cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absolute configuration of actinophyllic acid as determined through chiroptical data.

The absolute configuration of actinophyllic acid (−)-1, an alkaloid with an unprecedented 2,3,6,7,9,13c-hexahydro-1H-1,7,8-(methanetriyloxymethano)pyrrolo[1′,2′:1,2]azacino[4,3-b]indole-8(5H)-carboxylic acid skeleton isolated from Alstonia actinophylla, was determined through the study of its corresponding methyl ester 2. Racemic 2 was separated into (+)-2 and (−)-2 enantiomers, and they were assigned unambiguously as 15S,16R,19R,20R,21S and 15R,16S,19S,20S,21R, respectively, by the use of optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism. Finally, (−)-2 was characterized as the methyl ester of naturally occurring (−)-1. The assigned 15R,16S,19S,20S,21R-configuration of (−)-1 is consistent with a proposed biosynthetic pathway.
Qualifications for tenure: The legal definitions

One of the most important norms of the academy is the right, and the unique ability, of faculty members to determine whether or not their colleagues are qualified for promotion or tenure. This right has been protected by the U.S. Supreme Court. The national debate about quality in higher education has exacerbated the pressure caused by a limited job market in many academic disciplines to exert substantial pressure on institutions to make careful, appropriate tenure decisions, and on junior faculty to amass a record of performance that will be considered worthy of a positive tenure decision. Judicial responses to discrimination litigation have implications for the way in which promotion/tenure criteria are interpreted and applied by decision makers, the manner in which probationary faculty are nurtured and evaluated, and the faculty member's own strategy for building a record of high-quality performance.
Environmental impact assessment in sub-Saharan Africa: the Gambian experience

The Gambia was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to adopt a national environmental action plan (NEAP) in the early 1990s, sponsored by the World Bank and other donor agencies, and en...
Studies on ornithine decarboxylase activity in normal and regenerating livers.

Abstract Ornithine decarboxylase activity was determined in the supernatant fraction of normal and regenerating livers. The enzyme was assayed by measuring 14 CO 2 release from [1- 14 C]ornithine or by isolation of labeled putrescine. Ornithine decarboxylase activity increases very shortly after partial hepatectomy and reaches a maximum at about 18 h following the operation. The rise in enzyme activity is synchronous with the changes in the incorporation of [ 14 C]orotic acid into 28-S ribosomal RNA occurring during liver regeneration. Actinomycin D and puromycin inhibited the increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity found during regeneration. X-radiation is without effect on the increase in liver ornithine decarboxylase activity in partially hepatectomized animals. A single injection of thioacetamide or casein hydrolysate administration produce increases in liver ornithine decarboxylase activity of nonoperated rats. The hydrolysate effect is abolished by actinomycin. The results suggest that putrescine synthesis may be related to the changes in RNA metabolism occurring during liver regeneration. A mechanism is suggested that would account for the initial increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity following partial hepatectomy.
Farm-scale anaerobic storage and aerobic stability of high dry matter perennial grasses as biomass feedstocks

Abstract Research was conducted to determine the feasibility of using a chopped harvest and anaerobic storage system to conserve mature, high dry matter (DM) switchgrass and reed canarygrass intended as cellulosic biomass feedstocks. The grasses were anaerobically stored in farm-scale silo bags for over 220 days. Switchgrass DM content was either 459 or 566 g kg−1 and reed canarygrass DM content was 525 g kg−1. Average storage losses were 27 and 22 g kg−1 of DM for switchgrass and reed canarygrass, respectively. Additional DM loss after two- and seven-day aerobic exposure was 16 and 23 g kg−1 or 11 and 19 g kg−1 for switchgrass and reed canarygrass, respectively. On-harvester inoculation with a combination of homofermentative (Pediococcus pentosaceus) and heterofermentative (Lactobacillus buchneri) bacterium increased the production of both lactic and acetic acid during storage and in some situations produced lower yeast and mold populations during aerobic exposure. Inoculation improved aerobic stability in reed canarygrass and the high DM switchgrass. Fermentation products were less than 25 g kg−1 for both grasses. Average recovery of cellulose and hemicellulose was 97% of initial mass. Anaerobic storage of chopped, inoculated, high DM, mature perennial grasses was shown to be a viable cellulosic biomass feedstock logistics system.
A constant-magnetization ensemble for the classical anisotropic Heisenberg model

A constant-magnetization ensemble is introduced in order to study classical, anisotropic Heisenberg systems. Existence, uniform convergence, and convexity properties are proved for an appropriate thermodynamic potential. The thermodynamic equivalence of this ensemble with the more common canonical ensemble is also established. In a subsequent paper, this formulation is used to obtain an exact statistical mechanical solution of classical Heisenberg systems with long-range Kac interactions.
Regulation of intestinal regeneration: new insights.

