cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GLUCOSE, INSULIN AND LIPID STUDIES FOLLOWING CHRONIC GROWTH HORMONE ADMINISTRATION

Top of pageAbstract Fifteen patients with documented growth hormone deficiency treated for 1-5 years with 0.1 units/kg growth hormone IM three times each week were studied with respect to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Lipid levels did not vary significantly pre and post treatment except for two patients with familial hyperlipidemia who showed improvement in both lipid levels and glucose tolerance. In the other patients, data confirmed a diabetogenic effect following chronic growth hormone administration. Peak glucose levels and peak insulin levels were significantly higher post therapy at the <0.02 level using the paired "t" test of two correlated samples. Similarly, the sum of insulin values on 5 hour oral glucose tolerance testing suggested relative insulin resistance with significance at the <0.02 levels following 3, 4, and 5 years of growth hormone therapy. One patient showed decreased insulin production following 5 years of growth hormone therapy associated with diminished glucose tolerance and a peak glucose value of 230 mg% on the 5 hour glucose tolerance test. Thus, all patients appear to confirm reports of increased insulin resistance and/or diabetogenic effect associated with prolonged growth hormone therapy.
Molecular structure of the argon-(Z)-1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene complex from chirped-pulse and narrow-band Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Abstract Broadband chirped pulse, Fourier transform microwave spectra in the 6–18 GHz region are obtained for the 35 Cl and 37 Cl isotopomers of the complex formed between argon and ( Z )-1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene. Analysis of the spectra provides predictions of rotational transition frequencies for the two singly substituted 13 C isotopomers of Ar- 35 ClHCCHF sufficient to narrow the search range required for observation in a more sensitive, narrow band cavity Fourier transform instrument. Only a non-planar structure with the argon atom maximizing the number of its contacts with preferably heavy atoms is consistent with the rotational constants for all four isotopomers, and no evidence of tunneling between the two equivalent minima on either side of the ethylene plane is found. Rotational transitions for four isotopomers of ( Z )-1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene itself, appearing in the broadband spectrum, are analyzed to determine the complete chlorine nuclear quadrupole coupling tensor for this molecule, and when these are combined with the hyperfine constants determined for the complex with argon, the sign ambiguity of the measured off-diagonal tensor components is removed.
Studies in nonisothermal rheology: Behavior near the glass transition temperature and in the oriented glassy state

As part of a continuing study of nonisothermal rheology (meaning the simultaneous application of strain and temperature changes), we here consider the behavior of polystyrene near the glass transition temperature Tg. In particular, we measured the increase of the apparent Tg as the cooling rate is increased from 0.003 to 4.5°C/sec. This change (up to 16°C increase) has both practical and theoretical implications. For enhancing the mechanical properties of a glassy product, one desires maximum orientation (stress) just prior to quenching; the optimum deformation/temperature strategy for maximizing stress is affected by the level of Tg. By using a nonisothermal strategy we were able to produce higher frozen-in orientations, and thus higher mechanical properties, than have been previously reported. For a theoretical understanding of the rubbery state just prior to quenching, we used the generalized time-temperature superposition of our prior work; we found that a modified shift factor of the form aT(T,T), where T refers to a rate-dependent Tg, gives an improved fit to data but is not by itself adequate.
Direct effects of IL-4 on mast cells drive their intestinal expansion and increase susceptibility to anaphylaxis in a murine model of food allergy.

Direct effects of IL-4 on mast cells drive their intestinal expansion and increase susceptibility to anaphylaxis in a murine model of food allergy
Prolonged Reduction of High Blood Pressure With Human Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Delivery

Abstract Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral vessels has been shown to modulate vascular resistance and blood pressure. We explored the effect of a continuous supply of human endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by somatic gene delivery. A DNA construct containing the human eNOS gene fused to the cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer was injected into SHR through the tail vein. A single injection of the naked eNOS plasmid DNA caused a significant reduction of systemic blood pressure for 5 to 6 weeks in SHR, and the effect continued for up to 10 to 12 weeks after a second injection. The differences were significant from 2 to 12 weeks postinjections (n=6, P P P
Transforming data access through public visualization

Data visualization has historically been accessible only to the elite in academia, business, and government. It was "serious" technology, created by experts for experts. In recent years, however, web-based visualizations--ranging from political art projects to news stories--have reached audiences of millions. Meanwhile, new initiatives in government, aimed at all citizens, point to an era of increased transparency. What will this new era of data transparency look like--and what are the implications for technologists who work with data? To help answer this question, we report on recent research into public data analysis and visualization. Many of our results come from Many Eyes, a "living laboratory" web site where people may upload their own data, create interactive visualizations, and carry on conversations. Political discussions, citizen activism, religious discussions, game playing, and educational exchanges all happen on the site. To further support these scenarios, and the users they represent, will require continued innovation in data presentation and interaction.
Stable interaction between G-actin and neurofilament light subunit in dopaminergic neurons

