cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzymatic activities in mouse oocytes and zygotes

The current consensus in the literature is that ovulated oocytes that are not fertilized die by apoptosis, but the details of the proteins involved in the apoptotic pathways have not been elucidated. In this paper we confirm that caspase-3, the executioner of apoptosis, is expressed in mouse oocytes, and show that two initiators of apoptosis, caspase-8 and caspase-9, are expressed in mouse oocytes. Comparisons were made of caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities in superovulated oocytes that were freshly collected or allowed to age in vivo or in vitro. We found that caspase-3 activity significantly increased in aged oocytes compared with young oocytes (p < 0.001), and that both caspase-8 activity and caspase-9 activity decreased in aged oocytes compared with young oocytes (p < 0.001 for caspase-8 and p < 0.05 for caspase-9 activity). A comparison of superovulated with naturally ovulated oocytes showed the same amount of caspase-8 activity in each, but a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in caspase-9 activity in naturally ovulated compared with superovulated oocytes. There was no difference in caspase-3, -8, or -9 activity in oocytes compared with zygotes. Finally, we showed that culture of oocytes in staurosporine increased the activity of caspase-8 and caspase-9. In conclusion, the finding of both caspase-8 and caspase-9 activity in oocytes shows that unfertilized oocytes have the machinery to undergo apoptosis by using either the extrinsic (caspase-8 dependent) or intrinsic (caspase-9 dependent) pathways.
3D pupil plane imaging of opaque targets

Correlography is a technique that allows image formation from non-imaged speckle patterns via their relationship to the autocorrelation of the scene. Algorithms designed to form images from this type of data represent a particular type of phase retrieval algorithm since the autocorrelation function is related to the Fourier magnitude of the scene but not the Fourier phase. Methods for forming 2-D images from far field intensity measurements have been explored previously, but no 3-D methods have been put forward for forming range images of a scene from this kind of measurement. Farfield intensity measurements are attractive large focusing optics are not required to form images. Pupil plane intensity imaging is also attractive due to the fact that the effects of atmospheric turbulence close to the imaging system are mitigated by the cancelation of phase errors in the intensity operation. This paper suggests a method for obtaining 3-D images of a scene through the use of successive 2-D pupil plane intensity measurements sampled with an APD (Avalanche Photo-Diode) array. The 2-D array samples the returning pulse from a laser at a fast enough rate to avoid aliasing of the pulse shape in time. The spatial pattern received by the array allows the Autocorrelation of the scene to be determined as a function of time. The temporal autocorrelation function contains range information to each point in the scene illuminated by the pulsed laser. The proposed algorithm uses a model for the LADAR pulse and its relation to the autocorrelation of the scene as a function of time to estimate the range to every point in the reconstructed scene assuming that all surfaces are opaque (meaning a second return from the same point in the scene is not anticipated). The method is demonstrated using a computer simulation.
A direct algorithm for joint optimal sensor scheduling and MAP state estimation for hidden Markov models

Sensing systems with multiple sensors and operating modes warrant active management techniques to balance estimation quality and measurement costs. Existing literature shows that in the joint sensor-scheduling and state-estimation problem for HMMs, estimator optimization can be done independently of the scheduler at each time step. We investigate the special case when a MAP estimator is used, and show how the joint problem can be converted to a standard Partially Observable MarkovDecision Process (POMDP), which in turn enables us to use POMDP solvers. As this approach is highly redundant, we derive a direct solution, which exploits the separability property while still utilizing standard solvers. When compared to standard techniques, the direct algorithm provides savings by a factor of the state-space dimension. Numerical results are given for an example motivated by wildlife monitoring.
Immune regulation of epithelial cell function: implications for GI pathologies.

The mammalian immune system is a complex and dynamic network that recognizes, responds, and adapts to numerous foreign and self-molecules. CD4 þ T cells orchestrate adaptive immune responses and upon stimulation by antigen, naive CD4 þ T cells proliferate and differentiate into various T cell subsets including T helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 effector cells, and T regulatory cells (Treg). Each of the T cell subsets is characterized by distinct profiles of cytokines and carries out distinct and sometimes opposing activities. Initiated by IL-12 released from dendritic cells, the development of Th1 cells is the typical host response against the invasion of intracellular pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Th1 cells deliver cell-mediated immunity through their secreted cytokines such as IFN-g, TNF-a ,I L-1b, IL-2, and IL-12, and are responsible for the clearance of intracellular pathogens. Th2 cells are initiated by IL-4 and develop in response to allergens or the invasion of extracellular pathogens. Th2 cytokines include IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and are particularly important for allergic responses and the clearance of parasites. 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Continuum Molecular Simulation of Large Conformational Changes during Ion–Channel Gating

