cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repeatability of Neural and Autonomic Responses to Acute Psychosocial Stress.

FMRI Montreal Imaging Stress Tasks (MIST) have been shown to activate endocrine and autonomic stress responses that are mediated by a prefrontal cortex (PFC)-hippocampus-amygdala circuit. However, the stability of the neurobehavioral responses over time and the ability to monitor response to clinical interventions has yet to be validated. The objective of this study was to compare the fMRI and physiologic responses to acute psychosocial stress in healthy volunteers during initial and follow-up visits approximately 13 weeks later, simulating a typical duration of clinical intervention. We hypothesized that responses to stress would remain highly conserved across the 2 visits in the absence of an intervention. 15 healthy volunteers completed a variant of control math task (CMT) and stress math task (SMT) conditions based on MIST. Neural responses were modeled using an event-related design with estimates for math performance and auditory feedback for each task condition. For each visit, measures of stress reactivity included differential fMRI and heart rate (SMT-CMT), as well as salivary alpha-amylase before and after scanning sessions. The results revealed that differential fMRI, as well as increased heart rate and salivary alpha-amylase from before and after scanning remained similar between visits. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values revealed areas of reliable task-dependent BOLD fMRI signal response across visits for peaks of clusters for the main effect of condition (SMT vs CMT) within dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, and hippocampus regions during math performance and within subgenual ACC, posterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral PFC regions during auditory feedback. Given that the neurobehavioral response to acute stress remained highly conserved across visits in the absence of an intervention, this study confirms the utility for MIST for assessing longitudinal changes in controlled trials that can identify underlying neurobiological mechanisms involved in mediating the efficacy of stress-reduction interventions.
Pigmentation Genes Show Evidence of Repeated Divergence and Multiple Bouts of Introgression in Setophaga Warblers.

Summary Species radiations have long served as model systems in evolutionary biology. 1 , 2 However, it has only recently become possible to study the genetic bases of the traits responsible for diversification and only in a small number of model systems. 3 Here, we use genomes of 36 species of North, Central, and South American warblers to highlight the role of pigmentation genes—involved in melanin and carotenoid processing—in the diversification of this group. We show that agouti signaling protein (ASIP) and beta-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) are predictably divergent between species that differ in the distribution of melanin and carotenoid in their plumages, respectively. Among species, sequence variation at ASIP broadly mirrors the species’ phylogenetic history, consistent with repeated, independent mutations generating melanin-based variation. In contrast, BCO2 variation is highly discordant from the species tree, with evidence of cross-lineage introgression among species like the yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia) and magnolia warbler (S. magnolia) with extensive carotenoid-based coloration. We also detect introgression of a small part of the BCO2 coding region (
Gender and Engagement in CS Courses on Piazza

Online discussion forums are being increasingly used in classrooms as a way to encourage collaborative learning and community. Piazza is one such forum that was built specifically for academic institutions, and has been widely adopted. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and seek answers from peers and instructors alike online, allowing them to find the information they need even if they do not know fellow students in the class or if they cannot make an instructor's office hours. However, recent analysis of the popular online discussion site Stack Overflow, suggests that women are more likely than men to withdraw from such a community if they do not identify other members of the same gender. Women are often a minority in computer science courses and may express difficulty interacting with or seeking help from their peers who are predominantly men. Considering the importance of providing equal access to students regardless of gender and the value of resources like Piazza in one's education, it is imperative to assess the representation and impact of gender on Piazza. We analyzed data from over 2,500 Piazza users across three computer science courses at the University of Virginia and found that women on Piazza post more questions than men, spend more time on the discussion site, and achieve higher reputation scores on average. However, they are more likely than men to both ask and answer questions anonymously and less likely to receive responses from members of the same gender.
Distributed Learning and its Application for Time-Series Prediction

Extreme events are occurrences whose magnitude and potential cause extensive damage on people, infrastructure, and the environment. Motivated by the extreme nature of the current global health landscape, which is plagued by the coronavirus pandemic, we seek to better understand and model extreme events. Modeling extreme events is common in practice and plays an important role in time-series prediction applications. Our goal is to (i) compare and investigate the effect of some common extreme events modeling methods to explore which method can be practical in reality and (ii) accelerate the deep learning training process, which commonly uses deep recurrent neural network (RNN), by implementing the asynchronous local Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) framework among multiple compute nodes. In order to verify our distributed extreme events modeling, we evaluate our proposed framework on a stock data set S\&P500, with a standard recurrent neural network. Our intuition is to explore the (best) extreme events modeling method which could work well under the distributed deep learning setting. Moreover, by using asynchronous distributed learning, we aim to significantly reduce the communication cost among the compute nodes and central server, which is the main bottleneck of almost all distributed learning frameworks. We implement our proposed work and evaluate its performance on representative data sets, such as S&P500 stock in $5$-year period. The experimental results validate the correctness of the design principle and show a significant training duration reduction upto $8$x, compared to the baseline single compute node. Our results also show that our proposed work can achieve the same level of test accuracy, compared to the baseline setting.
Social Workers, Conscience Protection and Practice

