knockdown. Surprisingly, we find that hes6, the clock gene that does not oscillate, responds to negative feedback. Consistent with prior in silico analyses, we find that variation in transcription, translation, and degradation rates can mediate the gain and loss of oscillatory behavior for genes regulated by negative feedback. Extending our study, we found that transcription of the nonoscillating Fgf pathway gene sef responds to her/hes perturbation similarly to oscillating her genes. These observations suggest a more extensive underlying regulatory similarity between the zebrafish segmentation clock and the mouse and chick segmentation clocks, which exhibit oscillations of her/hes genes as well as numerous other Notch, Fgf, and Wnt pathway genes.
Effects of ethanol withdrawal on ethanol-reinforced responding in rhesus monkeys

Rhesus monkeys self-administered ethanol intravenously during daily, 3-h sessions. When ethanol-reinforced responding was stable and ethanol intake was in the range of 2.6-3.6 g/kg/3 h, physiological dependence to ethanol was induced by daily passive infusions of additional ethanol. In less than 1 week, mild to moderate withdrawal signs were observed prior to daily sessions. Ethanol intake was suppressed in the presence of these withdrawal signs and returned to normal only after withdrawal signs had subsided.
Using open access literature to guide full-text query formulation

*Background* Much scientific knowledge is contained in the details of the full-text biomedical literature. Most research in automated retrieval presupposes that the target literature can be downloaded and preprocessed prior to query. Unfortunately, this is not a practical or maintainable option for most users due to licensing restrictions, website terms of use, and sheer volume. Scientific article full-text is increasingly queriable through portals such as PubMed Central, Highwire Press, Scirus, and Google Scholar. However, because these portals only support very basic Boolean queries and full text is so expressive, formulating an effective query is a difficult task for users. We propose improving the formulation of full-text queries by using the open access literature as a proxy for the literature to be searched. We evaluated the feasibility of this approach by building a high-precision query for identifying studies that perform gene expression microarray experiments. *Methodology and Results* We built decision rules from unigram and bigram features of the open access literature. Minor syntax modifications were needed to translate the decision rules into the query languages of PubMed Central, Highwire Press, and Google Scholar. We mapped all retrieval results to PubMed identifiers and considered our query results as the union of retrieved articles across all portals. Compared to our reference standard, the derived full-text query found 56% (95% confidence interval, 52% to 61%) of intended studies, and 90% (86% to 93%) of studies identified by the full-text search met the reference standard criteria. Due to this relatively high precision, the derived query was better suited to the intended application than alternative baseline MeSH queries. *Significance* Using open access literature to develop queries for full-text portals is an open, flexible, and effective method for retrieval of biomedical literature articles based on article full-text. We hope our approach will raise awareness of the constraints and opportunities in mainstream full-text information retrieval and provide a useful tool for today’s researchers.
Communication between normal and enzyme deficient cells in tissue culture.

Abstract Correction of certain mutant phenotypes by intimate contact with normal cells, i.e. ‘metabolic cooperation’, is an easily studied form of cell communication. Metabolic cooperation between normal cells and mutant cells deficient in hypoxanthine-guanine or adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRTase and APRTase respectively) appears to be the result of transfer of the enzyme product, nucleotide or nucleotide derivative, from normal to mutant cells. This process shows selectivity in that mutant derivatives of mouse L cells are unable to function as recipients of HGPRTase or APRTase products, while hamster and human fibroblasts with these enzyme deficiencies, exhibit correction of the mutant phenotype, when in contact with normal donor cells. There is also selectivity with respect to substances transferred, since other mutant phenotypes, i.e. G-6 PD deficiency, are not corrected by contact with normal cells. Species specificities do not appear to influence metabolic cooperation, therefore heterospecific cell mixtures provide an opportunity to cytologically distinguish cells and study individual cell interactions. Transfer of nucleotide from normal to mutant cells is less dependent on energy production than is the incorporation of radioactive purines into cellular material. The nucleotide translocation mechanism is not susceptible to sulfhydryl blocking agents.
A sequence in the 5′ flanking region confers progestin responsiveness on the human c-myc gene