Abstract Excessive accumulation of neurofilaments in the cell bodies and proximal axons of motor neurons is a major pathological hallmark of motor neuron diseases. In this communication we provide evidence that the neurofilament light subunit (68 kDa) and G-actin are capable of forming a stable interaction. Cytochalasin B, a cytoskeleton disrupting agent that interrupts actin-based microfilaments, caused aggregation of neurofilaments in cultured mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, suggesting a possible interaction between neurofilaments and actin; which was tested further by using crosslinking reaction and affinity chromatography techniques. In the cross-linking experiment, G-actin interacted with individual neurofilament subunits and covalently cross-linked disuccinimidyl suberate, a homobifunctional cross-linking reagent. Furthermore, G-actin was extensively cross-linked to the light neurofilament subunit with this reagent. The other two neurofilament subunits showed no cross-linking to G-actin. Moreover, neurofilament subunits were retained on a G-actin coupled affinity column and were eluted from this column by increasing salt concentration. All three neurofilament subunits became bound to the G-actin affinity column. However, a portion of the 160 and 200 kDa neurofilament subunits did not bind to the column, and the remainder of these two subunits eluted prior to the 68 kDa subunit, suggesting that the light subunit exhibited the highest affinity for G-actin. Moreover, neurofilaments demonstrated little or no binding to F-actin coupled affinity columns. The phosphorylation of neurofilament proteins with protein kinase C reduced its cross-linking to G-actin. The results of these studies are interpreted to suggest that the interaction between neurofilaments and actin, regulated by neurofilament phosphorylation, may play a role in maintaining the structure and hence the function of dopaminergic neurons in culture.
COBEX, a dedicated collider B experiment

Abstract COBEX (COllider Beauty EXperiment) is a dedicated open-geometry forward spectrometer experiment for a hadron collider (LHC, SSC, Tevatron or UNK), whic
GENETIC VARIABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION FOR AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN HYBRID RICE (Oryza Sativa L.)

Twenty four hybrid rice varieties of diverse origin were studied for genetic variability, correlation and path analysis under medium high land of Gazipur. The PCV values were greater than GCV, revealing little influence of environment in character expression. High values of heritability along with moderate genetic advance were observed for panicle/m 2 , days to 50% flowering and plant height. Grain yield showed positive significant association with number of effective tillers/hill, panicle/m 2 , spikelet fertility and thousand grain weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Same traits had highest significant positive effect on yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v24i1.16999
Self-consistent augmented-plane-wave band-structure calculations of Si and Ge with overlapping spheres

We have performed self-consistent augmented-plane-wave calculations of the band structure of Si and Ge with the use of a model of overlapping muffin-tin spheres. These calculations are in good agreement with those using no shape approximation for the crystal potential.
Genomic hsd-Mu(lac) operon fusion mutants of Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract Genomic (chromosomal) hsd -Mu( lac ) operon fusions have been constructed in two strains of Escherichia coli K-12 for the three hsd genes, hsdR K , hsdM K and hasS K , using MudX and λp lac Mu53. Expression of hsdK mutants ranged from 16 to 74 units (u) (with a mean of 52 u) for fusions to promoter p res and ranged from 26–75 u (also with a mean of 52 u) for fusions to promoter p mod . The expression of the two hsdK promoters was measured in different stages of growth. The p res fusion mutant showed a lag in β-galactosidase (βGal) production, as compared to the p mod fusion mutant. One r − K m − K m − k mutant (JR205) showed more than ten times the βGal activity of other insertion mutants. The activity of this mutant decreased by 20-fold upon the transfer of F101-102, which includes the wild-type hsd region. Positive gene-dosage effect was observed using F′ plasmids containing the hsd-lacZ region.
β-Cell replacement therapy (pancreas and islet transplantation) for treatment of diabetes mellitus: an integrated approach ☆

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) continues to represent a therapeutic challenge. Complications from secondary diabetes, observed in 30% to 50% of patients affected by T1D, result in poor quality of life, premature death, and considerable health care costs. The principal determinant of the risk of devastating diabetes complications is the total lifetime exposure to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, establishing safe and effective methods of achieving and maintaining normoglycemia will have substantial implications for the health and the quality of life of individuals with diabetes. Currently, the only way to restore sustained normoglycemia without the associated risk of hypoglycemia is to replace the patient's glucose-sensing and insulin-secreting pancreatic islet β-cell islets, either by the transplantation of a vascularized pancreas or by the infusion of isolated pancreatic islets.
Cutting apart V(D)J recombination

Abstract The past year has seen major advances in our understanding of the recombination mechanism by which antibody and T cell receptor genes are assembled during lymphoid development. The initial cleavage events can be carried out in vitro by purified RAG1 and RAG2 protein. In addition, a number of genes involved in later steps of the reaction have been cloned, opening the way for an in-depth biochemical analysis of this critical developmental process.
Alarm response by a plethodontid salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus): Conspecific and heterospecific "Schreckstoff".

