cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL28B: Implications for Clinical Practice

The discovery of genetic variants near the gene for IL28B has provided new insight into the biology of hepatitis C infection and response to treatment with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. Patients that carry the favorable CC genotype for SNP rs12979860 or TT genotype for SNP rs8099917 are more likely to spontaneously clear the virus after acute infection and to respond to therapy with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. IL28B genotype may also have a relationship with the natural history of chronic hepatitis and has implications for organ allocation in liver transplantation. Now that the protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir have improved the response rates to hepatitis c treatment, the applicability of IL28B genotyping in clinical practice is limited. However, further understanding of the mechanism underlying the relationship between IL28B and treatment response is likely to provide valuable insight into the pathophysiology of hepatitis c infection and response to therapy.
A Theory of Active Sonar Detection

The results of a theory of echo detection developed for radar are extended to sonar for the case of narrow-banid transmitted signals. The exposition specifically omits discussion of the decision problem and the statistical nature of the whole process of detection. The theory assumes that the received signal is processed by cross correlation with a normalized replica of the expected signal. The problem of echo to noise is analyzed by sampling theory leading, in the case of Gaussian noise, to the energy principle which states that in all cases the output echo-to-noise ratio is the ratio of the input signal energy to the input noise power spectrum density. The threshold effect in detection is briefly discussed in conjunction with the problem of noise ambiguities. The problem of echo to reverberation (clutter) is treated by the use of the time and frequency shift correlation function leading to the ambiguity diagrams for various waveforms. The calculation of the relative reverberation power for short and long pulses of single frequency, FM and pseudorandom or noise-like waveforms for certain special cases is presented to illustrate the application of these principles. The paper concludes with a discussion of some limitations to the theory in terms of its narrow-band approximation, the instability of platforms and medium, and combined space-time ambiguities.
The level-ancestor problem on pure pointer machines

For a tree T the Level-Ancestor problem is the following: given a node x and an integer depth d, find the ancestor of x in T that is at depth d in T. We formulate this problem precisely for the Pure Pointer Machine model, i.e., pointer machines without arithmetic capabilities. We then provide a solution for the problem in the fully dynamic case that runs in worst-case O(lgn) time per operation. We also prove a matching lower bound of Ω (lg n) to solve the problem.
Effect of the bacterial growth rate on replication control of plasmid pBR322 in Escherichia coli

The concentration of plasmid pBR322, of its replication inhibitor, RNAI, and preprimer, RNAII, were observed in E. coli as functions of the bacterial growth rate. At growth rates between 0.6 and 2.5 doubling/h, the copy number (number of plasmids per genome equivalent of chromosomal DNA) decreased from 32 to 15, the number of plasmids per cell increased fro, 39 to 55, and the plasmid concentration decreased from 4.6 to 1.1x1010 plasmids per OD460 unit of cell mass. The concentrations of RNAI and RNAII also decreased with incrasing growth rate, but differently, such that their ratio, RNAI/RNAII, increased. In glycerol minimal medium both RNAI and RNAII had the same halflife, 0.55 min, and were synthesized at a ratio of about 3 RNAI transcripts per every RNAII transcript. These results were interpreted on the basis of the negative control model and suggest that the activities of the RNAI and RNAII promoters, and the efficiency with which RNAI inhibits plasmid replication, are controlled by the growth rate.
Pottery production in chiefdoms: The longshan period in northern China

Abstract This paper discusses methods in which mode of ceramic production in chiefdoms may be investigated on the basis of ceramic variability (diversity and standardization), direct evidence for production, and ceramic technology. It proposes that the Longshan Period of northern China was characterized by a ‘complex household industry’ mode of ceramic production. The available data from Chinese archaeological publications suggest that mode of production did not change over time during the Longshan Period.
The Use of Wound Vacuums in the Management of Postoperative Wound Infections

Wound infection is a potentially devastating complication after spinal surgery. The primary treatment for this condition is irrigation and debridement with appropriate antibiotic coverage. Once a wound is cleared of infection, primary closure is generally possible. However, on occasion, the issue of an open defect with potentially exposed neural elements and hardware must be managed. Vacuum-assisted devices have been advocated to assist in the healing of such complex wounds and have been well studied in other surgical fields. The concept of this technique is that any potential fluid collections are drained, soft tissues are approximated, and regular wound checks remain possible. Although this seems to be a promising means of facilitating healing of spine wounds by secondary intention, controlled studies have yet to be performed.
Complete Genome of Bacillus megaterium Siphophage Slash.