Intestinal regeneration is the process by which intestinal injury penetrating deep to the lamina propria heals. The regenerative process involves epithelial cell migration and proliferation, changes in cellular function, adaptation of subepithelial tissues, and contraction of the injured area. This requires interaction of multiple cell types. While many observations have been made about the process of regeneration, its regulation is not well understood. Previous studies, performed primarily in a serosal patch model, have identified many potential regulatory factors. These include location and size of the injury, other associated injury, e.g., resection, and a variety of agents that influence one or more of the primary processes involved. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), in particular, appears to play a role in many aspects of regeneration. Recent advances in the understanding of intestinal growth regulation have provided new insights into the regulation of intestinal regeneration. Developmental studies in genetically manipulated mice suggest a role for gene products not previously implicated in regeneration. The importance of apoptosis in growth regulation has recently been emphasized. Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions have gained greater appreciation. Finally, it has become clear that immune cells and cytokines are important factors in this process. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) has been implicated as another important regulator of several of the processes involved in intestinal regulation. Improved understanding of the regulation of intestinal regeneration will lead to new therapeutic approaches to stimulate intestinal healing in the clinical setting. Microsc. Res. Tech. 51:129–137, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Glucose-6-phosphate modification of bovine renal Na,K-ATPase: A model for changes occurring in the human renal medulla in diabetes

The kinetics of hydrolysis of ATP were determined for the renal Na,K-ATPase, in the K+ conformation, modified with glucose-6-phosphate. There was a shift in the ATP hydrolysis kinetics from negative kinetic co-operativity for the control enzyme preparations to substrate inhibition kinetics for the modified enzyme preparations. The effect was reversible and stabilized after NaBH4 reduction. Approximately 4 moles of glucose-6-phosphate were incorporated per mole of Na,K-ATPase (based on MW of 150,000 daltons). Similar substrate inhibition kinetics were observed for the renal Na,K-ATPase isolated from several human subjects with mature onset diabetes.
Improved electrocardiographic detection of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy: results of a correlated data base approach

Objectives.: We used electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic measurements from 3,351 adults from the Framingham Heart Study to evaluate the performance of 10 ECG criteria in detecting left...
Theoretical prediction of the conformations of poly-(gly-pro-gly)

Abstract The minimum energy conformations of some isolated and multi-molecular structures of poly-(gly-pro-gly) have been calculated and are presented. The poly-L-proline II helix is not among the four most stable isolated strand conformations, which are numbered here RM 1-4. It is shown that only one of these structures (RM 4) can pack efficiently into a stable crystal form. However, a sacrifice in intramolecular stabilization energy can be recovered in intermolecular interaction for the polyproline II-type conformation. A consideration of these factors leads to at least three possible crystal structures of comparable lattice energy. Each of the structures has an orthogonal unit cell and is sheetlike, but is distinguishable from the others either by chain conformation or packing arrangement. Two of the three structures are compatible with the X-ray evidence for poly-(gly-pro-gly) crystals precipitated from formic acid. Interesting features emerging from these calculations are that (a) several conformatio...
The Development of Students' Helping Behavior and Learning in Peer-Directed Small Groups

This study examined the behaviors and experiences of students who needed assistance while working in peer-directed small groups on mathematics problems and the processes that helped or hindered their learning. Students in 4 seventh-grade classes worked in heterogeneous small groups throughout a 3-week unit on operations with decimal numbers. Analyses of the transcripts of audiotapes of students' verbal interaction and their posttest performance confirmed previous research showing that students who learned how to solve the problems received high-level help during group work and, subsequently, correctly solved group-work problems without further assistance. Extending previous findings, this study also showed that the following help-seeking behaviors were important determinants of successful posttest performance: asking for specific explanations instead of calculations or answers or general admissions of confusion, persistence in seeking explanations and modification of help-seeking strategies, and applicati...
Structural consequences of transcortical holes in long bones loaded in torsion.

Finite element models were used to predict the structural consequences of transcortical holes through long bones loaded in torsion. Several parameters were investigated including hole size, anelastic behavior of the bone, cortical wall thickness, cortical wall symmetry, curvature along the bone's long axis and the axial length of the defect. Finite element model predictions of percent intact bone strength were compared to experimental data for sheep femora with transcortical drill holes loaded to failure in torsion. Hole size was expressed as hole diameter divided by the outer bone diameter. Linear finite element model predictions were in conservative agreement with the experimental data for large hole sizes. A transcortical hole with a diameter 50% of the outer bone diameter reduced the torsional strength by 60%. However, the linear models predict a 40% drop in strength for small holes whereas in vitro data suggest that small holes have no significant effect on strength. Models which represent non-linear anelastic behavior in bone over-predicted torsional strengths. Asymmetric cortical wall thickness and long bone bowing have minor effects, while the length of an elongated defect strongly influences the torsional strength. Strength reductions are greatest for bones with thin cortical walls.
Secure and efficient range queries on outsourced databases using Rp-trees