The detection of chemical alarm cues plays an important role for predator avoidance in many taxonomic groups, but little is known about the presence of such chemical cues in adult or caudate amphibians. We investigated the response (i.e., aversion or nonaversion) to chemical cues from damaged salamander skin and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) in the plethodontid salamander,Desmognathus ochrophaeus. Avoidance responses were demonstrated to skin extracts of both conspecific and heterospecific salamanders. However, salamanders (D. ochrophaeus) did not avoid heated conspecific skin, fresh conspecific viscera, fresh mealworm, or freshPlethodon richmondi skin extracts. These results indicate that chemical alarm cues are: (1) present in the skin ofDesmognathus salamanders, (2) not present in mealworm or the viscera ofDesmognathus salamanders, and (3) denatured or deactivated by heating. These results also suggest that an avoidance response to chemical cues from damaged conspecifics has adaptive value in predator avoidance in terrestrial as well as aquatic vertebrates.
Re-engineering legacy Cobol programs

Abstract : This paper proposes a semi-automatic two-step process to re-engineer legacy Cobol programs into OO programs including automatic identification of instance variables and methods from Cobol code followed by semi-automatic optimization of the OO design produced in the first step. We describe several issues related to automatic feature identification and report our experiences using two different automatic approaches on sample industrial code. Then we describe four ways to improve an OO design including moving methods from one class to another, merging methods, splitting methods, and merging classes. This is done by analyzing class interaction diagrams, call graphs, and code and presenting potential optimization points to programmers.
Etiology Beliefs Moderate the Influence of Emotional Self-Control on Willingness to See a Counselor through Help-Seeking Attitudes among Asian American Students

To identify correlates of Asian American professional help-seeking, we tested a mediation model describing Asian American help-seeking (Asian value of emotional self-control → help-seeking attitudes → willingness to see a counselor; Hypothesis 1) in a sample of Asian American college students from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States (N = 232). We also examined biological and spiritual etiology beliefs as moderators of the mediation model (Hypotheses 2a and 2b). Our findings indicated that help-seeking attitudes significantly mediated the relation between emotional self-control and willingness to see a counselor, consistent with our mediation hypothesis. Furthermore, biological and spiritual etiology beliefs moderated this mediation model, providing partial support for our moderation hypotheses. Our findings suggest that researchers can contribute to the Asian American literature by investigating conditions in which established Asian American help-seeking models may or may not hold. In addition, the findings suggest additional nuanced ways for counselors to reach out to Asian American students to increase their mental health service utilization.
The letters of the republic: Publication and the public sphere in eighteenth-century America

(1992). The letters of the republic: Publication and the public sphere in eighteenth-century America. History of European Ideas: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 608-609.
REACTIVITY OF A SUBSTITUTED M-BENZYNE BIRADICAL

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry has been employed to systematically investigate the intrinsic (solvent-free) reactivity of a 1,3-dehydrobenzene (m-benzyne) with a pyridinium charge site in the 5-position. The m-benzyne was generated by using a combination of ion−molecule reactions and photodissociation and isolated prior to examination of its gas-phase reactions. The ionic reaction products and reaction efficiencies (second-order reaction rate constant/collision rate constant) were compared to those measured for the isomeric o-benzyne and the analogous phenyl monoradical. The m-benzyne yields some of the products formed for the o-benzyne but it also reacts via distinct radical pathways characteristic of the corresponding phenyl radical. These radical pathways are not observed for the o-benzyne. However, the reaction efficiencies measured for the m-benzyne are significantly lower than those measured for the analogous phenyl radical or the isomeric o-benzyne. These findings are p...
Performance-Based Tests of Attention and Memory in Long-Term Mindfulness Meditators and Demographically Matched Nonmeditators

Several authors have argued that because mindfulness training involves repeated practice of the self-regulation of attention, it should lead to measurable improvements in attentional skills and related memory processes. Although a few studies have shown relationships between mindfulness training and performance-based tests of attention and memory, findings are mixed. In the present study, a sample of 33 adults with a long-term mindfulness meditation practice (average duration of 6 years) was compared with a demographically matched sample of nonmeditators on several widely used tests of attention and memory functioning, including sustained attention, attention switching, inhibition of elaborative processing, working memory, and short- and long-term memory. Group differences were nonsignificant for all of the attentional tasks. The only significant group differences were in short-term memory (both free and cued recall) and long-term memory (free recall only). Results suggest that the nature of the attentional and memory processing that is cultivated by mindfulness training requires clarification.
On problems of electricity transaction profit for triple-area power systems