This is a review of conscience protection law and ethics in social work from different perspectives. The article's definitional work on professional and personal conscience decision-making processes seeks to clarify the professional conversation on conscience issues in social work with some focus on participation in the abortion decision as an example.
Separate & Unequal in the Same Classroom: Homeless Students in America's Public Schools

Over one million children experience homelessness in America every year, and with the growing foreclosure crisis, another two million children will likely experience homelessness in the next year. Homeless children face many of the same problems as poor and racial minority children across the country, indeed poor and minority families are disparately impacted by homelessness. However, in addition to the problems of race or poverty, homeless students’ intersectional identity also creates unique issues in accessing education, such as the lack of documentation to enroll in school to the lack of
Metabolism of Metolachlor by a Microsomal Fraction Isolated from Grain Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor) Shoots

A microsomal fraction isolated from the shoots of 3- to 4-day-old, dark-grown, grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. Funk G 522 DR) seedlings was characterized. The preparations had a cytochrome P-450 content that varied from approximately 90 to 150 pmol P-450/mg protein with cytochrome P-420 varying from 0 to 3% of the P-450 content. Type I difference spectra were formed with cinnamic acid and metolachlor, and a type II spectrum was formed with tetcyclacis. In short-term assays with [14C]metolachlor as substrate, the preparations produced a single time-dependent product that separated on silica gel TLC plates developed in benzene/acetone (2:1, v/v). RF values for metolachlor and the metabolite were approximately 0.70 and 0.48, respectively. The microsomal reaction required NADPH and oxygen, and was inhibited by carbon monoxide, with the inhibition being partially reversed by actinic light. Compounds known to inhibit the activity of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases (piperonyl butoxide, tetcyclacis, and tridiphane) also prevented formation of the metabolite. Identity of the metabolite was confirmed by TLC and positive ion thermospray LC/MS to be 2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide . Hence, the reaction catalyzed by the sorghum microsomes involved O-demethylation of the methoxypropyl side chain of metolachlor.
The Role of Estrogen and Estrogen Receptors on Cardiomyocytes: An Overview

Sex differences in the onset and manifestation of cardiovascular diseases are well known, yet the mechanism behind this discrepancy remains obscure. Estrogen and its corresponding receptors have been studied for their positive salutary effects in women for decades. Estrogen protects the heart from various forms of stress, including cytotoxic, ischemic, and hypertrophic stimuli. The postulated underlying mechanism is complex, and involves the actions of the hormone on the endothelium and myocardium. Although the effects of estrogen on the coronary endothelium are well-described, delineation of the hormone's action on cardiomyocytes is still evolving. The focus of this article is to review the accumulated literature and latest data on the role of estrogen and its receptors on cardiomyocytes, the contractile cellular units of the myocardium.
Adaptive critic based neural networks for control-constrained agile missile control

We investigate the use of an 'adaptive critic' based controller to steer an agile missile with a constraint on the angle of attack from various initial Mach numbers to a given final Mach number in minimum time while completely reversing its flightpath angle. We use neural networks with a two-network structure called 'adaptive critic' to carry out the optimization process. This structure obtains an optimal controller through solving Hamiltonian equations. This approach needs no external training; each network along with the optimality equations generates the output for the other network. When the outputs are mutually consistent, the controller output is optimal. Though the networks are trained off-line, the resulting control is a feedback control.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and focal adhesion kinase by activation of muscarinic m3 receptors is dependent on integrin engagement by the extracellular matrix

The G protein-coupled m1 and m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors increase tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including the focal adhesion-associated proteins paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), but the mechanism is not understood. Activation of integrins during adhesion of cells to extracellular matrix, or stimulation of quiescent cell monolayers with G protein-coupled receptor ligands including bradykinin, bombesin, endothelin, vasopressin, and lysophosphatidic acid, also induces tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and FAK and formation of focal adhesions. These effects are generally independent of protein kinase C but are inhibited by agents that prevent cytoskeletal assembly or block activation of the small molecular weight G protein Rho. This report demonstrates that tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and FAK elicited by stimulation of muscarinic m3 receptors with the acetylcholine analog carbachol is inhibited by soluble peptides containing the arginine–glycine–aspartate motif (the recognition site for integrins found in adhesion proteins such as fibronectin) but is unaffected by peptides containing the inactive sequence arginine–glycine–glutamate. Tyrosine phosphorylation elicited by carbachol, but not by cell adhesion to fibronectin, is reduced by the protein kinase C inhibitor GF 109203X. The response to carbachol is dependent on the presence of fibronectin. Moreover, immunofluorescence studies show that carbachol treatment induces formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions. These results suggest that muscarinic receptor stimulation activates integrins via a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism. The activated integrins transmit a signal into the cell’s interior leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and FAK. This represents a novel mechanism for regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation by muscarinic receptors.
Universal profinite domains