hasbeenshowntobeofgreat interest to the pharmaceutical industry, and it is used inproduction of penicillin, antifungals, and antivirals. The bacte-rium has important use as a model organism, as it is exploited instudiesofmembraneformation,thesporulationprocess,andpro-tein localization (2, 3).BacteriophageSlashwasobtainedfromasoilsamplecollectedin College Station, TX. Phage DNA was sequenced using 454 py-rosequencingattheEmoryGRAGenomeCenter(EmoryUniver-sity,Atlanta,GA).TrimmedFLXTitaniumreadswereassembledto a single contig at 111-fold coverage using the Newbler assem-bler version 2.5.3 (454 Life Sciences), with the default settings.PCR conﬁrmed the completed contig. The genes were initiallypredicted using GeneMarkS (4), and gene predictions were cor-rected using software tools available on the Center for PhageTechnology (CPT) portal (https://cpt.tamu.edu/cpt-software/portal/).TransmissionelectronmicroscopywasperformedattheMicroscopy and Imaging Center at Texas A&M University.Phage Slash is a siphophage containing a 79,815-bp double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome with a G C content of 35.6%and a coding density of 90.1%. Thirty-two genes were assignedfunctionsbyBLASTpandInterProanalyses(5,6).Inaddition,16hypothetical conserved genes and 64 hypothetical novel geneswere annotated.Several morphogenesis genes were identiﬁed, encoding tapemeasure protein, head-to-tail joining protein, tailspike protein,and the terminase large subunit. Although the large terminaselacks homology to the terminases of known packaging strategies,an analysis of the raw sequencing data using the Pause method(https://cpt.tamu.edu/cpt-software/releases/pause/)revealedthatSlash has a direct terminal repeat of 567 bp. The genes encodingDNA metabolism enzymes, including recombinase, DnaB-likehelicase, DNA polymerase III (epsilon subunit), DNA primase,Hollidayjunctionresolvaseprotein,andaRecB-likeexonuclease,wereidentiﬁed.SlashalsocarriesDNAbiosynthesisgenes(encod-ing dUTPase, thymidylate synthase, guanylate kinase, and the al-phaandbetasubunitsofribonucleotidereductase).Fourputativesigma/transcriptionfactorswerealsoidentiﬁed.Fourhomingen-donucleaseswithunknownsequencespeciﬁcitieswereidentiﬁed,including two with an AP2 domain. The AP2 domain is a DNAbinding domain that was originally identiﬁed in plant transcrip-tion factors (7). Recent structural analysis suggests that the plantAP2 domain is likely an evolutionary ancestor of homing endo-nucleases(8).AlysiscassetteencodingaclassIIholin(twotrans-membrane domains in an N-in C-in topology) and an endolysin(
Effect size in psychiatric evidence-based practice care.

Developing evidence-based practice skills requires a familiarity with the language and terminology of clinical research. Few articles discuss concepts, such as effect size, that must be understood ...
Nutritional evaluation of canola meals produced from new varieties of canola seeds for poultry

This study evaluated the nutritional value of 14 canola meals from new varieties of canola and compared them to conventional canola meal samples and soybean meals in chickens. Five experiments that included different sources of canola meals or soybean meals were conducted. For each experiment, a precision-fed rooster assay with conventional or cecectomized roosters was conducted to determine TMEn or amino acid digestibility. Analyzed nutritional composition of the canola meal samples indicated increases in crude protein and amino acids for all test canola meals (49.41 to 50.58% crude protein on a dry matter basis) compared to conventional canola meals (40.73 to 43.01%). All test canola meals also contained lower amounts of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. Most test canola meals had significantly higher TMEn values than the conventional canola meals (P < 0.05), but all were lower than the soybean meal (P < 0.05). The test canola meals had higher amino acid digestibility coefficients than conventional canola meals in Experiments 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.05), and higher concentrations of digestible amino acids in all 5 experiments. The results of this study indicated that nutritional value of the canola meal from new varieties of canola was greater than conventional canola meal for poultry.
Definition of a Bacterial Type IV Secretion Pathway for a DNA Substrate

Bacteria use conjugation systems, a subfamily of the type IV secretion systems, to transfer DNA to recipient cells. Despite 50 years of research, the architecture and mechanism of action of the channel mediating DNA transfer across the bacterial cell envelope remains obscure. By use of a sensitive, quantifiable assay termed transfer DNA immunoprecipitation (TrIP), we identify contacts between a DNA substrate (T-DNA) and 6 of 12 components of the VirB/D4 conjugation system of the phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Our results define the translocation pathway for a DNA substrate through a bacterial conjugation machine, specifying the contributions of each subunit of the secretory apparatus to substrate passage.
A practical implementation of silicon microchannel coolers for high power chips

The paper describes a practical implementation of a single-phase Si microchannel cooler designed for cooling very high power chips such as microprocessors. Through the use of multiple heat exchanger zones and optimized cooler fin designs, a unit thermal resistance of 10.5 C-mm/sup 2//W from the cooler surface to the inlet water was demonstrated with a fluid pressure drop of less than 35 kPa. Further, cooling of a thermal test chip with a microchannel cooler bonded to it packaged in a single chip module was also demonstrated for a chip power density greater than 300 W/cm/sup 2/. Coolers of this design should be able to cool chips with average power densities of 400 W/cm/sup 2/ or more.
The Treatment of Hip Fractures in Children with Existing Spinal Cord Injuries

The purpose of this article is to describe our experience with the management of hip fractures in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). All cases of pathologic hip fractures in children with SCI treated at our institution from 1992 to the present were reviewed. There were seven hip fractures--five treated with internal fixation and two with immobilization. There were six complications in seven fractures--three associated with immobilization and three associated with surgical treatment. All patients maintained functional range of motion. Surgical treatment had little additional morbidity as compared to immobilization alone. If surgical treatment is to be undertaken, a sideplate with derotational screw should be used.
Reflect urine culture cancellation in the emergency department.