The problem of electricity transaction cost among areas is investigated under power market. To the triple-area power system with the assumption of multiple transactions among areas, the existence of wastage in the network transmission is considered. The condition that each area gets the maximal profit is presented based on the minimum cost model. Finally, a numerical example is given. The trade price of every area and corresponding profits are obtained.
Physical condition, activity pattern, and environment as factors in falls by adult care facility residents

This study surveyed 294 fall incident reports made over a three-year period concerning 95 residents in an adult care facility. We determined the frequencies of fall location, time of day or night, and assessed the precipitating factors from fall descriptions made by residents and/or their care givers. We found that 57% of the falls occurred in the residents' rooms, with private or shared bathrooms as the next most frequent locus. Precipitating factors were surveyed; 50.3% of the fall descriptions implicated environmental features (pieces of furniture were most frequently mentioned), the physical condition of the resident contributed to 24.3% of the falls, and specific physical activities were implicated in 7.9% of the falls. Multiple factors accounted for 6.5% of the total falls. In 17% of the cases, no clear indication of cause was found. Unsafe environments have been implicated as a fall risk factor. Despite adaptations to lessen environmental hazards, a large number of reportable falls occurred in this facility, which was for elderly individuals who were in relatively good health commensurate with their age.
Relationship between temperament, nonresting energy expenditure, body composition, and physical activity in girls.

Objectives: To assess the extent that predilection for movement, as measured by a temperament questionnaire (activity temperament), contributes to nonresting energy expenditure and body composition in girls. Design, Setting, and Participants: Baseline data for 196 premenarcheal non-obese girls aged 8–12 y were obtained from a longitudinal study of growth and development. The association of activity temperament with nonresting energy expenditure in girls with low and high levels of physical activity was evaluated, as was the association of activity temperament with body composition. Measures: Maternal reports of child activity temperament were obtained by questionnaire. Nonresting energy expenditure was calculated as total energy expenditure (measured by doubly labeled water) minus resting energy expenditure (obtained by indirect calorimetry). Body composition was estimated by total body water. Questionnaires and activity diaries were used to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results: Higher activity temperament was associated with higher nonresting energy expenditure after multivariate control for weight, vigorous activity, walking and light activity, and television viewing, although activity temperament did not account for a large percentage of the variability in nonresting energy expenditure (partial squared correlation coefficient=0.03). In girls with physical activity levels below the median, high activity temperament was associated with a mean±s.d., nonresting energy expenditure of 310±138 kJ (74±33 kcal) above that of girls with a low activity temperament. Girls with a high activity temperament had less body fat than did girls with a low activity temperament (21.6 vs 24.5%, a difference of 2.9 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–4.4 percentage points). Conclusion: Predilection for movement, as measured by a temperament questionnaire, contributes to nonresting energy expenditure and may be useful in capturing an aspect of energy expenditure in population studies. The cross-sectional observation that girls with a high activity temperament were leaner than girls with a low activity temperament suggests that a constitutional predilection for movement may play a role in the development of obesity.
Thermal desorption of Xe from the W(110) plane

Abstract The thermal desorption of Xe from the (110) plane of W was investigated. Desorption could be followed layer by layer for three adsorbed layers, each containing equal amounts of Xe. In each case desorption rates were nearly coverage independent (i.e., of zero order) until θ =0.25−0.3 (in the layer under study), at which point a sharp transition to first order desorption occurred. If only one monolayer of Xe was adsorbed small amounts of preadsorbed oxygen led to first order desorption over the entire coverage regime. Possible mechanisms for the zero order regime in terms of desorption from the edges of islands with constant total island perimeter, or via more complicated mechanisms are given. The activation energies of desorption are shown to be less than the enthalpies of desorption for all layers and the meaning of this result is discussed. Results for Xe adsorbed on O/W layers preheated to 90 K and 900 K are also presented.
Facilitating Feedback Exchange in Groups: Leader Interventions.

Abstract Therapeutic factors have long been conceptualized as providing a theoretical foundation for the change that may occur in small group settings. This article examines interpersonal feedback, a process that in fluences the development of many therapeutic factors. It is theorized that through the use of a variety of feedback interventions, group leaders can facilitate positive growth among group members. A number of specific interventions that leaders may use to facilitate the giving, receiving, and using feedback messages in a small group setting are presented.
Good news or bad news first

Commonsense reasoning predicts that people prefer hearing bad news before good news rather than the reverse. In two role-playing experiments, subjects were asked if they preferred to hear good news/bad news or bad news/good news. In a third experiment, subjects believed they would be receiving good and bad information about themselves from a personality, social sensitivity, or intelligence test. Results from all three studies showed that subjects overwhelmingly preferred to hear bad news first. Two possible interpretations of the results were offered. One interpretation derived from the gain-loss phenomenon in interpersonal attraction and the other from Helson's adaptation-level theory.
Phylogenetic relationships of the suckermouth armoured catfishes (Loricariidae) with emphasis on the Hypostominae and the Ancistrinae

