cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus inhibits interleukin-4-mediated STAT6 phosphorylation to regulate apoptosis and maintain latency

Cytokine-mediated JAK/STAT signaling controls numerous important biologic responses like immune function, cellular growth, and differentiation. Inappropriate activation of this signaling pathway is associated with a range of malignancies. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the infectious viral agent associated with Kaposi's sarcoma and may also contribute to B-cell disorders, which include primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease. However, regulation of cytokine-mediated lymphocytic immune response by KSHV is not fully understood. In this report, we demonstrate that KSHV suppresses the interleukin-4 (IL-4)-stimulated immune response of B-lymphocyte activation and cell proliferation. Moreover, we show that the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) encoded by KSHV is essential for viral blocking of IL-4-induced signaling. LANA reduces phosphorylation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) on Y-641 and concomitantly its DNA binding ability. Importantly, knockdown of endogenous STAT6 dramatically increases the sensitivity of PEL cells to low-serum stress or chemical-mediated cellular apoptosis and reactivation of KSHV from latent replication. Thus, these findings suggest that the IL-4/STAT6 signaling network is precisely controlled by KSHV for survival, maintenance of latency, and suppression of the host cytokine immune response of the virus-infected cells.
Microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and uncontrolled blood pressure among diagnosed hypertensive patients: the aspect of racial disparity in the NHANES study.

Microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and uncontrolled blood pressure among diagnosed hypertensive patients: the aspect of racial disparity in the NHANES study
Fluorescence-Tagged Transgenic Lines Reveal Genetic Defects in Pollen Growth—Application to the Eif3 Complex

Background Mutations in several subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) cause male transmission defects in Arabidopsis thaliana. To identify the stage of pollen development at which eIF3 becomes essential it is desirable to examine viable pollen and distinguish mutant from wild type. To accomplish this we have developed a broadly applicable method to track mutant alleles that are not already tagged by a visible marker gene through the male lineage of Arabidopsis. Methodology/Principal Findings Fluorescence tagged lines (FTLs) harbor a transgenic fluorescent protein gene (XFP) expressed by the pollen-specific LAT52 promoter at a defined chromosomal position. In the existing collection of FTLs there are enough XFP marker genes to track nearly every nuclear gene by virtue of its genetic linkage to a transgenic marker gene. Using FTLs in a quartet mutant, which yields mature pollen tetrads, we determined that the pollen transmission defect of the eif3h-1 allele is due to a combination of reduced pollen germination and reduced pollen tube elongation. We also detected reduced pollen germination for eif3e. However, neither eif3h nor eif3e, unlike other known gametophytic mutations, measurably disrupted the early stages of pollen maturation. Conclusion/Significance eIF3h and eIF3e both become essential during pollen germination, a stage of vigorous translation of newly transcribed mRNAs. These data delimit the end of the developmental window during which paternal rescue is still possible. Moreover, the FTL collection of mapped fluorescent protein transgenes represents an attractive resource for elucidating the pollen development phenotypes of any fine-mapped mutation in Arabidopsis.
A potentiometric study of the semiquinone of n,n'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine

Abstract N,N'-Diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine was oxidized at 25° coulometrically at constant current using electrolytically generated bromine in 90% glacial acetic acid at a pH of —0.1. The course of the oxidation with time was followed potentiometrically using a platinum indicating electrode and a saturated silver chloride reference electrode. Only one inflection point was observed. This corresponded to a one-electron step, providing definite evidence of the existence of a semiquinone. The formal standard reduction potential, E1°', for the first step was found to be 0.563 V vs. N.H.E., and E2°' for the second step was 0.781 V vs. N.H.E. The value of 5250 ± 50 for the semiquinone formation constant, K, corresponding to the equilibrium O + R = 2S was determined.
Decays of Higgs scalars into vector mesons and photons

Abstract Decays of a neutral Higgs scalar (H) into a neutral vector meson (V) and a photon ( γ ) are discussed. The width for H → V + γ is related to the leptonic width V → l + l − . The rate for H → V + V is also estimated using a Phenomenological quark interaction with vector mesons supplemented by form factors.
Longitudinal studies of personality disorders: Four lessons from personality psychology.

The three longitudinal projects described in this special section of the Journal of Personality Disorders raise a number of intriguing questions concerning the natural history of personality disorders and offer more than their share of surprises. In addition, they underscore several valuable lessons derived from the literature on normal-range personality traits. Drawing in part from the writings of the American trait psychologist Gordon Allport, I describe four such lessons: (1) change and continuity of personality traits and disorders can and do coexist, (2) the covariation among personality traits helps to account for the "comorbidity" among personality disorders, (3) personality traits and disorders influence how individuals interpret life events, and (4) personality traits must be distinguished from behavioral adaptations to these traits. These lessons remind us that the science of personality disorders must be informed by the basic science of personality.
The effects of UW solution and its components on corneal thickness during and after storage.

