cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who’s feeding baby? Non-maternal involvement in feeding and its association with dietary intakes among infants and toddlers

This study examined non-maternal involvement in feeding during the first 2 years of life and its association with breastfeeding duration, early introduction of complementary foods, and dietary intakes of selected foods and beverages. Data were from the Infant Care, Feeding and Risk of Obesity Study, a cohort of 217 low-income, African-American mother-infant dyads, followed from 3 to 18 months postpartum. Non-maternal caregivers (NMCs) were defined as persons involved in feeding an infant/toddler 50% or more of the total daily feedings. Use of any NMC and the type of NMC was tabulated for each study visit (3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months). At each time point, more than half of all households reported a NMC. Fathers, grandmothers, and licensed childcare providers were the most common types of NMCs. In longitudinal models adjusted for confounding variables, NMC use was associated with a decreased likelihood of continued breastfeeding, and an increased likelihood of infants and toddlers consuming juice or whole fruit. Given the high prevalence of non-maternal involvement in feeding, interventions targeting multiple family members are warranted as they are likely to be more effective than those targeting the mother alone.
Modern trends in veterinary public health.

Summary The veterinary profession and its contribution to public health should expand in breadth, depth and flexibility to respond to the changing needs of community and society. This longstanding issue is still the subject of controversy between on the one hand those whose scientific activities contribute to our knowledge of food and environmental hygiene, enteric infections, food‐borne diseases and zoonoses in general, and on the other the all too numerous traditionalists (even within the profession) who resist the venture of veterinarians into new territories and resent involvement in public health. Veterinarians are ideally suited to function in public health because of their orientation to populations, disease prevention, and the economic implications of disease.
Modelling afferent connectivity, postsynaptic plasticity, and signal discrimination

We model a small system of hypothetical neurons having ongoing afferent input ("stimulus") short-term refraction/inhibition, and brief-latency intercellular excitatory feedback loops. We incorporate postsynaptic plasticity: synapses onto a given cell are grouped into dendritic "neighborhoods" wherein sufficiently large local postsynaptic potentials sums cause proportional changes in local synaptic efficacy. The efficacies record multiple cell-to-cell and time-to-time correlations. The efficacy patterns fall into several classes, for each of which there is a stereotypical relationship leading from "steady-state" stimuli to corresponding sets of possible "responses" (periodic firing patterns). We examine the system's ability to discriminate between stimuli via firing patterns and to retain information during change of efficacies. There is an optimal region for efficacy configurations inside of which discrimination is good and outside of which the system can be inactive, particularly forgetful, or perseverative. We find that stimulus discrimination is enhanced by divergence and convergence in the pattern of afferent input. Perseverative firing patterns, invoked or suppressed by cotransmitters, can play a role in associative activities of the network.
Comment on Environmental and Social Psychology

Altman (1976) presented an excellent descriptive exposition of the history and present status of environmental psychology. However, I disagree with Altman about the potential relationships between envir onmental psychology and social psychology. Altman is optimistic that the two disciplines have much to offer each other. For reasons elabo rated in this response, I am pessimistic as to whether social psychology can make any serious contributions to environmental psychology. If the concepts and methods that social psychologists presently employ to study environmental problems are the best they have to offer, I conclude that social psychologists would be well advised to leave the study of environ mental psychology to environmental psychologists.
TransitGenie: a context-aware, real-time transit navigator

A transit navigation system is described that integrates real-time transit and user tracking with existing transit schedules to improve the transit riding experience.
The vertebrate social behavior network: Evolutionary themes and variations

Based on a wide variety of data, it is now clear that birds and teleost (bony) fish possess a core "social behavior network" within the basal forebrain and midbrain that is homologous to the social behavior network of mammals. The nodes of this network are reciprocally connected, contain receptors for sex steroid hormones, and are involved in multiple forms of social behavior. Other hodological features and neuropeptide distributions are likewise very similar across taxa. This evolutionary conservation represents a boon for experiments on phenotypic behavioral variation, as the extraordinary social diversity of teleost fish and songbirds can now be used to generate broadly relevant insights into issues of brain function that are not particularly tractable in other vertebrate groups. Two such lines of research are presented here, each of which addresses functional variation within the network as it relates to divergent patterns of social behavior. In the first set of experiments, we have used a sexually polymorphic fish to demonstrate that natural selection can operate independently on hypothalamic neuroendocrine functions that are relevant for (1) gonadal regulation and (2) sex-typical behavioral modulation. In the second set of experiments, we have exploited the diversity of avian social organizations and ecologies to isolate species-typical group size as a quasi-independent variable. These experiments have shown that specific areas and peptidergic components of the social behavior network possess functional properties that evolve in parallel with divergence and convergence in sociality.
Collisional time correlation function approach to the interaction of light with a polyatomic system