A modeling framework was developed to simulate large and gradual conformational changes within a macromolecule (protein) when its low amplitude high frequency vibrations are not concerned. Governing equations were derived as alternative to Langevin and Smoluchowski equations and used to simulate gating conformational changes of the Kv7.1 ion-channel over the time scale of its gating process (tens of milliseconds). The alternative equations predict the statistical properties of the motion trajectories with good accuracy and do not require the force field to be constant over the diffusion length, as assumed in Langevin equation. The open probability of the ion–channel was determined considering cooperativity of four subunits and solving their concerted transition to the open state analytically. The simulated open probabilities for a series of voltage clamp tests produced current traces that were similar to experimentally recorded currents.
Conduction mechanisms and phase transformations in YBa2Cu3Oy (6.1<y<7.0)

Abstract Magnetization measurements on the high- T c superconducting ceramic, YBa 2 Cu 3 O y , show two distinct regions of oxygen stoichiometry, each having different T c values: T c ≈92 K for y >6.75 and T c ≈60 K for 6.75> y >6.5. The present investigation shows that the conduction mechanisms are clearly different as a result of oxygen stoichiometries and phases. For y 〈 6.5 the insulating tetragonal phase is formed. For 6.5 y x in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5+ x ; however, for 6.7 y y in this investigation was 7.0) σ∝x 1 4 .
State-Space Analysis of Working Memory in Schizophrenia: An FBIRN Study

The neural correlates of working memory (WM) in schizophrenia (SZ) have been extensively studied using the multisite fMRI data acquired by the Functional Biomedical Informatics Research Network (fBIRN) consortium. Although univariate and multivariate analysis methods have been variously employed to localize brain responses under differing task conditions, important hypotheses regarding the representation of mental processes in the spatio-temporal patterns of neural recruitment and the differential organization of these mental processes in patients versus controls have not been addressed in this context. This paper uses a multivariate state-space model (SSM) to analyze the differential representation and organization of mental processes of controls and patients performing the Sternberg Item Recognition Paradigm (SIRP) WM task. The SSM is able to not only predict the mental state of the subject from the data, but also yield estimates of the spatial distribution and temporal ordering of neural activity, along with estimates of the hemodynamic response. The dynamical Bayesian modeling approach used in this study was able to find significant differences between the predictability and organization of the working memory processes of SZ patients versus healthy subjects. Prediction of some stimulus types from imaging data in the SZ group was significantly lower than controls, reflecting a greater level of disorganization/heterogeneity of their mental processes. Moreover, the changes in accuracy of predicting the mental state of the subject with respect to parametric modulations, such as memory load and task duration, may have important implications on the neurocognitive models for WM processes in both SZ and healthy adults. Additionally, the SSM was used to compare the spatio-temporal patterns of mental activity across subjects, in a holistic fashion and to derive a low-dimensional representation space for the SIRP task, in which subjects were found to cluster according to their diagnosis.
On the Autoreducibility of Functions

This paper studies the notions of self-reducibility and autoreducibility. Our main result regarding length-decreasing self-reducibility is that any complexity class $\mathcal{C}$that has a (logspace) complete language and is closed under polynomial-time (logspace) padding has the property that if all $\mathcal{C}$-complete languages are length-decreasing (logspace) self-reducible then $\mathcal{C}\subseteq \mathrm {P}$($\mathcal {C}\subseteq \mathrm {L}$). In particular, this result applies to NL, NP and PSPACE. We also prove an equivalent of this theorem for function classes (for example, for #P). We also show that for several hard function classes, in particular for #P, it is the case that all their complete functions are deterministically autoreducible. In particular, we show the following result. Let f be a #P parsimonious function with two preimages of 0. We show that there are two FP functions h and t such that for all inputs x we have f(x)=t(x)+f(h(x)), h(x)≠x, and t(x)∈{0,1}. Our results regarding single-query autoreducibility of #P functions can be contrasted with random self-reducibility for which it is known that if a #P complete function were random self-reducible with one query then the polynomial hierarchy would collapse.
Radiative transfer in stratified waters: a single-scattering approximation for irradiance

The singly scattered irradiance (SSI) model is an approximate radiative transfer model designed to describe optically shallow stratified waters. It is intended to be a tool to aid interpretation of remote (satellite or aircraft) observations of water color. The SSI model was derived in analogy to single-scattering radiance models. As it is based on irradiance (rather than radiance), multiple-scattering events are included implicitly, yielding a model which is expressed in terms of readily measurable parameters and which preserves mathematical simplicity without sacrificing many important subtleties of the radiative transfer process. The success of the SSI model relies on the underwater radiance distribution being nearly independent of sun angle, cloud cover and depth, and the resulting quasi-inherent property of the irradiance attenuation coefficient, irradiance reflectance, and distribution functions. A derivation of the model is presented, along with evidence for the qualitative and quantitative correctness of the model.
Metal-organic vapor deposition of YSZ electrolyte layers for solid oxide fuel cell applications

Abstract Yttria-stabilized zirconia films have been deposited onto doped ceria discs for fuel cell applications. The deposition is achieved by hydrolysis-assisted pyrolysis reactions in a low-pressure reactor. Film cracking can be alleviated by reducing the substrate temperature continuously during deposition. A model analysis of the kinetic data provides insight into the nature of the hydrolysis-assisted pyrolytic deposition reactions. Compared with structures made by sputtering and the sol-gel process, significant improvements in open-circuit voltages are observed.
The matching of ventilation and perfusion in the lung of the Tegu lizard, Tupinambis nigropunctatus.

