cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and physical properties of amorphous and single crystal ZnGeAs2 layers deposited on (100)GaAs by sputter deposition in excess Zn and As4

Abstract Amorphous and single crystal ZnGeAs 2 layers, typically 1 μm thick, have been grown by RF sputtering from a single-phase polycrystalline ZnGeAs 2 wafer target. The amorphous layers were deposited at room temperature on Corning 7059 glass while the single crystals were grown on (100)GaAs at temperatures between 450 and 520°C using an overpressure of Zn and As 4 supplied by evaporation from effusion cells. X-ray diffraction analyses of amorphous films sealed with ZrO 2 cap layers and annealed at 400°C for ⩾ 4 h showed well-defined polycrystalline chalcopyrite-structure ZnGeAs 2 peaks with no strong preferred orientation. The enthalpy for the amorphous to crystalline phase transition was determined from differential scanning calorimetry to be 126 meV / atom. The single crystal films exhibited the highest mobility yet reported for ZnGeAs 2 , 51 cm 2 /V ⋅ s at room temperature, with a corresponding net hole concentration of 9 × 10 18 cm -3 , very close to that of the target. The optical bandgap was determined to be 1.1±0.05 eV at room temperature.
Instanton density at finite temperatures

For [ital low] [ital T] new strict results for the instanton density [ital n]([ital T]) are reported. Using the PCAC methods, we express [ital n]([ital T]) in terms of [ital vacuum] average values of certain operators, times their [ital calculated] [ital T] dependence. At high [ital T], we discuss the [ital applicability] limits of the perturbative results. We further speculate about the possible behavior of [ital n]([ital T]) at [ital T][similar to][ital T][sub [ital c]].
Diagnosis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Focus on Nonbronchoscopic Techniques (Nonbronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Including Mini-BAL, Blinded Protected Specimen Brush, and Blinded Bronchial Sampling) and Endotracheal Aspirates

The ideal diagnostic approach for ventilator-associated pneumonia currently is based on invasive procedures to obtain respiratory tract cultures. Given the lack of consensus and relatively poor acceptance of full bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and protected specimen brush (PSB), less invasive procedures have been developed. We review the nonbronchoscopic procedures (nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage, including mini-BAL, blinded protected specimen, and blinded bronchial sampling) and endotracheal aspiration. We provide a critique of the methods used, the types of catheters inserted, and the sample collection methods. Most studies were flawed in that antibiotic use before initiation of the procedure was not controlled. The variability of both the methods and the criteria for the gold standard in the numerous investigations show that these procedures are neither standardized nor proven to be accurate and often did not improve management. Pending future studies, use of endotracheal aspirates without the use of quantitation seems to be a reasonable approach for clinicians who are not committed to an invasive procedure.
Transforming Growth Factor-β Overrides the Adhesion Requirement for Surface Expression of α5β1 Integrin in Normal Rat Kidney Fibroblasts A NECESSARY EFFECT FOR INDUCTION OF ANCHORAGE-INDEPENDENT GROWTH

We have previously shown that the expression of α5β1 integrin on the cell surface is dependent upon cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and we report here that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) overcomes this requirement in normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts. Thus, suspended NRK cells treated with TGF-β show levels of surface α5β1 integrin that are equivalent to those seen in adherent cells. Moreover, several experiments showed that this effect is necessary for the induction of anchorage-independent growth by TGF-β. First, a kinetic analysis showed that surface expression of α5β1 integrin was restored in TGF-β-treated NRK cells prior to the induction of anchorage-independent growth. Second, NRK cell mutants that have lost their TGF-β requirement for surface expression of α5β1 integrin were anchorage-independent in the absence of TGF-β. Third, an antisense oligonucleotide to the β1 integrin subunit or, fourth, stable expression of an α5-antisense cDNA blocked the ability of TGF-β to stimulate anchorage-independent growth. Thus, TGF-β overrides the adhesion requirement for surface expression of α5β1 integrin in NRK cells, and this effect is necessary for the induction of anchorage-independent growth.
Limb darkening in the solar ultraviolet

New photoelectric limb-darkening data are given for 38 of the windows in the UV solar spectrum in which Houtgast has supplied absolute energy measurements. The region, 4000 A to 3000 A, is marked by unaccounted opacity. Results are given also for 13 longer wavelengths. The measurements are fully corrected for atmospheric seeing and scattering. The corrected drift curves exhibit a quasi-periodic character suggestive of the supergranulation.
WISC-R deaf norms reconsidered

Abstract Deaf norms have been published for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised Performance Scale, (WISC-R PS). Argument requiring separate deaf norms are evaluated with data describing deaf and hearing children's performances on nonverbal IQ tests. It is concluded that deaf norms are not required for deaf children. The issue of which norms a psychologist should select for scoring WISC- R PS protocols is discussed with reference to the impact that deaf and hearing norms have upon inter- and intraindividual comparisons.
The exponential function rational expansion method and exact solutions to nonlinear lattice equations system