A phylogenetic analysis of nearly all genera of the Hypostominae and the Ancistrinae is provided based on osteology, external anatomy, and digestive tract anatomy. The results suggest that the Hypostominae is a paraphyletic assemblage. Delturus and Upsilodus form a monophyletic group sister to all other loricariids. Hemipsilichthys, Isbrueckerichthys, Kronichthys, and Pareiorhina form a monophyletic group with Neoplecostomus and the Hypoptopomatinae and are transferred to the Neoplecostominae. The remainder of the Hypostominae is made paraphyletic by the continuing recognition of the Ancistrinae. Ancistrinae is returned to the Hypostominae and recognized as a tribe, Ancistrini. In addition, four new tribes (Corymbophanini, Hypostomini, Pterygoplichthini, and Rhinelepini) are described. Hypostomus is also paraphyletic, the bulk of it forming a monophyletic clade with Aphanotorulus, Cochliodon, and Isorineloricaria. All of the potential monophyletic groups within Hypostomus grade into one another; therefore, Aphanotorulus, Cochliodon, and Isorineloricaria are placed in the synonymy of Hypostomus. Pterygoplichthys and Glyptoperichthys are also polyphyletic, and Liposarcus and Glyptoperichthys are recognized as synonyms of Pterygoplichthys. Sister to Pterygoplichthys is the Hemiancistrus annectens group (including Hypostomus panamensis) which represents an undescribed genus. The phylogeny presented is compared with previous hypotheses. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 141, 1−80.
Debris Effects on EHL Contact

A model was developed to study the effects of a rigid debris on elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rolling/sliding contacts. In order to achieve the objectives the time dependent Reynolds equation was modified to include the effects of an ellipsoidal shaped debris. The modified time dependent Reynolds and elasticity equations were simultaneously solved to determine the pressure and film thickness in EHL contacts. The debris force balance equation was solved to determine the debris velocity. The model was then used to obtain results for a variety of loads, speeds, and debris sizes. The results indicate that the debris has a significant effect on the pressure distribution and causes a dent on the rolling/sliding bounding surfaces. Depending on the size and location of the debris the pressure generated within the contact can he high enough to plastically deform the bounding surfaces. Debris smaller than the minimum film thickness do not enter the contact and only large and more spherical debris move toward the contact.
Translational strategies for neuroprotection in ischemic stroke - focusing on Acid Sensing Ion Channel 1a

Ischemic stroke contributes to the majority of brain injuries and remains to be a leading cause of death and long-term disability. Despite the devastating pathology and high incidence of disease, there remain only few treatment options (TPA and endovascular procedures), which may be hampered by time-dependent administration among a variety of other factors. Promising research of glutamate receptor antagonists has been unsuccessful in clinical trial. But, the mechanism by which glutamate receptors initiate injury by excessive calcium overload has spurred investigation of new and potentially successful candidates for stroke therapy. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) may contribute to poor stroke prognosis due to localized drop in brain pH, resulting in excessive calcium overload, independent of glutamate activation. Accumulating studies targeting ASICs have underscored the importance of understanding inhibition, regulation, desensitization, and trafficking of this channel and its role in disease. This review will discuss potential directions in translational ASIC research for future stroke therapies.
Progesterone Effects on Gonadotropin Release in Women Pretreated with Estradiol

This study was designed to investigate whether the amounts of progesterone (P) normally present at midcycle, when administered to normal women pretreated with estradiol benzoate (E2B), alter the release of LH and FSH. Twelve subjects (four groups of three) were studied during two menstrual cycles. On day 1 of both the initial (E2 control) and a subsequent (study) cycle, each subject received E2B im (2.5 μg/kg/12 h) for a total of seven injections. Twelve hours after the final injection, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was given. In the study cycle, P in oil was added to each of the last three injections of E2B in doses of 1.25 (group I), 2.5 (group II), or 5.0 (group III) mg/12 h, and in one group (IV) in graded doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/12 h. Estradiol levels were similar in both cycles, with a mean (± SE) of 271 ± 3 pg/ml. During the interval of P administration, mean P levels rose gradually from 0.3 ± 0.02 to 1.3 ± 0.12 ng/ml (mean ± SE of all groups). In the study cycle, an FSH rise occurre...
THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF TRIMETHOPRIM IS NOT INCREASED BY THE ADDITION OF SULFAMETHOXAZOLE: A PROSPECTIVE MULTI-CENTER IN-VITRO EVALUATION

