cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model system studies of staining procedures for lysine and arginine residues.

Using polyacrylamide films containing poly-lysine, polyargine and DNA as test models, a variety of reportedly specific staining procedures have been examined. Contrary to published observations, mixtures of fast green and eosin Y show no specific staining of either lysine or arginine. Both amino-acids bind eosin from the mixture more strongly than fast green. Arginine apparently has a greater affinity for this eosin than has lysine which contradicts previous reports that lysine will be stained by eosin while arginine will stain with fast green, if proteins containing both amino-acids are stained with the dye mixture. In films containing lysine and/or arginine picric acid is shown to bind specifically to the arginine. The picric acid-arginine complex resists disruption in 0.004 M borate buffer which is a solvent used for subsequent staining of lysine residues with bromophenol blue. Picric acid may also be used as a hydrolysant and substitute for hydrochloric acid in a Feulgen-like procedure which stains DNA to the same level as the classical hydrochloric acid based procedure while also staining arginine present.
A simple omnidirectional sensor for wind-tunnel studies of pedestrian-level winds

Abstract A new sensor for measuring pedestrian-level winds in wind-tunnel models is described. It is axisymmetric about a vertical axis and outputs a pressure difference that is related to the wind speed at a chosen reference height just above the surface. Because of its axisymmetry it requires no alignment with the flow direction. Its calibration is described and it is compared with simultaneously measured hot-wire data in conditions representative of the pedestrian environment. It is found that it can be used to measure both the mean wind speed and the lower-frequency fluctuations in pedestrian wind-studies. Because of its simplicity, it can be installed in large numbers on a model and is well suited for use with automated Scanivalve equipment. The sensor may also be used as an omnidirectional skin friction meter if so desired.
Separation of gas mixtures using Co(II) carborane-based porous coordination polymers

Separations of CO2/CH4, CO2/N2, and O2/N2 mixtures were studied in three porous coordination polymers made of the same carborane ligand and Co(II) nodes. High selectivities for CO2 over CH4 (∼47) and CO2 over N2 (∼95) were obtained, especially in the material with coordinated pyridine. Unusual selectivity for O2 over N2 (as high as 6.5) was demonstrated in the materials with open Co(II) sites.
Delirium diagnosis methodology used in research: A survey-based study

Objective To describe methodology used to diagnose delirium in research studies evaluating delirium detection tools. Methods The authors used a survey to address reference rater methodology for delirium diagnosis, including rater characteristics, sources of patient information, and diagnostic process, completed via web or telephone interview according to respondent preference. Participants were authors of 39 studies included in three recent systematic reviews of delirium detection instruments in hospitalized patients. Results Authors from 85% (N = 33) of the 39 eligible studies responded to the survey. The median number of raters per study was 2.5 (interquartile range: 2–3); 79% were physicians. The raters' median duration of clinical experience with delirium diagnosis was 7 years (interquartile range: 4–10), with 5% having no prior clinical experience. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated in 70% of studies. Cognitive tests and delirium detection tools were used in the delirium reference rating process in 61% (N = 21) and 45% (N = 15) of studies, respectively, with 33% (N = 11) using both and 27% (N = 9) using neither. When patients were too drowsy or declined to participate in delirium evaluation, 70% of studies (N = 23) used all available information for delirium diagnosis, whereas 15% excluded such patients. Conclusion Significant variability exists in reference standard methods for delirium diagnosis in published research. Increasing standardization by documenting inter-rater reliability, using standardized cognitive and delirium detection tools, incorporating diagnostic expert consensus panels, and using all available information in patients declining or unable to participate with formal testing may help advance delirium research by increasing consistency of case detection and improving generalizability of research results.
Studies of neuroimmune markers in Alzheimer's disease

Based on a suspected role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the new discoveries of neuroimmune networks, the investigation of certain neuroimmune markers was performed in AD patients, healthy controls, and disease controls. In agreement with our previous immunological research on AD, the assessment of additional immune parameters revealed abnormalities of both cellular and humoral immunity in several AD patients. These include: 1. Enhanced production of cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6); 2. Increase plasma level of CD8-positive lymphocyte derived soluble CD8 (sCD8) antigen; and 3. Increased incidence of autoantibodies to brain myelin basic protein (MBP) and thymic cells.
Multiple boolean algebras and their application to fuzzy sets

