cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The debate over the effector function of eosinophils in helminth infection: new evidence from studies on the regulation of vaccine immunity by IL-12

The production of Th1-type cytokines is associated with strong cell-mediated immunity while Th2-type cytokines are typically involved in the generation of humoral immune responses. In mice vaccinated a single time (1X) with attenuated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni, the immunity induced is highly dependent on CD4+ T cells and IFN-g. In contrast, mice vaccinated multiple times (3X) have decreased IFN-g expression, develop a more dominant Th2-type cytokine response as well as protective antibodies which can passively transfer immunity to naive recipients. Previously, we demonstrated the ability of IL-12, a potent IFN-g-inducing cytokine to enhance (1X) schistosome cell-mediated immunity when administered during the period of immunization. More recently, we asked what effects IL-12 would have on the development humoral-based immunity. While multiply-immunized/saline-treated mice demonstrated a 70-80% reduction in parasite burden, 3X/IL-12-vaccinated animals displayed an even more striking >90% reduction in challenge infection, with many mice in the later group demonstrating complete protection. Analysis of pulmonary cytokine mRNA responses demonstrated that control challenged mice elicited a dominant Th2-type response, 3X/saline-vaccinated produced a mixed Th1/Th2-type cytokine response, while 3X/IL-12-immunized animals displayed a dominant Th1-type response. The IL-12-treated group also showed a marked reduction in total serum IgE and tissue eosinophilia while SWAP-specific IgG2a and IgG2b Abs were elevated. Interestingly, animals vaccinated with IL-12 also showed a highly significant increase in total Ig titers specific for IrV-5, a known protective antigen. More importantly, 3X/IL-12 serum alone, when transferred to naive mice reduced worm burdens by over 60% while 3X/saline serum transferred significantly less protection. Nevertheless, animals vaccinated in the presence of IL-12 also develop macrophages with enhanced nitric oxide dependent killing activity against the parasites. Together, these observations suggest that IL-12, initially described as an adjuvant for cell-mediated immunity, may also be used as an adjuvant for promoting both humoral and cell-mediated protective responses.
Emissions Characteristics of Liquid-Fueled Pilot Stabilized Lean Premixed Flames in a Tubular Premixer-Combustor

Global emissions of NO{sub x} in a liquid-fueled lean-premixed tubular combustor with a tubular premixer operating under atmospheric pressure are studied experimentally. The effects of equivalence ratio, premixer length, residence time, fuel type, and fuel atomization and dispersion characteristics on NO{sub x} emissions are studied. Measurements of exhaust species concentrations are used as the primary indicator of the effectiveness of premixing-prevaporization upstream of the combustor. Qualitative levels of prevaporization-premixing are determined from Mie-scattering signals measured at the exit of the premixer. Emission measurements show that the equivalence ratio is the dominant operating parameter, with premixing length and residence time being less significant within the present operating range. Ultralow NO{sub x} operation (< 10 ppmv {at} 15% O{sub 2}) is feasible for equivalence ratios less than 0.5. More significantly, small drops persist beyond the premixer even for very long premixers, and Mie-scattering measurements show considerable spatial inhomogeneity, while allowing ultralow NO{sub x} operation. One-dimensional evaporation calculations for single drop trajectories confirm that complete evaporation for typical drop size distributions is not possible with reasonable premixer lengths under atmospheric pressure. Fuel dispersion is found to be the most critical parameter for high combustion efficiency, and adverse effects of poor fuel dispersion cannotmore » be overcome by using longer premixers.« less
Creating Modernity by Touring Paradise: Domestic Ethnic Tourism in Yunnan, China

After China's rapid economic and urban shifts, many Chinese tourists now seek out environmental beauty and prefer to travel outside of major urban centres to tour China's periphery. This desire often combines with a desire to tour the ‘Others’ within China's borders. China's southwestern province of Yunnan has cornered a large share of domestic tourists by successfully marketing itself as a land of exceptional environmental beauty as well ethnic variety. In this paper, we investigate how the practice of domestic ethnic tourism in Yunnan produces a variety of modern Chinese citizens and acts as a vehicle through which Chinese discourses of modernity and tradition come together at a single site. While our primary concern is domestic tourists, we also consider issues of local cultural production in these sites. We focus on domestic tourism at Lugu Lake, home of the ‘matriarchal’ Mosuo, while drawing on our own and others' research in other Yunnan ethnic tourism sites that combine natural beauty with the allu...
Novel Functions of Stomatal Cytokinesis-Defective 1 (SCD1) in Innate Immune Responses against Bacteria