Purpose The rationale for using SMX and TMP in combination is that they are thought to act synergistically to increase antibacterial activity. However, approximately 3% of patients develop an allergic reaction to SMX, some with even more serious reactions such as liver failure, Stevens Johnson syndrome and anaphylactic shock. The purpose of our study is to determine if the addition of SMX is necessary for increased antibacterial activity in the treatment of pediatric UTIs when compared to TMP alone. Material and Methods 565 children (age 1 month to 12 years) with a documented UTI (>100, 000 CFU of predominately one type of gram negative organism) were identified prospectively from four metropolitan, quaternary children's hospitals located in different regions of the United States. In-vitro sensitivity of bacterial isolates to SMX, TMP and SMX/ TMP were determined using the disc diffusion method. Sensitivity to ampicillin (AMP) was also tested at one of the sites. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi square test; a p value Results In-vitro sensitivity of bacterial isolates were as follows: to TMP 70.4%, to SMX 59.6%*, to TMPX/SMX 70.6%, and to AMP 40%*. There was no statistical difference between TMP and TMP/ SMX. There was no regional difference in the sensitivity pattern for TMP, SMX or TMP/SMX. * P Conclusions In children with UTIs, the in-vitro sensitivity for TMP was comparable to that of TMP/ SMX and is significantly higher than that of SMX alone. This finding was similar in all geographic locations tested. The addition of SMX appears to be unnecessary and may represent a risk to patients. TMP can be used as an alternative to TMP/ SMX without any compromise to antibacterial activity.
Herbivorous caddisflies, macroalgae, and epilithic microalgae: dynamic interactions in a stream grazing system.

1. During the low-flow period (April–October) in sunlit pools of Big Sulphur Creek (northern coastal California), the attached algal community predictably changes from an assemblage dominated by lush, upright Cladophora glomerata filaments in spring and early summer to one dominated by epilithic diatoms and blue-green algae (together=microalgae) in late summer through early autumn. Previous studies in this stream indicated that grazing by the caddisflies Helicopsyche borealis and Gumaga nigricula maintain low algal biomass during the latter part of this period. We used a combination of in situ exclusion/enclosure experiments to examine (1) the separate and combined effects of these grazers on Cladophora and microalgal assemblages, and (2) food preferences, growth, and microdistribution patterns of grazers when offered these different algal foods. 2. Grazers exerted strong but divergent effects on algal assemblages. Selective grazing on Cladophora by G. nigricula greatly accelerated the transition from upright Cladophora to epilithic microalgae, whereas selective grazing on microalgae by H. borealis dramatically reduced biomass of these forms. Grazers were largely ineffective at reducing the non-preferred algal food source (i.e. Cladophora by H. borealis, microalgae by G. nigricula). In the case of each grazer, growth was highest on the preferred algal food. Together, the activity of these grazers produced a low-biomass assemblage dominated by microalgal cells. 3. Removal of the Cladophora overstory by G. nigricula resulted in a three-fold increase in the abundance of epilithic microalgae, the preferred food of H. borealis. Elimination of Cladophora by G. nigricula can increase food availability for H. borealis and, in so doing, can indirectly facilitate the growth of this grazer during food-limited conditions. However, microdistribution of G. nigricula shifts from high overlap with H. borealis in spring and early summer when Cladophora is abundant to low overlap in late summer after Cladophora has been eliminated. This may indicate intense competition between these species for limited epilithic algae, and a concomitant movement by G. nigricula to areas in the stream where food resources are more available.
Congenital Copper Deficiency: Copper Therapy and Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase Activity in the Mottled (Brindled) Mouse

The mottled (Mo) mouse is an animal model of the human congenital copper (Cu) deficiency disorder, Menkes' kinky hair syndrome. Intraperitoneal Cu chloride injections have been shown to produce clinical and morphological improvements in this mutant mouse. Cu injections (10 micrograms/g) on postnatal days 7 and 10 are shown to increase endogenous activity of the Cu-dependent enzyme dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in the brains of Mo mice. The present study provides insight into the long-term neurochemical changes resulting from a possible treatment regimen for Menkes' kinky hair syndrome.
Geophysical data integration, stochastic simulation and significance analysis of groundwater responses using ANOVA in the Chicot Aquifer system, Louisiana, USA

Data integration is challenging where there are different levels of support between primary and secondary data that need to be correlated in various ways. A geostatistical method is described, which integrates the hydraulic conductivity (K) measurements and electrical resistivity data to better estimate the K distribution in the Upper Chicot Aquifer of southwestern Louisiana, USA. The K measurements were obtained from pumping tests and represent the primary (hard) data. Borehole electrical resistivity data from electrical logs were regarded as the secondary (soft) data, and were used to infer K values through Archie’s law and the Kozeny-Carman equation. A pseudo cross-semivariogram was developed to cope with the resistivity data non-collocation. Uncertainties in the auto-semivariograms and pseudo cross-semivariogram were quantified. The groundwater flow model responses by the regionalized and coregionalized models of K were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that non-collocated secondary data may improve estimates of K and affect groundwater flow responses of practical interest, including specific capacity and drawdown.
Action Learning: More Than Just A Task Force