Abstract Ventilation-perfusion (V A /Q) distribution was evaluated in the Tegu lizard, Tupinambis nigropunctatus, using the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) in order to define the limitations to gas exchange in the large chambered unicameral lung. The lizards (0.52–1.1 kg) were anesthetized with halothane and ventilated. Body temperature was maintained at 35°C. Arterial and sinus venosus PO2 averaged 79.4 ± 5.9 and 47.3 ± 6.4 torr while breathing air and 232.1 ± 31 and 64.8 ± 11.5 torr while breathing oxygen. V A /Q distributions were broad and right-to-left shunt averaged 21% while breathing air and 27% while breathing oxygen. Gas exchange was significantly impaired due to the presence of both shunt and V A /Q heterogeneity. The walls of the lung enclose a large axial air chamber. Microscopic examination revealed approximately three generations of septa which subdivided the wall into tubular-shaped gas-exchange chambers. Wall thickness averages 2.8 mm at the anterior end of the lung, 2.1 mm in the middle portion of the lung and 1.4 mm at the posterior end. The thickness of the blood-air barrier (epithial-basal lamina-endothelial cell layer) ranged from 0.35 to 0.90 μm. Although this barrier is slightly thicker than in the mammalian lung (0.1–0.5 μm), it is unlikely to be a source of diffusion limitation in gas exchange at rest.
Gauge invariant gaussian orbitals and the ab initio calculation of diamagnetic susceptibility for molecules

It is shown that gauge terms can be introduced into the Gaussian functions used as the basis functions for an ab initio calculation of the energy of a molecule in the presence of a uniform magnetic field so that all the integrals become independent of the origin of the vector potential. The perturbation treatment of the diamagnetic susceptibility is considered in the molecular orbital approximation. The results show that the susceptibility can be calculated using only the unperturbed orbitals and their first-order corrections. All the integrals that arise can be expressed in terms of known functions.
Democratizing kompromat: the affordances of social media for state-sponsored harassment

This study examines how a traditional tool of authoritarian social control – harassment of the opposition – has evolved with the need for more subtle harassment in the twenty-first-century transnational activism and social media era. Social media affords cheap and easy opportunities for authoritarian regimes, in this case, Azerbaijan, to subtly harass opposition to a large domestic audience, while eschewing direct attribution of the harassment. In this way, despite the challenges that information and communication technologies present authoritarian regimes, they also provide opportunities to increase control.
Edge-map: optimal performance driven technology mapping for iterative LUT based FPGA designs

We consider the problem of performance driven lookup-table (LUT) based technology mapping for FP-GAs using a general delay model. In the general delay model, each interconnection edge has a weight representing the delay of the interconnection. This model is particularly useful when combined with an iterative re-technology mapping process where the actual delays of the placed and routed circuit are fed-back to the technology mapping phase to improve the mapping based on the more realistic delay estimation. Well-known technology mappers such as FlowMap and Chortle-d only minimize the number of levels in the technology mapped circuit and hence are not suitable for such an iterative re-technology mapping process. Recently, Mather and Liu in [ML94] studied the performance driven technology mapping problem using the general delay model and presented an effective heuristic algorithm for the problem. In this paper, we present an efficient technology mapping algorithm that achieves provably optimal delay in the technology mapped circuit using the general delay model. Our algorithm is a non-trivial generalization of FlowMap. A key problem in our algorithm is to compute a K-feasible network cut such that the circuit delay on every cut edge is upper-bounded by a specific value. We implemented our algorithm in a LUT based FPGA technology mapping package called Edge-Map, and tested Edge-Map on a set of benchmark circuits.
A Bayesian Approach to Parameter and Reliability Estimation in the Poisson Distribution

For life testing procedures, a Bayesian analysis is developed with respect to a random intensity parameter in the Poisson distribution. Bayes estimators are derived for the Poisson parameter and the reliability function based on uniform and gamma prior distributions of that parameter. A Monte Carlo procedure is implemented to make possible an empirical mean-squared error comparison between Bayes and existing minimum variance unbiased, as well as maximum likelihood, estimators. As expected, the Bayes estimators have mean-squared errors that are appreciably smaller than those of the other two.
Open Source Software to Support Distance Learning Library Services

SUMMARY Interest in the open source software model as a means of developing software for the library community has developed considerably in the last few years. Fortunately, much of the software that has been developed for libraries can be used to provide extended library services to distance learning students. This article provides an overview of both the open source software movement and how that movement relates to providing library services. In addition to describing some software packages that related to specific areas of service for distance learning students, the article includes some guidelines for distance learning librarians to consider when making a choice to use open source software packages.
Determination of pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio in children by a simplified Doppler echocardiographic method