Abstract Background The yield of urine culture testing in the emergency department (ED) is often low, resulting in wasted laboratory and ED resources. Use of a reflex culture cancellation protocol, in which urine cultures are canceled when automated urinalysis results predict that culture yield will be low, may help to conserve these resources. Study Objectives To identify a reflex culture cancellation protocol consisting of urinalysis-based criteria to limit urine culture over-utilization. Methods We studied patients aged 5 years and older whose ED evaluation included both an automated urinalysis and urine culture. Logistic regression models incorporating individual urinalysis components were used to predict culture growth. Receiver operating characteristic curves corresponding to each model were constructed, and the area under the curve was used to identify the model that best predicted positive urine culture growth. Results There were 1546 ED patients who met study inclusion criteria. Of these, 314 (20%) had positive urine cultures. Restriction of culture testing to samples with white blood cells > 10 per high-power field, positive nitrites, positive leukocyte esterase, or positive bacteria provided a sensitivity of 96.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 93.6–98.1%) and specificity of 48.1% (95% CI 45.3–51.0%) for positive urine culture. Implementation of a reflex culture cancellation protocol based on these criteria would have eliminated 604 of 1546 cultures (39%); 11 of 314 positive cultures (3.5%) would have been missed. Conclusion These results suggest that a substantial reduction in urine culture testing might be achievable by implementing this protocol. Confirmation of these findings in a validation cohort is necessary.
Enabling functional genomics with genome engineering

Advances in genome engineering technologies have made the precise control over genome sequence and regulation possible across a variety of disciplines. These tools can expand our understanding of fundamental biological processes and create new opportunities for therapeutic designs. The rapid evolution of these methods has also catalyzed a new era of genomics that includes multiple approaches to functionally characterize and manipulate the regulation of genomic information. Here, we review the recent advances of the most widely adopted genome engineering platforms and their application to functional genomics. This includes engineered zinc finger proteins, TALEs/TALENs, and the CRISPR/Cas9 system as nucleases for genome editing, transcription factors for epigenome editing, and other emerging applications. We also present current and potential future applications of these tools, as well as their current limitations and areas for future advances.
RATE OF RISE OF ALVEOLAR XENON CONCENTRATION IN MAN

SUMMARY The rate of rise of alveolar xenon concentration toward a fixed inspired level was measured in four adult male volunteers. At 1 minute the ratio of end-tidal to inspired xenon concentration was 0.76, at 2 minutes it was 0.38, at 5 minutes it was 0.96, and at 20 minutes it was 0.97. These results agree with those predicted from xenon solubility in blood and tissues, and were closely simulated with a passive resistance-capacitor analogue.
Bioluminescence and magnetic resonance imaging of macrophage homing to experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Macrophage infiltration is a prominent feature of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. We used a combined imaging approach with bioluminescence (BLI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to...
Morphological dispersal structures in relation to growth habit in the Compositae

The relationship between gross morphological dispersal structures, growth habit, and weediness is reported for a worldwide sample of 5893 Compositae species from 18 regional floras. A significantly smaller percentage of annual species than perennial species has dispersal structures. Among species with dispersal structures, plumed types are more frequent in perennials while adhesive types are more frequent in annuals. Differences in the occurrence and nature of dispersal structures between perennial herbs, shrubs and trees were minor. Weeds are less likely to have well developed morphological dispersal structures than non-weeds. The data support the idea that dispersal in space may be more important for perennial or non-weedy plants than for annual and weedy plants.
The Cost of Quality--Its Application to Libraries.