The ability of rabbit corneas to undergo energy-dependent deturgescence was examined after the corneas were stored at 4° C in UW solution, M-K media, or selected modifications of these media. All corneas slowly increased in thickness during storage, despite the presence of colloidal osmotic agents. Corneas stored for 2.5 days in M-K became slightly thinner when cultured over a 24-hour period. Corneas stored in UW swelled quickly in culture and became too opaque to measure within three hours. Corneas stored in UW with 1.8 mM CaC12 swelled transiently, then maintained their thickness and exhibited deturgescence in the latter stages of the culture period. Deturgescence of corneas stored for 7 days in M-K was only slightly worse than those stored for 2.5 days. Corneas stored for 7 days in UW, however, became opaque almost imnediately in culture and those stored in calcium-supplemented UW became opaque within 4.5 hours. Replacement of the dextran in M-K with hydroxyethyl starch produced a slower rate of cornea...
The effect of reproductive performance on the dairy cattle herd value assessed by integrating a daily dynamic programming model with a daily Markov chain model

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reproductive performance on dairy cattle herd value. Herd value was defined as the herd's average retention payoff (RPO). Individual cow RPO is the expected profit from keeping the cow compared with immediate replacement. First, a daily dynamic programming model was developed to calculate the RPO of all cow states in a herd. Second, a daily Markov chain model was applied to estimate the herd demographics. Finally, the herd value was calculated by aggregating the RPO of all cows in the herd. Cow states were described by 5 milk yield classes (76, 88, 100, 112, and 124% with respect to the average), 9 lactations, 750 d in milk, and 282 d in pregnancy. Five different reproductive programs were studied (RP1 to RP5). Reproductive program 1 used 100% timed artificial insemination (TAI; 42% conception rate for first TAI and 30% for second and later services) and the other programs combined TAI with estrus detection. The proportion of cows receiving artificial insemination after estrus detection ranged from 30 to 80%, and conception rate ranged from 25 to 35%. These 5 reproductive programs were categorized according to their 21-d pregnancy rate (21-d PR), which is an indication of the rate that eligible cows become pregnant every 21 d. The 21-d PR was 17% for RP1, 14% for RP2, 16% for RP3, 18% for RP4, and 20% for RP5. Results showed a positive relationship between 21-d PR and herd value. The most extreme herd value difference between 2 reproductive programs was $77/cow per yr for average milk yield (RP5 - RP2), $13/cow per yr for lowest milk yield (RP5 - RP1), and $160/cow per yr for highest milk yield (RP5 - RP2). Reproductive programs were ranked based on their calculated herd value. With the exception of the best reproductive program (RP5), all other programs showed some level of ranking change according to milk yield. The most dramatic ranking change was observed in RP1, which moved from being the worst ranked for lowest milk yield to the second ranked for highest milk yield. Within a reproductive program, RPO changed based on the stage of lactation at pregnancy. Cows getting pregnant in the early stage of a lactation had higher RPO compared with getting pregnant later in the lactation. However, the RPO at calving was similar for early and late lactation pregnancies.
An exploratory analysis of a record of El Nino events, 1800-1987

Abstract This article describes an exploratory analysis of a record of major El Nino events covering the period 1800–1987. This record contains both the years during which the events occurred and a binary indication of their magnitude. The record is modeled as a marked point process in which the times of the events follow a renewal process and the sequence of binary marks follows a stationary first-order Markov chain.
Association of Elevated Fasting C-Peptide Level and Increased Intra-Abdominal Fat Distribution With Development of NIDDM in Japanese-American Men

The Japanese-American population of King County, Washington, is known to have a high prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). As part of a community-based study, we reexamined 146 second-generation Japanese-American men who had been initially classified as nondiabetic. At a mean follow-up period of 30 mo, 15 men had developed NIDDM, and 131 remained nondiabetic. The variables measured at the initial visit that distinguished the 15 diabetic men from the 131 nondiabetic men were older age, higher serum glucose level at 2 h after 75 g oral glucose, higher fasting plasma C-peptide level, and increased cross-sectional intra-abdominal fat area as determined by computed tomography. Both older age and higher 2-h glucose levels are variables that have been associated with the development of NIDDM, but the association of higher fasting C-peptide level and greater intra-abdominal fat area with subsequent development of NIDDM were new observations. The elevated fasting C-peptide level persisted after adjustment for fasting serum glucose. The elevated C-peptide level represents hypersecretion of insulin and was interpreted to reflect a compensatory response to an underlying insulin-resistant state that antedates the development of NIDDM. The fasting C-peptide level was correlated with the intra-abdominal fat area, suggesting that the intra-abdominal fat area may be associated with insulin resistance. Thus, in individuals who develop NIDDM, insulin resistance, increased insulin secretion, and increased intra-abdominal fat are present before diabetic glucose tolerance can be demonstrated.
Vulnerability analysis of a smart grid with monitoring and control system