Abstract We introduce a bicartesian closed category of what we call profinite domains . Study of these domains is carried out through the use of an equivalent category of pre-orders in a manner similar to the information systems approach advocated by Dana Scott and others. A class of universal profinite domains is defined and used to derive sufficient conditions for the profinite solution of domain equations involving continuous operators. As a special instance of this construction, a universal domain for the category SFP is demonstrated. Necessary conditions for the existence of solutions for domain equations over the profinites are also given and used to derive results about solutions of some equations. A new universal bounded complete domain is also demonstrated using an operator which has bounded complete domains as its fixed points.
The role of colonoscopy in screening persons with family history of colorectal cancer.

First-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients are at increased risk for developing colorectal neoplasms. In order to assess the potentiality of colonoscopy screening in this high-risk population, 213 asymptomatic family members (age range 30-69 years, mean 42.8 years) of those patients with colorectal cancer received colonoscopic examination at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital from April 1992 to May 1994. Twenty-eight persons with 42 lesions (polyps or cancer) were identified, including 28 adenomas, nine hyperplastic polyps and five adenocarcinomas. The positive detection rate was 9.9% for adenoma and 2.3% for cancer. Colorectal neoplasms afflicted males more frequently than females (16.7 vs 5.7%, P 40 years of age.
Prophylactic versus reactive PEG tube placement in head and neck cancer.

ObjectiveTo understand the impact of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement timing on tube duration, weight loss, and disease control in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).S...
A Decade of Progress in Underwater Wet Welding Using the SMAW Process (1990-2003)

It is well established that underwater wet welding (UWW) offers significant cost savings over other repair techniques for submerged structures such as petroleum production platforms, ships, and piers. Due to the deleterious effect of increased pressure on weld quality, innovative consumables are required for the production of quality wet welds. Manganese was added to the electrode coating to replenish its loss from the weld pool. Titanium and boron were added to control the molten metal oxygen potential and refine the as-solidified and reheated weld metal microstructure. Rare-earth metals (REM) were added to control the weld metal oxygen content. Finally, weld metal nickel content was optimized to improve impact toughness. Selected results of these approaches are presented in this work. These recent developments clearly demonstrate that it is possible to achieve significant progresses in wet welding using shielded metal arc (SMA) consumables, if these are designed following sound metallurgical principles.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Genetic Influences on Cerebral Outcome After Cardiac Surgery

Just as the influence of genetic variation on patient outcomes is being discussed in many other areas of medicine, so too are its effects on cerebral outcome after cardiac surgery now being described. Whereas early studies focused on neurocognitive outcome, where the single nucleotide polymorphisms of APOE4 and PLA2 were the first investigated genetic targets, stroke is now being elaborated on with related single and multi-gene single nucleotide polymorphisms having been identified. Our work has established key links between post-cardiac surgery stroke and C-reactive protein (3’UTR 1846C/T) and interleukin-6 (-174 G/C) single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Induction of immunity to a human osteosarcoma-associated antigen in mice using anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract Polyclonal rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) were produced and analyzed for their ability to stimulate humoral immunity against a human tumor-associated antigen (TAA) in BALB c mice. Murine monoclonal antibody (Mab) OSA-1 recognizes an 85,000-Da TAA present on both human osteosarcoma tissue and osteosarcoma cell lines. Rabbits were immunized with OSA-1 (Ab1) to produce Ab2. The polyclonal Ab2 were shown to react against an idiotope located at or near the antigen combining site of Ab1. Ab2 were demonstrated to be potent inhibitors of TAA binding to Ab1. BALB c mice were immunized with this Ab2 preparation and then tested for the presence of osteosarcoma TAA reactive antibodies. Sera from Ab2-immunized mice were shown by Western blot to contain antibodies whose specificity resembled Ab1. Thus, immunization with polyclonal rabbit Ab2 was shown to stimulate production of Ab3 in mice which reacted against a human osteosarcoma TAA.
New signal extraction method in x-ray differential phase contrast imaging with a tilted collinear analyzer grating