Cet article traite du cout du controle de qualite dans le mode de gestion des bibliotheques. Les bases conceptuelles pour le cout de la qualite et ses applications dans les bibliotheques sont examinees. Apres une definition du cout de qualite, un bref historique de l'utilisation du cout de qualite est presente. Puis l'application du cout de qualite pour les bibliotheques, comprenant une explication de la maniere dont les couts de qualite repondent aux programmes d'amelioration de la qualite, est analysee
Uses of television viewing and consumer life styles: A multivariate analysis

(1979). Uses of television viewing and consumer life styles: A multivariate analysis. Journal of Broadcasting: Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 491-500.
Functional Impairment of Human Resident Cardiac Stem Cells by the Cardiotoxic Antineoplastic Agent Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab (TZM), a monoclonal antibody against the ERBB2 protein, increases survival in ERBB2-positive breast cancer patients. Its clinical use, however, is limited by cardiotoxicity. We sought to evaluate whether TZM cardiotoxicity involves inhibition of human adult cardiac-derived stem cells, in addition to previously reported direct adverse effects on cardiomyocytes. To test this idea, we exposed human cardiosphere-derived cells (hCDCs), a natural mixture of cardiac stem cells and supporting cells that has been shown to exert potent regenerative effects, to TZM and tested the effects in vitro and in vivo. We found that ERBB2 mRNA and protein are expressed in hCDCs at levels comparable to those in human myocardium. Although clinically relevant concentrations of TZM had no effect on proliferation, apoptosis, or size of the c-kit-positive hCDC subpopulation, in vitro assays demonstrated diminished potential for cardiogenic differentiation and impaired ability to form microvascular networks in TZM-treated cells. The functional benefit of hCDCs injected into the border zone of acutely infarcted mouse hearts was abrogated by TZM: infarcted animals treated with TZM + hCDCs had a lower ejection fraction, thinner infarct scar, and reduced capillary density in the infarct border zone compared with animals that received hCDCs alone (n = 12 per group). Collectively, these results indicate that TZM inhibits the cardiomyogenic and angiogenic capacities of hCDCs in vitro and abrogates the morphological and functional benefits of hCDC transplantation in vivo. Thus, TZM impairs the function of human resident cardiac stem cells, potentially contributing to TZM cardiotoxicity.
Precision measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters with KamLAND

The KamLAND experiment has determined a precise value for the neutrino oscillation parameter Deltam21(2) and stringent constraints on theta12. The exposure to nuclear reactor antineutrinos is increased almost fourfold over previous results to 2.44 x 10(32) proton yr due to longer livetime and an enlarged fiducial volume. An undistorted reactor nu[over]e energy spectrum is now rejected at >5sigma. Analysis of the reactor spectrum above the inverse beta decay energy threshold, and including geoneutrinos, gives a best fit at Deltam21(2)=7.58(-0.13)(+0.14)(stat) -0.15+0.15(syst) x 10(-5) eV2 and tan2theta12=0.56(-0.07)+0.10(stat) -0.06+0.10(syst). Local Deltachi2 minima at higher and lower Deltam21(2) are disfavored at >4sigma. Combining with solar neutrino data, we obtain Deltam21(2)=7.59(-0.21)+0.21 x 10(-5) eV2 and tan2theta12=0.47(-0.05)+0.06.
Identification of a family of human F-box proteins

F-box proteins are an expanding family of eukaryotic proteins characterized by an approximately 40 aminoacid motif, the F box (so named because cyclin F was one of the first proteins in which this motif was identified) [1]. Some F-box proteins have been shown to be critical for the controlled degradation of cellular regulatory proteins [2] [3]. In fact, F-box proteins are one of the four subunits of ubiquitin protein ligases called SCFs. The other three subunits are the Skp1 protein; one of the cullin proteins (Cul1 in metazoans and Cdc53 or Cul A in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae); and the recently identified Roc1 protein (also called Rbx1 or Hrt1). SCF ligases bring ubiquitin conjugating enzymes (either Ubc3 or Ubc4) to substrates that are specifically recruited by the different F-box proteins. The need for high substrate specificity and the large number of known F-box proteins in yeast and worms [2] [4] suggest the existence of a large family of mammalian F-box proteins. Using Skp1 as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen and by searching DNA databases, we identified a family of 26 human F-box proteins, 25 of which were novel. Some of these proteins contained WD-40 domains or leucine-rich repeats; others contained either different protein-protein interaction modules or no recognizable motifs. We have named the F-box proteins that contain WD-40 domains Fbws, those containing leucine-rich repeats, Fbls, and the remaining ones Fbxs. We have further characterized representative members of these three classes of F-box proteins.
The Influence of Current Stressing on the Structure of Ag Contacts to GaAs

The stability of Ag Schottky contacts on GaAs after voltage and current stressing has been investigated. The barrier height and its stability against voltage and current stressing were found to depend on the diode fabrication method (metal deposition onto either air-exposed or ultra-high vacuum cleaved (uhv) substrates). The barrier height of Ag diodes formed on air-exposed surfaces is 0.96 eV, and a significant decrease of 70 MeV was found upon exposure to voltage and current stressing. In contrast, the barrier height of Ag diode formed on uhv cleaved samples is 0.89 eV, and no significant change was found upon exposure to stressing. The structure of the contacts was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Ag deposited on uhv cleaved substrates shows an epitaxial relationship to GaAs and atomically flat interfaces. Exposure to air before the metal deposition led to nonuniform reactions and compound formation at the interface as compared to uhv samples. After current stressing, void formation and electromigration of Ag were observed in the air-exposed contacts. Ag contacts formed on uhv-cleaved GaAs(110) were stable during current stressing. 7 refs., 5 figs.
Optical Character Recognition Using Fuzzy Logic