The interaction of light with a polyatomic system is treated as a photon-scattering process in terms of time-correlation functions of transition operators. These are written as products of factors referring only to the molecule or the light field, so that the statistical properties of the polyatomic system and the light source can be easily incorporated. This procedure is developed for resonance absorption-emission and scattering of both thermal and coherent light.
Perturbative expansion of the energy eigenvalues for the planar quantum rotor based on the calculation of a finite degree secular polynomial

The free planar rotor system is introduced and the interaction of this system with an external electric field is studied. The quantum problem is governed by an equation of Mathieu type. This is done by evaluating a finite secular polynomial corresponding to a matrix representation of the Hamiltonian for the system. It is shown that perturbative expansions for the energy can be evaluated in powers of the coupling constant.
Reduction of inhibitor titres by infusion of FVIII gene transduced tolerogenic dendritic cells in haemophilic mice

Background: The development of anti-factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitory antibodies is a major complication of FVIII replacement therapy in the management of patients with haemophilia A. Evidence is accumulating that tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) generated in vitro can induce regulatory T cells and promote durable antigen-specific tolerance in vivo. Objective: In this study we used human FVIII transgene expressing tDCs to reduce inhibitor formation in haemophilic mice. Methods and results: The tDCs were generated by cell sorting the CD11clowCD45RBhigh population of cells resulting from culture of lineage negative bone marrow cells in media supplemented with IL-10 and the neural peptides VIP and PACAP38. Expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86 and MHC Class II was negative or low on these cells and they remain unactivated even after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or transduction by foamy virus (FV) vectors. Following transduction by a FV vector expressing a B domain deleted human FVIII transgene, 3–5 × 105 tDCs were infused by tail vein injection into Bal/c haemophilic mice (tDC-F8) weekly for two doses. Real-time PCR showed that the transduction efficiency of our FV vector in this population of tDCs was approximately 70%. Subsequently, mice were challenged with four weekly intravenous doses of 0.2 μg rhFVIII. Mice that received no cells (Neg-Ctrl) and mice that received an equivalent number of non-transduced tDCs (tDC-Ctrl) were used as controls. After immunization with rhFVIII, the spleen size, weight and total cell numbers in tDC-F8 mice were consistently lower than in Neg-Ctrl and tDC-Ctrl mice by approximately 50%. Flow cytometry assessment of CD4+ splenocytes showed there were an increased number of cells expressing the regulatory T-cell markers FOXP3, CD25, CD103, CTLA4 and GITR in tDC-F8 treated mice. We observed a 60% and 61% reduction in the level of inhibitor titres from tDC-F8 mice compared with Neg-Ctrl and tDC-Ctrl mice. Splenic CD4+ T cell proliferation in response to FVIII stimulation in cells from tDC-F8 mice was suppressed by approximately 90% compared with proliferation of cells from Neg-Ctrl and tDC-Ctrl mice. We also showed that pre-immunized mice treated with four infusions of hFVIII FV vector transduced tDCs had a reduction in their inhibitor titres by 54% (P < 0.05). No significant change in inhibitor titres were seen in untreated controls or mice given four doses of untransduced tDCs. Summary: These data indicate that hFVIII gene transduced tolerogenic DCs are useful in decreasing inhibitory antibodies in haemophilic mice. More in vivo studies are in progress to confirm the antigen-specificity and durability of these effects. Our future studies will focus on isolating and characterizing the regulatory T cell populations induced by in vivo administration of transgene modified tDCs.
A qualitative investigation of breast cancer survivors' experiences with breastfeeding

Introduction This is an exploratory, qualitative investigation of breast cancer survivors’ experiences with breastfeeding. Previous studies have focused on the physiology of lactation after surgery and treatment, but have not explored factors influencing breastfeeding decisions and behavior.
On the attachment of ribosomes to microsomal membranes.

Guinea pig hepatic microsomes were treated with increasing concentrations of EDTA to dissociate into subunits their attached ribosomes. The dissociation process was followed by zone centrifugation and its products characterized by analytical centrifugation. At 20 μmoles EDTA per 0·5 g tissue equivalent of microsomes, only small subunits (∼ 32 s) were released to the sucrose density-gradients in amounts which, according to RNA determinations, accounted for practically all 32 s subunits originally present in the microsomal preparation. At higher EDTA concentrations (20 to 200 μmoles/0·5 g tissue equivalent), the released 32 s subunits were degraded, and increasing amounts of large subunits (∼ 47 s) were detached from the microsomal membranes. After in vivo labeling with [3H]leucine, the detached large subunits contained newly synthesized proteins. Ultracentrifugal analysis confirmed the preferential release of small over large subunits at EDTA concentrations below 40 μM. A fraction comprising ∼ 30% of the microsomal RNA remained bound to microsomal membranes even after treatment with 500 μmoles EDTA/0·5 g tissue equivalent. Successive treatment with EDTA (500 μmoles) and deoxy-cholate (0·5%) led to the release of this residual RNA which, by analytical centrifugation, was found to be associated with particles, primarily ∼ 50 s particles, presumably large subunits. After labeling in vivo with [3H]leucine, the particles resistant to detachment by EDTA contained ∼ 70% of the newly synthesized protein: presumably the large subunits of active ribosomes are more firmly attached to the microsomal membrane. The initial release of small subunits suggested that ribosomes are attached to the microsomal membrane by their large subunits. This assumption is supported by electron microscopy findings on isolated, negatively stained microsomes. In favorable specimens, the groove that separates the ribosomal subunits could be recognized and was found to be oriented generally parallel to the endoplasmic reticulum or microsomal membrane. The functional implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the processes of synthesis of secretory proteins on attached ribosomes and their subsequent release into the cisternal space.
Conversation Analysis and Language for Specific Purposes edited by BOWLES, HUGO, & PAUL SEEDHOUSE