Eukaryotes employ complex immune mechanisms for protection against microbial pathogens. Here, we identified SCD1 (Stomatal Cytokinesis-Defective 1), previously implicated in growth and development through its role in cytokinesis and polarized cell expansion (Falbel, T. G., Koch, L. M., Nadeau, J. A., Segui-Simarro, J. M., Sack, F. D., and Bednarek, S. Y. (2003) Development 130, 4011–4024) as a novel component of innate immunity. In Arabidopsis, SCD1 is a unique gene encoding for the only protein containing a complete DENN (Differentially Expressed in Normal and Neoplastic cells) domain. The DENN domain is a largely uncharacterized tripartite protein motif conserved among eukaryotic proteins. We show that conditional scd1-1 plants containing a point mutation in a conserved DENN residue affected a subset of signaling responses to some bacterial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Consistent with increased transcript accumulation of Pathogen-related (PR) genes, scd1-1 plants were more resistant to Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato (Pst) DC3000 infection implicating SCD1 as a negative regulator of basal resistance against bacteria. scd1-1 plants were different from known mutants exhibiting constitutive expressor of PR (cpr)-like phenotypes, in that growth impairment of scd1-1 plants was genetically independent of constitutive immune response activation. For scd1-1, shift to elevated temperature or introduction of a mutant allele in Salicylic acid Induction-Deficient 2 (SID2) suppressed constitutive defense response activation. sid2-2 also repressed the resistance phenotype of scd1-1. Temperature shift and sid2-2, however, did not rescue conditional growth and sterility defects of scd1-1. These results implicate SCD1 in multiple cellular pathways, possibly by affecting different proteins. Overall, our studies identified a novel role for eukaryotic DENN proteins in immunity against bacteria.
Sesame Street Goes to Jail: Physicians Should Follow

In 2013, Sesame Street launched a new character with an incarcerated father. This Muppet is another signal of the growing public awareness of the consequences of incarceration for the families of t...
RPA antagonizes microhomology-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks

Microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) is a Ku- and ligase IV-independent mechanism for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks that contributes to chromosome rearrangements. Here we used a chromosomal end-joining assay to determine the genetic requirements for MMEJ in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that end resection influences the ability to expose microhomologies; however, it is not rate limiting for MMEJ in wild-type cells. The frequency of MMEJ increased by up to 350-fold in rfa1 hypomorphic mutants, suggesting that replication protein A (RPA) bound to the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhangs formed by resection prevents spontaneous annealing between microhomologies. In vitro, the mutant RPA complexes were unable to fully extend ssDNA and were compromised in their ability to prevent spontaneous annealing. We propose that the helix-destabilizing activity of RPA channels ssDNA intermediates from mutagenic MMEJ to error-free homologous recombination, thus preserving genome integrity.
CARBON-13 NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDIES OF OXOTUNGSTEN(VI) COMPLEXES WITH AMINOPOLYCARBOXYLIC ACID LIGANDS

Abstract Complex formation between tungsten and aminopolycarboxylic acids is found to require facial, tridentate orientation of ligand dentates. Coordination of hydroxyl groups is found to result in loss of the hydroxyl proton and formation of a W2O5 core structure. Hydroxyl coordination is found to be only slightly less favored than carboxylate coordination, but the resulting alkoxy bond is much less labile than that of carboxylate. Different coordinating ability is found for the two nitrogens of 1, 2-PDTA and the formation of a ‘proton chelate’ is proposed for this molecule.
The Effect of International Social Work Education: Study Abroad Versus On-Campus Courses

Despite a growing emphasis on international offerings within social work education, researchers have conducted few outcomes studies regarding the implications of these courses for students’ professional development. This study addressed this gap by analyzing data from a survey of 122 social work students at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, before and after they completed (a) a guided study-abroad course or (b) an on-campus course on international social work. Results indicated that students in both courses demonstrated gains across multiple domains, including self-rated skills, understanding of international service, identification as a global citizen, and empowerment. Students in the study abroad courses demonstrated greater gains in self-rated skills than students in the on-campus course.
Quantitative analyses of plasma cholinesterase isozymes in haloperidol-treated rats.

Abstract We describe a quantitative slab gel electrophoresis procedure that allows quantitative determination of plasma levels of discrete cholinesterase isozymes. Using this method, the effects of haloperidol treatment on plasma cholinesterase isozyme levels were examined in normal rats. Eight isozymes were detected by enzymatic reaction with either of two substrates (alpha-napthyl acetate, NA; acetylthiocholine iodide, AcTCh), and then quantified using densitometric scanning. With AcTCh substrate, the activities of two major isozymes (1 and 2) were found to be linear with increasing quantities of applied plasma. With NA as substrate, Iso-OMPA (a pseudocholinesterase inhibitor) inhibited activities of all isozymes, except isozymes 2 and 8. With either substrate, BW284C51 (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) inhibited 100% and 13% of activity of isozymes 2 and 8, respectively, and with AcTCh substrate, 37% of isozyme 1. Based on the differential patterns of substrate specificity and action of inhibitors, and the reproducibility of patterns, we propose that these isozymes represent distinct molecular species. Short-term (14 days) and long-term (45 days) haloperidol treatment both resulted in altered levels of specific cholinesterase (ChE) isozymes. On the average, with AcTCh substrate, haloperidol treatment increased levels of isozymes 1 and 2 by 30% and 8%, respectively, after 14 days, and by 50% and 30%, respectively, after 45 days. Isozymes 3 through 8 showed minor changes. Plasma levels of isozymes 1 and 2 returned to baseline pretreatment values after a 40-day drug-free period. No significant change was observed after either short- or long-term treatment with clozapine, imipramine, or saline, or after an acute ((
Cyberaccess: web accessibility and corporate America

Many corporate Web sites contain barriers to accessibility. Fortunately, removing these obstacles will prove both relatively simple and beneficial.
Representation of structure in similarity data: Problems and prospects.