Abstract This application note explains the design of an optical character recognition engine called the Optical Character Associator (OCA). Optical character recognition systems must classify optical inputs as specific letters, numbers, or other charcters, and are thus ideal candidates for fuzzy logic implementation. OCA is a classification engine that recognizes the set of 14 characters used by the US banking industry to encode account numbers along the lower edge of cheques. The engine is implemented using an MC68HC11E9 8-bit micro-controller, although it could have been implemented using devices from the M68HC05, M68HC16 or M68300 MCU families.
A variable-rate image coding scheme with vector quantization and clustering interpolation

The authors propose a simple image coding algorithm using VQ (vector quantization) and clustering interpolation, which avoids an explicit interpolation operation by employing different but related codebooks at the encoder and the decoder of a vector quantizer. Computer simulations indicated that images reconstructed with clustering interpolation had smaller mean square errors than those obtained with linear or contour-based interpolation. In order to reduce coding artifacts and to improve reconstruction quality at low bit rates, an adaptive corrector stage with block classification is also included. Computer simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm at about 0.3 b/pixel. >
Effects of low phytic acid corn on phosphorus utilization, performance, and bone mineralization in broiler chicks

Abstract In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to determine whether P in a low-phytate corn (LPC) containing the lpa 1-1 allele is more available than P in a near-isogenic wild-type corn hybrid (NC). The LPC was analyzed to contain 0.18% nonphytate P and 0.26% total P (TP), whereas NC contained 0.05% nonphytate P and 0.25% TP. For these studies, nonphytate P was considered to be available P (AP). In the in vivo study, 150 1-d-old male chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments (six pens of five chicks each) for 21 d. The dietary treatments included: A) a diet containing 60% NC, 0.2% AP, and 0.8% Ca; B) a diet containing 60% LPC, 0.28% AP, and 0.8% Ca; C) an NC diet similar to Diet A, but with KH2PO4 added to increase the AP to 0.28% to match the AP in Diet B; D) an LPC diet containing 0.45% AP and 1% Ca; and E) an NC diet supplemented with KH2PO4 to provide 0.45% AP and 1% Ca. Diets A, B, and C were semipurified diets, with corn being the sole source of phytate. The only differences between Diets A and B were the source of corn and the amount of AP present in the diets. The levels of AP in these diets were deficient in order to measure the animal response to the different levels of AP. Diets D and E were typical corn-soybean meal diets, and were formulated to contain an optimal level of AP. Performance and bone ash were similar (P > 0.05) in chicks fed Diets B and C and in chicks fed Diets D and E. Chicks fed LPC diets (B and D) retained more P (P
Synapse-Specific Downregulation of NMDA Receptors by Early Experience: A Critical Period for Plasticity of Sensory Input to Olfactory Cortex

Summary has similarly been proposed to occur during the maturation of synaptic contacts in a number of cortical Olfaction is required at birth for survival; however, lit
Impact of Antibiotics on Expression of Virulence-Associated Exotoxin Genes in Methicillin-Sensitive and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Extracellular protein toxins contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of Staphylococcus aureus infections. The present study investigated the effects that cell-wall active antibiotics and protein-synthesis inhibitors have on transcription and translation of genes for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, alpha-hemolysin, and toxic-shock syndrome toxin 1, in both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Subinhibitory concentrations of nafcillin induced and prolonged mRNA for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, alpha-toxin, and toxic-shock syndrome toxin 1 and increased toxin production. In contrast, clindamycin and linezolid markedly suppressed translation, but not transcription, of toxin genes. These results suggest (1) that protein-synthesis inhibition is an important consideration in the selection of antimicrobial agents to treat serious infections caused by toxin-producing gram-positive pathogens and (2) that, by inducing and enhancing toxin production, inadvertent use of beta-lactam antibiotics to treat methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections may contribute to worse outcomes.
Systematic Identification of Molecular Subtype-Selective Vulnerabilities in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Context-specific molecular vulnerabilities that arise during tumor evolution represent an attractive intervention target class. However, the frequency and diversity of somatic lesions detected among lung tumors can confound efforts to identify these targets. To confront this challenge, we have applied parallel screening of chemical and genetic perturbations within a panel of molecularly annotated NSCLC lines to identify intervention opportunities tightly linked to molecular response indicators predictive of target sensitivity. Anchoring this analysis on a matched tumor/normal cell model from a lung adenocarcinoma patient identified three distinct target/response-indicator pairings that are represented with significant frequencies (6%-16%) in the patient population. These include NLRP3 mutation/inflammasome activation-dependent FLIP addiction, co-occurring KRAS and LKB1 mutation-driven COPI addiction, and selective sensitivity to a synthetic indolotriazine that is specified by a seven-gene expression signature. Target efficacies were validated in vivo, and mechanism-of-action studies informed generalizable principles underpinning cancer cell biology.
Psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses to a partner in need: The role of compassionate love