Doppler echocardiographic determination of the pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs) ratio requires calculation of pulmonary artery and aortic luminal areas and integrals of the Doppler systolic velocity curves. To simplify the Doppler calculation of the Qp/Qs ratio, the square of the ratio of pulmonary to aortic luminal diameters, substituted for the ratio of vessel areas, was multiplied by the ratio of pulmonary to aortic peak flow velocities, substituted for the ratio of velocity time integrals. The Qp/Qs ratios were calculated by both the conventional and the simplified Doppler method in 42 children, 1 month to 16 years of age. Fifteen children had no evidence of shunt and 27 had an intracardiac left to right shunt at the atrial or ventricular level, or both. In children with a shunt, the Qp/Qs ratio obtained at cardiac catheterization by oximetry ranged from 1.4:1 to 4.3:1. Both the conventional and the simplified Doppler Qp/Qs ratios correlated well with the oximetric Qp/Qs ratios (r = 0.94 and 0.93, respectively). Since the pulmonary to aortic luminal area ratio and velocity time integral ratio varied in each patient, neither measurement alone correlated well with the oximetric Qp/Qs ratio and, therefore, neither alone could be used as an estimate of the Qp/Qs ratio. The simplified Doppler calculation of the Qp/Qs ratio, which requires less time and no computer facilities, provides an excellent estimate of the Qp/Qs ratio in children.
IFNG genotype and sex interact to influence the risk of childhood asthma

Background Asthma is a complex disease characterized by sex-specific differences in incidence, prevalence, and severity, but little is known about the molecular basis of these sex-based differences. Objective To investigate the genetic architecture of sex differences in asthma risk, we evaluated (1) associations between polymorphisms in the IFNG gene and childhood-onset asthma in combined and sex-specific samples and (2) interactions between polymorphisms and sex on asthma risk. Methods Main and sex-interaction effects of IFNG genetic diversity on asthma risk and IFN-γ levels were examined in a birth cohort of children at high risk for asthma and allergic diseases. Replication of the genetic association was assessed in an independent sample of asthma cases. Results Significant genotype-sex interactions on asthma were observed for 2 IFNG single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2069727 and rs2430561, which were in strong linkage disequilibrium with each other. In contrast, none of the 10 IFNG single nucleotide polymorphisms showed significant main effects on asthma. The observed genotype-sex interaction on asthma was characterized by nonadditivity; that is, heterozygous boys had the highest risk for asthma, and heterozygous girls had the lowest risk. The interaction effect was robust to other asthma risk factors but was limited to children who experienced wheezing illnesses with viral infections during the first 3 years of life. Genotype-sex interactions were also observed in the IFN-γ response to LPS in the first year of life. Finally, the sex-interaction effect was replicated in an independent population of childhood asthma cases. Conclusions These results provide insight into the genetic basis of sex differences in asthma and highlight the potential importance of interactions among sex, genotype, and environmental factors in asthma pathogenesis.
Comparison of the inversion periods for MidIR and LWIR polarimetric and conventional thermal imagery

We report the results of a diurnal study in which radiometrically calibrated polarimetric and conventional thermal imagery are recorded in the MidIR and LWIR to identify and compare the respective time periods in which minimum target contrast is achieved. The MidIR polarimetric sensor is based on a division-of-aperture approach and has a 640x512 InSb focal-plane array, while the LWIR polarimetric sensor uses a spinning achromatic retarder to perform the polarimetric filtering and has a 324x256 microbolometer focal-plane array. The images used in this study include the S0 and S1 Stokes images of a scene containing a military vehicle and the natural background. In addition, relevant meteorological parameters measured during the test period include air temperature, ambient loading in the LWIR, relative humidity, cloud cover, height, and density. The data shows that the chief factors affecting polarimetric contrast in both wavebands are the amount of thermal emission from the objects in the scene and the abundance of MidIR and LWIR sources in the optical background. In particular, it has been observed that the MidIR polarimetric contrast was positively correlated to the presence of MidIR sources in the optical background, while the LWIR polarimetric contrast was negatively correlated to the presence of LWIR sources in the optical background.
UTILITY OF PCR-BASED URINE SCREENING FOR CHLAMYDIA IN ADOLESCENT CLINIC SETTING: PREVALENCE AMONG FEMALES NOT HAVING INDICATION FOR A PELVIC EXAMINATION: 29