We show how to execute range queries securely and efficiently on encrypted databases in the cloud. Current methods provide either security or efficiency, but not both. Many schemes even reveal the ordering of encrypted tuples, which, as we show, allows adversaries to estimate plaintext values accurately. We present the R-trees, a hierarchical encrypted index that may be securely placed in the cloud, and searched efficiently. It is based on a mechanism we design for encrypted halfspace range queries in ℝd, using Asymmetric Scalar-product Preserving Encryption. Data owners can tune the R-trees parameters to achieve desired security-efficiency tradeoffs. We also present extensive experiments to evaluate R-trees performance. Our results show that R-trees queries are efficient on encrypted databases, and reveal far less information than competing methods.
Mitochondrial death in sepsis: a failed concept

Abstract The concept of early selective mitochondrial injury has been proposed to explain the global metabolic dysfunction observed in the septic state. A two phase study was undertaken to test the validity of this hypothesis. In the initial phase, an endotoxin shock model was employed in the rat to delineate the function of skeletal muscle mitochondria. Mitochondrial function was determined polarimetrically, comparing state three and state four rates, respiratory control index (RCI) and ADP:O ratios. No significant alteration in these parameters was observed in the endotoxic state. Phase II of the study was designed to investigate mitochondrial function in a bacterial peritonitis rat model. Both liver and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function were determined to control for possible alterations in liver metabolism. Neither muscle nor liver mitochondria exhibited functional impairment during sepsis. We conclude from this study that neither endotoxemia nor peritonitis selectively “kills” mitochondria as previously suggested.
Laundering Practices and Results of Homemakers Using Coin‐Operated Laundries

This research examined factors that influenced the laundering results of homemakers using the coin-operated laundry. Data were obtained by personal interview with 243 home makers at coin-operated laundries and from reflectance measurements on soiled and laun dered pillowcases and standard soil cloth. Interrelationships were examined using step wise multiple regression analysis. Whiteness values for the laundered pillowcases covered a wide range; most values were much lower than for new pillowcases. On the average, the laundered pillowcases were ten units whiter than the soiled ones. The laundering results were related to the extent of soiling prior to washing, the change in whiteness of standard soil cloth, color index of the wash load, household size, age of the homemaker, and socioeconomic position of the household.
Indications of superconductivity at somewhat elevated temperatures in strontium titanate subjected to high electric fields

Insulating single-crystal ${\text{SrTiO}}_{3}$ wafers have been rendered conductive below room temperature by subjecting them to electric fields. With moderate fields the process can be reversed by warming the substrates to room temperature or slightly above. At higher fields the process is not reversible. When substrates subjected to high fields are cooled to temperatures in the range of 2--6 K, they exhibit significant and sharp resistance drops that respond to magnetic field in a manner suggestive of the presence of superconductivity despite the fact that the resistance does not fall to zero. If these effects are indeed indications of superconductivity they are occurring at temperatures in excess of those found employing techniques previously used to induce superconductivity in ${\text{SrTiO}}_{3}$. The phenomenon is sample dependent and is not observed in every sample. We suggest that these effects are the result of static electric fields producing a redistribution of oxygen vacancies and possibly irreversible structural changes leading to channels that are sufficiently doped so as to be superconducting. The reason the onset temperatures for this effect are higher than those achieved using more conventional doping approaches is an open question.
Critique of the Pekar theory of the F-center†

A discussion is presented of the Pekar treatment of optical absorption and emission by the F-center in alkali halides, in which the crystal is treated as a polarizable dielectric continuum. In some important respects this is the most successful theory yet developed; nevertheless it is shown to lead to very poor predictions of other observable quantities, and more important, to contain striking internal inconsistencies. These are pointed out and discussed. The theory is interpreted in a way which shows how, as it has been applied, it is essentially invariant with respect to the internal inconsistency as well as to a demonstrably false assumption on which it is based. Die Arbeit gibt eine kritische Analyse der Pekarschen Theorie der optischen Absorption und Emission in F-Zentren. Diese Theorie, in der der Kristall als ein polarisierbares dielektrisches Kontinuum behandelt wird, stellt in einigen wichtigen Punkten den bisher erfolgreichsten Zugang zum Problem des F-Zentrums dar, fuhrt jedoch fur einige Mesgrosen zu schlechter Ubereinstimmung mit dem Experiment. Auserdem enthalt sie, was noch wichtiger ist, einen schwerwiegenden inneren Widerspruch. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird gezeigt, das die Theorie, wie sie bisher angewandt wurde, im wesentlichen invariant ist gegenuber diesem Widerspruch und auch gegenuber einer nachweisbar falschen Annahme, auf der sie beruht.
Adequacy of Sanitization and Storage of Catheters for Intermittent Use After Washing and Microwave Sterilization