Large scale power outage is typically the consequence of cascading failures propagated through a power system. To mitigate failure propagation, wide area monitoring and control system is introduced. However, as the physical system is tightly coupled with the cyber system, new threats are introduced due to possible cyber attacks and failures of the communication system.This paper presents a new framework for vulnerability analysis. Under this framework, we can identify the vulnerable components and the critical components of a cyber physical system. Distinct from previous work, our model considers the interaction between the different components of the cyber physical system, and models the dynamic evolving process of cascading failures. The impact of a component failure on the system is dynamically changing as the failure propagates. We formulate the vulnerability analysis problem as an optimization problem and use linear programming to solve it. Since instability is the reason of power outage, we use an instability index to measure the negative impact to the system. The results from this optimization problem suggest which components of the system are critical since their failure can most negatively impact the cyber-physical system.
Experimental test of the effective-photon hypothesis

The effective-photon hypothesis postulates a photon energy variable with light intensity according to a relation of the form e=hv/[1−β 0 f(I)]=hv 1 . This hypothesis has been subjected to direct experimental test. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer is illuminated with aQ-spoiled Nd:glass laser and the time history of the interference fringes is recorded with an image converter camera. The experimental results show that indeed the laser pulse is not monochromatic and that a large frequency change occurs with light intensity. In addition, the analysis of the results indicates that the principle of conservation of energy is not in contradiction with the hypothesis of “effective photon,” provided photons can exchange energy among themselves.
Prospective Predictors of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Context: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common overuse injuries.Objective: To assess the collective evidence of predisposing factors to PFPS.Data Sources: MEDLINE (1960–June 2010), EMBASE (1980–June 2010), and CINAHL (1982–June 2010).Study Selection: Studies were included if patients were asymptomatic at baseline testing (free of PFPS) and were prospectively followed for the development of the disorder. Only studies that assessed at least 1 variable that can be measured at a typical clinic were included. After duplicates were removed, 973 studies were assessed from their titles or abstracts, 20 from the full text, and from these, 7 met the inclusion criteria.Data Extraction: Data were extracted for age, weight, height, sample size, patient type (military vs civilian), follow-up periods, diagnostic methods, and diagnostic criteria. Means and standard deviations were extracted for all outcome variables.Results: Meta-analyses were performed for height, weight, leanness, Q angle, numbe...
MyTaxa: an advanced taxonomic classifier for genomic and metagenomic sequences

Determining the taxonomic affiliation of sequences assembled from metagenomes remains a major bottleneck that affects research across the fields of environmental, clinical and evolutionary microbiology. Here, we introduce MyTaxa, a homology-based bioinformatics framework to classify metagenomic and genomic sequences with unprecedented accuracy. The distinguishing aspect of MyTaxa is that it employs all genes present in an unknown sequence as classifiers, weighting each gene based on its (predetermined) classifying power at a given taxonomic level and frequency of horizontal gene transfer. MyTaxa also implements a novel classification scheme based on the genome-aggregate average amino acid identity concept to determine the degree of novelty of sequences representing uncharacterized taxa, i.e. whether they represent novel species, genera or phyla. Application of MyTaxa on in silico generated (mock) and real metagenomes of varied read length (100–2000 bp) revealed that it correctly classified at least 5% more sequences than any other tool. The analysis also showed that ~10% of the assembled sequences from human gut metagenomes represent novel species with no sequenced representatives, several of which were highly abundant in situ such as members of the Prevotella genus. Thus, MyTaxa can find several important applications in microbial identification and diversity studies.
Depression mood stabilisation: Novel concepts and clinical management

No currently available mood stabiliser has equivalent efficacy in both phases of bipolar disorder; therefore, patients may require combination therapy with agents that possess complementary mood-stabilising properties. Emerging data demonstrate that combination therapy with lamotrigine, other mood stabilisers, and/or short-term antidepressants or antipsychotics, is a realistic treatment option. Lamotrigine has a side-effect profile compatible with treatment adherence and is well tolerated in combination therapy. Practical guidance is provided on the use of lamotrigine in combination therapy. Lamotrigine represents a valuable addition to the current therapeutic armamentarium for bipolar disorder, allowing a therapeutic balance between the treatment of mania and depression.
Operative manometry and endoscopy during laparoscopic Heller myotomy. An initial experience.

Background: We report our initial experience using operative esophageal manometry as an adjunct to endoscopy to determine the completeness of esophagogastric high-pressure zone (HPZ) obliteration during laparoscopic Heller myotomy.
The Role of Faith Affiliation for Women in Same-Sex Relationships

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between faith match and relationship satisfaction as well as family support of same-sex women couples (N = 80). Relationship length was also investigated as it related to faith match. ANOVA procedures were used to determine the influence of faith match on four different groups of women: (1) same traditional faith; (2) different traditional faith; (3) same nontraditional faith; and (4) mixed nontraditional faith. While faith match did not significantly affect relationship satisfaction or family support, there was a significant relationship between length of the relationship and faith match. Couples who were together longer were significantly more likely to share the same traditional faith.
Impulsive choice, as measured in a delay discounting paradigm, remains stable after chronic heroin administration