OBJECTIVE: To determine utility of a polymerase chain reaction(PCR) based urine screening for C. trachomatis (CT) in the care of females in an urban adolescent clinic.
Novel therapeutic agents in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an intrinsically resistant disease. Prognosis is poor for the majority of AML patients, based on age and/or adverse biologic features. Standard therapy for AML is highly toxic and poorly tolerated, particularly by the group of older patients for whom few useful therapies exist. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an important option for patients with high-risk AML during first remission, as well as for any patient in second or subsequent remission. Use of reduced intensity conditioning transplantations has made allogeneic stem cell transplantation available for a wider group of individuals, but the impact of this novel procedure on the natural history of AML is unknown. The major thrust of novel therapeutics in AML is development of so-called targeted therapies, which are based on exploitation of newly understood pathophysiological events critical for leukemogenesis. Such events include unbridled proliferation, failure to differentiate, stromal cell–mediated survival factors, and failure to undergo normal programmed cell death. Therapies developed to deal with these problems include inhibitors of ras physiology and activated tyrosine kinases, such as fms-like tyrosine kinase 3; histone deacetylase inhibitors, and DNA-hypomethylating agents, which promote transcription of silenced genes; angiogenesis inhibitors; and anti-bcl-2 agents, respectively. Challenges in therapeutic development include the likelihood that only a subset of AML patients will respond to any of these therapies, based on the patient's intrinsic pathophysiology as well as the fact that many of these agents will only work in conjunction with chemotherapy or other viable antileukemic therapies.
Magnetoelasticity in rare-earth superlattices and films

Abstract Elastic constraints on rare-earth superlattices and films grown by molecular beam epitaxy strongly perturb their magnetic structure compared to the bulk materials. Continuing studies of Dy/Y and Er/Y superlattices and Dy and Er thin films by neutron scattering and SQUID magnetometry have provided new insight into the interplay of magnetoelastic and exchange interactions in rare earths. The most striking result of the epitaxial clamping to the substrate and intervening non-magnetic layers is the suppression of the ferromagnetic transitions found in bulk Dy and Er. A quantitative calculation of the magnetoelastic energies confirms their importance in driving these phase transitions. The helical and linear spin density wave orderings are also significantly perturbed. For example, in the Dy supperlattices the temperature dependence of the interlayer turn angle is weakened as the elastic clamping is increased. This temperature dependence is completely suppressed in the Er superlattices where the turn angle is typically fixed at the commensurate lock-in value 2π 7 . In the thin films, however, the turn angles are closer to the bulk values. There is also a 50% reduction of the basal plane ordering temperatures compared to bulk Er. For Er the temperature dependence of the exchange is also crucial for explaining these effects.
Generalization and analysis of the Lisberger-Sejnowski VOR model

Lisberger and Sejnowski (1992) recently proposed a computational model for motor learning in the vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) system. They showed that the steady-state gain of the system can be modified by changing the ratio of the two time constants along the feedforward and the feedback projections to the Purkinje cell unit in their model VOR network. Here we generalize their model by including two additional time constant variables and two synaptic weight variables, which were set to fixed values in their original model. We derive the stability conditions of the generalized system and thoroughly analyze its steady-state and transient behavior. It is found that the generalized system can display a continuum of behavior with the Lisberger-Sejnowski model and a static model proposed by Miles et al. (1980b) as special cases. Moreover, although mathematically the Lisberger-Sejnowski model requires two precise relationships among its parameters, the model is robust against small perturbations from the physiological point of view. Additional considerations on the gain of smooth pursuit eye movement, which is believed to share the positive feedback loop with the VOR network, suggest that the VOR network should operate in the parameter range favoring the behavior studied by Lisberger and Sejnowski. Under this condition, the steady-state gain of the VOR is found to depend on all four time constants in the network. The time constant of the Purkinje cell unit should be relatively small in order to achieve effective VOR learning through the modifications of the other time constants. Our analysis provides a thorough characterization of the system and could thus be useful for guiding further physiological tests of the model.
Reproductive character displacement and speciation in periodical cicadas, with description of a new species, 13-year Magicicada neotredecim.

Acoustic mate-attracting signals of related sympatric, synchronic species are always distinguishable, but those of related allopatric species sometimes are not, thus suggesting that such signals may evolve to ''reinforce'' premating species isolation when similar species become sympatric. This hypothesis predicts divergences restricted to regions of sympatry in partially overlapping species, but such ''reproductive character displacement'' has rarely been confirmed. We report such a case in the acoustic signals of a previously unrecognized 13-year periodical cicada species, Magicicada neotredecim, described here as a new species (see Appendix). Where M. neotredecim overlaps M. tredecim in the central United States, the dominant male call pitch (frequency) of M. neotredecim increases from approximately 1.4 kHz to 1.7 kHz, whereas that of M. tredecim remains comparatively stable. The average preferences of female M. neotredecim for call pitch show a similar geographic pattern, changing with the call pitch of conspecific males. Magicicada neotredecimdiffers from 13-year M. tredecim in abdomen coloration, mitochondrial DNA, and call pitch, but is not consistently distinguishable from 17-year M. septendecim; thus, like other Magicicada species, M. neotredecim appears most closely related to a geographically adjacent counterpart with the alternative life cycle. Speciation in Magicicada may be facilitated by life-cycle changes that create temporal isolation, and reinforcement could play a role by fostering divergence in premating signals prior to speciation. We present two theories of Magicicada speciation by life-cycle evolution: ''nurse-brood facilitation'' and ''life-cycle canalization.''
Bovine immunoglobulin concentrate-Clostridium difficile retains C difficile toxin neutralising activity after passage through the human stomach and small intestine