Abstract A cycle of semilattices is a set E together with p semilattice operations, which can be linearly ordered so that each operation is distributive to the following and the last is distributive to the first. A multiple Boolean algebra is defined to be a cycle of semilattices satisfying certain additional requirements: 1. (i) each operation has an absorbing and an identity element; 2. (ii) there is a bijection E → E carrying each operation into the next and the last into the first; 3. (iii) an axiom is satisfied that generalizes the fact that in Boolean algebras the meet and the join of an element with its complement are equal to the zero and the identity elements, respectively. It is shown that for every n ≥ 1 and p ≥ 2 there exist multiple Boolean algebras of order p and cardinality p n . The new theoretical construct can be applied to the theory of fuzzy sets. If a suitable finite subset of the unit interval [0,1] is taken as the set of the grades of membership, the set of the fuzzy subsets in a universe can be equipped with additional binary operations in such manner that it becomes isomorphic to a pair of multiple Boolean algebras, one conjugate to the other.
Analog Computer Simulation of a Neural Element

As a prelude to the study of the adaptive-behavior and data-handling characteristics of natural and artificial neural networks, an analog model of a single neuron was developed. An analog computer was employed to reproduce the known electrical characteristics of a neuron in a qualitative simulation study of neuronal behavior. A self-imposed criterion of a minimum number of analog-computer components was adopted for the single-neuron simulation in anticipation of network studies. This criterion led to the development of a simple analog circuit which has qualitatively reproduced some of the known electrical characteristics of a neuron, such as: initiation of an action potential in the presence of suprathreshold depolarizing (or excitatory) inputs; strength-duration relationship; accommodation; refractoriness; rate of pulse repetition as a function of the input depolarization level; and prolonged action potentials. The simulation method adopted consisted of four major analog-computer components, three operational amplifiers and a single-shot multivibrator. The circuit developed has a linear forward path with a nonlinear form of feedback. A discussion is given of the properties exhibited by the simulated neuron with and without the nonlinear feedback. A mathematical method for linearly approximating nonlinear behavior is presented. This method is known as the "describing function technique," and its application to the analysis of neuronal behavior is described, as well as the technique's application to the synthesis of simulation networks.
Breathing Flesh and the Sound of BlackPentecostalism

“Breathing Flesh and the Sound of BlackPentecostalism” constructs a theory of history embedded in the performance and transference of breath as the necessary physiological and spiritual force that is the constitutive element of BlackPentecostal performative production. As breath is the vivifying force enlivening and quickening flesh, this essay attempts to outline another mode of existence in the world, through performance, that is a critique of normative theologizing and philosophizing. The essay considers how breathing itself — through aestheticized approaches — is a means to speak back and against violence and violation. As breath was interdicted — through whippings, through language lost and acquired, through lynchings — as a basis of modernity, I analyze the “whooping” practices of BlackPentecostal preachers to elaborate the intentionality of breathing practices as a necessary corrective.
A Narrative Approach to Delivering Bad News in Organizations: Effective or Not

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence for the use of narrative to deliver bad news within an organization, specifically bad news about layoffs. The attempt is to extend previous empirical work, using narrative by senior leadership to convey corporate strategy, to a different leadership challenge and further explicate a model for understanding the effectiveness of narrative as a leadership communication tool. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents further original research on the effectiveness of narrative as a leadership tool. And theoretical implications for leaders seeking effective communication tools are explored. Findings – Data presented to substantiate that narrative use, as opposed to a PowerPoint style, bulleted list approach, for delivering bad news, an impending layoff, is not effective at producing a clear understanding of the reasons for the layoff, confidence in subjects understanding of these reasons, or the belief in the honesty and integrity of the...
Calculation of critical rotational speeds of composite discs

Abstract At certain critical angular velocities Ω c , rotating discs experience a special type of resonance vibration which may cause system perturbation or damage. These critical rotational speeds depend on the mechanical properties of the material and the geometry of the disc. This paper reports calculations of the critical rotational speeds Ω c for laminated discs of various materials. The calculations indicate that higher rotational speeds are possible with discs laminated of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics ( cfrp ), glass fibre-reinforced plastics ( gfrp ) and steel than with AlMg5 discs, which are commonly used as magnetic recording discs in data storage systems. The lowest Ω c value for these 14 inch recording discs is 4800 rpm and by increasing this critical value an improved data rate within the storage system is possible.
Statin-Associated Adverse Cognitive Effects: Survey Results from 171 Patients