The article reviews the book "Conversation Analysis and Language for Specific Purposes," edited by Hugo Bowles and Paul Seedhouse.
Molecular Mechanisms of Long Noncoding RNAs

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of pervasive genes involved in a variety of biological functions. Here we discuss the emerging archetypes of molecular functions that lncRNAs execute—as signals, decoys, guides, and scaffolds. For each archetype, examples from several disparate biological contexts illustrate the commonality of the molecular mechanisms, and these mechanistic views provide useful explanations and predictions of biological outcomes. These archetypes of lncRNA function may be a useful framework to consider how lncRNAs acquire properties as biological signal transducers and hint at their possible origins in evolution. As new lncRNAs are being discovered at a rapid pace, the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs are likely to be enriched and diversified.
Handicapped children under National Health Insurance.

SUMMARY This paper describes the services for the care of handicapped children and young people in the United Kingdom and Sweden—two countries which have a system of a national health service and national health insurance. The author discusses the implications for the United States, which is now moving towards a national health insurance scheme. The future of existing programmes, the need for a national plan, and the choice of priorities are considered. RESUME Enfants handicapes et service national d'assurance sociale L'article enumere les possibilites de soins aux enfants et adolescents handicapes du Royaume Unis et de Suede. Deux pays dotes d'un service national d'assurance sante et d'un service national de sante. Les implications pour les Etats-Unis d'Amerique qui se dirigent egalement vers un systeme d'assurance national de sante sont discutees. L'evolution des programmes actuels, les necessites d'un plan national et le choix des priorites sont envisages. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Behinderte Kinder unter nationaler Krankenversicherung Diese Arbeit beschreibt umfassend die Fursorgedienste fur behinderte Kinder und junge Leute in Grosbritannien und Sctvweden—zwei Lander mit sowohl einer nationalen Krankenversicherung als auch einer nationalen Gesundheitsfursorge—und diskutiert die Bedeutung fur die USA, die gerade zu einem nationalen Krankenversicherungssystem ubergehen. Die Zukunft schon existierender Programme, die Notwendigkeit eines nationalen Planes und die Auswahl von Prioritaten werden erwogen. RESUMEN Ninos minusvalidos bajo el seguro national de salud Esta comunicacion describe globalmente los servicios para los cuidados de ninos y jovenes minusvalidos en el Reino Unido y en Suecia, dos paises que tienen ambos un servicio nacional de salud, y discute las implicaciones para los Estados Unidos de America los cuales ahora se estan volviendo hacia un esquema de seguro nacional. Se considera el futuro de los programas existentes, la necesidad de un plan nacional y la eleccion de prioridades.
Concurrent-error detection in high-speed carry-free dividers

Rapid advancements in technology demand innovative computation algorithms and hardware structures to achieve high performance. High-speed dividers are commonly designed using SRT division methods. Recently, a high-speed carry-free divider design using redundant binary representation has been presented. Based on the carry-free division algorithm and a more general cell-fault model instead of stuck-at fault model, the paper presents a concurrent error detection scheme using alternating input data. The key to the detection of faults is determining that at least one input combination exists for which the error does not result in alternating outputs. Results show that, with a low hardware overhead, the divider circuit is capable of detecting single/multiple transient faults in one cell during the real-time operation and enhancing its reliability significantly.
Technical Note-A Note on Lipstein's Model of Consumer Behavior

This note gives a least-squares approach for estimating the constant causative matrix that determines a sequence of transition-probability or predisposition matrices. The method is extremely simple computationally with estimates satisfying all a priori restrictions. An extension to higher order models is discussed.
Shape analysis using genetic algorithms

Abstract This paper introduces a novel methodology for shape discrimination by combining pattern recognition techniques such as morphological processing with concepts from artificial intelligence and machine learning such as genetic algorithms (GAs). High-performance shape discrimination operators, defined as variable structuring elements and sequenced as program forms, are derived using GAs. The population of operators, iteratively evaluated according to an performance index corresponding to shape discrimination ability, evolves into an optimal set of operators using the evolutionary principles of genetic search. Experimental results are included to illustrate the feasibility of our novel methodology for developing robust shape analysis methods.
Nondermatoscopic digital imaging of pigmented lesions.

