cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Various Pullet Restriction Methods on Performance of Broiler Breeders

Abstract In an attempt to restrict body weight of broiler breeder pullets, the following treatments were used: (1) timed feeding daily, 2800 kcal. M.E./kg., (2) skip-a-day feeding, 2800 kcal. M.E./kg., (3) limited feeding daily, 2800 kcal. M.E./kg., (4) skip-a-day feeding, 1830 kcal. M.E./kg., and (5) limited feeding daily, 1830 kcal. M.E./kg. All diets were isonitrogenous. Skip-a-day feeding resulted in the lowest body weight at 22 weeks of age and the lowest content of body fat of the three feeding methods. High energy diets produced lower body weights and lower fat content than low energy diets. The combined treatment of skip-a-day feeding and high energy diet produced the lowest body weight and fat content. Breeder production records were essentially the same for all treatments.
‘The Mind of Christ’: Financial Success, Born-again Personhood, and the Anthropology of Christianity

Abstract In this article, I contribute to the emerging project of the anthropology of Christianity by exploring the subject of born-again personhood. As a nascent field of inquiry, the anthropology of Christianity must delimit what theoretical opportunities exist for comparative research. I argue that a focus on personhood offers a promising series of questions toward this end. To illustrate this claim, I use the case study of one Evangelical Sunday school teacher – Rick Betcher – and his life as a ‘Christian businessman.’ Anthropologists and other scholars have shown great interest in how matters of money figure in the culture of Protestantism. Using Rick's self-designed Sunday school class, The Mind of Christ, I argue that conceptions of personal financial success among born-again Christians are structured by the prevailing model of born-again personhood – the New Mind.
In vitro incorporation of palmitate-1-14C into several glycerolipids by normal and regenerating rat liver fractions.

Abstract A study has been made of the requirements for the incorporation of palmitate-1- 14 C in vitro into triglycerides, and phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatiylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine by homogenates and mitochondria of normal and mitotic phase regenerating liver. The data obtained indicate that the reactions of the individual lipids proceed independently of one another, and that the entry of palmitic acid into the lipids occurred via several pathways rather than via a common diglyceride precursor. The incorporation of palmitate into the lipids of regenerating liver enzymes homogenates and mitochondria generally occurred at a faster rate than was observed with normal liver enzymes. The pattern of relative uptakes of palmitate into the lipids of the regenerating liver preparations differed from that found in normal liver.
Improving Resident Education in Quality Improvement: Role for a Resident Quality Improvement Director

Rationale and Objectives As a component of the practice-based core competency of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, all residents must receive training to be able to evaluate and improve their patient care practices. To further enhance our overall resident quality improvement (QI) educational experience, and to ensure resident involvement in the many aspects of a quality assurance program, we have established a resident educational leadership role and have appointed a resident as resident QI director. Materials and Methods We have designed and implemented a resident leadership position in QI in our department. A senior resident (postgraduate year 4 and above) is provided with dedicated training in QI methods, mentored opportunities to develop professional skills in QI, and didactic teaching in applications of QI to other residents. Results A leadership position in QI for trainees introduces this important concept early in their career. The resident QI director is provided dedicated training, receives a broader perspective of QI and is optimally positioned to introduce the concept to junior residents leading to greater acceptance of QI at a resident level. Conclusion The introduction of a resident QI director enhances the importance of QI for trainees, prepares the individual for a strong academic and QI career, and improves acceptance of QI methods among trainees.
Finite element simulation of exfoliation experiments

We previously reported bond strength measurements of metal/ceramic interfaces using shock waves to separate the bond by spallation. The technique relies on interpretation of the free surface velocity of a metal film as it is spalled from its substrate. A number of questions have been raised concerning the details of the interaction of the shock and interface. We provide answers by numerically modeling the experiments. We rederive the relationship between the maximum stress at the bond interface and the free surface velocity of the metal overlayer. We compare the analytical result with numerical calculations based on less restrictive assumptions, thereby supporting the analysis. We illustrate important design considerations of the experiment with numerical calculation and in the process, evaluate the effect of the artificial damping on the numerical results.
Boundary layer measurements and their implications for sediment transport on the eastern Norwegian Sea continental slope

Abstract Benthic currents, temperature, salinity, and suspended sediment concentration were measured in 1993–1994 on the Bear Island Fan, at water depths of approximately 1700 m, near the wreckage of the Russian nuclear submarine “Komsomolets”. A maximum current speed of 51 cm/s and a mean speed of approximately 10 cm/s was recorded. There was a marked seasonal pattern in flow strength, and the net transport was northward along the slope contours. The strongest flow event of the year, however, was directed to the southwest. The smooth (apart from burrows created by benthic fauna), unscoured appearance of the sediment surface in bottom photographs suggest that the deep currents on the continental slope are weak. Our measurements, however, show that the currents frequently exceeded the erosion threshold speed. Peak concentration values during the energetic winter period were within the range expected for an erosion event. The data indicate a high potential for sediment erosion and transport on the Bear Island Fan, with implications for the possible transport of contaminants from the submarine.
Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in child abuse