Purpose: Clean intermittent catheterization is used to treat neurogenic bladders and it can be adequate to maintain sterile urine. Typically polyvinylchloride, individually packaged catheters are used but they are not intended for repeat use by the manufacturer. Antibacterial soap alone or combined with microwave heating was advocated to decrease pathogens and bacterial residue, which could inoculate the bladder from a colonized catheter. We assessed the efficacy of catheter sanitizing and storage for reuse.Materials and Methods: Catheters were inoculated with a 24-hour broth culture of Escherichia coli and washed in antibacterial soap, washed and microwaved or immediately packaged (positive controls) and stored for 1, 3 and 7 days, respectively. Common packaging was used, including paper towels, sealable plastic bags or sealable rigid plastic containers. Each condition was assessed in triplicate via culture of the entire catheter contents, yielding a total of 27 catheters per sanitization method.Results:...
Benefit Finding Scale for Children: Preliminary Findings from a Childhood Cancer Population

Objective To describe the development of a brief measure of benefit finding for children. Data regarding the psychometrics and validity of the instrument were examined in a sample of children with cancer. Methods A cross-sectional sample of children with cancer (N ¼199, ages 7–18 years) completed the Benefit Finding Scale for Children (BFSC) along with measures of adaptive style, optimism/pessimism, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Results The BFSC was found to be a unidimensional measure with excellent internal reliability. Benefit finding was not related to age or gender, but differed as a function of race/ethnicity. No differences were found by diagnostic category, but a significant relationship was found with age at diagnosis and time elapsed since diagnosis. Small, but significant positive correlations were found with measures of optimism and self-esteem, and a negative correlation with anxiety. No relation was found between benefit finding and post-traumatic stress symtpoms or other domains of health-related quality of life. Conclusion The BFSC shows promise as a measure of benefit finding in children. The measure could be readily adapted for other populations of children experiencing trauma.
The morphology of the central nervous system of the barnacle, Semibalanus cariosus (Pallas).

The central nervous system of the sessile barnacle, Semibalanus cariosus (Pallas), has been studied with the particular aim of determining the locations of neuron somata in relation to peripheral nerves. This was accomplished by tracing peripheral nerves using dissection and methylene blue staining techniques, histological methods, and by permitting cobaltous chloride to diffuse via axons into ganglia (“backfilling”). The neuron maps resulting from the study reveal some well-defined sub-systems, a considerable degree of functional clumping of neuron somata, and some unexpected projections of neurons in the CNS. Neurophysiological studies based on these findings are in progress.
Preferred RNA binding sites for a threading intercalator revealed by in vitro evolution

In pursuit of small molecules capable of controlling the function of RNA targets, we have explored the RNA binding properties of peptide-acridine conjugates (PACs). In vitro evolution (SELEX) was used to isolate RNAs capable of binding the PAC Ser-Val-Acr-Arg, where Acr is an acridine amino acid. The PAC binds RNA aptamers selectively and with a high degree of discrimination over DNA. PAC binding sites contain the base-paired 5'-CpG-3' sequence, a known acridine intercalation site. However, RNA structure flanking this sequence causes binding affinities to vary over 30-fold. The preferred site (K(D) = 20 nM) contains a base-paired 5'-CpG-3' step flanked on the 5' side by a 4 nt internal loop and the 3' side by a bulged U. Several viral 5'- and 3'-UTR RNA sequences that likely form binding sites for this PAC are identified.
Assessment of Microcystis growth rate potential and nutrient status across a trophic gradient in western Lake Erie

Plankton tow samples collected from 2002 through 2009 indicate that Microcystis biovolume in western Lake Erie is often most dense in transition zone (TZ) waters between Maumee Bay and the center of the western basin. TZ waters are generally high in nutrients and turbidity, and concentrations of each decrease with distance from Maumee Bay. High Microcystis biovolume in the TZ suggests the possibility that the conditions in these waters support a greater Microcystis growth rate relative to the open lake. To test this hypothesis, during the 2008 bloom, Microcystis was collected from western Lake Erie for measurements of total protein content (TPC) as an indicator of growth rate potential and cellular nutrient content to indicate nutrient deficiencies. TPC results indicate that Microcystis in the TZ had a higher potential growth rate compared to offshore waters. TPC values in Maumee Bay were intermediate but not significantly different from the TZ and offshore. Nitrogen content of Microcystis remained high over the summer at all sites, despite very low dissolved nitrate concentrations and low total nitrogen-to-total phosphorus ratio in late summer in the lake. Ammonium level in the lake was constant during the summer, and likely provided the nitrogen source for Microcystis. Cellular phosphorus content varied between site and sample date suggesting that Microcystis was moderately phosphorus deficient. Quotas of micronutrient indicated that Microcystis was not deficient of micronutrients. Results of this study suggest the waters in and adjacent to Maumee Bay provide more favorable growth conditions for Microcystis than offshore waters.
Surface Tension and Density of Molten A12O3