Study Objective. To characterize the adverse cognitive effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins). Design. Patient survey-based analysis. Patients. One hundred seventy-one patients (age range 34–86 yrs) who self-reported memory or other cognitive problems associated with statin therapy while participating in a previous statin effects study. Measurements and Main Results. Patients completed a survey assessing statin-associated, cognitive-specific adverse drug reaction (ADR) characteristics, relation of the ADR to specific statin and dose (or potency), and time course of symptom onset and recovery. Visual analog scales were used to assess the effect of the cognitive ADRs on seven quality-of-life domains. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. To target cognitive ADRs with a probable or definite causal relationship to statins, the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale was used: 128 patients (75%) experienced cognitive ADRs determined to be probably or definitely related to statin therapy. Of 143 patients (84%) who reported stopping statin therapy, 128 (90%) reported improvement in cognitive problems, sometimes within days of statin discontinuation (median time to first-noted recovery 2.5 wks). Of interest, in some patients, a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease reportedly was reversed. Nineteen patients whose symptoms improved or resolved after they discontinued statin therapy and who underwent rechallenge with a statin exhibited cognitive problems again (multiple times in some). Within this vulnerable group, a powerful relationship was observed between potency of the statin and fraction of trials with that agent resulting in cognitive ADRs (p<0.00001). Quality of life was significantly adversely affected for each of the seven assessed domains (all p<0.00000001). Conclusion. Findings from the survey suggest that cognitive problems associated with statin therapy have variable onset and recovery courses, a clear relation to statin potency, and significant negative impact on quality-of-life. Administration of a patient-targeted questionnaire is a feasible approach that provides a useful complement to other ADR surveillance approaches.
Multiple recapture methods when sampling without replacement in the last occasion

A technique is presented for estimating the size of a closed population from multiple recapture data when sampling is performed without replacement on the last trapping occasion. The estimator of the population size along with the variance estimator is derived from a log-linear model.
Antigen presenting cells treated in vitro by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and autoantigen protect mice from autoimmunity

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a critical cytokine in the development of monocytic lineage and may have immunoregulatory properties. Here we show that peritoneal antigen presenting cells (APCs) treated with M-CSF produced decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-12. These APCs treated with M-CSF+autoantigen peptide significantly suppressed antigen-specific T cell proliferation, induced regulatory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in vitro and in vivo, and significantly suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Thus, in vitro treatment of APCs with M-CSF+autoantigen can be a novel therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases.
Ligand-triggered conformational perturbations elicit changes at the single cysteinyl residue of spinach calmodulin

Following application of stoichiometric amounts of Ca2+ or specific partner peptides to spinach calmodulin, dynamic changes in the nanosecond range could be monitored at a strategically anchored fluorescence or spin probe. For these studies the single cysteinyl residue 26 of spinach calmodulin was labelled with a thiol-specific proxyl (i.e. 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl-oxyl) spin probe or with a bimane fluorescence probe. With Ca2+ and a specific ligand (mastoparan) present, fluorescence studies (anisotropy, lifetime) indicated that the rotational motion of the protein complex becomes slower relative to the motion of calmodulin in the absence of the specific ligand. The probe's attachment site 26 appears to reside in a fairly polar microenvironment as reported by a series of proxyl spin probes varying in label length. The rotational correlation time of the shortest spin probe markedly changed upon binding of a specific peptide to a calmodulin region distant from that of the monitoring spin probe. We interpret these observations as indicating that ligand-triggered conformational perturbations are eliciting specific responses at the cysteinyl residue 26 of spinach calmodulin.
Effects of stress deprivation on lubricin synthesis and gliding of flexor tendons in a canine model in vivo.

Background: Lubricin facilitates boundary lubrication of cartilage. The synthesis of lubricin in cartilage is regulated by mechanical stimuli, especially shear force. Lubricin is also found in flexor tendons. However, little is known about the effect of mechanical loading on lubricin synthesis in tendons or about the function of lubricin in flexor tendons. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of mechanical loading to lubricin expression and gliding resistance of flexor tendons. Methods: Flexor tendons were harvested from canine forepaws that had been suspended without weight-bearing for twenty-one days and from the contralateral forepaws that had been allowed free motion. Lubricin expression in each flexor tendon was investigated with real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and immunohistochemistry. Lubricin in the flexor tendon was extracted and quantified with ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The friction between the flexor tendon and the proximal pulley was measured. Results: The non-weight-bearing flexor tendons had a 40% reduction of lubricin expression (p < 0.01) and content (p < 0.01) compared with the flexor tendons in the contralateral limb. However, the gliding resistance of the tendons in the non-weight-bearing limb was the same as that of the tendons on the contralateral, weight-bearing side. Conclusions: Mechanical loading affected lubricin expression in flexor tendons, resulting in a 40% reduction of lubricin content, but these changes did not affect the gliding resistance of the flexor tendons. Clinical Relevance: The gliding resistance of flexor tendons was not affected after a period of limited motion. This suggests that physical activity after a short period of limited motion does not lead to wear of intact tendons and their surrounding tissue.
Using the Ultraviolet and Visible spectrum of Comet 122P/de Vico to Identify the Parent Molecule CS2

A comparison has been made between the unidentified spectral lines of comet 122P/de Vico and observed dispersed fluorescence spectra in the UV and visible region from jet cooled CS2. Twenty-eight lines of the spectral atlas of this comet have been identified as originating from emission of CS2 when this molecule is excited by solar radiation in the near-ultraviolet region of the spectra. This work proves the presence of CS2 in comets and points to a new method for identifying parent molecules in comets.
Reworking the Spaces of Indigeneity: The Bolivian Ayllu and Lowland Autonomy Movements Compared