Background Bovine immunoglobulin concentrate (BIC)- Clostridium difficile is prepared from the colostrum of cows immunised against C difficile toxins and contains high concentrations of neutralising IgG antitoxin. Aims To determine the proportion of BIC- C difficile which survives passage through the human stomach and small intestine. Methods Six volunteers with an end ileostomy took 5 g of BIC- C difficile containing 2.1 g of bovine IgG on four occasions: alone, with an antacid, during treatment with omeprazole, and within enteric coated capsules. Results When BIC- C difficile was taken alone, a mean (SEM) of 1033 (232) mg of bovine IgG was recovered in the ileal fluid representing 49% of the total ingested dose. Bovine IgG recovery was not significantly increased by antacid (636 (129) mg) or omeprazole (1052 (268) mg). The enteric capsules frequently remained intact or only partially opened in the ileal effluent and free bovine IgG levels were low in this treatment group (89 (101) mg). Bovine IgG recovery was higher in volunteers with shorter (less than two hours) mouth to ileum transit times (68% versus 36%, p C difficile toxin A was detected in ileal fluid following oral BIC. Toxin neutralising activity was also present and correlated closely with bovine IgG levels ( r =0.95, p Conclusion BIC- C difficile resists digestion in the human upper gastrointestinal tract and specific anti- C difficile toxin A binding and neutralising activity was retained. Passive oral immunotherapy with anti- C difficile BIC may be a useful non-antibiotic approach to the prevention and treatment of C difficile antibiotic associated diarrhoea and colitis.
Evolution of the Genus Homo

Definition of the genus Homo is almost as fraught as the definition of Homo sapiens. We look at the evidence for “early Homo,” finding little morphological basis for extending our genus to any of the ∼2.5–1.6-myr-old fossil forms assigned to “early Homo” or Homo habilis/rudolfensis. We also point to heterogeneity among “early African Homo erectus,” and the lack of apomorphies linking these fossils to the Asian Homo erectus group, a cohesive regional clade that shows some internal variation, including brain size increase over time. The first truly cosmopolitan Homo species is Homo heidelbergensis, known from Africa, Europe, and China following 600 kyr ago. One species sympatric with it included the >500-kyr-old Sima de los Huesos fossils from Spain, clearly distinct from Homo heidelbergensis and the oldest hominids assignable to the clade additionally containing Homo neanderthalensis. This clade also shows evidence of brain size expansion with time; but although Homo neanderthalensis had a large brain, it ...
Coverage of parapsychology in introductory psychology textbooks.

A sample of 64 introductory psychology textbooks published between 1980 and 1989 were reviewed for the amount and type of coverage of parapsychology. Approximately two thirds of the textbooks discussed the topic, but most of the coverage was cursory and judged not to represent work conducted by parapsychologists during the past 10 to 15 years. Various errors in presentation appeared to result from an overreliance on secondary sources. Two general attitudes pervaded most authors' summary statements on the subject-skepticism about the existence of ESP and open-mindedness-with the hope that future research will resolve the question.
Demonstration of thermonuclear conditions in magnetized liner inertial fusion experimentsa)

The magnetized liner inertial fusion concept [S. A. Slutz et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010)] utilizes a magnetic field and laser heating to relax the pressure requirements of inertial confinement fusion. The first experiments to test the concept [M. R. Gomez et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 155003 (2014)] were conducted utilizing the 19 MA, 100 ns Z machine, the 2.5 kJ, 1 TW Z Beamlet laser, and the 10 T Applied B-field on Z system. Despite an estimated implosion velocity of only 70 km/s in these experiments, electron and ion temperatures at stagnation were as high as 3 keV, and thermonuclear deuterium-deuterium neutron yields up to 2 × 1012 have been produced. X-ray emission from the fuel at stagnation had widths ranging from 50 to 110 μm over a roughly 80% of the axial extent of the target (6–8 mm) and lasted approximately 2 ns. X-ray yields from these experiments are consistent with a stagnation density of the hot fuel equal to 0.2–0.4 g/cm3. In these experiments, up to 5 × 1010 secondary deuterium-...
Coercivity development from annealing Pt-Co-B melt-spun ribbons

Permanent magnets with coercivity as high as 11.2 kOe have been developed by the melt-spinning processing of Pt-Co-B ternary alloys with subsequent heat treatments. Systematic vacuum annealing of the metastable as-quenched materials has been performed to establish a correlation between the development of coercivity and the evolution of microstructure in order to study the annealing effects on coercivity and magnetic hardening mechanisms. Microstructural characterization shows that the main origin of the increased coercivity is the formation of magnetically anisotropic ordered L1/sub 0/ PtCo matrix and the development of single-domain size Co/sub 3/B precipitates. This microstructure, which results from annealing the rapidly solidified melt-spun ribbons, limits the magnetic domain nucleation, thus increasing the coercivity. >
Composition and Localization of Treponema denticola Outer Membrane Complexes