Abstract We propose an exponential function rational expansion method for solving exact traveling wave solutions to nonlinear differential-difference equations system. By this method, we obtain some exact traveling wave solutions to the relativistic Toda lattice equations system and discuss the significance of these solutions. Finally, we give an open problem.
Self-Calibration: Reversal, Redundancy, Error Separation, and ‘Absolute Testing’

Abstract Over the years many techniques have been developed for accurate measurement of part features without reference to an externally calibrated artefact. This paper presents a partial survey of such methods for dimensional metrology, their ranges of application, and their limits. Finally, the paper attempts to distil the common features of the various methods in the hope that this may provide the basis, or inspiration, for development of “new” methods.
Treatment of dermatomyositis with methotrexate.

Abstract Background: No published data exist on the incidence of liver fibrosis in patients with dermatomyositis treated with methotrexate. Objective: Our purpose was to examine the efficacy, steroid-sparing potential, and side effects of methotrexate in patients with dermatomyositis and to report liver biopsy results in four patients. Methods: A retrospective review of all cases of dermatomyositis treated with methotrexate in a dermatology and rheumatology referral practice was conducted. Results: Of the 10 cases reviewed, seven were of dermatomyositis whereas three were of amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM). Nine patients received oral methotrexate. One patient received intravenous methotrexate. Improvement of cutaneous disease occurred in seven (100%) of the patients with dermatomyositis and in two (66%) of those with ADM; myositis improved in four (57%) of the patients with dermatomyositis. The initial prednisone dose was halved after an average of 18 weeks of methotrexate therapy in the patients with dermatomyositis and 13 weeks in the patients with ADM. Methotrexate-related side effects occurred in six (86%) of the patients with dermatomyositis and in one (33%) of the patients with ADM. Of the four patients who had liver biopsies, two (50%) showed mild hepatic fibrosis, resulting in discontinuation of the drug. Both patients in whom fibrosis developed had preexisting steroid-induced diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Although methotrexate is an effective treatment for dermatomyositis, side effects are common. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be closely monitored for toxic effects on the liver.
LightGraph: Lighten Communication in Distributed Graph-Parallel Processing

A number of graph-structured computing abstractions have been proposed to address the needs of solving complex and large-scale graph algorithms. Distributed Graphlab and its successor, PowerGraph, are two such frameworks that have demonstrated excellent performance with high scalability and fault tolerance. However, excessive communication and state sharing among nodes in these frameworks not only reduce network efficiency but may also cause a decrease in runtime performance. In this paper, we first propose a mechanism that identifies and eliminates the avoidable communication during synchronization in existing distributed graph structured computing abstractions. We have implemented our method on PowerGraph and created LightGraph to reduce communication overhead in distributed graph-parallel computation systems. Furthermore, to minimize the required intra-graph synchronizations for PageRank-like applications, LightGraph also employs an edge direction-aware graph partitioning strategy, which optimally isolates the outgoing edges from the incoming edges of a vertex when creating and distributing replicas among different machines. We have conducted extensive experiments using real-world data, and our results verified the effectiveness of LightGraph. For example, when compared with the best existing graph placement method in PowerGraph, LightGraph can not only reduce up to 27.6% of synchronizing communication overhead for intra-graph synchronizations but also cut up to 17.1% runtime for PageRank.
Chemokine Receptors, Neural Progenitor Cells, and the AIDS Dementia Complex

In this issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Krathwohl and Kaiser propose that HIV-1 damages the adult central nervous system (CNS) through interaction of its surface glycoprotein, gpl20, with one of its principal coreceptors, CXCR4, expressed on the surface of neural progenitor cells [ 1 ]. Although novel in its details, this hypothesis is a natural extension of promising investigative threads that intersect 2 emerging areas of neurobiological research and HIV-1 pathogenesis. After first commenting on the experimental findings and whether they provide a coherent narrative supporting the hypothesis, we will review some of the salient contextual issues re-
Translational Bioinformatics: At the Interface of Genomics and Quantitative Genetics

Genomics and bioinformatics are expected to revolutionize crop improvement. We have to admit, howere, tha while information from the various "omics" is being used by developmental and evolutionary biologists, the information is not being used routinely byn translational plant biologists or applied plant breeders. This is due to a failure to provide information from omics technologies in formats that can be used to develop more effective and efficient assays that the breeder can use for selection. A similar situation exits in biomedical research where more efficacious therapies will be realized if omics information is translated into biomarker-based diagnostics. Because data are stil lacking in plant science, herein we describe the development of an integrated web-based system that supports translational research using a biomedical example that can serve as a model for translational plant research. We also discuss how the bioinformatic system is agnostic with respect to data content and is capable of accepting omics data that eventually will be generated by plant biologists for use by plant breeders to develop diagnostic biomarkers for use in selection.
Fret Studies of the Conformational Changes in the 2b Sub-Domain of UvrD Helicase