Background/aims: Pigmented lesions are often difficult to evaluate clinically. Improvement of diagnostic accuracy by dermatoscopy has attracted much interet. With advanced digital imaging measurement of assymmetry, border irregularity and relative color as well as texture characteristics, lesional depth and changes in lesional area are now possible, the object of this review is to conclude the present status of these techniques and their potential. Conclusions: Digital imaging of pigmented lesions to this date include acquiring and storing of images, quantification of clinical features including asymmetry, and teledermatology with transfer of images. Predicted uses include malignancy evaluation, delineation of depth of invasion and the development of large collections of pigment lesions observations. The field is rapidly expanding. As of 1994, it is unknown what role digital imaging will ultimately play in clinical dermatology.
Radiographic and pathologic characterization of lateral palmar intercarpal ligament avulsion fractures in the horse

In this study, the radiographic and histologic appearance of lateral palmar intercarpal ligament (LPICL) avulsion in the horse was characterized. Thirty-seven horses with radiographic evidence of avulsion fragments originating from the medial palmar aspect of the ulnar carpal bone were examined. The dorsolateral to palmaromedial projection was useful for evaluating the size and shape of the avulsed bone fragment, and the dorsopalmar projection added information on the relative proximity of the fragment to its fracture bed. Radiographic features that differentiated LPICL avulsion from subchondral cystic lesions of the ulnar carpal bone included a variable-sized osseous opacity adjacent to the lucent concavity of the fracture bed and the consistent location within the palmar transition zone at the confluence of LPICL insertion and hyaline cartilage on the palmar surface of the ulnar carpal bone. All 26 horses having surgical removal of the fragments had arthroscopic confirmation that the fragment was within the LPICL. Histologic examination confirmed the fragments were fracture related rather than developmental or the result of dystrophic mineralization. Many of the fragments had attached remnants of a ligament. This study describes the radiographic, surgical, and histologic features in 37 horses which better characterize LPICL avulsion fracture in the carpus and provide differentiating features to assist in separating this syndrome from true osseous cyst-like lesions within the ulnar carpal bone.
The Normalization of Problematic Emotion in Conversations Between Close Relational Partners: interpersonal Emotion Work

This paper is based upon recent investigations into emotional talk between close relational partners. Analysis of conversations between romantic partners, same-sex friends, and cross-sex friends (which were videotaped and transcribed) illustrates conversants’ interactive work to “normalize” emotional experiences which are seen to be problematic. This was accomplished with the use of both direct strategies, which define the experience as a product of the ordinary human world, and indirect strategies, which included partner-matching of the experience and the linking of the problematic emotion to larger, positive individual or relational processes.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Quantitative Assessment of Lung Pathology: Comparison of a Semiquantitative and a Morphometric Histopathologic Scoring System

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a semiquantitative method of assessing the relative degree of cellularity and fibrosis compared with a morphometric analysis of specific histopathologic features in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Morphometric analysis was performed on biopsy tissue from 20 patients. Morphometry showed that approximately 70% of parenchymal tissue was abnormal: 35% cellular consolidation and fibrosis, 20% honeycomb changes, 10% thick alveolar septa, and 5% small airways within abnormal parenchymal tissue. The prominent components of the abnormal parenchymal tissue were extracellular fibers, an abundance of interstitial cells, and epithelial cell hyperplasia. Correlation between four groupings of pathologic features, identified by a semiquantitative analysis, and each of the components of the parenchymal lesions showed significant correlations between (1) the fibrotic or reparative factor (alveolar wall metaplasia, fibrosis, honeycombing, and smooth muscle and vascular changes) and components of honeycomb lesions (extracellular fibers, interstitial cells, and epithelial injury and repair), and (2) the inflammatory and exudative factor and extracellular fibers in the lesions. These results support that the scoring system used by the pathology panel provides an accurate assessment of pathologic features useful in the assessment of the extent and severity of the histopathologic lesions of IPF.
Finding threshold contrasts for human observers when viewing noise-corrected LCDs

This paper presents results of psychophysical evaluations of an LCD with respect to its spatial noise. Spatial noise is quantified using a high-resolution CCD camera and compensated for using an error diffusion based algorithm. Psychophysical evaluation is performed in order to explore the dependence of human contrast sensitivity on display spatial noise. This evaluation uses the two-alternative forced choice (2-AFC) method . Gaussian-shaped objects, which simulate lung nodules, serve as stimuli. Three types of test images are used: Images containing simulated noise amounting to twice the amount of spatial noise present, images containing the original spatial noise and images compensated for the spatial noise. The probability of correct response and the detectability index, d', calculated indicates that spatial noise compensation leads to a lower contrast threshold.
Changes in Mixtures of Whey Protein and κ-Casein Due to Heat Treatments