After struggling with the problem of representing structure in similarity data for over 20 years, I find that a number of challenging problems still remain to be overcome—even in the simplest case of the analysis of a single symmetric matrix of similarity estimates. At the same time, I am more optimistic than ever that efforts directed toward surmounting the remaining difficulties will reap both methodological and substantive benefits. The methodological benefits that I forsee include both an improved efficiency and a deeper understanding of “discovery” methods of data analysis. And the substantive benefits should follow, through the greater leverage that such methods will provide for the study of complex empirical phenomena—perhaps particularly those characteristic of the human mind.
Pharmacology of Itaconic acid and its sodium, magnesium, and calcium salts*,†

Acute and chronic toxicity studies of itaconic acid (methylene succinic acid) and its sodium, magnesium, and calcium salts using cats have been made. The effects of these compounds when injected intravenously and administered orally are reported. Comparison with sodium chloride indicates that sodium itaconate has the higher molecular toxicity. This is believed, but not definitely established, to be due to the base content of the itaconate. There is indication that the itaconate ion is substantially inert.
A New Theory for the Generation of the Equatorial Subsurface Countercurrents

Abstract An idealized numerical simulation of the tropical Atlantic Ocean is used to study the dynamics of an Atlantic subsurface countercurrent, the South Equatorial Undercurrent (SEUC). The particular structure of the SEUC between 28° and 10°W allows for a reformulation of the transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) equations with which the momentum balance of the SEUC can be explored. With this modified TEM framework, it is shown that between 28° and 10°W the SEUC is maintained against dissipation by the convergence of the Eliassen–Palm flux. The source of this Eliassen–Palm flux is the tropical instability waves that are generated along the shear between the Equatorial Undercurrent and the South Equatorial Current.
Distress in the Desert: Neighborhood Disorder, Resident Satisfaction, and Quality of Life During the Las Vegas Foreclosure Crisis

Using surveys collected from a sample of households nested within “naturally occurring” neighborhoods in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the 2007–2009 economic recession, this study examines the associat...
Advances in the Household Archaeology of Highland Mesoamerica

Recent investigations and reconsideration of households in the Mesoamerican highlands illustrate the central role of domestic spheres of interaction to the broader cultural dynamics of the region over four millennia. Methodological advances in the analysis of past houses permit more sophisticated social reconstructions of the spaces and activities that constituted domestic life for the diverse peoples of the region. Current studies highlight the economic interdependence and diversification of households, their strategic flexibility in affiliation, the integrative ritual practices undertaken within domestic spaces, the material correlates of prestige competition between households, and the manner in which households articulated with a larger social universe.
Some physical characteristics of NIDA marijuana cigarettes.

Abstract Marijuana cigarettes of three different potencies (0.0%, 1.4% and 2.7% delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) were compared on a variety of characteristics, including physical appearance, weight, burn rate, and deliveries of total particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Significant differences between the different potency cigarettes were obtained on most measures. These differences could be relevant to the design and interpretation of pharmacologic/toxicologic and behavioral studies conducted with these cigarettes. The possible basis for these observed differences, methods for minimizing some of them, and other potential problems related to the use of NIDA marijuana cigarettes are discussed.
Customer Behavior Modeling in Revenue Management and Auctions: A Review and New Research Opportunities

Customer behavior modeling has been gaining increasing attention in the operations management community. In this paper we review current models of customer behavior in the revenue management and auction literatures and suggest several future research directions.
Monge sequences, antimatroids, and the transportation problem with forbidden arcs

Abstract This paper considers the transportation problem, both in the standard form and in the case where flow is prohibited on some arcs. We review the celebrated Monge sequence result for the standard problem, give an antimatroid interpretation of an algorithm for constructing Monge sequences or determining that none exist, and extend this algorithm and the antimatroid interpretation to include the case of forbidden arcs.
Increased Transcription Factor Expression and Permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier Associated With Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Lambs