In a grating interferometer-based x-ray differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging system, an analyzer grating (i.e. a G2 grating) is typically used to help record the important refraction information obtained with the phase stepping technique. Such a method requires the sequential movement of the G2 grating as well as multiple x-ray exposures to perform phase stepping, and thus conventional DPC imaging is very time-consuming. Additionally, it also has some mechanical instability issues due to the movement of the G2 grating. To accelerate the data acquisition speed and achieve single shot x-ray DPC imaging with a collinear type G2 grating, in this study, a new signal extraction method had been investigated. With this alternative approach, a non-zero angle of rotation between the diffraction pattern (generated by the G1 grating) and the collinear G2 grating is used during the entire data acquisition. Due to this deliberate grating misalignment, a visible moire pattern with a certain period shall be detected. Initial experiments have demonstrated that this new signal extraction method is able to provide us with three different types of signal: absorption, differential phase, and the dark field image signals. Although the spatial resolution for both the differential phase and the dark field images is blurred by several pixel length due to the used interpolation operation, the absorption image maintains the same spatial resolution as in the conventional x-ray imaging. This developed novel signal analysis method enables single shot DPC imaging and can greatly reduce the data acquisition time, thus facilitating the implementation of DPC imaging in the medical field.
The training and generalization of a conversational speech form in nonverbal retardates.

Differential reinforcement and imitation were used with two retarded children to train three sequential verbal responses associated with the display of a picture and questions related to that picture. Each response consisted of a three-word chain in sentence form; combined with verbal responses from the experimenter, this trained sequence formed a short conversational unit. Three experimenters measured the use of each sentence in settings different than the one in which training took place, and with pictures different than those used during training. Two types of generalization sessions were used: (1) General sessions, during which 10 pictures never used during training were displayed to the subject with reinforcement delivered on a noncontingent basis, and (2) Intermixed sessions, during which 10 pictures never used during training were displayed to the subject, but a picture having received training was also displayed, and correct responses to this picture were reinforced on a variable schedule. Both subjects learned the sentences being trained. However, little generalization was evident from this training when all experimenters conducted General probe sessions. Generalization occurred with one experimenter only after that experimenter conducted Intermixed probe sessions. Generalization to a third experimenter was then observed (i.e., after the first two experimenters had conducted Intermixed probe sessions) without the use of Intermixed probe sessions by this third experimenter.
Magnetospheric convection pattern and its implications

When we use 14 months of the Fast Plasma Experiment ion velocity measurements, the mean magnetospheric circulation pattern is constructed. It is shown that the magnetospheric convection velocity is of the order tens of kilometers per second. The convection is largely restricted to the outer magnetosphere. During magnetically active periods the convection velocity increases and the convection boundary extends to the region closer to the Earth, indicating more magnetic field flux is being transported to the dayside magnetosphere. It is also shown that the convective flows tend to follow contours of constant unit flux volume as they move around the Earth, especially on the duskside of the magnetosphere. This helps to avoid the pressure balance inconsistency often found in two-dimensional magnetotail models.
Microscopic description of deeply virtual Compton scattering off spin-0 nuclei

We evaluate within a microscopic calculation the contributions of both coherent and incoherent deeply virtual Compton scattering from a spin-0 nucleus. The coherent contribution is obtained when the target nucleus recoils as a whole, whereas for incoherent scattering breakup configurations for the final nucleus into an outgoing nucleon and an A-1 system are considered. The two processes encode different characteristics of generalized parton distributions.
The effect of uncertain returns on human capital investment patterns

This paper formalizes a human capital model with a dynamic and uncertain rental rate of human capital. As a result, investment in human capital may no longer decline monotonically over time as is predicted by the standard Ben-Porath version of the human capital model. This model provides a plausible, theoretical explanation for the recent trend of investment in higher education later in the life cycle which is consistent with the empirically established, increasing returns to education.
Different Mechanisms Preserve Translation of Programmed Cell Death 8 and JunB in Virus-Infected Endothelial Cells

Objective—Translation initiation of eukaryotic mRNAs typically occurs by cap-dependent ribosome scanning mechanism. However, certain mRNAs are translated by ribosome assembly at internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs). Whether IRES-mediated translation occurs in stressed primary human endothelial cells (ECs) is unknown. Methods and Results—We performed microarray analysis of polyribosomal mRNA from ECs to identify IRES-containing mRNAs. Cap-dependent translation was disabled by poliovirus (PV) infection and confirmed by loss of polysome peaks, detection of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G cleavage, and decreased protein synthesis. We found that 87.4% of mRNAs were dissociated from polysomes in virus-infected ECs. Twelve percent of mRNAs remained associated with polysomes, and 0.6% were enriched ≥2-fold in polysome fractions from infected ECs. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction confirmed the microarray findings for 31 selected mRNAs. We found that enriched polysome associations...
Caution using a calcineurin inhibitor-free renal sparing protocol for heart transplant patients with renal dysfunction

than 50% of R LTx recipients exhibited CMV-specific memory responses (ATP 10ng/ml). CMV-specific memory responses seem to recover faster in the R-Thy-LTx. vs. the RCampath LTx. For EBV-specific T cell memory, results greater than 15 ng/ml ATP were considered positive. Most of the recipients were EBV positive and exhibited a positive response early post LTx. During episodes of infection or augmented immunosuppression EBV-specific memory responses were suppressed. Conclusion: The Cylex T Cell Memory assay may be used as adjunct to monitor infection and the recovery of antigen-specific T cell memory. ConA reactivity below 50ng/ml ATP was associated with significant episodes of infection.
BEST PRACTICES INQUIRY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL, VALUE-CRITICAL FRAMEWORK