This paper examines the political uses of indigenous identity and how understandings of indigeneity are changing in contemporary Bolivia. In particular we address two interrelated questions: first, in what ways are understandings of indigeneity and the ‘indigenous’ changing in Bolivia, and to what effect? And, second, how does indigeneity inform conceptualizations of territory and the nation? We examine two ethnoterritorial projects and the organizations that represent them, in two different regions of Bolivia: the ayllu movement, as represented by the National Council of Ayllus and Markas of Qullasuyu and the Andean Oral History Workshop, and the lowland autonomy movement, as represented by the Camba Nation and the pro-Santa Cruz Committee. We argue that both the ayllu movement and the lowland autonomy movement are ethnoterritorial projects which mobilize essentialized understandings of indigenous identity in order to legitimate historical claims to territorial and political rights.
Anal canal and perianal epidermoid cancers

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal serves as a paradigm for the successful application of multimodality treatment of solid tumors. Since 1974, multimodality treatment with combined radiation and chemotherapy has become the standard. The compelling advantage of sphincter preservation and the substantial survival benefit compared with surgery alone prompted investigators to adopt chemoradiation treatment. Several questions regarding the optimal radiation dose and chemotherapy in initial as well as salvage therapy remain, and only recently have results of several prospective randomized studies become available to address some of these unresolved issues. We reviewed the clinical aspects and historical treatment results of anal canal and perianal epidermoid cancers in light of the results of these modern trials. Current management strategies are redefined, and future directions of clinical studies are outlined.
How Low Can I Go? The Impact of Hypoglycemia on the Immature Brain: In Reply

The response from Dr Hay and his esteemed colleagues raises a valid concern and misinterpretation of my commentary, and I am very grateful for their prudent and appropriate letter. It was stated in the commentary that there are “3 important principles in relation to hypoglycemia-mediated cerebral injury in the newborn,” with the first being prolonged and severe hypoglycemia, which would not relate to a single blood glucose level of <45 mg/dL. The second principle related to the regional cerebral vulnerability and pattern …
Tricritical to mean-field crossover at the spin-Peierls transition in CuGeO 3

The spin-Peierls phase transition in ${\mathrm{CuGeO}}_{3}$ has been extensively studied utilizing a variety of experimental techniques. Interpretations of the phase transition behavior vary from tricritical to mean field to Ising critical to $\mathrm{XY}$ critical. We show that the behavior in the vicinity of the phase transition of each of the order parameters, the magnetic energy gap, and the heat capacity can be quantitatively fitted with few adjustable parameters with a mean-field model incorporating a tricritical to mean-field crossover in the transition region.
An enzymatic method to determine receptor-mediated endocytosis

Many studies have measured receptor-mediated endocytosis using radiolabeled ligands or antibodies. Upon ligation and cross-linking, the labeled ligand or antibody is endocytosed and the internalization of the radioisotope is assayed after stripping the uninternalized ligand from the cell membrane. This study reports on an enzymatic assay to measure receptor-mediated endocytosis and compares it with the radioactive method. The results show that receptor-mediated endocytosis measured using the peroxidase conjugated antibody is two fold higher than that measured with a radiolabeled antibody. Thus, approximately 38% endocytosis of CD3 is measured using an 125I-labeled antibody, whereas approximately 79% endocytosis is detected by peroxidase conjugated antibody method. Similar increases are also found with CD2 receptor-mediated endocytosis. Our study has demonstrated that the enzymatic method could be employed in determining receptor-mediated endocytosis. In addition to increased sensitivity, the enzymatic assay eliminates the use of radioactive materials.
Mechanical Strength of Scaphoid Fixation

We have investigated five devices suitable for scaphoid fixation (ASIF 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm cannulated screws, Herbert, Herbert-Whipple, and Howmedica Universal Compression Screw). The biomechanical properties tested were compression and resistance to cantilever bending. There was no statistically significant difference in compression between devices. There were significant differences in resistance to cantilever bending, with the Howmedica screw being strongest in both failure mode and in ultimate failure strength.
A discrete dislocation analysis of the Bauschinger effect in microcrystals