Abstract Heroin addicts display poorer impulse control than non-addicts, however it is not known if high impulsivity is a function of chronic heroin intake or a pre-disposing vulnerability for heroin addiction. Using animal models, relatively few studies have examined changes in impulsive choice as a function of chronic drug. The objective of this study was to measure alterations in impulsive choice through a delay discounting paradigm, as a function of chronic heroin administration. Animals were trained on a series of delay discounting sessions. Each session contained 5 blocks of trials. Blocks started with 2 forced, followed by 6 free choice trials. Pressing one lever resulted in the delivery of a small immediate (1 food pellet) reward and another lever in a large delayed (5 pellets) reward. Sessions consisted of the 3 ascending delay sequences in seconds. On the terminal sequence (0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 s) animals exhibited a reversal of reward choice pattern of responding that allowed for the calculation of an indifference point (IP). After animals showed stable IPs they were treated with either heroin or saline for 12 days. Three days after the last injection animals were again placed in operant chambers and experienced the terminal delay discounting sequence at which time IPs were reassessed. Heroin-treated animals exhibited significant progressive increases in locomotor activity. Groups did not differ in IPs or performance across delay conditions during either before or after chronic treatment periods. These results indicate that chronic heroin intake does not impact later impulsive responding for natural (food) reward.
Fabrication of capsules with angle-dependent gold shims for hohlraum drive symmetry correction

Abstract In the heavy ion drive hybrid target design for fusion energy, the hohlraum drive suffers from low mode, in particular, P4, asymmetry. Recent target designs have shown that this asymmetry can be removed by shimming the capsule with a high Z material. The shim varies in thickness as a function of the polar angle precisely to correct the asymmetry precisely. In this paper, we report on the first attempt at fabrication of such targets. These targets are typically ∼4.7 mm in diameter and 20–30 μm in wall thickness, with a gold coating as the shim, approximately a few tenths of micrometers in thickness. These targets were made for experiments at Sandia National Laboratory's (SNL) double-ended Z-pinch experiments, which closely mimic heavy ion drive. We discuss fabrication and characterization issues involved in making these targets.
DESIGN AND USE OF CELLULAR IMPLANTS FOR TREATMENT OF DIABETES (IDDM)

The primary objective of islet transplantation is to transplant sufficient quantities of normal, functional islet tissue in to Type 1, IDDM patients to achieve normal metabolic function without insulin therapy sufficiently early in their disease to prevent their complications while avoiding the use of tong-term immunosuppress ion and autoimmune recurrence. A total of 14 patients with kidney transplants have reached insulin independence after islet transplantation using immunosuppression with the longest at 30 months. Many others have had partial islet function in clinical trials. Immunoalteration studies in which islets are altered in vitro prior to transplantation to eliminate donor immune cells that cause rejection have succeeded in rodent studies. Immunoisolation studies in which islets are encapsulated with specific biocompatible membranes and transplanted without immunosuppression are also showing promise in animals and beginning in human studies. These kinds of approaches will be necessary to make this potential therapy a practical approach for the patient with diabetes.
Extraocular motor units: type classification and motoneuron stimulation frequency-muscle unit force relationships

Extracellular and intracellular techniques were used to study single motor units of the abducens nucleus and lateral rectus muscle in the cat. Using a combination of two motor unit properties, the fusion frequency and an index of fatigability, the population of twitch motor units could be separated into 4 subgroups: fast fatigable (FF), fast fatigue resistant (FR), slow fatigable (SF) and slow fatigue resistant (S). Nontwitch motor units, a fifth subgroup (NT), formed 10% of the total studied population. The twitch tension and the maximum tetanic tension of the FF motor unit type were significantly stronger than all other motor unit types. The use of frequency varying stimulation patterns did not further differentiate the motor unit types. The relation between a series of single motoneuron stimulation frequencies and the resultant single muscle unit forces generated a slope defined as a motor unit's kt value. Motor units with low kt values had higher twitch tensions, higher maximum tetanic tensions, higher fusion frequencies and lower fatigue indices than motor units with high kt values. Motoneuron recruitment was tested by electrical stimulation of the medial rectus subdivision of the contralateral oculomotor nucleus. No correlations were seen between recruitment order and the mechanical parameters of the single abducens motor units.
Opioids as Local Anesthetic Adjuvants for Peripheral Nerve Block

Abstract Although the perineural application of opioids with local anesthetics has been of interest to anesthesiologists for years, neither the theoretical mechanism of action nor the effectiveness of this technique have been established. Opioid receptors are evident in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and central and peripheral endings of sensory afferents. Inflammation dramatically increases the production and axonal transport of these receptors. Local opioid injection in inflamed tissue is antinociceptive. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of opioid receptors in axonal membranes of afferent nerves in the portions of the axon where regional anesthesia is typically induced. Peripheral opioid injection produces modest analgesia in surgical patients when injected intraarticularly, and prolonged analgesia when injected locally into inflamed dental tissues, but has no effect in the absence of inflammation. Animal studies of perineural opioid application, in typical clinical concentrations, have shown no effect on sensory nerve action potentials. In the setting of acute, postoperative pain, the weight of evidence is against a significant clinical benefit from the addition of morphine, fentanyl, or sufentanil to local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block. Positive studies have often used injection sites close to the neuraxis or have not included systemic control groups. In a limited number of studies, perineural buprenorphine has produced prolonged analgesia. Basic opioid receptor research may ultimately provide a mechanism for perineural opioid activity. Alternatively we may determine that including opioids with local anesthetics for regional anesthesia is illogical and ineffective.
The right kind of content for a physicalist about color