Acute renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuna is uncommon in childhood and, when present, usually is a complication of massive crush injuries. A few reports in the medical and urologic literature have documented a rare association between rhabdomyolysis-induced renal failure and child abuse [1 , 2]. We report an additional patient in whom the diagnosis was first suggested by the radiologic findings.
T-CELL INDUCED PATHOGENESIS IN HIV : BYSTANDER EFFECTS AND LATENT INFECTION

The progress of HIV is accompanied by the infection and decline of the population of CD4+ cells. This reduction in cells results from both cytolytic influences of the virus and virus-specific cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses. We seek to characterize the extent of CD4+ reduction caused by HIV-specific CTLs at equilibrium. Here we show that intermediate levels of cytotoxic killing of infected cells can be inferior to both strong and weak or absent immune responses. We further show that the deleterious effects of the CTL response are made worse by a slow immune response. Bystander effects in which uninfected cells are thought to be eliminated by non-specific CTL activation lead to small or negligible reductions in uninfected CD4+ cells. Latently infected cells containing pro-viral DNA and which become activated at a constant rate ensure that the immune response is more effective for a larger range of CTL activities and reduces T-cell associated pathology.
Ultrastructure of book gill development in embryos and first instars of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus L. (Chelicerata, Xiphosura).

Background The transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used for the first time to study the development of book gills in the horseshoe crab. Near the end of the nineteenth century the hypothesis was presented for homology and a common ancestry for horseshoe crab book gills and arachnid book lungs. The present developmental study and the author's recent ones of book gills (SEM) and scorpion book lungs (TEM) are intended to clarify early histological work and provide new ultrastructural details for further research and for hypotheses about evolutionary history and relationships.
Finslerian Fields in the Spacetime Tangent Bundle

Abstract Finslerian fields are investigated in the arena of the maximal-acceleration invariantspacetime tangent bundle. A variety of differential-geometric Finslerian fields are exposited. Thestructure of Finslerian quantum fields receives particular emphasis. Also, possible generalizedactions are proposed for Finslerian strings and p-branes. 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Assessment of interspecific interactions in plant communities: an illustration from the cold desert saltbush grasslands of North America

Abstract Interspecific interactions influence both the productivity and composition of plant communities. Here, we propose new field procedures and analytical approaches for assessing interspecific interactions in nature and apply these procedures to the salt desert shrub grasslands of western Utah. Data were collected from two grazing treatments over a period of 2 years. The proposed equations were fairly consistent across both treatments and years. In addition to illustrating how to assess interspecific interactions within a community, we also develop a new approach for projecting the community composition as a result of some alteration, i.e. increase or decrease in the abundance of one or more species. Results demonstrate competition both within and between plant life-form groups. While introduced annuals were found to depress profoundly the likelihood of perennial plants replacing themselves, perennials had little influence on annuals. Thus, as native perennials die, they are more likely to be replaced by perennials than for the reverse to occur. Our results suggest that unless conditions change, these communities will become increasingly dominated by introduced annuals.
Effects of unilateral ovariectomy on ovulation and cycle length in 4- and 5-day cycling rats.