Action learning, as it is often implemented in the U.S., differs little from a typical cross-functional task force. Those characteristics of action learning that originated with Reginald Revan's work and that have such potential to change both organizations and participants are often absent in the Americanized version of action learning. Outlined here are the principles that underlie Revan's work as well as an explanation of why they are so critical to both individual development and organizational problem resolution. These principles are then contrasted with a case study of a Fortune 500 company which implemented the more Americanized version. The benefits of that implementation are explored as well as a discussion of the learning difficulties the teams experienced.
Partial purification, subunit structure and thermal stability of the photochemical reaction center of the thermophilic green bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus

Abstract Spectrally pure reaction center preparations from Chloroflexus aurantiacus have been obtained in a stable form; however, the product contained several contaminating polypeptides. The reaction center pigment molecules (probably three bacteriochlorophyll a and three bacteriopheophytin a molecules) are associated with two polypeptides ( M r = 30000 and 28000) in a reaction center complex of M r = 52000. No carotenoid is present in the complex. These data together with previous spectral data suggest that the Chloroflexus reaction center represents a more primitive evolutionary form of the purple bacterial reaction center, and that it has little if any relationship to the green bacterial component. A reaction center preparation from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides R26 was fully denatured at 50°C while the Chloroflexus reaction center required higher temperatures (70–75°C) for complete denaturation. Thus, an intrinsic membrane protein of a photosynthetic thermophile has been demonstrated to have greater thermal stability than the equivalent component of a mesophile.
Pixel-registered image fusion

One of the highest potential uses of image fusion is that of recognition of critical targets. The continuing image fusion question then is how to make optimal use of the often disparate forms of encountered image detail during fusion. Toward this end, many techniques have been advanced for fusion to a single viewable image. Fewer techniques have been suggested toward fusion with the goal of directly improving target detection or recognition. Based upon emerging trends in pixel accurate registration of images, we show the theoretical foundations required to optimally fuse target imagery for recognition. Results obtained can be applied to both the cases of automatic target recognition and image analysis.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Templated fabrication of InSb nanowires for nanoelectronics

Among various ways to produce nanowires, anodic alumina membrane- (AAM-) based synthesis has constantly received much attention, because AAM has a uniform and parallel porous nanostructure which makes it an ideal template material for fabricating highly ordered nanostructures. In this paper, we report fabrication of InSb nanowire arrays with diameter of 200nm and 30nm by direct current electrodeposition inside the nanochannels of anodic alumina membranes without subsequent annealing. The nanowires have four major growth directions, (220) being the most dominant with structure defects such as twins. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results demonstrate that these InSb nanowires are uniform with diameters about 200nm and 30 nm, corresponding to the pore diameter of the AAMs. The I-V measurement of a single nanowire is also reported with encouraging preliminary results.
Distributed Planning and Control for Modular Robots with Unit-Compressible Modules

Self-reconfigurable robots are versatile systems consisting of large numbers of independent modules. Effective use of these systems requires parallel actuation and planning, both for efficiency and independence from a central controller. In this paper we present the PacMan algorithm, a technique for distributed actuation and planning for systems with two- or three-dimensional unit-compressible modules. We give two versions of the algorithm along with correctness analysis. We also analyze the parallel actuation capability of the algorithm, showing that it will not deadlock and will avoid disconnecting the robot. We have implemented PacMan on the Crystal robot, a hardware system developed in our lab, and we present experiments and discuss the feasibility of large-scale implementation.
Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus gen. nov., spec. nov., a new, extreme thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium

Two strains, JW 200 and JW 201, of an extreme thermophilic, non-spore-forming anaerobic bacterium were isolated from alkaline and slightly acidic hot springs located in Yellowstone National Park. Both strains were peritrichously flagellated rods. Cell size varied from 0.5–0.8 by 4–100 μm; coccoid-shaped cells of about 1 μm in diameter frequently occurred. Division was often unequal. Spheroplast-like forms were visible at the late logarithmic growth phase. The Gram reaction was variable. The DNA base composition of the two strains was between 37 and 39 mol% guanine plus cytosine as determined by buoyant density measurements and approximately 32% by the thermal denaturation method. The main fermentation products from hexoses were ethanol and CO2. Growth occurred between 37 and 78°C and from pH 4.4 to 9.8. The name Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus gen. nov., spec. nov. was proposed for the two, new isolates. Strain JW 200 was designated as the type strain.
Beyond the browse line: complex cascade effects mediated by white-tailed deer