This study examined the role of compassionate love (CL) in shaping cognitive, emotional, physiological, and behavioral responses to partner distress (N = 56 couples). One member of each couple (the support provider) observed his/her partner perform an easy or difficult stress task (designed to vary signals of partner distress). Support providers in the difficult (vs. easy) condition showed more partner focus, emotional distress, and blood pressure reactivity during the task and expressed more support afterward. Support providers high (vs. low) in CL showed greater partner focus and emotional empathy and sent more caring messages. Additional analyses suggest that CL increases sensitivity to a partner’s distress and that the link between CL and support behavior is mediated by increases in empathy and attention to one’s partner.
Conducting the train of thought: working memory capacity, goal neglect, and mind wandering in an executive-control task.

On the basis of the executive-attention theory of working memory capacity (WMC; e.g., M. J. Kane, A. R. A. Conway, D. Z. Hambrick, & R. W. Engle, 2007), the authors tested the relations among WMC, mind wandering, and goal neglect in a sustained attention to response task (SART; a go/no-go task). In 3 SART versions, making conceptual versus perceptual processing demands, subjects periodically indicated their thought content when probed following rare no-go targets. SART processing demands did not affect mind-wandering rates, but mind-wandering rates varied with WMC and predicted goal-neglect errors in the task; furthermore, mind-wandering rates partially mediated the WMC–SART relation, indicating that WMC-related differences in goal neglect were due, in part, to variation in the control of conscious thought.
Illusory spatial offset of a flash relative to a moving stimulus is caused by differential latencies for moving and flashed stimuli.

A flash that is presented adjacent to a continuously moving bar is perceived to lag behind the bar. One explanation for this phenomenon is that there is a difference in the persistence of the flash and the bar. Another explanation is that the visual system compensates for the neural delays of processing visual motion information, such as the moving bar, by spatially extrapolating the bar’s perceived location forward in space along its expected trajectory. Two experiments demonstrate that neither of these models is tenable. The first experiment masked the flash one video frame after its presentation. The flash was still perceived to lag behind the bar, suggesting that a difference in the persistence of the flash and bar, does not cause the apparent offset. The second experiment employed unpredictable changes in the velocity of the bar including an abrupt reversal, disappearance, acceleration, and deceleration. If the extrapolation model held, the bar would continue to be extrapolated in accordance with its initial velocity until the moment of an abrupt velocity change. The results were inconsistent with this prediction, suggesting that there is little or no spatial compensation for the neural delays of processing moving objects. The results support a new model of temporal facilitation for moving objects whereby the apparent flash lag is due to a latency advantage for moving over flashed stimuli. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Transcriptomics of diapause in an isogenic self-fertilizing vertebrate

Many vertebrate species have the ability to undergo weeks or even months of diapause (a temporary arrest of development during early ontogeny). Identification of diapause genes has been challenging due in part to the genetic heterogeneity of most vertebrate animals. Here we take the advantage of the mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus or Kmar)—the only vertebrate that is extremely inbred due to consistent self-fertilization—to generate isogenic lineages for transcriptomic dissection. Because the Kmar genome is not publicly available, we built de novo genomic (642 Mb) and transcriptomic assemblies to serve as references for global genetic profiling of diapause in Kmar, via RNA-Seq. Transcripts unique to diapause in Kmar proved to constitute only a miniscule fraction (0.1 %) of the total pool of transcribed products. Most genes displayed lower expression in diapause than in post-diapause. However, some genes (notably dusp27, klhl38 and sqstm1) were significantly up-regulated during diapause, whereas others (col9a1, dspp and fmnl1) were substantially down-regulated, compared to both pre-diapause and post-diapause. Kmar offers a strong model for understanding patterns of gene expression during diapause. Our study highlights the importance of using a combination of genome and transcriptome assemblies as references for NGS-based RNA-Seq analyses. As for all identified diapause genes, in future studies it will be critical to link various levels of RNA expression with the functional roles of the coded products.
The International Criminal Court and the Deterrence of Human Rights Atrocities

Research on human rights treaties has mostly reached depressingly similar conclusions – that such treaties and their resulting institutions have little or no impact on human rights. The International Criminal Court, however, possesses significant power to investigate and prosecute violations of international law that equip it with potentially more influence than previous human rights regimes. I suggest, however, that the impact of the ICC on human rights is conditioned by signatory governments’ commitment to good governance and acceptance of the role of the ICC in addressing violations of international law. I develop a two-stage model of ICC ratification and human rights abuse that shows that while many states have ratified the ICC Treaty, not all are committed to stopping the crimes under its jurisdiction. Rather, state commitment to human rights depends first on its commitment to the rule of law within its own borders. Second, commitment to human rights depends on states’ willingness to grant the ICC th...
Secretory immunity and immunodeficiency.