Previous reports have shown that progestins stimulate the proliferation of the human breast cancer cell line T47D in culture. Under different conditions other reports have shown progestin stimulation, inhibition or no effect on growth. It has also been shown that c-myc expression is stimulated at early times by progestins. We are currently testing the hypothesis that the mechanism of growth enhancement by progestins involves the stimulation of expression of c-myc. This hypothesis predicts a progesterone regulatory region in or near the c-myc gene. We have identified a region, from -2327 to -1833, which serves this function. This region includes a 15 bp sequence with homology to the PRE (progesterone response element) consensus sequence. Human progesterone receptor (PR) binds to this sequence in a specific, ligand-enhanced manner in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). A 3507 bp HindIII-XbaI fragment of the 5' flanking region of the c-myc gene, -2327 to +1180, containing the progestin regulatory region and the c-myc promoter, confers progestin responsiveness to the CAT (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) reporter gene in progesterone receptor (PR)-rich T47D human breast cancer cells, but not in PR-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Removal of the progestin regulatory region abrogates progestin responsiveness. These data demonstrate that the sequence from -2327 to -1833 of the human c-myc gene includes a positive progestin regulatory region.
Efficient Detection and Long-Term Persistence of the Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The natural history of the carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was examined in a 9-year retrospective cohort study of 102 known carriers. The populations studied consisted of patients admitted to a university hospital from 1989 through 1991; a review extending back to January 1983 was conducted. The focuses of the study included the duration of carriage among patients who were known to have carried MRSA previously and who were readmitted to the hospital (36 patients) and the optimal anatomic site for screening (66 patients). Cultures of the nares (sensitivity, 93%; negative predictive value, 95%) were considerably more valuable for the detection of MRSA colonization than were cultures of cutaneous sites of the axilla, groin, and perineum (sensitivity, 12 months revealed five instances (42%) in which both isolates were of the same type. In summary, our results indicate that the majority of readmitted carriers harbor MRSA for > 3 years and that, in this population, culture of the anterior nares alone (with culture of wound or sputum, when present) is a valid and efficient method for the detection of persistent MRSA carriage.
A Script-Based, Parameterized Finite Element Mesh for Design and NDE on a GPU

ABSTRACTFinite element mesh generators exist in the public domain, a few even based on a parametric device description. The typical mesh generator requires some man–machine interaction to define the points and boundary conditions, and does not work for non-stop optimization iterations for which we need a mesh dynamically evolving through the iterations with optimization variables as changing parameters. Such mesh generators as do exist are rare, commercial, and not easily available to researchers except at great cost and never with the code to modify them to suit individual needs. We take a regular open source mesh generator and write a script-based interface as open source to run non-stop for optimization. We then use it to create a non-destructive evaluation system for army ground vehicles’ defect characterization and use it equally for machine design. A simple scheme of averaging neighbour heights gives us a smooth geometry without having to use Bezier curves. The mesh runs on the central processing un...
Is the Accuracy of Prior Preterm Birth History Biased by Delivery Characteristics

To assess the sensitivity of birth certificates to preterm birth history and determine whether omissions are randomly or systemically biased. Subjects who experienced a preterm birth followed by a subsequent pregnancy were identified in a regional database. The variable "previous preterm birth" was abstracted from birth certificates of the subsequent pregnancy. Clinical characteristics were compared between subjects who were correctly versus incorrectly coded. 713 subjects were identified, of whom 65.5% were correctly coded in their subsequent pregnancy. Compared to correctly coded patients, patients who were not correctly identified tended to have late and non-recurrent preterm births or deliveries that were secondary to maternal or fetal indications. A recurrence of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy was also associated with correct coding. The overall sensitivity of birth certificates to preterm birth history is suboptimal. Omissions are not random, and are associated with obstetrical characteristics from both the current and prior deliveries. As a consequence, resulting associations may be flawed.