An X-radiographic technique was developed to obtain profiles of molten ceramic menisci and pendant drops sealed in molybdenum or tungsten capsules. The surface tension for Al2O3 was calculated from the shape of the drops or menisci. Molybdenum capsules lowered the surface tension value. The density was 3.01 g/cm8 at the melting point.
Clifford Stoll (1996) Silicon Snake Oil. Book review by Mike Eisenberg

Abstract: Stoll, C. (1996) Silicon Snake Oil . Anchor Books. New York. Book review by Mike Eisenberg (March, 1999). ISBN: 0-385-41994-5
Free Vibration Analysis by BEM Using Particular Integrals

A new method for the free-vibration analysis using the boundary element technique is presented. The method utilizes a fictitious vector function to approximate the inertia forces and then uses the well-known concept of complementary functions and particular integrals to solve the resulting governing differential equations. The necessary particular integrals are defined for the two and three-dimensional analyses, and the present formulation is applied to a number of two-dimensional problems to show its accuracy and efficiency in the solution of realistic engineering problems.
HUMAN BRAIN MALFORMATIONS AND THEIR LESSONS FOR NEURONAL MIGRATION

The developmental steps required to build a brain have been recognized as a distinctive sequence since the turn of the twentieth century. As marking tools for experimental embryology emerged, the cellular events of cortical histogenesis have been intensively scrutinized. On this rich backdrop, molecular genetics provides the opportunity to play out the molecular programs that orchestrate these cellular events. Genetic studies of human brain malformation have proven a surprising source for finding the molecules that regulate CNS neuronal migration. These studies also serve to relate the significance of genes first identified in murine species to the more complex human brain. The known genetic repertoire that is special to neuronal migration in brain has rapidly expanded over the past five years, making this an appropriate time to take stock of the emerging picture. We do this from the perspective of human brain malformation syndromes, noting both what is now known of their genetic bases and what remains to be discovered.
Reconstruing Intolerance Abstract Thinking Reduces Conservatives’ Prejudice Against Nonnormative Groups

Myrdal (1944) described the “American dilemma” as the conflict between abstract national values (“liberty and justice for all”) and more concrete, everyday prejudices. We leveraged construal-level theory to empirically test Myrdal’s proposition that construal level (abstract vs. concrete) can influence prejudice. We measured individual differences in construal level (Study 1) and manipulated construal level (Studies 2 and 3); across these three studies, we found that adopting an abstract mind-set heightened conservatives’ tolerance for groups that are perceived as deviating from Judeo-Christian values (gay men, lesbians, Muslims, and atheists). Among participants who adopted a concrete mind-set, conservatives were less tolerant of these nonnormative groups than liberals were, but political orientation did not have a reliable effect on tolerance among participants who adopted an abstract mind-set. Attitudes toward racial out-groups and dominant groups (e.g., Whites, Christians) were unaffected by construal...
THE ELIMINATION OF SLIP BETWEEN PROSTHESIS AND FEMUR

1. The customary method of broaching and of knocking the prosthesis down into the neck of the femur produces an indeterminate interference fit. 2. The usual interference fit may suffer progressive breakdown under even small, steady loads. This results in a permanent relative movement between prosthesis and femur as the metal insert "beds " into the bone. 3. Modification of the usual practice by providing a clearance fit between prosthesis and femur and cementing of the metal into the bone provides a system which has been shown to be free of breakdown under steady loads up to about 450 pounds. 4. By cementing the prosthesis shaft into the femur permanent relative movement between the elements has been shown to be reduced from approximately four-hundredths of an inch per 100 pounds load to two ten-thousandths of an inch per 100 pounds load—that is, a reduction of 200 to 1.
Linear and constant testability of hexagonally connected arrays

Testability conditions for two-dimensional hexagonal arrays are introduced. Conditions that permit testing of hexagonally connected arrays in time proportional to the number of cells are given. Design for testability of cells that allows constant testability to be achieved is proposed. Additional states are included in the state transition table of a cell. These states achieve full controllability and observability of the test results by regenerating the test input and propagating to the primary outputs the faulty states. The approach presented is less restrictive than previous ones. >
Generations of Oscillations with Equally Spaced Frequencies in a Given Band

One or two crystal oscillators determine the lowest and the highest frequency of the band, f a and f b , respectively. A self-excited oscillator is stabilized to the mean frequency, f 1 , of the band by comparison of the difference frequencies f_{1}-f_{a} and f_{b}-f_{1} - A second oscillator stage can then be stabilized similarly, either to the midfrequency between f 1 and f a or between f l and f b . In each further stage the number of frequencies to which the corresponding oscillators can be stabilized is doubled. Thus, for example, ten stages make any of 1,047 frequencies available. Further methods are described where each stage triples or quadruples the capacity of the system.
Conceptual approaches and issues.