The Bauschinger effect is theoretically investigated in micron-sized crystals using mechanism-based discrete dislocation plasticity. Use is made of constitutive rules that are formulated at the fundamental dislocation level to represent dislocation interactions at short-range, including dislocation multiplication and escape at free surfaces, dislocation intersections, and subsequent dynamic source and obstacle creation and destruction. Various overall responses emerge as a natural outcome to the collective behavior of discrete dislocations, depending on specimen size and initial dislocation source density. At low source density, where the behavior is multiplication controlled, tension/compression asymmetry is often realized and the scatter increases with decreasing specimen size. At sufficiently high source density, hardening mechanisms dominate the behavior and a strong Bauschinger effect is predicted in crystals with heights in the sub-micron range. In this case, the Bauschinger effect is qualitatively correlated with a new, evolving structural measure, which is solely expressible in terms of kinematic quantities.
Dysregulation of ?-Catenin Expression Correlates With Tumor Differentiation in Pancreatic Duct Adenocarcinoma

Background: β-Catenin functions as an integral part of the E-cadherin/catenin adhesion complex to maintain epithelial cell integrity. β-Catenin also functions as part of the Wnt signal transduction pathway to transmit growth-promoting signals to the nucleus via its interactions with Tcf/Lef transcription factors. Previous reports have demonstrated altered β-catenin expression in numerous tumor types; however, reports regarding β-catenin expression in pancreatic cancer have been conflicting.
Lip pits and deletion 1q32 → 41

A patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 1q[del(1q32----41)] was found to have, among other anomalies, congenital lower-lip pits. Lip pits are rare and are found mainly in association with the van der Woude syndrome and the popliteal pterygium syndrome; we cannot find a report of their association with a chromosome anomaly. To our knowledge, interstitial deletion of the segment 1q32----41 has not been reported. This observation raises the possibility that the van der Woude syndrome may be due to a submicroscopic deletion of chromosome 1q.
On the Incompatibility of Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom

I argue that the simple foreknowledge view, according to which God knows at some time t1 what an agent S will do at t2, is incompatible with human free will. I criticize two arguments in favor of the thesis that the simple foreknowledge view is consistent with human freedom, and conclude that, even if divine foreknowledge does not causally compel human action, foreknowledge is nevertheless relevantly similar to other cases in which human freedom is undermined. These cases include those in which certain human actions are logically, rather than causally, foreclosed.
An Analysis of Pump Cavitation Damage

The cavitation assessment for the space shuttle main engine high pressure oxidizer turbopump is documented. A model of the flow through the pump was developed. Initially, a computational procedure was used to analyze the flow through the inlet casing including the prediction of wakes downstream of the casing vanes. From these flow calculations, cavitation patterns on the inducer blades were approximated and the damage rate estimated. The model correlates the heavy damage on the housing and over the inducer with unsteady blade surface cavitation. The unsteady blade surface cavitation is due to the large incidence changes caused by the wakes of the upstream vanes. Very high cavitation damage rates are associated with this type of cavitation. Design recommendations for reducing the unsteady cavitation include removing the set of vanes closest to the inducer and modifying the remaining vanes.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of Variably Saturated Flow and Transport Parameters and Its Implication for Crop Yield and Root Zone Hydrosalinity

AbstractModeling of crop yield and root zone hydrosalinity usually requires a large number of parameters that are often expensive to obtain and have associated measurement errors. Consequently, identifying the most relevant parameters, and their contributions to the uncertainty of the output, might be utilized as a basis to focus research resources efficiently. Global sensitivity analysis (GSA) is a powerful tool that can be utilized to achieve this goal. However, some GSA methods perform better than others, which introduces the risk of mistakenly prioritizing a secondary parameter while neglecting a primary one. This paper evaluates four GSA methods utilized to rank the importance of a total of 18 input parameters with respect to five performance indices using a variable saturated flow and transport model. Some of the major findings of this research are (1) the crop-yield variance is controlled largely by only four of the 18 parameters that were considered in this study; (2) the van Genuchten pore-size p...
A quantitative method for a priori evaluation of combustion reaction models

In recent years, direct numerical simulations have been used increasingly to evaluate the validity and performance of combustion reaction models. This study presents a new, quantitative method to determine the ideal model performance attainable by a given parameterization of the state variables. Data from direct numerical simulation (DNS) of unsteady CO/H2–air jet flames is analysed to determine how well various parameterizations represent the data, and how well specific models based on those parameterizations perform. Results show that the equilibrium model performs poorly relative to an ideal model parameterized by the mixture fraction. The steady laminar flamelet model performs quite well relative to an ideal model parameterized by mixture fraction and dissipation rate in some cases. However, at low dissipation rates or at dissipation rates exceeding the steady extinction limit, the steady flamelet model performs poorly. Interestingly, even in many cases where the steady flamelet model fails (particula...
Evaluation of Turkey Boning Techniques