The Treponema denticola outer membrane lipoprotein-protease complex (dentilisin) contributes to periodontal disease by degrading extracellular matrix components and disrupting intercellular host signaling pathways. We recently demonstrated that prcB, located upstream of and cotranscribed with prcA and prtP, encodes a 22-kDa lipoprotein that interacts with PrtP and is required for its activity. Here we further characterize products of the protease locus and their roles in expression, formation, and localization of outer membrane complexes. PrcB migrates in native gels as part of a >400-kDa complex that includes PrtP and PrcA, as well as the major outer sheath protein Msp. PrcB is detectable as a minor constituent of the purified active protease complex, which was previously reported to consist of only PrtP and auxiliary polypeptides PrcA1 and PrcA2. Though it lacks the canonical ribosome binding site present upstream of both prcA and prtP, PrcB is present at levels similar to those of PrtP in whole-cell extracts. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated cell surface exposure of the mature forms of PrtP, PrcA1, PrcB, and Msp. The 16-kDa N-terminal acylated fragment of PrtP (predicted to be released during activation of PrtP) was present in cell extracts but was detected neither in the purified active protease complex nor on the cell surface. PrcA2, detectable on the surface of Msp-deficient cells but not that of wild-type cells, coimmunoprecipitated with Msp. Our results indicate that PrcB is a component of the outer membrane lipoprotein protease complex and that Msp and PrcA2 interaction may mediate formation of a very-high-molecular-weight outer membrane complex.
Calmin expression in embryos and the adult brain, and its regulation by all-trans retinoic acid

The vitamin A metabolite, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), is a regulator of nervous system development. Using a subtracted cDNA library constructed from neuroblastoma cells, the atRA-responsive gene calmin (Clmn) was identified (Merrill et al. [2004] Biol Chem 385:605-614). The Clmn transcript is detected very early in rat embryonic development and is sensitive to retinoid status. In vitamin A-deficient embryos, Clmn mRNA is dramatically down-regulated in the neuroepithelium adjacent to the somites, and this expression can be rescued with the addition of atRA. In embryonic day 18.5 embryos, CLMN is detected in regions where newly differentiated neurons are found, including the neural retina and the cortical plate; and in the adult brain, CLMN is most highly expressed in the neuron cell bodies of the hippocampus, cerebellum, and olfactory bulb. Thus, Clmn is sensitive to retinoid status during early gestational stages, and its expression is relegated to postmitotic neuronal cells in the adult rat brain. Developmental Dynamics 239:610–619, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Practical limitations of wave variable controllers in teleoperation

Wave variable controllers can make a force reflecting teleoperator insensitive to communication time delays by encoding information before transmission. They are based on passivity and assume no information about the delays or the environment. However, like most robotic control systems, they model the master and slave devices as passive inertias and ignore amplifier and sensor dynamics. We review these modeling assumptions and show that non-idealities of the mechanisms, actuators, and sensors can violate passivity and impose practical limitations on the wave based controllers. We propose a method for quantifying this activeness and dissipating the corresponding energy to restore passivity.
Improved quantification and mapping of anomalous pulmonary venous flow with four-dimensional phase-contrast MRI and interactive streamline rendering.

Author(s): Hsiao, Albert; Yousaf, Ufra; Alley, Marcus T; Lustig, Michael; Chan, Frandics Pak; Newman, Beverley; Vasanawala, Shreyas S | Abstract: BackgroundCardiac MRI is routinely performed for quantification of shunt flow in patients with anomalous pulmonary veins, but can be technically-challenging to perform. Four-dimensional phase-contrast (4D-PC) MRI has potential to simplify this exam. We sought to determine whether 4D-PC may be a viable clinical alternative to conventional 2D phase-contrast MR imaging.MethodsWith institutional review board approval and HIPAA-compliance, we retrospectively identified all patients with anomalous pulmonary veins who underwent cardiac MRI at either 1.5 Tesla (T) or 3T with parallel-imaging compressed-sensing (PI-CS) 4D-PC between April, 2011 and October, 2013. A total of 15 exams were included (10 male, 5 female). Algorithms for interactive streamline visualization were developed and integrated into in-house software. Blood flow was measured at the valves, pulmonary arteries and veins, cavae, and any associated shunts. Pulmonary veins were mapped to their receiving atrial chamber with streamlines. The intraobserver, interobserver, internal consistency of flow measurements, and consistency with conventional MRI were then evaluated with Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsTriplicate measurements of blood flow from 4D-PC were highly consistent, particularly at the aortic and pulmonary valves (cv 2-3%). Flow measurements were reproducible by a second observer (ρ = 0.986-0.999). Direct measurements of shunt volume from anomalous veins and intracardiac shunts matched indirect estimates from the outflow valves (ρ = 0.966). Measurements of shunt fraction using 4D-PC using any approach were more consistent with ventricular volumetric displacements than conventional 2D-PC (ρ = 0.972-0.991 versus 0.929).ConclusionShunt flow may be reliably quantified with 4D-PC MRI, either indirectly or with detailed delineation of flow from multiple shunts. The 4D-PC may be a more accurate alternative to conventional MRI.
Chromatography Studies of the Excretion Products after Meralluride Administration in Normal Subjects and Cardiac Patients