Color experiences have representational content. But this content need not include a propositional component, particularly for reflectance physicalists such as Byrne & Hilbert (B&H). Insisting on such content gives primacy to language where it is not required, and makes the extension of the argument to nonhuman animals suspect.
Silicon carbide solid-state photomultiplier for UV light detection

A Silicon Carbide Solid-State Photomultiplier (SiC-PM) was designed, fabricated and characterized for the first time. A die size of 3x3 mm 2 has a 2x2 mm 2 pixelated photosensitive area on it. The pixelated area consists of 16 sub-arrays of 0.5x0.5 mm 2 with 64 pixels (60 μm pitch) in each sub-array. Each individual pixel has an integrated quenching resistor made of poly-silicon. Optical measurements of the SiC-PM were performed using fast UV LED with a wavelength of 300 nm demonstrating Geiger mode operation. Output signal waveforms measured at temperatures from 20°C to 200°C indicated temperature dependent time constants. The discrete nature of output signals indicated the capability of the SiC-PM to detect single photons from a faint UV light flux.
Graft size after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is composed of two distinct bundles, the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL), and both have been shown to be reliably measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to measure the size of the AM and PL bundles after ACL double-bundle reconstructions on MRI and compare this to the relative graft size at the time of surgery. Between January 2007 and April 2010, 85 knees were identified after allograft double-bundle ACL reconstruction with post-operative MRI (1.5 T) and met inclusion criteria. On standard sagittal, coronal and oblique coronal MRIs, the AM and PL bundles were delineated and the midsubstance width of the ACL graft was measured. The images were independently measured in a blinded fashion by two observers. Linear and curvilinear regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between graft size and time after reconstruction. The mean age of the patients was 24.6 years (SD 10.4). Mean time from surgery to post-operative MRI was 271.5 days (SD 183.4). The mean percentage of the original size of the AM bundle was 86.9 % (SD 9.9) and of the PL bundle was 88.6 % (SD 9.9). There was no correlation between the relative size of the AM graft and the time from surgery (r = 0.3, n.s.) and no significant relationship for the PL graft (r = 0.1, n.s). On average, there was no graft enlargement of the AM and PL grafts 275.1 days after allograft ACL double-bundle reconstruction, as the mean relative graft size was less than 100 % on MRI. This study suggests that surgeons, who use allografts, should measure the ACL and replace it with a similar size, as there is a low risk of hypertrophy of the graft within one year post-operative. IV.
Glycoprotein contributions to mammary gland and mammary tumor structure and function : Roles of adherens junctions, ErbBs and membrane MUCs

Mammary function is dependent on its three-dimensional organization, which is established and maintained by cell adhesive junctions linked through the membrane to the cell cytoskeleton. These junctions serve not only as structural elements, but also function as initiators and integrators of cell signals. In this review we discuss three types of glycoproteins whose interactions impinge on the function of mammary cell-cell junctions, cadherins, ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases and membrane mucins, as a microcosm of events regulating mammary cell behaviors. Actions of these components are integrated by the critical signaling element beta-catenin. When functioning properly, these glycoproteins, beta-catenin and associated signaling pathways mesh into a highly structured program for development and function of the gland. However, disruption or dysfunction of these glycoproteins or the signaling elements can lead to disorganization of the epithelia and ultimately to neoplasia.
Biological Mechanisms of HIV Sexual Transmission

(1995). Biological Mechanisms of HIV Sexual Transmission. Annals of Medicine: Vol. 27, No. 6, pp. 621-623.
The Conserved Poxvirus L3 Virion Protein Is Required for Transcription of Vaccinia Virus Early Genes

We provide the initial characterization of the product of the vaccinia virus L3L open reading frame (VACWR090), which is conserved in all sequenced members of the poxvirus family. The predicted polypeptide contains no motifs or other features that provided a clue to the role of the L3 protein, and no functional information was available regarding a homolog discovered in Plasmodium falciparum. The L3 protein was expressed following viral DNA replication, a finding consistent with a putative late promoter sequence, and was packaged as a non-membrane protein in mature virus particles. A recombinant virus, in which the L3L gene was regulated by the Escherichia coli lac operator/repressor system, had a conditional lethal phenotype. The virus replicated in the presence of inducer, but in its absence, the yields of infectious virus were reduced by 99%. When cells were infected without inducer, however, no defect in gene expression or morphogenesis was noted. Virus particles lacking L3, which assembled in the absence of inducer, were indistinguishable from wild-type virions with regard to morphology, major structural proteins, and DNA content but were noninfectious. L3-deficient virions were able to bind and penetrate cells but produced extremely small amounts of viral early mRNA. A defect in transcription was demonstrated by in vitro studies with permeabilized virions, but soluble extracts of L3-deficient virions showed normal levels of template-dependent transcriptional activity, indicating that only transcription of the packaged genome is impaired.
Images in cardiovascular medicine. Premature closure of the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus in a fetus with transposition of the great arteries.