Abstract FURTHER processing holds a great potential for increasing turkey consumption providing fabrication costs can be held to a competitive level. Currently, initial processing and further processing of turkeys are usually performed in two separate plants (Benjamin et al., 1960; Kilpatrick and Pond, 1960; and Swanson, 1965). The further processing plant begins by procuring frozen whole turkeys, transporting them to the plant, and storing them until they are used, all of which adds to the cost of the turkey before actual further processing operations begin (Farms, 1963; and Mitchell, 1964). Much of the boning done today is performed by machines after the carcass is cooked which produces a meat slurry and limits the use of the meat (Marshall, 1964; Stadelman, 1965; Jack et al., 1965). Thus, hand boning although expensive is still superior to machine boning for many further processed turkey items (Mountney, 1966). The actual onset rate of rigor mortis . . .
Shedding a little (sun)light on data analysis and technology

We present background and an activity meant to show both instructors and students that mere button pushing with technology is insufficient for success, but that additional thought and preparation will permit the technology to serve as an excellent tool in the understanding and learning of mathematics.
Persistent cryptosporidiosis in horses with severe combined immunodeficiency.

Cryptosporidial infections were established in five young foals with severe combined immunodeficiency following oral administration of 10(8) Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. All foals shed oocysts (average of 8 x 10(6) to 2 x 10(8)/g of feces) until death. Inflammation and C. parvum organisms were observed in the common bile duct, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Since foals with severe combined immunodeficiency lack functional T and B lymphocytes and are incapable of antigen-specific immune responses, they are well suited for evaluating the pathogenesis and treatment of persistent cryptosporidiosis. Images
For the Market or ‘For Our Friends’? The Politics of Banking Sector Legal Reform in the Post-Communist Region After 1989

This article analyzes the political processes that have shaped legal reform of the banking sector in the post-communist region. The article identifies two patterns of reform and examines Hungary and Bulgaria as examples of each pattern. The strategy for changing banking sector legislation and its implementation in Hungary has been ‘reforming for the market,’ whereas the prevailing strategy in Bulgaria until 1997 was ‘reforming for our friends.’ After 1997, Bulgarian governments switched to ‘reforming for the market.’ I argue that this shift took place because of an important partisan change of the governing elites that reinforced the role of international actors and altered the elites’ relationship with important domestic stakeholders. The article shows that front-runners of banking reform in the region such as Hungary introduced significant private ownership in the sector and, at the same time, the governing elites enhanced the state's regulatory capacity. By contrast, ‘partial reform’ regimes such as Bulgaria until 1997 undertook limited and selective ownership change and the governing elites weakened the state's regulatory capacity, thus giving a boost to the already existing clientelism.
Questions to Which "Not Knowing" Is the Answer: An exploration of an "invented reality" called art therapy and the supporting structure known as the "profession" of art therapy

(2000). Questions to Which 'Not Knowing' Is the Answer: An exploration of an 'invented reality' called art therapy and the supporting structure known as the 'profession' of art therapy. Art Therapy: Vol. 17, Is art therapy a profession or an idea?, pp. 87-89.
Corneal Organ Culture Model for Assessing Epithelial Responses to Surfactants

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the response of cultured bovine corneas to the application of irritant substances and its potential use for predicting ocular irritancy in humans. We hypothesized that chemicals causing eye irritation may induce disruption of epithelial tight junctions and trigger cell stress responses modulated via transcription factors such as AP-1 and NF-kappaB. A simple air-lifted corneal organ culture system was used as an ex vivo model for ocular irritancy test. The effects of two surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and benzalkonium chloride (BAK), on corneal epithelial permeability and DNA-binding activity of AP-1 and NF-kappaB were studied in cultured bovine corneas. Both SDS and BAK induced tight junction disruption and increased permeability of corneal epithelium assessed using surface biotinylation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. An increase in DNA-binding activity measured using electrophoretic mobility shift assay was observed when cultured corneas were treated with surfactants at concentrations causing minimal to mild ocular irritation, indicating epithelial cell stress response. Furthermore, exposure of cultured corneas to SDS or BAK at concentrations causing severe ocular irritancy resulted in a decrease in DNA-binding activity of these transcription factors in epithelial cells. These results indicate that the combination of corneal organ culture and measurements of corneal epithelial permeability and DNA-binding activity of stress-response transcription factors following chemical exposure has the potential to be used as a mechanistically based alternative to in vivo animal testing.
A Robust and Scalable Solution for Interpolative Multidimensional Scaling with Weighting

Advances in modern bio-sequencing techniques have led to a proliferation of raw genomic data that enables an unprecedented opportunity for data mining. To analyze such large volume and high-dimensional scientific data, many high performance dimension reduction and clustering algorithms have been developed. Among the known algorithms, we use Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) to reduce the dimension of original data and Pair wise Clustering, and to classify the data. We have shown that interpolative MDS, which is an online technique for real-time streaming in Big Data, can be applied to get better performance on massive data. However, SMACOF MDS approach is only directly applicable to cases where all pair wise distances are used and where weight is one for each term. In this paper, we proposed a robust and scalable MDS and interpolation algorithm using Deterministic Annealing technique, to solve problems with either missing distances or a non-trivial weight function. We compared our method to three state-of-art techniques. By experimenting on three common types of bioinformatics dataset, the results illustrate that the precision of our algorithms are better than other algorithms, and the weighted solutions has a lower computational time cost as well.
Voting and the Summation of Preferences: An interpretive Bibliographical Review of Selected Developments During the Last Decade