Abstract Polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis developed by Davis (4) was investigated to determine its effectiveness in resolving whey proteins and for assessing the effect of heat on milk proteins. This technique was chosen because of its high resolution properties with protein solutions. The major whey protein bands are identified as β -lactoglobulin A and B, α -lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and the immune globulins in decreasing order of mobility. A complex begins to occur between κ -casein and β -lactoglobulin when they are mixed in equal parts by weight in a solution of milk salts and heated to 74.5C for 30min. They interact completely when heated to 85C under the same conditions. This complex did not occur with α -lactalbumin or BSA when heated with κ -casein at 74.5 or 85C for 30min. One common electrophoretic band was formed by heating β -lactoglobulin A and B to 74.5 or 85C for 30min. It had a slower electrophoretic mobility which may be due to increased molecular size or a change in molecular configuration during heating. This protein does not occur naturally in milk whey.
Surface Replacement Options in the Young Patient with Advanced Glenohumeral Arthritis

The young active patient with advanced glenohumeral degenerative joint disease represents an extremely challenging problem to treat. Humeral head resurfacing with biologic interposition arthroplasty has become a popular option to preserve bone stock and avoid early glenoid loosening in this population. Modern techniques and newer prosthetic designs of total shoulder arthroplasty implants challenges these previous concerns. The goal of resurfacing is to provide the patient with predicable pain relief and improved function.
Stable isotopic evidence for Neogene surface downdrop in the central Basin and Range Province

Authigenic calcite and smectite stable isotopic records were determined for five Neogene terrestrial stratigraphic sections from the central Basin and Range Province and surrounding regions. We recognized a general pattern of increasing authigenic mineral δ 18 O values with decreasing age since the middle Miocene throughout the region. We suggest this pattern results from regional elevation decrease and associated changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. An anomalous pattern of decreasing δ 18 O values with decreasing age is observed in the Miocene Horse Spring Formation exposed in the Lake Mead Basin, which is contemporaneous with local magmatic activity. We suggest this pattern results from surficial uplift of local highlands feeding water into the Horse Spring depositional system. The topographic histories suggested here provide insight into the response of the land surface to crustal processes. Neogene extensional deformation in the central Basin and Range Province resulted in a net regional elevation decrease.
Impedance characteristics of power distribution grids in nanoscale integrated circuits

The essential design characteristic of nanoscale integrated circuits is increased interconnect complexity. Conductors at different levels of the interconnect hierarchy have highly different physical and, consequently, electrical characteristics. These interconnect lines also exhibit inductive behavior due to enhanced switching speed of nanoscale devices, making interconnect design and analysis difficult. The design of robust and area efficient power distribution networks for high-speed integrated circuits has therefore become a challenging task. The impedance characteristics of multilayer power distribution grids and the relevant design implications are the subject of this paper. The power distribution network spans many layers of interconnect with disparate electrical properties. Unlike single-layer grids, the electrical characteristics of multilayer grids vary significantly with frequency. As the frequency increases, a large share of the current flow is transfered from the low-resistance upper layers to the low-inductance lower layers. The inductance of a multilayer grid therefore decreases with frequency, while the resistance increases with frequency. The lower layers of multilayer power grids provide a low-inductance current path, significantly reducing the grid impedance at high frequencies. Multilayer power distribution grids extend to the lower interconnect layers, exhibiting superior high-frequency impedance characteristics as compared to power distribution grids built exclusively within the upper, low-resistance metal layers. A significant share of metal resources to distribute the global power should therefore be allocated to the lower metal layers. An analytic model is also presented to determine the impedance characteristics of a multilayer grid from the inductive and resistive properties of the comprising individual grid layers.
Long-branch distraction and the Strepsiptera.

Whiting and Wheeler (1994) proposed that Strepsiptera + Diptera (Halteria) were sister groups based on molecular and mor? phological data. Since that proposition, there has arisen a controversy as to wheth? er this sister-group relationship can be taken at face value, or whether it is an ar? tifact of long-branch attraction. Although there appears to be no disagreement that these taxa are sister groups in a parsimony analysis, the contention centers around whether we should accept the results of parsimony, or whether we are being "pos? itively misled" by long-branch attraction (Felsenstein, 1987). The original phylogenetic analysis of Whiting and Wheeler (1994) consisted of 18S rDNA sequenced from 23 exemplar taxa representing all holometabolous or? ders, with three sequences from the Dip? tera and four from the Strepsiptera, and an extensive morphological matrix. Whiting and Wheeler found support for a mono? phyletic Halteria and also found that the remaining ordinal relationships were high? ly congruent with morphology. These au? thors concluded that the Halteria appeared to be a well-supported monophyletic group, and discussed the implications these results have on homeotic evolution in
A Korarchaeote yields to genome sequencing.