Naturally induced antibodies to the indigenous oral flora have been demonstrated in normal human secretions and are almost exclusively of the s-IgA class (1,2). It has been suggested that such antibodies may play an important role in the defense of the tooth surface against attack by cariogenic microorganisms, such as Streptococcus mutans (2,3). However, attempts to correlate IgA levels with caries incidence have met with contradictory results (3–8).
Politics and Transformation: Critical Approaches toward Political Aspects of Education

The current situation in education in the United States of America (USA), with an emphasis on high-stakes testing and privatization, calls for a counter-discourse revealing what is sacrificed by these educational policies and what forms of education are needed to prepare future teachers to engage their students in effecting social justice. We draw upon Adorno's ideas of self-reflection and debarbarization and Foucault's analysis of parrhesia (truth-telling) for formation of souls as the framework for this theoretical discussion on critical approaches to the political in education. University students arrive already ‘formed’ by the polarizing neo-conservatism of their communities. For students to be re-formed they need to be faced by truth-telling at both theoretical and practical levels. Those who teach need to emphasize that education involves an inner activity of reflection and care adopted for oneself. Using examples of cross-cultural teleconferencing and service-learning with subcultures, we suggest t...
Biochemical Establishment and Characterization of EncM's Flavin-N5-oxide Cofactor.

The ubiquitous flavin-dependent monooxygenases commonly catalyze oxygenation reactions by means of a transient C4a–peroxyflavin. A recent study, however, suggested an unprecedented flavin-oxygenating species, proposed as the flavin-N5-oxide (FlN5[O]), as key to an oxidative Favorskii-type rearrangement in the biosynthesis of the bacterial polyketide antibiotic enterocin. This stable superoxidized flavin is covalently tethered to the enzyme EncM and converted into FADH2 (Flred) during substrate turnover. Subsequent reaction of Flred with molecular oxygen restores the postulated FlN5[O] via an unknown pathway. Here, we provide direct evidence for the FlN5[O] species via isotope labeling, proteolytic digestion, and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry of EncM. We propose that formation of this species occurs by hydrogen-transfer from Flred to molecular oxygen, allowing radical coupling of the formed protonated superoxide and anionic flavin semiquinone at N5, before elimination of water affords the FlN5[O...
Effects of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (tween 20) upon gastrointestinal iron absorption in hamsters.

SummaryIn 3 experiments adult golden hamsters fed a fortified bread ration containing 5% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) for from 8-20 weeks showed a consistent increase in gastrointestinal absorption of a test dose of radioactive iron (Fe59) during the subsequent 3 days. Increases in the isotope were noted especially in the cecum and large intestine, the blood, bone marrow, and liver. Concomitantly less radioactive iron appeared in the excreta of the Tween fed animals than in the excreta of control animals. This evidence of increased iron absorption in the hamsters was accompanied by the presence of iron pigment in the cecal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and liver and by an increase in chemically demonstrable iron in the cecum and liver.
GROUP POWER AND SOCIAL REINFORCEMENT

If Skinner (3) is correct in asserting that human behavior is controlled by reinforcement, then group behavior may also be so controlled. The most powerful members of the group conceivably would be those who share the most positive reinforcement. Although the existence of group reinforcement has been inferred, most recently by Doreian ( 1) and Gray, Broembsen, Kowalczyk, and Williams (2), no one has yet attempted to measure it directly. The Cumulative Operants Record was devised by having raters score each incident, sent or received, of agreement or approval in a meeting as positive reinforcement, +I, and each expression of disagreement or disapproval as negative reinforcement, -1. Reinforcement sent was counted kause the expression "I agree" not only reinforces the receiver, but also implies that the sender has just heard something pleasing (hence, reinforcing) to himself. A group member's reinforcement scores from interaction with all other group members (including those not voting) were summed algebraically to create a Power Index score. After three training sessions2 of 2 hr. each the average reliability of four raters was .912 for the index. Five public meetings of the Kent; Ohio city council and one undergraduate class simulation of a city council meeting were scored. Each meeting lasted 1Y2 to 2Y2 hr., and had 6 to 9 voting members present. A Power Index for each participant in each meeting was calculated. During the five meetings, a total of nine non-unanimous votes were taken. The Power Indexes of the persons on the majority of each vote ("winners") were compared with the scores of those on the minority side ("losers"). It was expected that the winners would have significantly higher Power Indexes than the losers. The data confirmed the prediction. The 52 winners had a cumulative net Power Index of 155 while the 21 losers had a Power Index of 0 (x2 = 51.2, p < .001). The means and standard deviations of the nine group votes were, respectively, 0 and 12.3 for the losers and 17.2 and 27.2 for the winners. The range of the losers' scores was -3 to 27 and for the winners -13 to 74. These findings suggest that the dirm record of reinforcement is a convenient and reliable measure of at least one important type of group power. Because the Cumulative Operants Record can be used in field studies, it has utility.
Structure of Perturbed Twin Boundaries in Silicon