87 The difficulties of building, operationalizing, and testing mathematical models of political phenomena-particularly the difficulties engendered by lack of relevant data-have been discussed by Duncan MacRae Jr. and R. Duncan Luce. See MacRae's Dimensions of Congressional Voting, University of California Publications in Sociology and Social Institutions, Vol. 1, No. 3 (Berkeley and Los Angeles, University of California Press, 1958), pp. 354-382. See Luce's "Analyzing the Social Process Underlying Group Voting Patterns," in Eugene Burdick and Arthur 6. If, in fact, there actually exists an "in. verse relationship between the mathematics content and the political content of this.. literature," political scientists might see this as a challenge rather than as a rationale for re jection. After all, there is little in either th( history of any related discipline or in the literature cited above which would warrant a summary rejection of the application of mathematical reasoning to the study of politics Although the surface has only been scratched those wishing to work in this area will find thai they can ignore the work already done only al their own peril. If the structure is as yet hardly visible, at least some firm foundations have already been built.
You Are What and When You Eat

Good eating habits are important for maintaining health. However, it is not only eating too much but also eating at improper times or continuous nibbling that can lead to obesity and metabolic disease. Energy metabolism in the human body has a "circadian rhythm." For instance, we get hungry and sleepy at specific times in each 24-hour period. The metabolic energy cycle is involved in the regulation of feeding and affects the daily rhythm of activation of key regulators of nutrient homeostasis, such as the transcription factor cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element–binding protein (CREB) and the kinases AMPK and AKT. In obese individuals, feeding behavior tends to be disrupted and thus alters metabolic homeostasis. In a new study, Hatori et al. propose a lifestyle intervention that can prevent obesity and accompanying metabolic disease simply by maintaining feeding rhythms even when a high-fat diet is consumed. Disruption of the normal feeding cycle is commonly found in animal models of obesity and diabetes. The authors asked whether robust metabolic cycles could protect against nutritional challenges that predispose animals to obesity. They subjected isogenic mice to either ad libitum or time-restricted feeding of a high-fat diet for 8 hours. With free access to food, a high-fat diet severely blunts diurnal rhythms and causes mouse obesity, glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation. However, with time-restricted feeding of a high-fat diet, diurnal rhythms were maintained and mice were protected from the typical symptoms normally induced by a high-fat diet, even though these mice consumed an equivalent number of calories compared with mice with free access to the fatty foods. Feeding the mice a high-fat diet in this time-restricted manner resulted in an increase in thermogenesis as well as improved rhythms in nutrient utilization. It is quite surprising that simply maintaining feeding rhythms without changing caloric intake diminishes the negative effects of a high-fat diet on metabolism and health, at least in a mouse model. This finding clearly supports the idea that proper eating habits and regular feeding times are critical for health. This type of time-restricted feeding regimen may become a useful nonpharmacological strategy for combating obesity and metabolic disease in humans. M. Hatori et al. , Time-restricted feeding without reducing caloric intake prevents metabolic diseases in mice fed a high-fat diet. Cell Metab. 15 , 848–860 (2012). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(12)00189-1
Effect of the free radical-generating herbicide paraquat on the expression of the superoxide dismutase (Sod) genes in maize

10-day-old maize leaves were treated with the oxygen free radical-generating herbicide paraquat for 12 h. Paraquat treatments (10(-5) M) resulted in a 40% increase in superoxide dismutase activity and a smaller increase in catalase activity. The increase in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity correlates with higher levels of specific isozymes. The chloroplast (SOD-1) and cytosolic (SOD-2 and SOD-4) forms were increased significantly; however, the mitochondrial form (SOD-3) was increased only slightly. Higher levels of SOD-4 and SOD-3 after paraquat exposure were the result of increased synthesis of these proteins, as determined by labeling in vivo with [35S]methionine. Isolation and in vitro translation of polysomes from 10(-5) M paraquat-treated leaves indicated that paraquat increased the amount of polysomal mRNA which codes for SOD-4 and SOD-3. Superoxide dismutase induction does not appear to be a response that is specific to paraquat, since another superoxide-generating compound, juglone, caused a similar increase in total superoxide dismutase activity. Therefore, the effect of these compounds on the expression of the maize Sod genes is exerted via their ability to generate superoxide.
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Sequentially Randomized Trials