Abstract The experimental analysis of behavior has lagged far behind mainstream psychology, particularly cognitive psychology, in the study of complex behavior—remembering, thinking, imaging, problem solving, and the like. Yet it is the study of these kinds of behavior that will provide the greatest justification of our continued existence in the community of behavioral scientists. Focusing primarily on remembering as a complex performance, aspects of (1) radical behaviorism, (2) the methodology of the experimental analysis of behavior, and (3) the special contributions of B. F. Skinner are assessed as explicitly or implicitly discouraging the experimental treatment of such complex behavior. Although there are encouraging signs of advancement into the present domains of cognitive psychology, future success of the experimental analysis of behavior in this endeavor will require aggressive pursuit by investigators and more effective training of their students.
CD4+ T Cells Are Necessary and Sufficient To Confer Protection against Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in the Murine Upper Genital Tract

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Chlamydia infections that ascend to the upper genital tract can persist, trigger inflammation, and result in serious sequelae such as infertility. However, mouse models in which the vaginal vault is inoculated with C. trachomatis do not recapitulate the course of human disease. These intravaginal infections of the mouse do not ascend efficiently to the upper genital tract, do not cause persistent infection, do not induce significant inflammation, and do not induce significant CD4⁺ T cell infiltration. In this article, we describe a noninvasive transcervical infection model in which we bypass the cervix and directly inoculate C. trachomatis into the uterus. We show that direct C. trachomatis infection of the murine upper genital tract stimulates a robust Chlamydia-specific CD4⁺ T cell response that is both necessary and sufficient to clear infection and provide protection against reinfection.
Coronavirus Transcription Early in Infection

We studied the accumulation kinetics of murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) RNAs early in infection by using cloned MHV defective interfering (DI) RNA that contained an intergenic sequence from which subgenomic DI RNA is synthesized in MHV-infected cells. Genomic DI RNA and subgenomic DI RNA accumulated at a constant ratio from 3 to 11 h postinfection (p.i.) in the cells infected with MHV-containing DI particles. Earlier, at 1 h p.i., this ratio was not constant; only genomic DI RNA accumulated, indicating that MHV RNA replication, but not MHV RNA transcription, was active during the first hour of MHV infection. Negative-strand genomic DI RNA and negative-strand subgenomic DI RNA were first detectable at 1 and 3 h p.i., respectively, and the amounts of both RNAs increased gradually until 6 h p.i. These data showed that at 2 h p.i., subgenomic DI RNA was undergoing synthesis in the cells in which negative-strand subgenomic DI RNA was undetectable. These data, therefore, signify that negative-strand genomic DI RNA, but not negative-strand subgenomic DI RNA, was an active template for subgenomic DI RNA synthesis early in infection.
Distance to clinic and follow-up visit compliance in adolescent gastric bypass cohort.

Abstract Background Regular follow-up after bariatric surgery is important to assess the clinical status. Various factors could influence retention (i.e., compliance with clinical follow-up). The present analysis tested the hypothesis that the distance from the center will influence clinical retention for adolescent bariatric surgery patients. Our aim was to determine whether the distance to the clinic, and other patient characteristics, would predict clinical follow-up compliance. The present study was conducted at a tertiary care, free-standing children's hospital. Methods The Follow-up of Adolescent Bariatric Surgery (FABS) study is a single-center cohort study collecting demographic and clinical information. The subjects' addresses were geocoded, and the distance to the clinic was calculated. A generalized estimating equations model was used to examine follow-up visit compliance. Results A total of 71 subjects underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), with a mean body mass index of 59 kg/m 2 . The average distance to the clinic was 98 miles. Retention declined over time (6 mo, 94%; 1 yr, 89%; 2 yr, 69%; P P = .68). Age at surgery was inversely related to retention ( P = .04). Conclusion Compliance with clinical follow-up decreased 1 and 2 years after RYGB in adolescents. The distance from the center was not associated with follow-up regimen compliance. However, increasing age was associated with decreased retention. Additional research should focus on determining the modifiable factors that influence retention.
The Act of Claiming Higher Education as Indigenous Space: American Indian/Alaska Native Examples

This paper examines the concept of claiming postsecondary education as Indigenous space using curriculum, American Indian student services, and digital media. The intention of this manuscript is to address the disparities that are the result of assimilative educational practices in higher education for American Indians and Alaska Natives by employing theoretical strategies grounded in indigenous epistemologies and implementing practices used in creating Indigenous community within the context of higher education to improve student matriculation. American Indian/Alaska Native students can achieve success while maintaining cultural integrity by claiming educational space as their own, participating in American Indian Student Services programs, and sharing their survival tactics online, consequently taking ownership of their own educational experiences.
Elevated gold ellipse nanoantenna dimers as sensitive and tunable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates

We demonstrate large area arrays of elevated gold ellipse dimers with precisely controlled gaps for use as sensitive and highly controllable surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. The enhanced Raman signal observed with SERS arises from both localized and long range plasmonic effects. By controlling the geometry of a SERS substrate, in this case the size and aspect ratio of individual ellipses, the plasmon resonance can be tuned in a broad wavelength range, providing a method for designing the response of SERS substrates at different excitation wavelengths. Plasmon effects exhibited by the elevated gold ellipse dimer substrates are also demonstrated and confirmed through finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. A plasmon resonance red shift with an increase of the ellipse aspect ratio is observed, allowing systematic control of the resulting SERS signal intensity. Optimized elevated ellipse dimer substrates with 10 ± 2 nm gaps exhibit uniform SERS enhancement factors on the order of 10(9) for adsorbed p-mercaptoaniline molecules.
Brownian Ratchets and Their Application to Biological Transport Processes and Macromolecular Separation

Non-equilibrium fluctuations, whether generated externally or by a chemical reaction far-from-equilibrium, can drive directed motion along an anisotropic structure without thermal gradients or net macroscopic forces, simply by biasing Brownian motion. Systems operating on this principle are often referred to as “Brownian ratchets”, and the transport in such systems is called “fluctuation driven transport”. Brownian ratchets have been invoked as a possible explanation of the operation of molecular motors and pumps, but may also find application in other fields, such as particle separation or the design of nano-scale motors. Here we present a specific ratchet model for the operation of two microtubule based molecular motors, kinesin and ncd. This model can reproduce all the available mechanical data on the motion of these motors and, in addition, accounts for their directionality. We will also summarize some of the recently proposed macromolecular separation techniques based on geometrical ratchets. The main advantages of these new techniques are that the geometry of the devices can be chosen at will, the devices can be reused, molecules can be sorted continuously, and the separation can be easily automated.
The Effects of DDT on Oxidative Metabolism in Susceptible and DDT-Resistant Aedes aegypti

Susceptible (S) Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae exhibited a higher respiratory rate than those of a DDT-resistant (R) strain. whereas various concentrations of DDT increased the rate of oxygen consumption of R larvae, low concentrations of the insecticide increased oxygen uptake of the S strain and high concentrations decreased it. when the temperature was increased from 28°C. to 37.1°C., the oxygen consumption of the R larvae was higher. As compared with intact larvae, homogenates exhibited a prolonged lag period in their oxygen uptake, after which oxygen was consumed at a greatly enhanced rate, which was higher in the S larvae. The addition of the soluble fraction of the cell increased the oxygen uptake of mitochondria even when present in a concentration of only one-fifth that of the total homogenate. Although DDT inhibited oxidative phosphorylation in both strains, the degree of in hibition was greater in the S strain. This inhibition Vasdue largely to the reduction in the esterification of inorganic phosphate, the oxygen uptake being only slightly affected.
Meta‐analysis: outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in the haemophilia population

Introduction People with haemophilia (PWH) experience end stage joint disease as a result of repeated hemarthrosis, commonly leading to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Aim The goal of this meta-analysis is to calculate expected outcomes for range of motion (ROM), functional mobility, and complication rates in PWH following TKA. Methods Studies published between 1980 and 2015 were identified. Inclusion criteria PWH having TKA, reporting Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score or Knee Society Score, knee ROM, and incidence of complications for more than 5 TKAs. Inhibitor status, haemophilia severity and HIV status were not criteria for inclusion or exclusion. Meta-analysis was performed using mean, standard deviation, or P-value data to create effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals for each variable. Results Twenty studies met inclusion criteria; ten had sufficient data for meta-analyses. A total of 336 TKAs in 254 PWH were analysed with mean follow-up of 6.3 years. Statistically significant ROM improvements were found with 9.72° improvement of flexion contracture (-0.73 effect size (ES) (-0.91 to -0.56)), and 15.69°increase into flexion (0.63 ES (0.34-0.91)). Knee scores showed statistically significant improvements: clinically, 37.9 point increase (3.21 ES [1.79-4.63]) and functionally, 13.50 point increase (1.50 ES [0.80-2.21]). A 31.5% complication rate was calculated with 106 reported in 336 TKAs. Conclusions TKA is an effective procedure for improving ROM and decreasing functional deficits resulting from haemophilic arthropathy. Knee score data shows TKA improves overall function. This study guides clinicians regarding outcome expectations post-TKA in PWH.
Implementation of evidence-based patient navigation programs.

AbstractBackground: Patient navigation refers to a direct patient care role that links patients with clinical providers and their support system and provides individualized support during cancer care, ensuring that patients have access to the knowledge and resources necessary to complete recommended treatment. While most reports have studied the role of patient navigators during the cancer screening or diagnostic process, emerging evidence indicates the benefits of patient navigation during active cancer treatment.Discussion: Reports in the literature are conflicting on the impact of patient navigation during cancer care and on the benefits to timely or quality care in all populations. Recent sub-analyses of the Patient Navigation Research Program data demonstrated specifically the benefits of targeting patient navigation to the most vulnerable populations, including those with low educational attainment, low income and unstable housing, less social support, multiple comorbidities, and minority race/ethni...
Tramadol may increase the efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

• The first-line treatments of anti-NMDAR encephalitis often take several weeks to months to control debilitating symptoms.
Application of a Robust Multivariable Controller to Nonlinear Bacterial Growth Systems