A 32-year-old woman presented for evaluation at 34 weeks gestation complaining of feeling swollen and short of breath for several days. By report, she had received good prenatal care, and a complete ultrasound at 20 weeks gestation revealed no fetal abnormalities and a normal 4-chambered heart. Imaging by the perinatologist prompted immediate referral for a fetal echocardiogram. This study revealed severe cardiomegaly with marked dilation of the left atrium and ventricle (Figure 1). There was normal visceral situs and normal atrioventricular alignment. The pulmonary artery originated from the left ventricle (Figure 2) and the aorta from the right ventricle (Figure 3), making the diagnosis transposition of the great arteries (TGA). The aortic and pulmonary valves were normal in size and architecture. The mitral valve appeared thickened and there was severe regurgitation (Figure 4). The atrial septum was intact and …
SWIFT: Software Implemented Fault Tolerance

To improve performance and reduce power, processor designers employ advances that shrink feature sizes, lower voltage levels, reduce noise margins, and increase clock rates. However, these advances make processors more susceptible to transient faults that can affect correctness. While reliable systems typically employ hardware techniques to address soft-errors, software techniques can provide a lower-cost and more flexible alternative. This paper presents a novel, software-only, transient-fault-detection technique, called SWIFT. SWIFT efficiently manages redundancy by reclaiming unused instruction-level resources present during the execution of most programs. SWIFT also provides a high level of protection and performance with an enhanced control-flow checking mechanism. We evaluate an implementation of SWIFT on an Itanium 2 which demonstrates exceptional fault coverage with a reasonable performance cost. Compared to the best known single-threaded approach utilizing an ECC memory system, SWIFT demonstrates a 51% average speedup.
Mercury methylation by planktonic and biofilm cultures of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans.

While biofilms are now known to be the predominant form of microbial growth in nature, very little is yet known about their role in environmental mercury (Hg) methylation. Findings of Hg methylation in periphyton communities have indicated the importance of investigating how environmental biofilms affect Hg methylation, as periphyton can be the base of the food webs in aquatic ecosystems. Chemical speciation influences the microbial uptake and methylation of inorganic Hg by planktonic cultures of sulfate-reducing bacteria; however, the effect of speciation on Hg methylation by biofilm cultures of these organisms has previously not been studied. In the present study, Hg methylation rates in biofilm and planktonic cultures of two isolates of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans from a coastal wetland were compared. Notably, the specific Hg methylation rate found was approximately an order of magnitude higher (0.0018 vs 0.0002 attomol cell-1 day-1) in biofilm cells than in planktonic cells, suggesting an important ro...
Pressure dependence of the Mössbauer effect of 57Fe in Cu at 298°K and 94°K

Abstract The pressure dependence of the velocity shift and Mossbauer fraction for 57Fe in dilute solution in Cu has been studied to 130 kbar at 298°K and 94°K. The results are consistent with a Debye temperature of ≈ 317°K for Cu.
The half‐saturation coefficient for dissolved oxygen: A dynamic method for its determination and its effect on dual species competition

A simple approach was developed to determine the half-saturation coefficient for dissolved oxygen (K(DO)) for three bacteria by maintaining a constant oxygen concentration in continuous culture, and employing a dynamic method to obtain the specific growth rate (mu) for each species. Measurement of mu at selected dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO) resulted in a typical Monod curve for a plot of mu vs. DO. Values for K(DO) and mu(max) were obtained from the Lineweaver-Burk reciprocal plot. The bacteria studied included representative strains of three microorganisms isolated in pure culture from poorly settling activated sludge: two filamentous microorganisms, Sphaerotilus natans and a second Sphaerotilus sp., and an unidentified floc-forming microorganism. The K(DO) values obtained for Sphaerotilus sp., S. natans, and the floc former were 0.014, 0.033, and 0.073 mg/L, respectively. Dual species competition experiments were conducted in continuous culture under low and high DO conditions. Successful growth competition by these microorganisms under DO-limiting conditions was consistent with experimentally determined K(DO) values. The finding of lower K(DO) values for the two Sphaerotilus species, compared to the floc former, confirmed the hypothesis that these filamentous microorganisms can outgrow floc-forming microorganisms in activated sludge when DO in the aeration basin is low.
Homogeneous Groupings of Metropolitan Housing Markets