The Escherichia coli UvrD protein is a 3′ to 5′ superfamily 1 DNA helicase that functions in nucleotide excision repair and methyl-directed mismatch repair of DNA, as well as DNA replication of certain plasmids. UvrD uses the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to unwind double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and translocate along single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with biased 3′ to 5′ directionality. Single turnover pre-steady state DNA unwinding kinetics experiments have shown that the UvrD dimer is the active form of the helicase in vitro, although a UvrD monomer can translocate along ssDNA with the same directionality as used in unwinding. Crystal structures show that UvrD can exist in two dramatically different conformations, “open” in the apo state and “closed” when forming a complex with a 3′- ssDNA-dsDNA junction. The rotational orientations of the 2B domain differ in these two states by about 100 degrees. To study the conformational changes of the 2B domain, double cysteine mutants with one pair on 1B and 2B domains and another pair on 2A and 2B domains were constructed and labeled with a mixture of donor-acceptor fluorophores such that the movement of 2B domain results in either an increase or a decrease in FRET, depending on the positions of the labeled fluorophores. Our ensemble studies show that the 2B domain is in the closed conformation at low salt and swivels open at high salt in the absence of DNA. The open and closed conformations are in dynamic equilibrium. The binding of UvrD to ssDNA induces the open conformation of the 2B domain. The swiveling of the 2B domain is also coordinated with ATP binding and hydrolysis.(This research was supported by the NIH (GM 045948).)
The ‘dangerous class’ of Marx and Engels: The rise of the idea of the Lumpenproletariat

(1987). The ‘dangerous class’ of Marx and Engels: The rise of the idea of the Lumpenproletariat. History of European Ideas: Vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 675-692.
Building Program Acceptability: Perceptions of Gay and Bisexual Men on Peer or Prevention Case Manager Relationships in Secondary HIV Prevention Counseling

There is growing interest in integrating HIV prevention counseling for HIV-infected gay and bisexual men into HIV primary care. HIV-infected peers and professionally trained prevention case managers (PCMs) have been used to provide prevention counseling services. The current qualitative study seeks to examine participant perceptions of the acceptability of HIV-infected peer counselors and of trained prevention case managers from the perspective of 41 HIV-infected gay and bisexual men. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HIV-infected men who were currently receiving primary HIV health care. Positive peer counselor themes included shared experiences and para-professional. Positive themes specific to the PCM relationships included were provision of resources and professional skills and knowledge. Common themes identified across both peer and PCM counselor relationships were creating a comfortable environment, non-judgmental stance, and rapport building/communication skills. Recommendations for HIV...
Fixed point theory and nonexpansive mappings

Recall that a Banach space X has the weak fixed point property if for any nonempty weakly compact subset C of X and any nonexpansive mapping T : C→C, T has at least one fixed point. In this article, we present three recent results using the ultraproduct technique. We also provide some open problems in this area. Mathematics Subject Classification 46B08 · 46B20 · 47H10
List tracing in systems allowing multiple cell-types

List-processing systems have each allowed the use of only a single size and configuration of list cell. In this paper a system is described which allows the use of arbitrarily many different sizes and configurations of list cells, possibly not specified until run time.
Computation of unsteady viscous flows around moving bodies using the k–ε turbulence model on unstructured dynamic grids

Abstract We consider the numerical solution on unstructured dynamic meshes of the averaged Navier–Stokes equations equipped with the k–e turbulence model and a wall function. We discuss discretization issues pertaining to conservation laws, moving grids, and numerical dissipation. We also present a robust spring analogy method for constructing dynamic meshes. We validate our implementation of this two-equation turbulence model and justify its usage for a class of vortex shedding problems by correlating our computational results with experimental data obtained for a flow past a square cylinder. We also apply our solution methodology to the two-dimensional aerodynamic stability analysis of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and report numerical results that are in good agreement with observed data.
Pulse imaging and nonadiabatic control of solid-state artificial atoms

Transitions in an artificial atom, driven nonadiabatically through an energy-level avoided crossing, can be controlled by carefully engineering the driving protocol. We have driven a superconducting persistent-current qubit with a large-amplitude radio-frequency field. By applying a biharmonic wave form generated by a digital source, we demonstrate a mapping between the amplitude and phase of the harmonics produced at the source and those received by the device. This allows us to image the actual wave form at the device. This information is used to engineer a desired time dependence, as confirmed by the detailed comparison with a simulation.
Low Latency Optical Packet Switched Interconnection Networks

In this paper the implementation and complete characterization of a fully connected OPS network based on the data vortex architecture that capitalizes on the enormous bandwidth advantage of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and designed to deliver ultra-low latencies is discussed. We demonstrate end-to-end routing latencies near 100ns for the 12-port system with 160 Gbps per port. Slot timing margins and latency characteristics are investigated experimentally within the fully implemented 12-port optical packet switching network, as are dynamic optical power range and the overall flexibility and robustness of the system.
Pregnant gilt behavior in outdoor and indoor intensive pork production systems