Background. The pathophysiology of neurocognitive dysfunction and developmental delay after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants is not known. It is known that head trauma, stroke, and seizures cause dysfunction of the blood brain barrier (BBB) that is associated with increased inducible transcription factor gene expression in the cells of the barrier. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of CPB and hypothermic circulatory arrest on expression of the transcription factor FOS and the function of the BBB in an infant animal model. Methods. Infant lambs (n 36; 10 –12 days) were exposed to 0, 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes of normothermic (38°C) CPB or 2 hours of hypothermic circulatory arrest at 16°C. After terminating bypass 15 animals had their brains perfusion-fixed and removed for immunohistochemical analysis of expression of the transcription factor FOS. The other animals were perfused with fluorescent albumin to visualize the brain microvasculature. Brain sections were analyzed with a laser scanning confocal microscope. Results. Control animals (n 6, sham operated and cannulated) exhibited normal vasculature with negligible leakage and no FOS protein expression in neurons or endothelial cells anywhere in the brain. Significant FOS expression in barrier-associated structures including the blood vessels, choroid plexus, and ependyma but not neurons occurred at all times on bypass. CPB caused leakage of fluorescent albumin from blood vessels in all animals. Two hours of normothermic CPB (n 4) caused significant (p < 0.01) leakage in the cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, and corpus callosum. Animals exposed to circulatory arrest experienced severe leakage throughout the brain (p < 0.001) and FOS expression in all cells. Conclusions. These experiments indicate that the BBB is dysfunctional after all time points on normothermic CPB, BBB dysfunction is worsened by hypothermic circulatory arrest, and BBB dysfunction is associated with intense molecular activity within the barrier-forming cells. Dysfunction of the BBB may contribute to neurologic complications after heart surgery. (Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78:1418 –25) © 2004 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
"Not for Ornament": Patenting Activity by Nineteenth-Century Women Inventors

Contrary to claims that nineteenth-century women did not contribute to inventive activity and that their work was insulated from technological progress, women inventors pursued profit opportunities and distributed patents in much the same way as their male counterparts whose patent rates responded to market incentives. Women in rural and frontier regions were especially inventive. A random sample of assignment contracts indicates that the rate at which women commercialized inventions kept pace with patenting. The evidence indicates that nineteenth-century women were active participants in the market for technology and suggests that the diffusion of household articles may have been more pervasive than previously thought.
Transcriptional Coactivator PRIP, the Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ (PPARγ)-interacting Protein, Is Required for PPARγ-mediated Adipogenesis

Nuclear receptor coactivator PRIP (peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPARgamma)-interacting protein) appears to serve as a linker between cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP/p300)anchored and PBP (PPARgamma-binding protein)-anchored coactivator complexes involved in the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors. Disruption of PRIP and PBP genes results in embryonic lethality between embryonic day 11.5 and 12.5 (postcoitum), indicating that PRIP and PBP are essential and nonredundant coactivators. Both PRIP and PBP were initially identified as PPARgamma coactivators, suggesting a role for these molecules in PPARgamma-induced adipogenesis. PBP-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts fail to exhibit PPARgamma-stimulated adipogenesis indicating that PBP is a downstream regulator of PPARgamma-mediated adipogenesis. We now show that PRIP-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts are also refractory to PPARgamma-stimulated adipogenesis and fail to express adipogenic marker aP2, a PPARgamma-responsive gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reveal reduced association in PRIP-/- cells of PIMT (PRIP-binding protein) and PBP with aP2 gene promoter, suggesting that PRIP is required for the linking of CBP/p300-anchored cofactor complex with PBP-anchored mediator complex. These data indicate that PRIP, like PBP, is a downstream regulator of PPARgamma-mediated adipogenesis and that both these coactivators are required for the successful completion of adipogenic program.
SOCIAL SCIENCE, HOUSING POLICY, AND THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF POVERTY

The history of housing policy in the United States reveals a longstanding debate about the correct mix of person- and place-based initiatives. Prof. David Imbroscio (hereafter David) has written an...
Light chain peptide secreted by rabbit antibody producing and murine MOPC 315 myeloma cells in the presence of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)☆

Abstract Rabbit antibodies elicited to rabbit lysergyl peptides secreted from antibody producing cells and to murine MOPC 315 lysergyl peptides were analyzed for their specificity. Both antisera reacted with the amino-terminal peptide of the variable region of the L chain derived by cyanogen bromide cleavage. The data are consistent with the incorporation of d -lysergic acid diethylamide in place of tryptophan near the first hypervariable region of the L chains. Polypeptide chain termination results, the L chain peptide is release and secreted from the cell.
The Bianchi procedure: a 20-year single institution experience

Background/Purpose: The emergence of improved outcomes for small bowel (SB) transplantation has raised questions regarding the utility of autologous intestinal lengthening for patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Chronic immunosuppression, multiple hospitalizations, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease are significant adverse factors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 20-year single institution experience with the Bianchi procedure and analyze its role in the management of pediatric SBS. Methods: Medical records for 19 consecutive patients who underwent the Bianchi procedure from 1984 to 2004 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: less than 5 years, 5 to 9.9 years, and 10 years or more after surgery. Various outcome variables were evaluated. Data are presented in tabular format as the number of patients (%) or average (range). Results: Nineteen patients were included in the study. Of 16 patients weaned from total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 7 (44%) responded to Bianchi procedure alone and 9 patients (56%) required SB transplant at an average of 4.09 years (range, 0.7-13.64 years) post-Bianchi. Four patients (21%) died, 1 received SB transplant and died of unrelated causes, and 3 were still on TPN and had not received SB transplantation. Conclusion: The Bianchi procedure facilitated weaning from TPN and eliminated the need for supplemental nutrition in select patients. Although the role of surgery is primarily adjunctive in the treatment of SBS, it offers therapeutic benefit in decreasing parenteral nutrition requirements and promoting intestinal adaptation. In particular, the Bianchi procedure has significant potential to improve the prognosis of pediatric patients with SBS.
Tricritical points in multicomponent fluid mixtures