Abstract In this paper, we use clustering techniques to identify structural relationships among U.S. housing markets and develop a bootstrapping procedure to test whether associations between cities are significant. The method allows the creation of meaningful "groups" of cities. These groups are useful for purposes of diversification, and for identifying appropriate hedging proxies for city-specific futures instruments. A clustering algorithm, K-means, is applied to the 1977-1992 returns to housing price indices in 30 metropolitan U.S. housing markets. It demonstrates strong regional differences in housing price fluctuations. When three groups are specified, we find a West Coast group, an East Coast group, and a central U.S. group. When more groups are specified, the West Coast divides into two clusters that are not north and south, and Texas cities separate from the central U.S. group. Using bootstrap methods, we reject the hypothesis that these groupings are a result of random associations.
Semiquinone and Cluster N6 Signals in His-tagged Proton Translocating NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (complex I) from Escherichia coli

Abstract NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) pumps protons across the membrane using downhill redox energy. The Escherichia coli complex I consists of 13 different subunits named NuoA-N coded by the nuo operon. Due to the low abundance of the protein and some difficulty with the genetic manipulation of its large ∼15-kb operon, purification of E. coli complex I has been technically challenging. Here, we generated a new strain in which a polyhistidine sequence was inserted upstream of nuoE in the operon. This allowed us to prepare large amounts of highly pure and active complex I by efficient affinity purification. The purified complex I contained 0.94 ± 0.1 mol of FMN, 29.0 ± 0.37 mol of iron, and 1.99 ± 0.07 mol of ubiquinone/1 mol of complex I. The extinction coefficient of isolated complex I was 495 mm−1 cm−1 at 274 nm and 50.3 mm−1 cm−1 at 410 nm. NADH:ferricyanide activity was 219 ± 9.7 μmol/min/mg by using HEPES-Bis-Tris propane, pH 7.5. Detailed EPR analyses revealed two additional iron-sulfur cluster signals, N6a and N6b, in addition to previously assigned signals. Furthermore, we found small but significant semiquinone signal(s), which have been reported only for bovine complex I. The line width was ∼12 G, indicating its neutral semiquinone form. More than 90% of the semiquinone signal originated from the single entity with P½ (half-saturation power level) = 1.85 milliwatts. The semiquinone signal(s) decreased by 60% when with asimicin, a potent complex I inhibitor. The functional role of semiquinone and the EPR assignment of clusters N6a/N6b are discussed.
Reply to ``Comment on `Stable limit cycles in a two-component bimolecular reaction system' ''

A reply to Tyson’s(1) comment on a previous paper regarding stable limit cycles in two‐component reaction systems is presented. The dependence of diffusion constants on concentration seems to determine whether hi‐are linear functions of concentrations. (AIP)
The Bereaved Caregiver: A Prospective Study of Changes in Well-Being

This study analyzes short-term bereavement adaptation among caregivers to spouses or parents with a progressive dementia, assessing changes in depression, mastery, overload, and guilt to examine the impact of bereavement on caregivers, and the characteristics of caregiver experience that affect bereavement adaptation. The bereavement group, as compared with active caregivers, dropped substantially in overload and increased in mastery and guilt. Depression showed a curvilinear trend, declining from the time of death and then rising to preloss levels by the end of the year. Caregiver stressors, baseline adaptation, relationship difficulties, and psychological preparation were all related to changes in well-being.
Limitations of cough in maintaining blood flow during asystole: assessment by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.

Abstract It has been previously demonstrated that patients can maintain consciousness by vigorously coughing during episodes of prolonged ventricular asystole or ventricular fibrillation. Using two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and arterial blood pressure recordings, we evaluated the changes that occur during coughing in nine patients who were dependent on pacemakers and in whom periods of asystole could be induced. During asystole in each patient the mitral valve stayed partially open and the left ventricular area comprised 87% and 90% (apical four-chamber view, short-axis view, respectively) of the area during diastole of paced rhythm. Peak arterial pressure during coughing and asystole was 80% of peak systolic pressure of paced rhythm (P = 0.001). Left ventricular area during coughing was 110% (both apical four-chamber view and short-axis views) of the area during asystole when patients were not coughing. Both the mitral and aortic valves showed no appreciable motion during coughing. During coughing the mean flow velocity across the mitral valve was 0.06 ± 0.03 m/sec and the flow velocity integral was 0.03 ± 0.02 cm. Thus coughing during asystole produced minimal flow despite a rise in brachial arterial pressure.
MODFET noise model and properties with hot-electron effects

A noise model to study hot-electron effects on noise properties is derived. This model gives H. Fukui's (1979) coefficient an analytical expression in terms of bias condition and high-field parameters. 0.3- mu m gate length pseudomorphic MODFETs with and without a high-energy barrier buffer are fabricated and characterized. The noise data analyzed by the noise model agree with microwave characteristics where carrier deconfinement of two-dimensional electrons degrades both the noise and high-frequency performance. >
Environmental Education in Pennsylvania's Elementary Teacher Education Programs: A Statewide Report.