Archaea have always been hard to study. The cultured instances of that group tend be from environments that to us seem atrocious, with high temperatures, and hypersaline and anoxic conditions. Molecular studies of environmental gene sequences have taught us that these organisms are all around us, but they almost never can be cultured. Reading the article by Elkins et al. (1) in a recent issue of PNAS, I was reminded that the Archaea have been causing problems since they were recognized by Carl Woese in 1977 (2). Of course, the problems are of the best kind: those that stimulate thought, cause consternation among the establishment, demand that more data be gathered, and result (when new data are presented) in new ideas (and perhaps a renewal of the “cycle of consternation”). As an outsider to the archaeal world who always suspected that such organisms indeed were somewhat “different” from the familiar bacteria on which I work, this entire process has been both interesting and entertaining, and perhaps made me just a little thankful that I was not dealing with any of these phylogenetic “thugs” we now call Archaea.
Cytokine Profile in Genital Tract Secretions from Female Adolescents: Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Other Sexually Transmitted Pathogens

Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-12 in cervical secretions from female adolescents with and without sexually transmitted infections. Compared with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-negative patients, HIV-positive patients had higher concentrations of IL-10 (118.2 pg/mL vs. 34.5 pg/mL; P=.002) and IL-12 (175.5 pg/mL vs. 85.1; P=.03). IL-2 concentrations were not statistically different. Furthermore, genital tract infections were predictors of IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations. Coinfection with HIV and human papillomavirus predicted the highest IL-10 concentrations; coinfection with HIV, human papillomavirus, and other sexually transmitted pathogens predicted the highest IL-12 concentrations. The data indicate that concomitant infection of the genital tract with HIV and other viral, bacterial, or protozoan pathogens influences the local concentrations of some immunoregulatory cytokines.
A NOTE ON PHONETIC ABILITY

effects, Glaser and Strauss (1967) propose a grounded theory approach in which hypotheses and theories are derived from patterns already perceived in the data. This approach is somewhat similar to Johnson's detectivism, but Glaser and Strauss differ in arguing that social scientists are not limited to making empirical generalizations. In his discussion of data relationships, Johnson argues that the variables used in a statistical analysis should ideally be independent of one another. However, the object of any associational statistical analysis is to detect and describe relations between variables. A cluster or factor analysis of a data set in which all variables are independent would be an exercise in futility. There are various forms of interdependence, and the objective of the analyst is to eliminate only the kinds of interdependence that have no bearing on the problem at hand. For example, if he is interested in the functional interdependence of a set of tool types, temporal effects must be controlled. Johnson criticizes the use of artifact distributions to infer specific types of descent, and suggests that the distributions may be explained in other ways. This may be true, but it must be demonstrated that there is a better explanation; merely suggesting it is not enough. Johnson's critique of Longacre's work at Carter Ranch Pueblo illustrates the danger of an uncritical use of ethnographic data to interpret patterns in archaeological contexts. Johnson argues that Hopi women transmit pottery styles to their daughters-in-law and not to their daughters. What he fails to consider is that pottery making today is directed toward quite different ends than it was in prehistoric times, a situation that may have large effects on the transmittal of styles from one generation to another. Also, Hopi girls today spend much of their earlier years in school and may not learn to make pottery until later in life than was true in the past. There are other minor problems with Johnson's critique, but there is not the time or space to deal with them all. In general, he commits the same error as many new archaeologists; he denies the viability of any but his own approach. There are many paths to knowledge and there is no sense in raising roadblocks on all but one of these. Refe ences Cited
The mammalian transcriptome and the function of non-coding DNA sequences

For decades, researchers have focused most of their attention on protein-coding genes and proteins. With the completion of the human and mouse genomes and the accumulation of data on the mammalian transcriptome, the focus now shifts to non-coding DNA sequences, RNA-coding genes and their transcripts. Many non-coding transcribed sequences are proving to have important regulatory roles, but the functions of the majority remain mysterious.
Accurate partial atomic charges for high-energy molecules using class IV charge models with the MIDI! basis set