In view of experimental considerations, we give a model-independent argument that the novel tricritical points in multicomponent fluid mixtures, where three phases simultaneously become critical, are points on the boundary of a single two-dimensional surface of critical points. This result is corroborated by the Landau model suggested by Griffiths. The relationship between these tricritical points and the complex 'higher-order' critical points proposed to exist in certain magnetic systems is elucidated.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults with continued symptoms

The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential efficacy, patient acceptability, and feasibility of a novel, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who have been stabilized on medications but still show clinically significant symptoms. Thirty-one adults with ADHD and stable psychopharmacology for ADHD were randomized to CBT plus continued psychopharmacology or continued psychopharmacology alone. Assessments included ADHD severity and associated anxiety and depression rated by an independent evaluator (IE) and by self-report. At the outcome assessment, those who were randomized to CBT had lower IE-rated ADHD symptoms (p < .01) and global severity (p < .002), as well as self-reported ADHD symptoms (p < .0001) than those randomized to continued psychopharmacology alone. Those in the CBT group also had lower IE-rated and self-report anxiety (p's < .04), lower IE-rated depression (p < .01), and a trend to have lower self-reported depression (p = .06). CBT continued to show superiority over continued psychopharmacology alone when statistically controlling levels of depression in analyses of core ADHD symptoms. There were significantly more treatment responders among patients who received CBT (56%) compared to those who did not (13%) (p < .02). These data support the hypothesis that CBT for adults with ADHD with residual symptoms is a feasible, acceptable, and potentially efficacious next-step treatment approach, worthy of further testing.
Improving "Email Speech Acts" Analysis via N-gram Selection

In email conversational analysis, it is often useful to trace the the intents behind each message exchange. In this paper, we consider classification of email messages as to whether or not they contain certain intents or email-acts, such as "propose a meeting" or "commit to a task". We demonstrate that exploiting the contextual information in the messages can noticeably improve email-act classification. More specifically, we describe a combination of n-gram sequence features with careful message preprocessing that is highly effective for this task. Compared to a previous study (Cohen et al., 2004), this representation reduces the classification error rates by 26.4% on average. Finally, we introduce Ciranda: a new open source toolkit for email speech act prediction.
Audiences, Brains, Sustainable Planets, and Communication Technologies: Four Horizons for the Rhetoric of Science and Technology

This response to papers by Leah Ceccarelli, Randy Harris, and Carl Herndl and Lauren Cutlip in the “Horizons of Possibility” panel at the 2012 ARST Vicentennial conference raises questions about each of the visions as they relate, respectively, to ARST audiences, brain science, and sustainable planets and programs. It also suggests renewed attention to communication technologies by scholars studying the rhetoric of science and technology, maintaining that rhetoricians need to come to terms with emerging twenty-first century communicative forms.
An improved systolic architecture for 2-D digital filters

An improved systolic architecture for two-dimensional infinite-impulse response (IIR) and finite-impulse-response (FIR) digital filters is presented. Comparisons with recently published work are made. When compared with the architecture of M.A. Sid-Ahmed (1989), a substantial reduction in the number of delay elements is observed. This reduction is of the order of 10/sup 2/ for a 2-D IIR filter and equals N+1 for an Nth-order 2-D FIR filter. The clock period has been made independent of the order of the filter. The speed-up factor is the maximum achievable and is independent of the filter order. Comparison with the work of S. Sunder et al. (1990) shows an improvement in the latency of the systolic array, which has been reduced from 1 to 0. A reduction of N+1 delay elements has been achieved for the FIR filter. An error analysis for the architecture is made. >
Risk of early childhood injuries in twins and singletons

The incidence of twin births in the United States (US) has increased more than 65 per cent since 1980. However, the risk of injury to multiple-birth children is unknown. We sought to compare the risk of injury-related hospitalization and death between multiples and singletons. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked birth certificate, hospital discharge, and death certificate data from Washington State (1987–2002). All multiples and approximately three singletons randomly selected for each multiple pregnancy were included. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to determine the hazard ratio (HR) of injury-related hospitalization and death in the first six years of life for twins and triplets compared to singletons. The HRs of injury-related hospitalization were 1.4 for twins (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–1.6) and 2.9 for triplets (95% CI: 0.5–9.5) relative to singletons after adjustment for child's sex, mother's age and marital status, and number of older siblings. Low birth weigh...
The case for baseball's special antitrust immunity.