The status of environmental education in elementary teacher education programs in Pennsylvania was previously unknown. This study was undertaken to survey all of the preservice elementary teacher education institutions in the state using a mailed questionnaire. The response rate was approximately 57%. The results indicate that the inclusion of environmental education and Pennsylvania's recently mandated environment and ecology standards were inconsistent, and not well institutionalized within the institutions preparing elementary teachers. This report addresses only a portion of the findings from the survey.
Unequivocal determination of metal atom oxidation state in naked heme proteins: Fe(III)myoglobin, Fe(III)cytochrome c, Fe(III)cytochrome b5, and Fe(III)cytochrome b5 L47R.

Unambiguous determination of metal atom oxidation state in an intact metalloprotein is achieved by matching experimental (electrospray ionization 9.4 tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance) and theoretical isotopic abundance mass distributions for one or more holoprotein charge states. The iron atom oxidation state is determined unequivocally as Fe(III) for each of four gas-phase unhydrated heme proteins electrosprayed from H2O: myoglobin, cytochrome c, cytochrome b5, and cytochrome b5 L47R (i.e., the solution-phase oxidation state is conserved following electrospray to produce gas-phase ions). However, the same Fe(III) oxidation state in all four heme proteins is observed after prior reduction by sodium dithionite to produce Fe(II) heme proteins in solution: thus proving that oxygen was present during the electrospray process. Those results bear directly on the issue of similarity (or lack thereof) of solution-phase and gas-phase protein conformations. Finally, infrared multiphoton irradiation of the gas-phase Fe(III)holoproteins releases Fe(III)heme from each of the noncovalently bound Fe(III)heme proteins (myoglobin, cytochrome b5 and cytochrome b5 L47R), but yields Fe(II)heme from the covalently bound heme in cytochrome c.
Dirac oscillators and the relativistic R matrix

The Dirac oscillators are shown to be an excellent expansion basis for solutions of the Dirac equation by R-matrix techniques. The combination of the Dirac oscillator and the R-matrix approach provides a convenient formalism for reactions as well as bound-state problems. The utility of the R-matrix approach is demonstrated in relativistic impulse approximation calculations where exchange terms can be calculated exactly and scattering waves made orthogonal to bound-state wave functions.
The Road to Tuberculosis ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis ) Elimination in Arkansas; a Re-Examination of Risk Groups

Objectives This study was conducted to generate knowledge useful for developing public health interventions for more effective tuberculosis control in Arkansas.
Collaborative Validation of the QuEChERS Procedure for the Determination of Pesticides in Food by LC–MS/MS

Seven FDA pesticide laboratories collaborated to develop and validate an LC-MS/MS method to determine 173 pesticides in 0.99 for all but two compounds tested. The limits of detection were <20 ng/mL for all compounds and <10 ng/mL for 363 of the 368 transitions reported. The method was used to determine pesticides in two AOAC sponsored proficiency samples. The LC-MS/MS determination was used for the analysis of oranges, carrots and spinach using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) method. Each matrix was fortified at 20, 100, 400, and 1000 ng/g. No false positive responses were detected in controls of the three matrices. 165 pesticides had recoveries between 70 and 130%, and 161 had minimum detection levels less than 10 ng/g. Recoveries of 169 compounds for the 1000 ng/g spikes were within 50-150%. A matrix effect study indicated all three matrices caused a small net suppressing effect, the most pronounced attributable to the citrus matrix. The procedure proved to be accurate, precise, linear, sensitive and rugged, and adds 100 pesticides to the scope of the FDA pesticide program.
The dataminer's guide to scalable mixed-membership and nonparametric bayesian models

Large amounts of data arise in a multitude of situations, ranging from bioinformatics to astronomy, manufacturing, and medical applications. For concreteness our tutorial focuses on data obtained in the context of the internet, such as user generated content (microblogs, e-mails, messages), behavioral data (locations, interactions, clicks, queries), and graphs. Due to its magnitude, much of the challenges are to extract structure and interpretable models without the need for additional labels, i.e. to design effective unsupervised techniques. We present design patterns for hierarchical nonparametric Bayesian models, efficient inference algorithms, and modeling tools to describe salient aspects of the data.
DMSO: EFFECT ON BLADDER AFFERENT NEURONS AND NITRIC OXIDE RELEASE

AbstractPurpose: Interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic disorder of the urinary bladder, is characterized by increased voiding frequency, urgency and pain. Patients with IC also exhibit reduced urinary nitric oxide synthase activity. Intravesical administration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used to provide symptomatic relief in patients with IC. The present experiments were undertaken to determine if intravesical DMSO affects neural pathways involved in bladder function in the rat and if DMSO can influence the release of nitric oxide in the bladder or from afferent neurons.Materials and Methods: The effects of intravesical DMSO (10% solution in saline) on reflex bladder activity, firing on bladder nerves and c-fos gene expression in spinal neurons was examined in urethane anesthetized female Wistar rats. The effect of DMSO (1-10%) on nitric oxide release from urinary bladder strips or acutely dissociated dorsal root ganglion cells was monitored in vitro with a porphyrinic microsensor.Results: DMSO ...