We have recently developed a new class IV charge model for calculating partial atomic charges in molecules. The new model, called charge model 3 (CM3), was parameterized for calculations on molecules containing H, Li, C, N, O, F, Si, S, P, Cl, and Br by Hartree–Fock theory and by hybrid density functional theory (HDFT) based on the modified Perdew–Wang density functional with several basis sets. In the present article, we extend CM3 for calculating partial atomic charges by Hartree–Fock theory with the economical but well balanced MIDI! basis set. Then, using a test set of accurate dipole moments for molecules containing nitramine functional groups (which include many high-energy materials), we demonstrate the utility of several parameters designed to improve the charges in molecules containing both N and O atoms. We also show that one of our most recently developed CM3 models that is designed for use with wave functions calculated at the mPWXPW91/MIDI! level of theory (where X denotes a variable percentage of Hartree–Fock exchange) gives accurate charge distributions in nitramines without additional parameters for N and O. To demonstrate the reliability of partial atomic charges calculated with CM3, we use these atomic charges to calculate polarization free energies for several nitramines, including the commonly used explosives 1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX) and 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW), in nitromethane. These polarization energies are large and negative, indicating that electrostatic interactions between the charge distribution of the molecule and the solvent make a large contribution to the free energy of solvation of nitramines. By extension, the same conclusion should apply to solid-state condensation. Also, in contrast to some other charge models, CM3 yields atomic charges that are relatively insensitive to the presence of buried atoms and small conformational changes in the molecule, as well as to the level of treatment of electron correlation. This type of charge model should be useful in the future development of solvation models and force fields designed to estimate intramolecular interactions of nitramines in the condensed phase.
Use of Molasses and Sugars in Poultry Feeds

In many parts of the world cereal grains and supplemental fats may be scarce or expensive while by-products of sugar production such as molasses and crude sugar may be available at an economical co...
Quality of Care, Nurse Staffing, and Patient Outcomes

Widespread reports of declining levels of quality of care and patient safety in hospitals, an escalation in calls for legislation mandating minimum nurse staffing ratios, and growing levels of nurs...
Scattering Theory: Time-Independent Methods

The S matrix is the central object of interest in field theory because it expresses the observed interactions between particles. The Chapter 13 definition of the S matrix does not provide a convenient framework for further analysis of its properties. However, we now show that the S matrix has a simple representation in terms of time-ordered correlation functions. This representation is convenient, and it allows, e.g., the construction of perturbation series, the decomposition into connected components, and the study of momentum space analyticity.
Supplemental fish oil does not alter immune competence or the pathophysiological response to an intramammary infusion of endotoxin in peri-partum multiparous Holstein cows.

The objective was to determine the effects of supplementing the diet with fish oil during the peri-partum period on the immune competence and the pathophysiological response to a lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis challenge. Multiparous Holstein cows (n=30) were completely randomized to one of two treatments at 3 weeks pre-partum. Treatments differed only in the source of supplemental lipid and included either Energy Booster® or fish oil. Treatment diets were fed from −21 d relative to expected date of parturition until 10 d post partum. Treatments were fed as a bolus prior to the a.m. feeding. The dose of lipid during the pre-partum period was 250 g/d, whereas the amount of lipid supplemented post partum was adjusted to the level of intake, approximately 0·92% of the previous day's dry matter intake. Ex-vivo analyses of immune competence were measured including the antimicrobial activity of whole blood against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans as well as the production of interferon-γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cultures. At 7 days in milk cows were infused with 100 μg of Esch. coli lipopolysaccharide into one rear quarter. Supplementing fish oil increased plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, but had no affect on the proportions of arachidonic acid at calving. Fish oil did not influence the production of interferon-γ or the antimicrobial activity of whole blood against any of the microorganisms. Furthermore, fish oil had no ameliorative effect on either the local or the systemic acute phase response following an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge in early lactating Holstein cows. Supplementing fish oil in the diet of peri-partum cows will not protect them from deleterious effects of an excessive acute phase response.
Transport and retention of dormant copepods in the Gulf of Maine

Abstract Variability in the availability of dormant copepods to seed productive shelf areas has been hypothesized to influence the abundance of the dominant copepod species Calanus finmarchicus in several regions of the North Atlantic. One source of this variability is advection of dormant copepods in deep water. Using Lagrangian particle simulations, we examined the influence of environmental forcing and copepod behavior on transport and retention of dormant C. finmarchicus in the deep Gulf of Maine, in the northwestern Atlantic. Retention in the Gulf of Maine was relatively high, >40% over 6 months, under all conditions simulated. Transport within the Gulf of Maine was high, resulting in shifts of eastern copepods into the western Gulf and of upstream copepods, from slope and Scotian Shelf waters, into the eastern Gulf. Copepod behavior during dormancy was a major source of uncertainty, but it is probably not a major source of interannual variability in retention. Retention increased with the initial depth of dormant copepods, and vertical positioning behavior had a strong influence on retention for simulations started at depths greater than 150 m, because copepods that can stay below basin sill depths are retained. Mean cross-shore winds reduced retention slightly (
Marginal Maternal Zinc Deficiency in Lactating Mice Reduces Secretory Capacity and Alters Milk Composition