In this article, the author argues that if one assumes that the public interest equates with maximizing consumer utility, then baseball's historic judicially-created antitrust immunity is in the public interest. Despite Major League Baseball's natural monopoly market power, applying anticonspiracy principles to this inherently wholly-integrated business would produce a form of irrational, ad hoc regulation by judges and juries that would create inefficiency and uncertainty without on balance enhancing consumer welfare. For base-ball's minor leagues, applying antitrust laws would most likely lead to the elimination of many teams and the concentration of those remaining in fewer areas. Given that the minor league product is consumed by entire communities instead of only by those who buy tickets, this would significantly diminish consumer welfare. Thus, the public interest is best served by maintaining baseball's antitrust “exemption.”
A Bipartite Late-Budding Domain in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes a PTAP motif within the p6 domain of Gag that recruits Tsg101 and associated factors to facilitate virion budding. In this study, we use trans-complementation assays to demonstrate that the PTAP motif acts synergistically with additional p6 sequences to mediate the formation of infectious extracellular HIV-1 virions. These studies suggest that Tsg101 recruitment is necessary but not sufficient to account for late-budding activity exhibited by HIV-1 p6.
Targeted Disruption of the Murine Bin1/Amphiphysin II Gene Does Not Disable Endocytosis but Results in Embryonic Cardiomyopathy with Aberrant Myofibril Formation

The mammalian Bin1/Amphiphysin II gene encodes an assortment of alternatively spliced adapter proteins that exhibit markedly divergent expression and subcellular localization profiles. Bin1 proteins have been implicated in a variety of different cellular processes, including endocytosis, actin cytoskeletal organization, transcription, and stress responses. To gain insight into the physiological functions of the Bin1 gene, we have disrupted it by homologous recombination in the mouse. Bin1 loss had no discernible impact on either endocytosis or phagocytosis in mouse embryo-derived fibroblasts and macrophages, respectively. Similarly, actin cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, and apoptosis in embryo fibroblasts were all unaffected by Bin1 loss. In vivo, however, Bin1 loss resulted in perinatal lethality. Bin1 has been reported to affect muscle cell differentiation and T-tubule formation. No striking histological abnormalities were evident in skeletal muscle of Bin1 null embryos, but severe ventricular cardiomyopathy was observed in these embryos. Ultrastructurally, myofibrils in ventricular cardiomyocytes of Bin1 null embryos were severely disorganized. These results define a developmentally critical role for the Bin1 gene in cardiac muscle development.
Shape-preserving mesh decimation within a graph-theoretic framework

A new mesh decimation algorithm is proposed to address the problem of obtaining shape-preserving coarse approximations of a highly detailed 3D surface mesh. The input mesh is segmented into multiple, disjoint sub-meshes to facilitate decimation. Given a sub-mesh, various shape clusters are identified and the vertices in those clusters arc labeled as boundary or interior. Shape is preserved by considering only similar-labeled vertex pairs as candidates for a potential merge. Sub-mesh decimation is realized by merging a vertex pair that minimizes the proposed graph energy based cost function. Results demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of the approach
A design of multi-heterogeneous system using SOA and RFID middleware platform

The commercial exchanged procedure among enterprises is complicated, and adopting information system of each other is mostly different. The circulation of each other's information and merger of the workflow are a complicated problem, for instance: trades, orders, stocks up etc., include a lot of trade files and goods information among them. Under the environment of global commercial competition, how electronic enterprises improve the competition advantage to shorten the information exchanges, it is a problem that is worth paying attention and solution. The purposes of this research is to decrease in the labor processing time and reduce data loose hard error, and to provide business more flexible services for a speedy response to demand, and to solve the problem of information multi-heterogeneous system. The RFID middleware platform of this research read 1 transaction of information only needed the shortest time of 0.11 seconds within completed distribution and construction in the experiments. Comparison with Savi pointed out that the records of goods read 1 transaction of information from bar code needed about 2 seconds; we can save the time up to 94%. The practical expression was informed that this research provides the solution can effectively reduce operating time and the problem of information in multiheterogeneous systems.
Bridge to Removal: A Paradigm Shift for Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy

Ventricular assist devices have become standard therapy for patients with advanced heart failure either as a bridge to transplantation or destination therapy. Despite the functional and biologic evidence of reverse cardiac remodeling, few patients actually proceed to myocardial recovery, and even fewer to the point of having their device explanted. An enhanced understanding of the biology and care of the mechanically supported patient has redirected focus on the possibility of using ventricular assist devices as a bridge to myocardial recovery and removal. Herein, we review the current issues and approaches to transforming myocardial recovery to a practical reality.
Photoshop with friends: a synchronous learning community for graphic design

Photoshop with Friends is an online community of learners exchanging just-in-time help on graphic design tasks. The system attempts to provide an interactive, visual, context-aware, and personalized mode of learning. Developed as a Facebook application, Photoshop with Friends allows users to help each other in live sessions, with built-in screen sharing, recording, and voice chat support. Major design decisions are guided by two laboratory studies that identified challenges in learning graphic design skills on the web.
The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae and light on Wisconsin (USA) sand savanna understories 1