In many ecosystems, browsing of large mammals can affect plant species compositions. However, much less is known about potential above- and below-ground trophic interactions of large browsing mammals. This study focused on the direct and indirect effects of browsing on trophic and abiotic interactions within forest ecosystems. To quantify above- and below-ground cascade effects, white-tailed deer have been excluded for over 18 years from three 4-ha plots, which were paired with same sized deer access plots. Our results demonstrate complex direct and indirect cascade effects on forest food webs. Deer exclusion directly altered woody species composition and significantly increased shrub and sapling density. Above-ground cascade effects include greater leaf litter accumulation and higher arthropod density and biomass within the exclosures. Below-ground indirect effects include significant decrease in soil nutrients, and higher arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculum potential in the exclosures. Because ecosystems have finite resource availability, high deer density may imbalance the system by redirecting resources toward maintaining deer biomass at the expense of multiple trophic levels throughout the forest community. Both complex bottom up and top down trophic cascade effects demonstrated largely unidirectional negative responses suggesting that high deer density has reduced the biodiversity of the forest community.
Oscillatory Flow in Pulsating Heat Pipes with Arbitrary Numbers of Turns

Oscillatory flow in pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) with arbitrary numbers of turns is investigated numerically. The PHP is placed vertically with the evaporator sections at the top and the condenser sections at the bottom. The governing equations, obtained by analysis of the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy of the liquid and vapor plugs, are nondimensionalized, and the problem is described by eight nondimensional parameters. The numerical solution is obtained by employment of an implicit scheme. The effects of the number of turns, length of the heating and cooling sections, and charge ratio on the performance of the PHP were also investigated.
Protein Repair in the Brain, Proteomic Analysis of Endogenous Substrates for Protein L-Isoaspartyl Methyltransferase in Mouse Brain

Abstract Protein l-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) catalyzes repair of l-isoaspartyl peptide bonds, a major source of protein damage under physiological conditions. PIMT knock-out (KO) mice exhibit brain enlargement and fatal epileptic seizures. All organs accumulate isoaspartyl proteins, but only the brain manifests an overt pathology. To further explore the role of PIMT in brain function, we undertook a global analysis of endogenous substrates for PIMT in mouse brain. Extracts from PIMT-KO mice were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and blotted onto membranes. Isoaspartyl proteins were radiolabeled on-blot using [methyl-3H]S-adenosyl-l-methionine and recombinant PIMT. Fluorography of the blot revealed 30-35 3H-labeled proteins, 22 of which were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. These isoaspartate-prone proteins represent a wide range of cellular functions, including neuronal development, synaptic transmission, cytoskeletal structure and dynamics, energy metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, pH homeostasis, and protein folding. The following five proteins, all of which are rich in neurons, accumulated exceptional levels of isoaspartate: collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2/ULIP2/DRP-2), dynamin 1, synapsin I, synapsin II, and tubulin. Several of the proteins identified here are prone to age-dependent oxidation in vivo, and many have been identified as autoimmune antigens, of particular interest because isoaspartate can greatly enhance the antigenicity of self-peptides. We propose that the PIMT-KO phenotype results from the cumulative effect of isoaspartate-related damage to a number of the neuron-rich proteins detected in this study. Further study of the isoaspartate-prone proteins identified here may help elucidate the molecular basis of one or more developmental and/or age-related neurological diseases.
Regulation of apoptosis in human melanoma and neuroblastoma cells by statins, sodium arsenite and TRAIL: a role of combined treatment versus monotherapy

Treatment of melanoma cells by sodium arsenite or statins (simvastatin and lovastatin) dramatically modified activities of the main cell signaling pathways resulting in the induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and in a downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels. Through heme degradation and the production of carbon monoxide and biliverdin, HO-1 plays a protective role in different scenario of oxidative stress followed by mitochondrial apoptosis. Both sodium arsenite and statins could be efficient inducers of apoptosis in some melanoma cell lines, but often exhibited only modest proapoptotic activity in others, due to numerous protective mechanisms. We demonstrated in the present study that treatment by sodium arsenite or statins with an additional inhibition of HO-1 expression (or activation) caused a substantial upregulation of apoptosis in melanoma cells. Sodium arsenite- or statin-induced apoptosis was independent of BRAF status (wild type versus V600E) in melanoma lines. Monotreatment required high doses of statins (20–40 μM) for effective induction of apoptosis. As an alternative approach, pretreatment of melanoma cells with statin at decreased doses (5–20 μM) dramatically enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis, due to suppression of the NF-κB and STAT3-transcriptional targets (including COX-2) and downregulation of cFLIP-L (a caspase-8 inhibitor) protein levels. Furthermore, combined treatment with sodium arsenite and TRAIL or simvastatin and TRAIL efficiently induced apoptotic commitment in human neuroblastoma cells. In summary, our findings on enhancing effects of combined treatment of cancer cells using statin and TRAIL provide the rationale for further preclinical evaluation.
Secondary sociopathy and opportunistic reproductive strategy

Mealey's analysis of secondary sociopathy has much in common with Belsky, Steinberg, and Draper's (1991) evolutionary theory of socialization. Both draw attention to the potential influence of early rearing in the promotion of a cold, detached, manipulative, and opportunistic style of relating to others and, in so doing, raise the question of whether secondary sociopathy represents a facultative reproductive strategy.