Silicon bicrystals containing Σ =3(60°/[111] 1,2 ) twin boundaries have been fabricated by sintering together single crystal (IMi) :vafers (which deviated from the exact (111) by upto ±4′). Transmission electron microscopic investigation revealed the boundaries to be near-twin boundaries having a superposed tilt component. The grain boundary dislocation structure of these boundaries has been studied in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and interpreted as arising from the interaction of a large tilt component with a smaller twist component, to give the observed low energy configuration.
Rate of Escape of Haemoglobin from the Erythrocyte

The technical problem of finding the rate at which pigment leaves the mammalian red cell was proposed to me by Dr. Hugo Fricke, with the idea that if the rate were known it might be possible to calculate whether the pigment leaves the cell through one or two holes in the membrane, or by diffusing across the membrane generally.The method which I have used consists in taking motion pictures of the haemolysing cells.∗ The best cell to work with is the red cell of man, which is relatively large. A suspension is made by suspending the thrice-washed cells from 4 cc. of blood in 20 cc. of 1% NaCl, for a suspension of this strength, when diluted with equal volumes of a lysin solution, shows from 5 to 15 cells per frame of the film used (35 mm.). Saponin made up in 1.0% NaCl in such a dilution as produces complete lysis in about 3 min. is a convenient lysin. The optical system used should be one of the highest resolution practicable, e. g., an aplanatic condenser of N.A. 1.4 working at 2/3 cone and critically focu...
An acquired abnormal fibrinogen associated with thromboembolic disease and pseudotumor cerebri.

Abstract An abnormal fibrinogen was found in a patient associated with disabling recurrent phlebitis and pulmonary emboli, pseudotumor cerebri, gout and endometriosis. The fibrinogen is characterized by (1) abnormal side-to-side and end-to-end polymerization, (2) abnormal fibrinopeptide release, (3) a delayed gamma-gamma dimerization of the non cross-linked fibrin, (4) a pH optimum of 7--7.8, and (5) a deviation from normal amino acid composition with regard to lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and serine. Since no defect has been found in any of her three children, and since the prothromin and partial thromboplastin times vary from time to time, it is assumed that the defect is acquired. Liver disease, usually associated with acquired abnormal fibrinogen, has been excluded as an etiological cause since liver function tests and biopsy are completely normal.
Every Man His Own Electric Physician: T. Gale and the History of Do-it-yourself Neurology

We review the promotion of electrical treatments by laypeople for neurological and other conditions in a largely rural period of United States history.
Hypertension and immunity: mechanisms of T cell activation and pathways of hypertension.

Significant advancements have been made in the search for antigens and pathways responsible for activation of the adaptive immune response, furthering our understanding of the factors contributing to hypertension and potentially leading to the development of new and more effective therapies.
Building Redundancy in Multi-Agent Systems Using Probabilistic Selection

In this paper, we examine the effects of probabilistic response on a task allocation problem for a decentralized multi-agent system (MAS) and how such a mechanism may be used to tune the level of redundancy in an MAS. Redundancy refers to a back up pool of agents, beyond the necessary number required to act on a task, that have experience on that task. We present a formal analysis of a response threshold based system in which agents act probabilistically and show that we can estimate the response probability value needed to ensure that a given number of agents will act and that we can estimate the response probability value needed to achieve a given level of redundancy in the system. We perform an empirical study using an agent-based simulation to verify expectations from the formal analysis.
Does the Timing of Pre-Operative Medical Evaluation Influence Perioperative Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes?

BACKGROUND Medical evaluation pre-operatively is an important component of risk stratification and potential risk optimization. However, the effect of timing prior to surgical intervention is not well-understood. We hypothesized that total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients seen in pre-operative evaluation closer to the date of surgery would experience better perioperative outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 167 elective THA patients to study the relationship between the number of days between pre-operative evaluation (range, 0-80 days) and surgical intervention. Patients' demographics, length of stay (LOS), ICU admission frequency, and rate of major complications were recorded. RESULTS When pre-operative evaluation carried out 4 days or less before the procedure date, there was a significant reduction in LOS (3.91 vs. 4.49; p=0.03). When pre-operative evaluation carried out 11 days or less prior to the procedure date, there was a four-fold decrease in rate of intensive care admission (p=0.04). Furthermore, the major complication rate also significantly reduced (p<0.05). However, when pre-operative evaluation took place 30 days or less before the procedure date compared to more than 30 days prior, there were no significant changes in the outcomes. CONCLUSION From this study, pre-operative medical evaluation closer to the procedure date was correlated with improved selected peri-operative outcomes. However, further study on larger patient groups must be done to confirm this finding. More study is needed to define the effect on rare events like infection, and to analyze the subsets of THA patients with modifiable risk factors that may be time-dependent and need further time to optimization.