Abstract This paper presents the simulation results of applying the robust multivariate linear quadratic Gaussian/loop transfer recovery (LQG/LTR) control design methodology to a nonlinear bacterial growth system. The growth system is modeled in state space format containing inde-pendent white noise processes in the system equations. The objective is to design a control system that maintain stable bioreactor operation at a chosen set point in the face of external disturbances and internal modeling uncertainty. The nonlinear system is first linearized around a nominal operating set point. Then, a LQG controller is designed for this linearized system. The control design is carried out by using an expert system called CASCADE, developed at the University of Tennessee. Computer simulations, using the original non-linear system equations in generating the “raw” measurements, demonstrate the closed-loop system is robust . This robustness of the control design approach has wide application potential to industrial scale production of biochemicals using bioreactor systems.
Persistent diarrhea as an emerging child health problem.

Persistent diarrhea (i.e. acute episodes lasting more than 14 days) has been recognized by the WHO as a major public health problem in developing countries and a research topic of high priority. Persistent diarrhea is often associated with malnutrition, growth faltering, and a substantial risk of mortality in children below 5 years of age. Reported incidence and case-fatality rates from persistent diarrhea vary substantially. Substantial disagreement exists regarding definition, incidence and various putative risk factors. Resolution of such measurement related problems will allow for an accurate estimate of the force of morbidity and mortality from presistent diarrhea, while the elucidation of its risk factors will simplify policy making and the tailoring of intervention programs.
Childhood adverse life events, disordered eating, and body mass index in US Military service members

Objective US service members appear to be at high-risk for disordered eating. Further, the military is experiencing unprecedented prevalence of overweight and obesity. US service members also report a high prevalence of childhood adverse life event (ALE) exposure. Despite consistent links between early adversity with eating disorders and obesity, there is a dearth of research examining the association between ALE exposure and disordered eating and weight in military personnel. Method An online survey study was conducted in active duty personnel to examine childhood ALE history using the Life Stressor Checklist - Revised, disordered eating using the Eating Disorder Examination - Questionnaire total score, and self-reported body mass index (BMI, kg/m2 ). Results Among 179 respondents, multiple indices of childhood ALE were positively associated with disordered eating. Traumatic childhood ALE and subjective impact of childhood ALE were associated with higher BMI and these associations were mediated by disordered eating. Discussion Findings support evaluating childhood ALE exposure among service members with disordered eating and weight concerns. Moreover, findings support the need for prospective research to elucidate these relationships.
The challenge of P2P Internet communications to network based services

Peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic dominates the Internet (Parker, 2005) and the P2P service Skype dominates global VoIP. This paper is an introduction to IP overlay networks and P2P applications, such as are used for content distribution and communications. P2P SIP is the standards based approach for P2P communications. The main design features of P2P SIP networks are presented along with interesting usage scenarios that would be difficult to implement with client-server (CS) SIP systems. The properties of P2P communications, security and control issues are described. P2P communications are the opposite to complex infrastructure based Voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia systems such as IMS and TISPAN and may render them largely obsolete for reasons of cost, complexity and ease of innovation at the edge of the network.
Hypergraphs in Phase-Space: A New Method for Predicting Epileptic Seizures

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Prolonged seizure can evolve into status epilepticus, which can lead to injury or death. We propose a seizure prediction algorithm using a hyper-graph approach to phase-space analysis. Objective indications of seizure onset are derived via time delay embedding of minimally invasive time-serial scalp EEG. The approach considers the brain as a complex nonlinear dynamical system whose states can be characterized to determine change in brain dynamics related to epileptic seizure activity. Our method extracts phase-space graphs via nonlinear time series analysis and time delay embedding and partitions the phase-space graphs to form hypergraphs. The features of the hypergraphs are evaluated using spectral analysis to form biomarkers for seizure prediction. The algorithm correlates historical degrees of change in hypergraph spectra from repeated measurements and makes accurate pre-dictions of seizure onset. Our method yields statistically significant results on scalp EEG data, with a training accuracy of 93% and testing accuracy of 80%.
Punishing without rewards? A comprehensive examination of the asymmetry in economic voting

Abstract It has been controversial whether incumbents are punished more for a bad economy than they are rewarded for a good economy due to mixed results from previous studies on one or handful number of countries. This paper makes an empirical contribution to this lingering question by conducting extensive tests on whether this asymmetry hypothesis is a cross-nationally generalizable phenomenon using all currently available modules of the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems survey from 122 elections in 42 representative democracies between 1996 and 2016, as well as macro-economic indicators and individual-level economic perception. In general, this paper finds little support for the asymmetry hypothesis; although the evidence of such asymmetric economic voting is found in some subpopulations using certain economic indicators, these conditional effects are largely inconsistent, suggesting that it is still safe to assume a linear relationship between economic conditions and support for the incumbent.