Abstract The behavior of three genotypes of gilts were compared in an English-style intensive outdoor production system or an intensive indoor system, each operated on a common production schedule. The genotypes investigated were PIC Camborough-15 (C-15); PIC Camborough-Blue (CB); and York × Landrace (YL). Behaviors as defined and recorded were mutually exclusive, including: chewing, rooting, standing, sitting, drinking, rubbing, walking, and for outdoor gilts wallowing and grazing. No significant main effects of genotype were found. Gilts kept outdoors were more active and spent more time chewing objects, with less time sitting than gilts indoors. The oral/nasal chewing observed in confined, pregnant pigs was much lower in frequency than similar environment-directed oral/nasal behaviors observed outdoors. Genotypes did not differ in behavior; however, the genotype by environment interaction was significant for lying (resting) behaviors. Outdoor-kept gilts spent less time lying than indoor gilts, but the effect was less pronounced for C-15 than for CB or YL genotypes. The few significant genotype and genotype by environment interactions indicated that these genotypes generally express similar behavior. However, the outdoor environment seemed to induce more oral/nasal behaviors than the indoor production system.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of biologically active molecules. 21. Thiooxamides

The HeI photoelectron (PE) spectra of No,No-dimethyl-monothiooxamide (1,) its analogue Ns,Ns-dimethylmonothiooxamide (2), dithiooxamide (3), N,N′-dimethyldithiooxamide (4), and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyldithiooxamide (5) are presented. The results of CNDO/2 calculations, the PE spectra of the related compounds acetamide, thioacetamide, thiourea, and their methyl derivatives, and HeI/HeII intensity considerations are used to assign the spectra.
Biography of Stuart Lindsay.

Stuart received his BSc and PhD in physics from the University of Manchester in 1972 and 1976, respectively. After a brief period working in the Phillips Labs, he joined Arizona State University (ASU) as a faculty member in 1979. While much of his current interest is in the molecular basis of diseases, Stuart has made long-lasting contributions to several fields in nanotechnology and biophysics over his past three decades at ASU. He was the first to develop inelastic light scattering spectroscopy to study low frequency vibration modes in DNA, which has led to a better understanding of collective motions in DNA and A–B transition in DNA. The early stages of his scientific career at ASU also included studying materials under extremely high pressure, glass transitions and the light scattering of semiconductor materials. He pioneered the scanning probe microscopy imaging of DNA and other biological molecules in water. His unusual talent in experimental physics and instrumentation led to the development of a 9-pass Fabry–Perot for high-resolution optical spectroscopy and a variety of innovative technologies for scanning probe microscopy. He co-founded the Molecular Imaging Corporation (now acquired by Agilent). In addition to biological molecules, Stuart is one of the pioneers who applied scanning tunneling microscopy to studying fundamental phenomena at solid–liquid interfaces, including charge transport, interfacial forces and molecular adsorption in solutions. His seminal work in single molecule electron transport provides new insights into not only the mechanism of the scanning tunneling microscopy of molecules, but also molecular electronics. Stuart's contribution to science goes beyond the original research mentioned above. His passion and energy for science have inspired and influenced many younger scientists, including his students, postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty. We wish Stuart many more happy, healthy and productive years ahead.
Predictive modeling of positive mode IMS gas-phase ionization: is 2nd-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory adequate?

Low level ab initio Quantum Chemistry (QC) is shown to be a promising technique for predicting the relative ordering of a wide variety of potential analyte, dopant, and interferent molecules, by their proton affinities (PA). Computed PAs, using a single level of chemical theory, are summarized for 53 compounds and when compared to literature reference data have a mean unsigned error of ∼9.5 kJ/mol. Where applicable, multiple conformations of the protonated species were explored. In these cases, the Boltzmann weighted PA is reported. Finally, examples are shown in which QC modeling is used to predict potential fragmentation products initiated by the positive mode ionization.
Short run aspects of a genetic control program for Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The possibility that suppressing the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), by means of genetic control will lead to short run crop yield sacrifices is examined. A simulation model of budworm/backcross population dynamics is used to investigate the effects of backcross releases which are too small or improperly timed. Apart from its potential for ultimate long-term suppression of the tobacco budworm, adverse short-term effects on crop yields are not likely to be a serious problem with a genetic control program. Furthermore, backcross release appears to have some potential as a substitute for chemical pesticides during the period prior to budworm elimination by genetic control.
Intercorrelations among repression-sensitization, extroversion, neuroticism, social desirability, and locus of control.