To explain the complex community composition found in Wisconsin (USA) oak savannas, we investigated potentially interacting effects of light gradients and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on community composition in the greenhouse, using a fully randomized block experimental design. We used plant species, soil, and AMF from a remnant sand savanna in setting up the experiment, using two light and five AMF treatments. Eleven plant species were seeded into 80 microcosms, and they were grown together for 20 weeks. Plant numbers and biomass were measured, and Simpson's index was calculated for both. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and nonparametric ANOVA. We found significant light effects on biomass and on numbers of four species. There were no treatment effects on Simpson's index, and only Schizachyrium numbers showed a significant AMF effect. These findings are consistent with results from other studies of the sand savanna, and, collectively, these data suggest that plant community composition in this species-rich savanna is not strongly influenced by arbuscular mycorrhizae. This is a novel finding with important implications for understanding interactions between plant and AMF diversity in wild communities.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy: Clinical review and legal issues

Well-established policies and procedures govern the identification, management, and treatment of most variations of child abuse. For many therapists, such cases have become “routine”. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is an under-recognized form of child abuse in which a parent feigns or creates illness in a child specifically to have the child subjected to unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments by medical practitioners. Variations range from false reports of fevers or allergies, to life-threatening abuse, such as surreptitious poisonings or injections with toxic substances. This article reports a case example of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, provides a review of historical, diagnostic and management issues, and discusses legal issues relevant to detection of the perpetrator and protection of the child victim.
Ultraviolet and γ‐ray polymerization of fluoroalkyl methacrylates in the liquid and glassy states

The polymerization reaction of the fluoroalkyl esters of methacrylic acid was studied in both the liquid and glassy state under uv and ..gamma.. radiation. With both irradiations the rate of conversion of the monomers increased with increasing length of the fluoroalkyl group. In the uv irradiation there was a remarkable acceleration of the rate at high temperatures which was accompanied by the augmentation of the intrinsic viscosities of the polymers produced. At low temperatures the polymerization increased linearly with the irradiation time. Under ..gamma.. irradiation the polymerization rate was higher in the glassy state than in the liquid state, and the viscosity of the polymer produced at -78/sup 0/C was higher than that of the polymer produced in the liquid state. (JSR)
The role of estrogens in the pathogenesis of canine hip dysplasia. Metabolism of exogenous estrogens.

— —Urinary estradiol-17β was measured by gas chromatography in each of 22 normal or dysplastic dogs that had received intramuscular injections of estradiol. Measurable quantities of estradiol-17β were not found in urine from these dogs prior to administration of the exogenous hormone. The level of urinary estradiol-17β was lower in normal dogs than in dysplastic dogs after injection of the hormone. Larger quantities of the hormone occurred in the urine of older dogs of dysplastic lineage after estradiol-17 β injection. These results indicate dogs with hereditary hip dysplasia have a lower than normal capacity to metabolize biologically-active estradiol. Resume— —L'estradiol-17β urinaire a ete mesure par gas-chromatographie dans chaque des 22 chiens normaux ou dysplastiques qui ont rocu des injections intramusculaires d'estradiol. Des quantites mesurables d'estradiol-17β n'ont pas ete trouvees dans Purine de ces chiens avant 1'administration de hormone exogene. Le niveau d'estradiol-17β urinaire etait plus bas chez les chiens normaux que chez les chiens dysplastiques, apres l'injection de l'hormone. Des quantites plus grandes de hormone ont ete trouvees dans l'urine des chiens plus âges du groupe dysplastique, apres l'injection d'estradiol— 17β. Les resultats indiquent que les chiens avec dysplasie hereditaire de la hanche ont une capacite moindre que la mornale de metaboliser l'estradiol biologiquement active. Zusammenfassung— —Oestradiol-17β im Urin wurde mittels Gas-Chromotagraphie in 22 normalen odcr dysplastischen Hunden gemessen, die intramuskulaere Injektionen von Oestradiol erhalten hatten. Messbare Mengen von Oestradiol-17β wurden im Urin dieser Hundc vor der Verabreichung des exogenen Hormons nicht gefunden. Der Oestradiol-17β-Spiegel im Urin war in normalen Hunden niedriger als in dysplastischen Hunden nach der Hormon-Injektion. Groessere Hormonmengen kamen im Urin von aelteren Hunden von dysplastischer Abstammung nach Oestradiol-17β-Injektion vor. Diese Resultate zeigen, dass Hunde mit hereditaerer Hueften-Dysplasie eine niedriger als normale Faehigkeit haben, biologisch aktives Oestradiol zu metabolisieren.
3-D, bluff body drag estimation using a Green's function/Gram-Charlier series approach.