This article offers a multidimensional framework that broadens current approaches to "best practices" inquiry to include (1) the perspectives of both the consumers of services and professional practitioners and (2) a value-based critique. The predominant empirical approach to best practices inquiry is a necessary, but not sufficient, component of seeking state-of-the-art knowledge. A best practices inquiry is improved when it is broadened to include experiences and preferences of consumers, the wisdom of professionals in a given field, and a critical appraisal of the values inherent in best practices interventions themselves. Implications for social work education are discussed.
Synergies of Promotional Products and Print Advertising in Building Brand Equity for a New Brand

We examine the effects of traditional advertising and/or promotional items in the formation of brand equity for a new brand. In a two-part experiment, subjects first reviewed a print ad and received a promotional item that did (or did not) relate to the advertised brand. Nine days later, the subjects provided measures of brand equity for the new brand. The findings indicate that (a) combining a promotional product with traditional advertising results in greater levels of brand equity and (b) using a promotional product with or without traditional advertising results in a greater likelihood of a future visit to the brand's website.
Use of luminescence resonance energy transfer to measure distances in the AE1 anion exchange protein dimer

To understand how red blood cell and other proteins carry out their functions, it is necessary not only to have high-resolution crystal structures, but also to have methods that can measure changes in position of parts of the protein on the scale of Angstroms. The method of luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) has considerable advantages for this purpose, particularly for proteins, such as the AE1 anion exchange protein in the red cell, that are homodimers. We have applied this method, using a terbium maleimide chelate (TbM) as donor and fluorescein maleimide (FM) as acceptor, to measure the distance between the C201 residues in adjacent dimerized cytoplasmic domains of AE1 (cdAE1). The distance measured by LRET (40.8 A) corresponds closely with that calculated from the crystal structure of the cdAE1, indicating that the method can provide useful information for testing hypotheses concerning motions in this and other blood cell proteins.
'facebooking' towards crisis recovery and beyond: disruption as an opportunity

This paper reports on an ethnographic study of Facebook use amongst a population living through ongoing disruption. We interviewed 45 Iraqi citizens, as well as received survey responses from 218 individuals, who have been experiencing the current Gulf War since March 2003. We show how people in a society experiencing conflict use Facebook in ways that are different to uses in non-war societies. We find that Facebook supports people living in crisis environments at two levels. First, Facebook aids people directly to recover from disruption. People used Facebook to create "safe lists", to seek help and provide assistance, and to re-construct their social scaffolding. But at a deeper level, citizens also used Facebook to maintain and develop new social norms, and to re-direct their country. We discuss how disruption can serve as an opportunity by which people can re-invent their societies and how our understandings of Facebook should evolve.
Correlation between stimulated scattering processes and laser-induced damage in crystalline quartz

The results of a systematic series of experiments to uncover possible correlation between laser-induced s.b.s. phonons and damage in quartz are presented. Such correlation is confirmed and the various thresholds established. The anomalous transmission factor under phonon generation is found to decay exponentially as predicted with increasing incident laser power. The l.f. s.b.s. phonon is also demonstrated to be a sensitive probe for precatastrophic damage.
Covalent Trimers of the Internal N-terminal Trimeric Coiled-coil of gp41 and Antibodies Directed against Them Are Potent Inhibitors of HIV Envelope-mediated Cell Fusion

We have engineered two soluble, covalently linked, trimeric polypeptides, N35CCG-N13 and N34CCG comprising only the internal trimeric coiled-coil of the ectodomain of HIV-1 gp41. Both trimers inhibit human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env)-mediated cell fusion at nanomolar concentrations by targeting the exposed C-terminal region of the gp41 ectodomain in the prehairpin intermediate state. The IC50 values for N35CCG-N13 and N34CCG are approximately 15 and approximately 95 nM, respectively, in a quantitative vaccinia virus-based reporter gene assay for HIV-1 Env-mediated cell fusion using Env from the T cell tropic strain LAV. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against N35CCG-N13 and a tightly binding fraction of anti-N35CCG-N13 inhibits T cell and macrophage tropic HIV-1 Env-mediated cell fusion with respective IC50 values of approximately 0.5 and approximately 1.5 microg/ml at 37 degrees C. The tightly binding anti-N35CCG-N13 antibody fraction targets the exposed internal trimeric coiled-coil in the prehairpin intermediate state of gp41 in a manner analogous to peptides derived from the C region of the gp41 ectodomain. The potency of the tightly binding anti-N35CCG-N13 antibody fraction in the fusion assay is comparable with that of the broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody 2G12. These results indicate that N35CCG-N13 is a potential anti-HIV therapeutic agent and represents a suitable immunogen for the generation of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies targeted to the internal trimeric coiled-coil of gp41. The data on the tightly binding anti-N35CCG-N13 antibody fraction demonstrate that the internal trimeric coiled-coil of gp41 in the prehairpin intermediate state is accessible to antibodies and that access is not restricted by either antibody size or the presence of a kinetic barrier.
Differences in microbial signatures between rectal mucosal biopsies and rectal swabs