Separation of the urinary excretory products of the organomercurial diuretic, meralluride (Mercuhydrin) has been possible using adsorption chromatography. Practically all of the mercury is excreted in a form closely resembling the administered meralluride. Most of the excretion occurs within the first 6 hours in both cardiac patients and normal subjects. The amount of mercury excreted as degradation products is insufficient to produce diuresis. Therefore, it is concluded that the diuretic action of meralluride depends on the specific organic mercurial molecule.
Optineurin Insufficiency Impairs IRF3 but Not NF-κB Activation in Immune Cells

Optineurin is a widely expressed polyubiquitin-binding protein that has been implicated in regulating cell signaling via its NF-κB essential modulator-homologous C-terminal ubiquitin (Ub)-binding region. Its functions are controversial, with in vitro studies finding that optineurin suppressed TNF-mediated NF-κB activation and virus-induced activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), whereas bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from mice carrying an optineurin Ub-binding point mutation had normal TLR-mediated NF-κB activation and diminished IRF3 activation. We have generated a mouse model in which the entire Ub-binding C-terminal region is deleted (Optn(470T)). Akin to C-terminal optineurin mutations found in patients with certain neurodegenerative diseases, Optn(470T) was expressed at substantially lower levels than the native protein, allowing assessment not only of the lack of Ub binding, but also of protein insufficiency. Embryonic lethality with incomplete penetrance was observed for 129 × C57BL/6 Optn(470T/470T) mice, but after further backcrossing to C57BL/6, offspring viability was restored. Moreover, the mice that survived were indistinguishable from wild type littermates and had normal immune cell distributions. Activation of NF-κB in Optn(470T) BMDM and BM-derived dendritic cells with TNF or via TLR4, T cells via the TCR, and B cells with LPS or anti-CD40 was normal. In contrast, optineurin and/or its Ub-binding function was necessary for optimal TANK binding kinase 1 and IRF3 activation, and both Optn(470T) BMDMs and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells had diminished IFN-β production upon LPS stimulation. Importantly, Optn(470T) mice produced less IFN-β upon LPS challenge. Therefore, endogenous optineurin is dispensable for NF-κB activation but necessary for optimal IRF3 activation in immune cells.
Effect of bio-optical parameter variability on the remote estimation of chlorophyll-a concentration in turbid productive waters: experimental results

The analytical development and underlying hypothesis of a three-band algorithm for estimating chlorophyll-a concentration ([Chla]) in turbid productive waters are presented. The sensitivity of the algorithm to the spectral location of the bands used is analyzed. A large set of experimental observations ([Chla] varied between 4 and 217 mg m 3 and turbidity between 2 and 78 nephelometric turbidity units) was used to calibrate and validate the algorithm. It was found that the variability of the chlorophyll-a fluorescence quantum yield and of the chlorophyll-a specific absorption coefficient can reduce considerably the accuracy of remote predictions of [Chla]. Instead of parameterizing these interferences, their effects were minimized by tuning the spectral regions used in the algorithm. This allowed us to predict [Chla] with a relative root-mean-square error of less than 30%. © 2005 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 010.4450, 280.0280.
Distinct Factors in Plasma of Preeclamptic Women Increase Endothelial Nitric Oxide or Prostacyclin

The pathogenesis of preeclampsia is proposed to be due to uncharacterized circulating factors that activate endothelial cells. Support for this hypothesis is provided by in vitro activation of endothelial cells by plasma from preeclamptic women, eg, increased nitric oxide and prostacyclin generation. We performed molecular sizing, lipid extraction, and lipoprotein fractionation of plasma from normal pregnant and preeclamptic women and determined the ability of these plasma fractions to increase nitric oxide or prostacyclin generation by endothelial cells. Fractions from plasma of preeclamptic women were consistently more active than fractions from normal pregnant women, although characterization was qualitatively similar. The factors stimulating nitric oxide and prostacyclin were different. The factor (or factors) stimulating nitric oxide generation was extractable by charcoal and present in lipid extracts and lipoprotein isolates with a molecular weight greater that 1.5 million daltons, which is characteristic of a lipoprotein or lipoprotein aggregate. By contrast, activity to stimulate prostacyclin persisted after charcoal stripping or lipoprotein removal, partitioned to the aqueous fraction, and had a molecular weight of approximately 50 000 D. Two distinct factors in the blood of preeclamptic women alter endothelial function in vitro. This information should guide the search for circulating factors contributing to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Time-frequency methods in SAR imaging of moving targets

Imaging of moving targets using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a challenging task, due to unknown motion of the targets. In recent years, time-frequency (T-F) methods, based on the Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD), have been proposed to form high resolution image sequences of moving targets. Previously, we analyzed this approach, assuming targets with constant velocity, by deriving an approximate closed-form expression for the point-target response of the WVD-based SAR imaging system. In this paper, we extend our analyses to targets having constant acceleration. Then we address several other issues associated with this WVD-based SAR imaging technique. Simulation results are presented to validate our analysis.