In this study, we describe the extension of the 2-d preliminary design bluff body drag estimation tool developed by De Chant to apply for 3-d flows. As with the 2-d method, the 3-d extension uses a combined approximate Green's function/Gram-Charlier series approach to retain the body geometry information. Whereas, the 2-d methodology relied solely upon the use of small disturbance theory for the inviscid flow field associated with the body of interest to estimate the near-field initial conditions, e.g. velocity defect, the 3-d methodology uses both analytical (where available) and numerical inviscid solutions. The defect solution is then used as an initial condition in an approximate 3-d Green's function solution. Finally, the Green's function solution is matched to the 3-d analog of the classical 2-d Gram-Charlier series and then integrated to yield the net form drag on the bluff body. Preliminary results indicate that drag estimates computed are of accuracy equivalent to the 2-d method for flows with large separation, i.e. less than 20% relative error. As was the lower dimensional method, the 3-d concept is intended to be a supplement to turbulent Navier-Stokes and experimental solution for estimating drag coefficients over blunt bodies.
Nicotine exploits a COPI-mediated process for chaperone-mediated up-regulation of its receptors

Chronic exposure to nicotine up-regulates high sensitivity nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. This up-regulation partially underlies addiction and may also contribute to protection against Parkinson’s disease. nAChRs containing the α6 subunit (α6* nAChRs) are expressed in neurons in several brain regions, but comparatively little is known about the effect of chronic nicotine on these nAChRs. We report here that nicotine up-regulates α6* nAChRs in several mouse brain regions (substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area, medial habenula, and superior colliculus) and in neuroblastoma 2a cells. We present evidence that a coat protein complex I (COPI)-mediated process mediates this up-regulation of α6* or α4* nAChRs but does not participate in basal trafficking. We show that α6β2β3 nAChR up-regulation is prevented by mutating a putative COPI-binding motif in the β3 subunit or by inhibiting COPI. Similarly, a COPI-dependent process is required for up-regulation of α4β2 nAChRs by chronic nicotine but not for basal trafficking. Mutation of the putative COPI-binding motif or inhibition of COPI also results in reduced normalized Forster resonance energy transfer between α6β2β3 nAChRs and eCOP subunits. The discovery that nicotine exploits a COPI-dependent process to chaperone high sensitivity nAChRs is novel and suggests that this may be a common mechanism in the up-regulation of nAChRs in response to chronic nicotine.
Uracil–DNA Glycosylase Expression Determines Human Lung Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Pemetrexed

Uracil misincorporation into DNA is a consequence of pemetrexed inhibition of thymidylate synthase. The base excision repair (BER) enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG) is the major glycosylase responsible for removal of misincorporated uracil. We previously illustrated hypersensitivity to pemetrexed in UNG(-/-) human colon cancer cells. Here, we examined the relationship between UNG expression and pemetrexed sensitivity in human lung cancer. We observed a spectrum of UNG expression in human lung cancer cells. Higher levels of UNG are associated with pemetrexed resistance and are present in cell lines derived from pemetrexed-resistant histologic subtypes (small cell and squamous cell carcinoma). Acute pemetrexed exposure induces UNG protein and mRNA, consistent with upregulation of uracil-DNA repair machinery. Chronic exposure of H1299 adenocarcinoma cells to increasing pemetrexed concentrations established drug-resistant sublines. Significant induction of UNG protein confirmed upregulation of BER as a feature of acquired pemetrexed resistance. Cotreatment with the BER inhibitor methoxyamine overrides pemetrexed resistance in chronically exposed cells, underscoring the use of BER-directed therapeutics to offset acquired drug resistance. Expression of UNG-directed siRNA and shRNA enhanced sensitivity in A549 and H1975 cells, and in drug-resistant sublines, confirming that UNG upregulation is protective. In human lung cancer, UNG deficiency is associated with pemetrexed-induced retention of uracil in DNA that destabilizes DNA replication forks resulting in DNA double-strand breaks and cell death. Thus, in experimental models, UNG is a critical mediator of pemetrexed sensitivity that warrants evaluation to determine clinical value.
Isolation and Partial Characterization of Xanthine Oxidase Associated with the Milk Fat Globule Membrane of Cows’ Milk

Abstract Xanthine oxidase was isolated directly from fat globule membranes by freeing the bound enzyme with sodium deoxycholate, obviating the use of proteolytic enzymes in the purification procedure. The isolated enzyme possessed a Michaelis constant of 1.29±.08×10 −5 M and a maximum initial velocity of 3.62±.07μmoles/mg/min. A molecular weight of ∼153,000 was determined by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing polyacrylamide gels. Upon storage at 4C for 30 days or 37C for 24h, the molecule degraded into smaller molecular units. The breakdown appears to be independent of microbial load and temperature-dependent association-dissociation phenomena. A membrane-associated protease endogenous to the milk system was implicated as the degrading agent.
Development of a cost-reduced package thru DOE validation and zero-margin design concept

As gold price hits record high after record high since the turn of millennium and fast approaching the USD1,000 per ounce barrier, the cost of wirebond package has rocketed high because Gold (99.9%) is the major material for wire bonding. Instead of turning existing chip into using flip chip packaging technology, various cost reduction steps, including package form-factor and wire reduction, are gaining higher priority. Electrical concerns, reliability and product compatibility remain the major key technical challenges. This paper details the engineering hurdles with the new package designed that comes with huge crucial package parameters reduction, and its resolutions thru design of experiment (DOE) experiments and debugging simulation analysis.