Descriptive statistics for 70 undergraduate women on 5 personality scales are given. Intercorrelations among scales varied from –.13 to .81 but were predominantly small and nonsignificant.
Phase diagrams in the camphor/isoborneol system

Abstract The effects of adding chiral and racemic isoborneol on the thermal properties of camphor have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The addition of around 8% of (−)-isoborneol has been found to completely eliminate the brittle (tetragonal) to orientationally disordered (hcp) phase transition which occurs at 242 K in (+)-camphor. The reconstructive transition of(+)-camphor (hcp to fcc) is seen to persist to 34% isoborneol in the (+)-camphor/(−)-isoborneol system but the phase diagram is marked by discontinuous regions which correspond to compositions having minimum melting points. The four solid-liquid phase diagrams: (+)-camphor/(−)-isoborneol, (−)-camphor/(−)-isoborneol, (+)-camphor/ (±)-isoborneol, and (±)-camphor/(±)-isoborneol, contain numerous maximum melting compositions, the number of which decrease in progressing from the binary to quarternary systems. Collectively the thermal data indicates that components with the same absolute configuration show a greater solid-state solubility for this system.
In vivo cystometric evaluation of progressive bladder outlet obstruction in rats.

AbstractPurpose: Bladder outlet obstruction in man is a common medical disorder that may result from benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture disease, or congenital anomaly. The functional changes that develop in response to obstruction include detrusor instability, elevated voiding pressures, and the presence of a residual urine. The aim of this study was to document the development of progressive bladder outlet obstruction over time in a rat model using conscious, in vivo urodynamics.Materials and Methods: Infravesical bladder outlet obstruction was created in female rats by placing a jeweler's jump ring loosely around the proximal urethra. Gradual development of outlet obstruction was followed urodynamically in awake animals at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post obstruction using a subcutaneously implanted mediport. For each group n = 5-8 animals.Results: Animals developed large capacity bladders with increased compliance, a high residual urine volume, and spontaneous activity. Bladder capacity inc...
Helical nature of poly(dl-dC).poly(dl-dC). Vibrational circular dichroism results

Poly(dI-dC).poly(dI-dC) was studied using vibrational circular dichroism and IR spectroscopy in both the base deformation C = O and symmetric PO2- stretching regions. VCD spectra of this duplex under low salt conditions are consistent with its having a B-form structure. Addition of 5 M NaCl leads to relatively uniform VCD intensity loss which is consistent with loss of helical structure rather than formation of an intermediate state between the B and Z forms. This duplex polymer under high salt conditions with added NiCl2 shows aggregation effects, but its IR and VCD spectra have characteristic features of the Z-form DNA conformation. The cooperative change of backbone and base pair structure upon thermal denaturation is indicated by the simultaneous collapse of the VCD at 65 degrees C in both the PO2- and C = O stretching regions. This study further demonstrates that the VCD bandshape of a specific localized nucleic acid vibrational transition can be a useful indicator of the helical handedness. The empirical conformational interpretations are supported by simulated VCD spectra, which are in excellent agreement with the experimental results, based on dipole coupling calculations.
Shaking up sleep research.

Sleep deprivation causes all too familiar behavioral impairments and increased need for sleep. A new Drosophila mutant with alterations in the Shaker potassium channel sleeps less than normal but does not show the usual effects of sleep deprivation.
The Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the β-Lactam Antibiotic Tabtoxin in Pseudomonas syringae

DNA sequence analysis revealed that the biosynthetic genes of the unusual beta-lactam antibiotic tabtoxin reside at the att site adjacent to the lysC tRNA gene in Pseudomonas syringae BR2. ORFs encoded within the region included ones with similarity to beta-lactam synthase and clavaminic acid synthase, as well as amino acid synthesis enzymes. Novel ORFs were present in a portion of the biosynthetic region associated with a toxin hypersensitivity phenotype. Tabtoxin resistance was associated with a fragment containing a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter gene.
Changes in immune activation markers during pregnancy and postpartum

Changes in CD4 + cell levels and other immune parameters have been reported to occur during pregnancy but the timing of these alterations and their relationship to changes in immune function have not been well characterized. In addition, the influence of sociodemographic, obstetric, and other covariates on these relationships is largely unknown. We measured three immune activation markers, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2Ralpha), soluble CD8 antigen (sCD8), and neopterin during pregnancy and postpartum in 170 HIV-1-seronegative women enrolled in the Mothers and Infants Cohort Study. Ante-partum and postpartum changes in these markers were examined using multivariable longitudinal random effects models. Neopterin levels began to rise well before delivery and were in decline by 2 months postpartum. sIL-2Ralpha and sCD8 levels increased at or near delivery and peaked by 2 months postpartum. After adjustment for other variables, the peak in sIL-2Ralpha was greater among women with pre-term than full-term deliveries (P = 0.05). All three markers were higher in whites than non-whites and in 'hard' drug users than non-users (P < or = 0.001 for each). After adjustment for these and other variables, hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity was associated with higher levels of sCD8 and neopterin (P < or = 0.001 for each) but not sIL-2Ralpha (P = 0.27). These longitudinal data indicate that a state of broad immune activation develops at or near delivery. A number of maternal variables appear to influence the magnitude of these changes.
Magnetic resonance imaging to determine the distribution of a vaginal gel: before, during, and after both simulated and real intercourse.