There is growing evidence the microbiota of the large bowel may influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer as well as other diseases including type-1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. Current sampling methods to obtain microbial specimens, such as feces and mucosal biopsies, are inconvenient and unappealing to patients. Obtaining samples through rectal swabs could prove to be a quicker and relatively easier method, but it is unclear if swabs are an adequate substitute. We compared bacterial diversity and composition from rectal swabs and rectal mucosal biopsies in order to examine the viability of rectal swabs as an alternative to biopsies. Paired rectal swabs and mucosal biopsy samples were collected in un-prepped participants (n = 11) and microbial diversity was characterized by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of the 16S rRNA gene. Microbial community composition from swab samples was different from rectal mucosal biopsies (p = 0.001). Overall the bacterial diversity was higher in swab samples than in biopsies as assessed by diversity indexes such as: richness (p = 0.01), evenness (p = 0.06) and Shannon's diversity (p = 0.04). Analysis of specific bacterial groups by qPCR showed higher copy number of Lactobacillus (p < 0.0001) and Eubacteria (p = 0.0003) in swab samples compared with biopsies. Our findings suggest that rectal swabs and rectal mucosal samples provide different views of the microbiota in the large intestine.
The Historical Evolution of World-Systems

Cet article fait la synthese d'une nouvelle avancee de l'evolution du systeme mondial tiree de theories opposees culturelle materialiste, marxiste et weberienne du changement social a long terme. Les AA. expliquent le pourquoi de la taille croissante des systemes mondiaux, la montee continue de plus larges empires hierarchiques et la creation d'une economie capitaliste et d'une politique unique en termes de repetitions d'un modele de reference de croissance demographique, d'intensification de la production, de transformation des modes d'accumulation, et de developpement inegal dans lesquels les acteurs semi-peripheriques bâtissent des innovations transformationnelles. La theorie presentee dans cet article couvre les douze mille ans d'histoire, depuis l'installation mesolithique des societes sedentaires. Par comparaison sont analysees la formation des clans, de l'Etat, de l'empire, ainsi que l'essor et la chute des pouvoirs hegemoniques fondamentaux du systeme mondial moderne
Ideal Gas Thermodynamic Functions of Some Mixed Halides of Boron

The moments of inertia of 10 BF2 Br, 11 BF2 Br, 10 BFBr2, 10 BCl2Br, 11 BCl2Br, 10BClBr2, and 11 BClBr2, and 11 BClBr2 have been revised. The present values and the available vibrational data have been utilized to reevaluate the ideal gas chemical thermodynamic functions of these molecules for the temperature range 100 to 2000 K. A rigid rotor and harmonic oscillator model has been used.
Electrocardiogram in Asthmatic Children

Electrocardiograms of 137 asthmatic children, 5 to 16 years in age, were compared with findings in normal children. The following deviations from normal were found: lower voltage and longer duration of P waves in all leads; lower voltage of R waves in all precordial leads and almost all limb and unipolar leads; deeper S waves over left precordial leads; slight delay of intrinsicoid deflection in right precordial leads, but no difference in left precordial leads; somewhat increased duration of QRS complexes; increased heart rate in the older age groups, but no differences in P-R and Q-T intervals; predominantly vertical electrocardiographic position of the heart. These observations provide further electro-cardiographic evidence that asthmatic children, compared with normal children of the same age range, show a tendency toward right ventricular hypertrophy and hyperinflated lungs.
Redundant cooperative interactions for assembly of a human U6 transcription initiation complex.