Dietary analysis predicts that marginal Zn deficiency is common in women of reproductive age. The lack of reliable biomarkers limits the capacity to assess Zn status and consequently understand effects of maternal Zn deficiency. We determined effects of marginal maternal Zn deficiency on mammary gland function, milk secretion, and milk composition in mice. Mice (n = 12/diet) were fed marginal (ZD; 15 mg Zn/kg diet) or adequate (ZA; 30 mg Zn/kg diet) Zn diets for 30 d prior to conception through mid-lactation. Mice fed the ZD had a higher plasma Zn concentration (~20%; P < 0.05) but lower milk Zn concentration (~15%; P < 0.05) compared with mice fed the ZA. ZnT2 abundance was higher (P < 0.05) in mice fed the ZD compared with mice fed the ZA; no effect on ZnT4 abundance was detected. The Zn concentration of mammary gland mitochondria tended to be ~40% greater in mice fed ZD (P = 0.07); this was associated with apoptosis and lower milk secretion (~80%; P < 0.01). Total milk protein was ~25% higher (P < 0.05), although the abundance of the major milk proteins (caseins and whey acidic protein) was lower (P < 0.05) in mice fed the ZD. Proteomic analysis of milk proteins revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in four proteins in mice fed the ZD. These findings illustrate that marginal maternal Zn deficiency compromises mammary gland function and milk secretion and alters milk composition. This suggests that lactating women who consume inadequate Zn may not produce and/or secrete an adequate amount of high quality milk to provide optimal nutrition to their developing infant.
16-MDCT angiography in living kidney donors at various tube potentials: impact on image quality and radiation dose.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to compare the performance of 16-MDCT angiography at various peak kilovoltage (kVp) settings and the impact of the different settings on image quality and on radiation dose in adult kidney donors.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty-two renal donors (32 men, 30 women) who underwent 16-MDCT were divided into three groups: 18 subjects were studied at 140 kVp (group A); 20, at 120 kVp (group B); and 24, at 100 kVp (group C). Other constant scanning parameters were as follows: detector collimation, 0.625 mm; table feed, 9.375 mm/rotation; gantry rotation time, 500 milliseconds; and automatic current tube modulation (ATCM) using a noise index of 15. A total of 135-140 mL of iodinated contrast material (300 mg I/mL) was administered at 5 mL/s via an 18-gauge cannula, and arterial phase scanning was initiated using a bolus-tracking technique. Two observers evaluated image quality of the axial and 3D images and the visibility of branch order in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA...
Classification of human activities on UWB radar using a support vector machine

The classification of human activity using radar sensors has potential application in many different fields, including law enforcement, military and security operations. One unique way to classify human motion is the use of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Radar. Work has been done to detect the presence of humans with UWB radar using the CLEAN algorithm [1]. For a more detailed analysis of human activities, micro-Doppler signatures [3] have been used to characterize human gait and other human activities. However, the potential for classifying different human activities using UWB radar has not been extensively studied yet. If the UWB radar can provide target motion information as well as range information, the effectiveness of the radar would be increased.
Diagnosis meets physical failure analysis: how long can we succeed?

Detecting real defects, increases the fabrication facility's urgency to eliminate the source of the defect and gives assurance to the customer that the quality enhancement process is in action. Such satisfying moments may be more and more rare, however, as challenges to the physical failure analysis process make it increasingly difficult to get such pictures and as failure modes themselves become less amenable to the same. As challenges to physical failure analysis increasingly relegate it to a sampling/verification role, opportunities such as innovative use of process monitors and test structures and circuit-behavior/simulation-based pointers to failure root cause must increasingly be exploited and increasingly trusted as high-fidelity guide to yield learning.
Efficient exact sampling from the Ising model using Swendsen-Wang

In Monte Carlo Markov Chain theory, a particle on a Markov chain is run for a ’long time’ until the particle is nearly in the stationary distribution. Coupling from the past is a methodology which allows samples to be taken exactly from the stationary distribution of the chain, but which requires that we have a completely coupling chain. One chain often used for the ferromagnetic Ising model is the Swendsen-Wang chain. We give the first method for running Swendsen-Wang as a completely coupling chain, thereby giving a procedure for taking exact samples from the ferromagnetic Ising model using Swendsen-Wang. Moreover, this chain completely couples in polynomial time when a parameter of the chain is inversely proportional to the maximum degree of the graph, or when this parameter is close to 1. This has two implications. First, the Swendsen-Wang chain is rapidly mixing over this set of parameter values, a fact recently (and independently) shown by Cooper and Frieze using path coupling. Second, over this set of parameter values the exact sampling procedure will have an expected running time which is polynomial. ∗This work was partially supported by an Office of Naval Research Fellowship and NSF grants CCR-9307391, CCR-9700029, and DMS-9505155, and ONR grant N00014-96-1-00500
Experience with a Concurrency Bugs Benchmark

We describe a benchmark of publicly-available multi-threaded programs with documented bugs in them. This project was initiated a few years ago with the goal of helping research groups in the fields of concurrent testing and debugging to develop tools and algorithms that improve the quality of concurrent programs. We present a survey of usage of the benchmark, concluding that the benchmark had an impact on the research in the field of testing and debugging of concurrent programs. We also present new possible directions to foster a discussion about new goals to be set for this initiative.