To provide effective contraception and protection against sexually transmitted disease, vaginal gels should maximally cover the cervical os and the vaginal epithelium before, during and after intercourse. To non-invasively monitor the intravaginal distribution of an applied intravaginal gel, we performed high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female pelvis before, during and after both real and simulated sexual intercourse. We sought to determine whether simulated intercourse with a plastic phallus could be used as a surrogate for real intercourse for such experiments. Dilute gadolinium chelate solution was mixed with Gynol-II gel and introduced intravaginally to volunteer female human subjects using a conventional applicator. MRI was performed at 1.5 Tesla with a surface coil. Imaging of the female pelvis was performed: (1) immediately after insertion of the gel; (2) during real intercourse with a male partner (2 subjects) or simulated intercourse with a plastic phallus (4 subjects); and (3) after completion of real or simulated intercourse. Subjects were studied after application of both 3 mL and 5 mL of vaginal gel. Measurements of gel thickness covering the vaginal mucosa were made digitally using electronic calipers. The bolus of gel is initially located in the upper vaginal canal, superior to the urogenital diaphragm. Both real and simulated intercourse dramatically increases the spread of gel to the lower vagina. The cervix appears to be adequately covered with gel both before and after intercourse. Increasing the volume of the gel increases initial vaginal mucosal coverage but also increases leakage from the introitus. No statistically significant differences in vaginal mucosal coverage were found between patients having undergone real vs. simulated intercourse, or on post-intercourse scans of 3 mL versus 5 mL. MRI is a sensitive, reproducible means of tracking the spread of intravaginal medications.
Glycogen metabolism in an amphibian retina

The rate of incorporation of [3H]glucose into glycogen was determined in bullfrog retina incubated in vitro in dark and in the light. The rate of incorporation for glucose was found to be approximately two-fold greater in the dark than in the light, 0·108 vs. 0·061 nmol mg−1 protein min−1, respectively. The turnover rate for glycogen was found also to be approximately two-fold greater in the dark than in the light, 0·051 vs. 0·027% min−1, respectively.
Breasts are for men: Media, masculinity ideologies, and men's beliefs about women's bodies

Although masculinity ideology (MI) has been shown to predict men’s sexual risk-taking, less is known about MI’s contribution to men’s beliefs about women and their sexual bodies. Accordingly, we examined associations between masculine ideology, media consumption, and men’s attitudes about women’s reproductive body functions among a sample of 656 undergraduate men. Participants completed measures assessing their endorsement of traditional gender ideologies, their levels of media exposure and engagement, and their attitudes toward childbirth and breastfeeding. It was hypothesized that media use would contribute to traditional MI, and that traditional MI would contribute to negative views about breastfeeding and childbirth. Results supported these individual connections, but not a mediated model. Discussion focuses on implications of these findings for women’s lives.
INTERMITTENT HYPOXIA CONDITIONING PREVENTS OXIDATIVE BRAIN INJURY IN ETHANOL WITHDRAWN RATS

Cyclic bouts of intermittent, normobaric hypoxia (IH) have been found to protect the central nervous system from ischemic and excitotoxic injury. We investigated whether IH mitigates oxidative brain injury in male rats subjected to ethanol intoxication and abrupt ethanol withdrawal (EW). We assessed the effects of IH on superoxide generation, protein oxidation, and mitochondrial membrane swelling and rupture as a marker of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening. Male rats consumed dextrin control diet or 6.5% ethanol diet for 5 weeks. During the last 20 days of the diet, rats were treated with repetitive (5-8/day), brief (5-10 min) periods of hypoxia (9.5-10% inspired O2) separated by 4 min exposures to room air. Cerebellum, cortex and hippocampus were biopsied at the end of the ethanol diet or at 24 hours of EW. Superoxide and protein carbonyl contents in tissue homogenates and rate of absorbance decline at 540 nm in mitochondrial suspensions were measured as indicators of oxidative stress, protein oxidation and PTP opening, respectively. EW increased superoxide and protein carbonyl contents and accelerated PTP opening in all three brain areas in a manner that was ameliorated by IH. These results suggest that antecedent IH conditioning during chronic ethanol consumption attenuates subsequent oxidative damage to the brain in ethanol withdrawn rats. (supported by NIAAA/AA013864, NIAAA/AA015982, NCCAM/AT003598).
Variation in genome size of argasid and ixodid ticks

The suborder Ixodida includes many tick species of medical and veterinary importance, but little is known about the genomic characteristics of these ticks. We report the first study to determine genome size in two species of Argasidae (soft ticks) and seven species of Ixodidae (hard ticks) using flow cytometry analysis of fluorescent stained nuclei. Our results indicate a large haploid genome size (1C>1000 Mbp) for all Ixodida with a mean of 1281 Mbp (1.31+/-0.07 pg) for the Argasidae and 2671 Mbp (2.73+/-0.04 pg) for the Ixodidae. The haploid genome size of Ixodes scapularis was determined to be 2262 Mbp. We observed inter- and intra-familial variation in genome size as well as variation between strains of the same species. We explore the implications of these results for tick genome evolution and tick genomics research.
Tracing the pathways of the upper limb of the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

The warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of the eastern subpolar gyre (ESG) in the North Atlantic have been widely linked to the climate and climate variability of Great Britain and northwestern Europe. The source of the ESG waters, and its heat, has long been identified as surface subtropical waters that flow into the subpolar gyre as part of the upper limb of the Meridional Overturning Circulation. Recent studies, however, have cast doubt on that identification. Here we use synthetic floats launched in a high-resolution ocean general circulation model to identify the supply waters to the ESG and to determine the influence of those pathways on SSTs in that climatically important region. The synthetic floats reveal two pathways: a dominant subsurface subtropical to subpolar pathway and a less traveled surface pathway carrying recirculated waters eastward from the western subpolar gyre. The former pathway supplies anomalously warm water to the region; the latter pathway supplies anomalously cool water.
Bayesian Hierarchical Choice Modeling Framework for Capturing Heterogeneous Preferences in Engineering System Design

Choice models play a critical role in enterprise-driven design by providing a link between engineering design attributes and customer preferences. In our previous work, we introduced the hierarchical choice modeling approach to address the special needs in complex engineering system design. The hierarchical choice modeling approach utilizes multiple model levels to create a link between qualitative attributes considered by consumers when selecting a product and quantitative attributes used for engineering design. In this work, the approach is expanded to the Bayesian Hierarchical Choice Modeling (BHCM) framework, estimated using an All-at-Once (AAO) solution procedure. This new framework addresses the shortcomings of the previous method while providing a highly flexible modeling framework to address the needs of complex system design. In this framework, both systematic and random consumer heterogeneity is explicitly considered, the ability to combine multiple sources of data for model estimation and updating is significantly expanded, and a method to mitigate error propagated throughout the model hierarchy is developed. In addition to developing the new choice model approach, the importance of including a complete representation of consumer heterogeneity in the model framework is provided. The new modeling framework is validated using several metrics and techniques. The benefits of the BHCM method are demonstrated in the design of an automobile occupant package.© 2009 ASME
Applying airborne LiDAR for forested road geomatics

Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has become a popular remote sensing technology to create digital terrain models and provide forest inventory information. However, little research has been done to investigate the accuracy of using scanning airborne LiDAR to perform road geomatics tasks common to forest engineering. We used airborne LiDAR to estimate existing forest road characteristics in support of a road assessment under four different canopy conditions. In estimating existing road centerlines, LiDAR data had a vertical root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.28 m and a horizontal RMSE of 1.21 m. Road grades were estimated to within 1% slope of the value sampled in the field and horizontal curve radii were estimated with an average absolute error of 3.17 m. The results suggest that airborne LiDAR is an acceptable data source to estimate forest road centerlines and grades, but some caution should be used in estimating horizontal curve radii, particularly on sharp curves.
Nucleosome Positioning on Lambda DNA for Single-Molecule Analysis of Chromatin Remodeling - Development of a Versatile Lambda DNA Construct Capable of Reception of any DNA Sequences of Interest

Single-molecule biophysics and enzymology has become a vast field of investigation of biomolecules in the last decade. Application of these techniques enabled the characterization of molecular phenomena in a previously unprecedented resolution and highlighted previously hidden mechanisms of actions of enzymes. Lambda phage DNA is widely used for studying DNA biophysics and protein-DNA interactions because of its optimal size for single-molecule manipulations. However, single-molecule analysis of reactions that require specific DNA sequences or specialized DNA structures, including positioned nucleosomes to study chromatin remodeling, have been an unresolved problem. Here we demonstrate the development of a versatile lambda phage system (λKytos) modified to receive any types of DNA in the middle of lambda DNA. We integrated an array of nucleosome positioning sequences into λKytos and reconstituted fluorescently labeled nucleosomes on this substrate. Our results show that there is a strong bias for the nucleosomes to bind to the positioning sequences along the lambda DNA (30% of the nucleosomes bound to the positioning region which is 3% of the total length). The reconstituted chromatin can be visualized by optical trapping and TIRF microscopy that enables us to study sequence specific chromatin remodeling with a previously inaccessible resolution. We also demonstrate applications of the λKytos system where we introduced a replication origin, a single-stranded (ss) DNA gap, and a DNA bubble consisting of two non-pairing ssDNA region in the middle of λKytos. These substrates - and similar derivatives - will greatly facilitate single-molecule studies of DNA replication, recombination and repair in the presence and absence of reconstituted chromatin.
Physics Performance of a Low-Luminosity Low Energy Neutrino Factory