The core human U6 promoter consists of a proximal sequence element (PSE) located upstream of a TATA box. The PSE is recognized by the snRNA-activating protein complex (SNAPc), which consists of five types of subunits, SNAP190, SNAP50, SNAP45, SNAP43, and SNAP19. The TATA box is recognized by TATA box binding protein (TBP). In addition, basal U6 transcription requires the SANT domain protein Bdp1 and the transcription factor IIB-related factor Brf2. SNAPc and mini-SNAPc, which consists of just SNAP43, SNAP50, and the N-terminal third of SNAP190, bind cooperatively with TBP to the core U6 promoter. By generating complexes smaller than mini-SNAPc, we have identified a 50-amino-acid region within SNAP190 that is (i) required for cooperative binding with TBP in the context of mini-SNAPc and (ii) sufficient for cooperative binding with TBP when fused to a heterologous DNA binding domain. We show that derivatives of mini-SNAPc lacking this region are active for transcription and that with such complexes, TBP can still be recruited to the U6 promoter through cooperative interactions with Brf2. Our results identify complexes smaller than mini-SNAPc that are transcriptionally active and show that there are at least two redundant mechanisms to stably recruit TBP to the U6 transcription initiation complex.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM OF SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI

1. Schistosoma mansoni utilizes in 1 hour an amount of glucose equivalent to one-sixth to one-fifth of its dry weight. Over 80 per cent of the metabolized glucose is converted to lactic acid by this organism. 2. The rates of glucose utilization and of lactic acid production by S. mansoni are the same under aerobic and under anaerobic conditions. 3. A high rate of lactic acid production and the absence of a postanaerobic increase in the oxygen uptake differentiate S. mansoni from most other parasitic helminths whose metabolism has been studied. 4. Arsenite and p-chloromercuric benzoate inhibit in low concentrations the oxygen uptake and the rate of glycolysis of S. mansoni. This inhibition is not prevented or reversed by an excess of glutathione or of thioglycollate. 5. Fluoride inhibits the removal of glucose and the production of lactic acid by S. mansoni to the same degree. 6. Low concentrations of quinacrine (atabrine) do not affect the respiration or the carbohydrate metabolism of the schistosomes. 7. The inhibitory effect of aldehydes on the metabolism of S. mansoni has been measured. Among this group of compounds dl-glyceraldehyde and o-nitrobenzaldehyde are the most effective inhibitors of glycolysis. 8. In a concentration of 2.6 x 10–6 M (1:1,000,000) a cyanine dye inhibits almost completely the respiration of the schistosomes, but has no effect on their rate of glycolysis. The oxygen uptake of the worms is inhibited by fuadin to a greater degree than their rate of glycolysis. 2-methyl-1,4-napthoquinone is a much more effective inhibitor of glycolysis than of the respiration of S. mansoni. The latter compound interacts with plasma albumin and, therefore, its inhibitory action on the metabolism of the schistosomes is greatly reduced in human serum or plasma. 9. Evidence is discussed which indicates that, in contrast to glycolysis, respiratory metabolism is not essential for the survival of S. mansoni.
Velocity Anomalies in Dilatant Rock

Seismic velocities measured in rock deformed in the laboratory show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions of the effects of crack growth during dilatancy. Under appropriate conditions dilatancy was observed to produce a drop in the ratio of the seismic compressional velocity to the seismic shear velocity both by the mechanism of undersaturation and by a liquid-gas phase transition.
The Selectivity for K+ versus Na+ in DNA Quadruplexes Is Dominated by Relative Free Energies of Hydration: A Thermodynamic Analysis by 1H NMR†

We have studied the competition between Na+ and K+ for coordination by G quartets using the oligonucleotide d(G3T4G3) as a model system. d(G3T4G3) forms a dimeric foldback structure containing three G quartets in the presence of either NaCl or KCl. Proton chemical shifts, which are particular to the species of coordinated ion, have been used to monitor the conversion between the sodium and potassium forms under equilibrium conditions. Analysis of titration experiments indicates that at least two K+ are coordinated by the three quartets of the dimeric molecule, and perfect fits of the data are obtained for two Na+ being displaced by two K+. Our results also indicate that the conversion of [d(G3T4G3)]2 from the sodium to the potassium form is associated with a net free energy change (delta G degrees) of -1.7 +/- 0.15 kcal/mol. It has long been suggested that the greater thermal stability of DNA quadruplex structures in the presence of K+ is primarily a result of the optimal fit of this ion in the coordination sites formed by G quartets. However, a consideration of the relatively small change in free energy associated with the conversion from the sodium to the potassium form and the relatively large difference between the free energy of hydration for Na+ and K+ indicates that this cannot be correct. Rather, the preferred coordination of K+ over Na+ is actually driven by the greater energetic cost of Na+ dehydration with respect to K+ dehydration.
The effect of tuberculosis and neoplasia on human monocyte staphylocidal activity

Abstract Monocytes from normal subjects and patients with tuberculosis, lymphoma, or solid tumors were evaluated for their ability to kill Staphylococcus aureus organisms in an in vitro system. Monocytes from patients with tuberculosis demonstrated enhanced staphylocidal activity as compared to normal monocytes after 30- and 60-min periods of incubation. Monocytes from lymphoma patients had normal killing rates after 30 min incubation but demonstrated significantly enhanced killing after 60 min incubation. Monocytes from patients with solid tumors demonstrated essentially normal killing rates. These data suggest functional activation of human monocytes by mycobacterial infection and lymphoma similar to that described in animal models.
Quasi-static performance of robots