In this issue of the Journal, Thall et al. present the results of a clinical trial that makes use of sequential randomization, a novel trial design that allows the investigator to study adaptive treatment strategies. Our aim is to complement this groundbreaking work by reviewing the current state of the art of statistical methods available for such analyses. Using the data collected by Thall et al. as an example, we focus on two different approaches for estimating the success rates of different adaptive treatment strategies of interest. By emphasizing the intuitive appeal and straightforward implementation of these methods and illustrating the striking findings to which these methods can lead, we hope to convince the reader that this novel trial design provides a rich source of information that is made readily accessible through current analytical approaches.
Characteristics of the Ross Ice Shelf air stream as depicted in Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System simulations

[1] Streamlines of the mean annual near-surface winds over the Antarctic continent suggest a confluent channeling of the drainage flows off the ice sheets and onto the Ross Ice Shelf. A persistent cyclonic circulation to the north of the ice shelf supports a large-scale pressure field that reinforces the continental drainage flows. Owing to these two processes, an enhanced low-level airflow is present along the southern and western sections of the Ross Ice Shelf. The resulting air stream, known as the Ross Ice Shelf air stream (RAS), is one of the persistent and prominent low-level wind features seen in the Antarctic. Real-time mesoscale simulations of the Antarctic atmosphere and high southern latitudes using a modified version of the Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Modeling System have been ongoing since the 1999–2000 austral field season. Model results from the 1-year period November 2001 to October 2002 have been analyzed to investigate the mean structure and modulation of the Ross Ice Shelf air stream. Analyses of model results show the low-level air stream over the western Ross Ice Shelf has a wind speed maxima that is linked to the steep topography to the west. Individual cases of strong wind events appear to contain a significant barrier wind component that arises from cold air damming against the Transantarctic Mountains. Cyclones that frequently form in the Ross Sea are shown to establish conditions that promote barrier wind dynamics and thus significantly modulate the intensity of the RAS.
Analytic example of a Schweppe likelihood-ratio detector

A low-dimensional test problem with a known solution is used to verify various computer implementations of F.C. Schweppe's likelihood detector (1965). In this case a closed-form solution is provided for a Schweppe likelihood detector in terms of an intermediate Kalman filter, as utilized in its implementation, for detecting the presence of a two-state signal model in Gaussian white noise. The associated error probabilities are also evaluated following a procedure that utilizes optimized Chernoff-like bounds for a tight approximation. A methodology is demonstrated for appropriately setting the decision threshold for this example as a tradeoff against allowable observation time. By using this or similar examples, certain qualitative and quantitative aspects of the software implementation can be checked for conformance to anticipated behavior as an intermediate benchmark, prior to modular replacement of the various high-order matrices appropriate to the particular application. >
Rapid Determination of Outbreak-Related Strains of Neisseria meningitidis by Repetitive Element-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction Genotyping

Outbreaks of invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis have increased in the United States in the 1990s. Repetitive element-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR), a recently developed genotyping method, was used to evaluate a group of 8 outbreak-related and 35 other meningococcal isolates previously typed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE). All were serogroup B or C. Sets of genotypes were generated using primers based on either of two different repetitive sequences. Genotype sets were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Each set correctly identified outbreak-related isolates. Among the other 35 isolates, rep-PCR delineated 14 and 13 strains, respectively, in the two sets of genotypes. Seventeen electrophoretic types had been delineated by MLEE. Rep-PCR holds promise as a rapid, genome-based typing method for delineation of apparent outbreaks of meningococcal disease.
51V magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations in vanadium bio-inorganic systems: current perspective

In recent years, 51V magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy has been widely used to characterize vanadium centers in biology, biomimetic complexes, and inorganic compounds of medicinal and ind...
Developmental Change in Perceived Control: Recognizing Noncontingency in the Laboratory and Perceiving It in the World

To study developmental change in an important component of perceived control, children's contingency judgments were examined with respect to totally uncontrollable outcomes (drawing cards blindly from a shuffled deck). Kindergarteners perceived outcomes as contingent, that is, they regarded competence-related factors (age, practice, intelligence, and effort) as significantly affecting outcomes, and they interpreted extremely high or low levels of success as evidence of high or low concentration or other competencerelated attributes. By contrast, fourth graders identified the outcomes as resulting from luck and downplayed the role of competence-re lated factors. However, even fourth graders regarded such factors as somewhat relevant to outcomes, and their contingency judgments on the card task correlated .61 (p < .01) with their Just World questionnaire responses. The results suggest that illusory contingency declines with age, that even fourth graders are surprisingly susceptible to mistaken perceptions of contingency, and that their degree of susceptibility is related to their perceptions of contingency or justice in the world at large.