We investigate the minimal performance, in terms of beam luminosity and detector size, of a neutrino factory to achieve a competitive physics reach for the determination of the mass hierarchy and the discovery of leptonic $CP$ violation. We find that a low luminosity of $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ useful muon decays per year and 5 GeV muon energy aimed at a 10 kton magnetized liquid argon detector placed at 1300 km from the source provides a good starting point. This result relies on ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{13}$ being large and assumes that the so-called platinum channel can be used effectively. We find that such a minimal facility would perform significantly better than phase I of the LBNE project and thus could constitute a reasonable step towards a full neutrino factory.
Perforation of a gall stone into the stomach with resulting pyloric obstruction: Case report with gastroscopic and surgical findings

A case of gall stone acting as a foreign body in the stomach is reported. The clinical, roentgenological, gastroscopic and surgical findings are described.
Fairness of burst-level admission control protocols

Burst-level admission control protocols have been proposed to perform access control to sources that exhibit high burstiness and need not require real-time delivery. To this end, two broad approaches of burst-level admission control can be classified. In the first approach, called tell-and-go, the source transmits its messages immediately in the form of bursts as soon as it receives the message from its application layer. In the second approach, called tell-and- wait, the source first reserves the bandwidth along the virtual circuit using a short request message. The burst is transitted only after the requested bandwidth has been allotted. In this paper, we analyze the performance of both protocols taking into consideration of the fact that the sources are heterogeneous, an important assumption which is absent in all previous analyses. We show that sources which request a higher peak bit rate encounter higher blocking probability, resulting in lower throughput. We then propose a solution to fix this fairness problem so the equitable performance is achieved.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A new class of statistical performance criteria for stochastic linear control systems

A new set of performance indices for quadratic performance measures show the way to new design criteria for stochastic linear control systems. The new criteria allow the designer to affect the probability distribution of performance measures without the need for stochastic simulation. Controllers arising in this new format are lineardynamical and exhibit the separation property.
Science Signaling Podcast: 9 November 2010

This is a conversation with Doug Fields about a Research Article published in the 5 October 2010 issue of Science Signaling . Fields and Ni report that axonal swelling allows neurons to communicate with glia by releasing ATP through volume-activated anion channels. This nonvesicular, nonsynaptic form of communication may mediate activity-dependent communication between neurons and neighboring cells under normal conditions and may play a role in disease.
ALK5-dependent TGF-β signaling is a major determinant of late-stage adult neurogenesis

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway serves critical functions in CNS development, but, apart from its proposed neuroprotective actions, its physiological role in the adult brain is unclear. We observed a prominent activation of TGF-β signaling in the adult dentate gyrus and expression of downstream Smad proteins in this neurogenic zone. Consistent with a function of TGF-β signaling in adult neurogenesis, genetic deletion of the TGF-β receptor ALK5 reduced the number, migration and dendritic arborization of newborn neurons. Conversely, constitutive activation of neuronal ALK5 in forebrain caused a marked increase in these aspects of neurogenesis and was associated with higher expression of c-Fos in newborn neurons and with stronger memory function. Our findings describe an unexpected role for ALK5-dependent TGF-β signaling as a regulator of the late stages of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which may have implications for changes in neurogenesis during aging and disease.
Sex-specific tolerance to starvation in the copepod Acartia tonsa

article i nfo Article history: We define tolerance to starvation as the ability to survive in the absence of food. We tested the hypotheses that adult male Acartia tonsa copepods are less tolerant to starvation than adult female copepods, and that tolerance to starvation is affected by prior diet, age of individuals and duration spent in the adult stage. We also tested whether, during the period of starvation, egg production affected tolerance to starvation in fe- male adults. Field-collected male and female copepods were fed non-limiting rations of the toxic dinoflagel- late Alexandrium fundyense, non-toxic Alexandrium tamarense, the nutritionally insufficient dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum, or a standard non-toxic diet (a mixture of the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, the flagellate Tetraselmis sp., and the green microalga Isochrysis galbana) for 24 h before starvation. In separate experiments, male and female field-caught copepods were either starved or fed non-limiting rations of the standard non-toxic diet. Finally, tolerance to starvation was measured in adults raised in laboratory cohorts. Tolerance to starvation was lower for adult males than females in all experiments, with all starved copepods dying within fifteen days. We observed a similar pattern for field-caught and laboratory-raised animals: dif- ferences in adult survivorship between the sexes were immediately apparent under starvation. In contrast, adult survivorship in fed animals was relatively constant and independent of sex during the first fifteen days. Subsequently, male survivorship was lower. In the laboratory-cohort experiments differences in toler- ance to starvation between the sexes were not affected by age or by duration within the adult stage. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that adult male A. tonsa are physiologically less tolerant to starva- tion compared to females, and may explain observations of female-skewed adult sex-ratios in food-limited field and laboratory experiments. Further, total egg production and survivorship during starvation were uncorrelated. We suggest that the former is controlled by previous feeding history and the latter by basal metabolism.