Abstract Most manufacturers of robotic systems have data sheets where a set of static performance measures are listed. To date, there has been no standardization on how these measures are obtained, what they mean, or what parameters are necessary in quantifying the performance of a robotic system. While some of the parameters currently specified lend themselves quite nicely to one class of systems, these same parameters are meaningless on other classes of systems. A generalized set of performance criteria, not biased towards any particular robotic system, is presented in this paper. Three groups of measures that can be used for quasi-static and dynamic performance analysis of any robot task are defined. These groups are accuracy, repeatability and resolution. For each group, there are a number of subclasses. For each subclass various sensitivities are presented. These include the effects of payload, approach direction and location in the work volume, or any other potential influence. A rather simplistic yet useful analogy of an archer is used to describe the terminology. The relationship of these measures to the ability to satisfactorily develop online and/or offline programs for a robotic system to perform an operation is described. A generic robotic system is presented, the sources of poor performance are identified and some of the more practical techniques to improve the performance of robotic systems are noted. A description of what should be measured and a generalized statistical technique for reducing that data so that all pertinent information is saved while the amount of actual data required is minimized is presented. A concise outline of the experimental procedures used to obtain unbiased robot performance data for determining the various aspects of a robotic systems performance and various forms of summarized performance tabulations are given. These tables of performance information would be beneficial to the quality control of manufacturing robots, for the product design engineer intending to use robots in manufacturing a product (design for manufacturing) and for the manufacturing engineer evaluating the purchase of various robotic systems.
Microprocessor-Controlled Digital Shunt Regulator

A new approach to the design of power systems is presented in which a microprocessor is used as a controller for a digital shunt regulator (DSR). This approach meets the demands of future space and ground missions, i. e., high efficiency, high reliability, low weight, low volume, increased flexibility, and less development time. This approach responds to future demands by permitting realtime modification of system parameters for system optimization. This feature is especially important in the event of an anomaly. As the microprocessor need not be dedicated to the DSR, it can simultaneously be used for battery management and for charge regulator/discharge regulator control. This approach also reduces the component count, simplifies assembly and testing of the unit, results in significant time saving, and increases the reliability.
Microscopic Visualization of Insect Cell-Bubble Interactions. II: The Bubble Film and Bubble Rupture

In this paper, the second in the series, the use of a microscopic, high-speed video system to study the interactions of two suspended insect cells strains, Trichoplusia ni (TN-368) and Spodoptera frugiperda (SF-9), with rupturing bubbles is reported. Events such as the adsorption of cells onto the bubble film and the mechanism of bubble rupture were observed. On the basis of these observations and the experimental and theoretical work of other researchers on bubble rupture and cell death as a result of sparging, it is proposed that cells are killed by the rapid acceleration of the bubble film after rupture and the high levels of shear stress in the boundary layer flow associated with bubble jet formation.
Factors of importance in the generation of singlet oxygen during photodynamic treatment of tumors

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a relatively new treatment for cancer, has evolved from the investigational stage and is now being evaluated clinically for certain cancer types under FDA-approved protocols. Results obtained to date indicate the treatment to be promising, however, not without limitations. This therapy involves the cooperative action of an injectable tumor-specific sensitizer and light, usually provided by the output of a laser. The general view, supported by a large body of in vitro data, is that the most important agent of tumor destruction is electronically excited oxygen (singlet oxygen) generated by a favored energy transfer from the optically excited sensitizer to ambient ground state oxygen. It is clear, therefore, that to understand the limitations of PDT in cancer treatment one has to fully understand the nature of singlet oxygen (102) interactions in the in vivo environment. This, of course, first requires an appropriate means for 102 detection and measurement. The recent demonstration in this laboratory that in vivo 102 detection during photodynamic treatment of tumors is indeed possible opens up this possibility.
Exposure of silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, to Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine if silver carp infected with salmonella could be depurated following transfer to clean water. A total of 140 silver carp was acclimated in static water, plastic swimming pools (7.3 m2 surface area) for 29 days. Pools were inoculated daily with a streptomycin-resistant strain of Salmonella typhimurium at a rale of 10 000 cells per liter of water. Thirty fish in lots of five fish each were examined for the presence of S. typhimurium in the kidney, mucous and intestine. Of these lots five contained salmonella in the intestine and one in the mucous and kidney. Infected fish were than transferred to clean static water, plastic pools for depuration. Thirty fish in lots of five each were sampled for salmonella in the mucous, kidney and intestine after being held for 4 and 14 days in clean water. Salmonella was isolated from the intestines of four lots. Silver carp were thus shown to be potential carriers of salmonella.