Cyclic rats were unilaterally ovariectomized on each day of the estrous cycle and the ovulation rate of the remaining ovary was determined at the next expected ovulation by counting tubal ova. Holtzman rats, followed for three successive estrous cycles, were classified as 4- or 5-day cyclic animals. Control (i.e., intact) 4-day animals ovulated (2 ovaries) an average of 9.6 ± 0.6 eggs and 5-day rats ovulated 10.2 ± 0.2 ova. Estrus was designated as day 1 of the cycle. Unilateral ovariectomy on the morning of days 1 to 3 resulted in doubling the number of ovulations (complete compensatory ovulation) by the next estrus in all rats: an average of 10.5 eggs (N = 78 animals). Four-day animals did not compensate when semi-spayed after 8 PM of day 3, whereas, 5-day aniamls continued to double the number of ovulations until 2 AM of day 4. Unilateral ovariectomy of rats with previous 5-day cycles between 8 and 12 AM on day 1 shortened the expected cycle length by one day (60/73 rats). In contrast, only 19.4% of intact 5-day rats, spontaneously shortened their fourth cycle to four days. This effect of unilateral ovariectomy was only apparent in the cycle in which the operation was performed and was preventable by administration of 0.5 to 2.0 mg of progesterone on day 2. This suggests that unilateral ovariectomy on day 1 may have reduced the level of circulating progesterone enough to facilitate the release of LH one day earlier in the estrous cycle.
Production of pathogen-inactivated RBC concentrates using PEN110 chemistry: a Phase I clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive reductions in risk, donor selection and testing cannot eliminate pathogen transmission. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinically the viability of pathogen-inactivated RBCs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects each donated two units of blood that were handled as additive system control units or were inactivated using the PEN110 process (INACTINE, V.I. Technologies) in randomized order. PEN110, which inactivates pathogens by reacting with nucleic acid bases, was incubated with RBCs for 6 hours, followed by washing and quenching with sodium thiosulfate. Radiolabeled RBC recovery and survival determinations were undertaken after 28 days of storage; biochemical and hematologic variables were assessed over 42 days. RESULTS: After 28 days, treated units had a 24-hour double-label (51Cr/99mTc) recovery (85.0 ± 5.0%) that was indistinguishable from control units (85.9 ± 2.7%); the times required for reduction of radioactivity of labeled cells to half the Day 1 activity (T50) were similar for both groups (treated, 31.9 ± 8.2 days; control, 32.9 ± 3.3 days). No deleterious effects of PEN110 treatment were found on RBC antigens tested. Treatment reduced 2,3-DPG levels by half and slightly lowered pH levels. Throughout the 42-day storage period, treated RBCs had a lower level of lactate production and a trend toward lower glucose consumption. Hemolysis remained below 1 percent; supernatant potassium and ATP levels were lower than those seen in control RBCs. CONCLUSION: PEN110-treated RBCs stored for 28 days meet all critical requirements for therapeutically useful units.
Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment: Development of a Home Inventory for use with families having children 6 to 10 years old

Abstract This study describes the development of a new version of the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory for families with children ages 6 to 10. The new Elementary version of the HOME is similar to earlier versions of the HOME and measures aspects of the quantity and quality of social, emotional, and cognitive support made available to the child in the home environment. The item analyses for Elementary HOME indicated that internal consistency ranged from reasonably high levels for the longer subscales to modest levels for the shorter subscales. Correlation analyses showed low to moderate correlations between the HOME and family demographic variables and low to moderate correlations between the HOME and measures of children's academic achievement and classroom behavior. Overall, the data indicated that the Elementary HOME may be a useful method of screening the developmental environments of elementary age children.
Direct photons measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC

Results from the PHENIX experiment at RHIC on direct photon production in p+p, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions at \(\sqrt{s_{NN}}\) =200 GeV are presented. In p+p collisions, direct photon production at high pT behaves as expected from perturbative QCD calculations. The p+p measurement serves as a baseline for direct photon production in Au+Au collisions. In d+Au collisions, no effects of cold nuclear matter are found within the large uncertainty of the measurement. In Au+Au collisions, the production of high pT direct photons scales as expected for particle production in hard scatterings. This supports jet quenching models, which attribute the suppression of high pT hadrons to the energy loss of fast partons in the medium produced in the collision. Low pT direct photons, measured via e+e- pairs with small invariant mass, are possibly related to the production of thermal direct photons.
Evidence for altered activity of the IL-6 pathway in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background IL-6 activates T H 17 cells and regulates the response of B lymphocytes and regulatory T cells. The IL-6 receptor and the membrane protein, glycoprotein 130 (gp130), form an active signaling complex that signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and other signaling molecules. Both the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and gp130 can be found in soluble forms that regulate the pathway. Objective We measured IL-6 signaling components and IL-17 in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and controls to assess the IL-6 pathway in CRS. Methods IL-6, soluble IL-6R, soluble gp130 (sgp130), and IL-17 were measured in sinus tissue extracts and in nasal lavage fluid by either cytokine bead array or ELISA. phosphoSTAT3 (p-STAT3) was determined by Western blot and by immunohistochemistry. Results IL-6 protein was significantly ( P P Conclusion p-STAT3 levels are decreased in CRSwNP despite increased levels of IL-6 and sIL-6R and are associated with the absence of an IL-17 response. This may be a response to elevated levels of sgp130, a known inhibitor of IL-6 signaling. These results indicate that IL-6 and its signaling pathway may be altered in CRSwNP.
Filmed in Front of a Live Studio Audience: Laughter and Aggression in Political Entertainment Programming

Shows blending humor and information are on the rise, and many such shows incorporate live studio audiences. Using two separate experimental studies, we test whether audience laughter on humorous political talk shows affects audience perceptions. We find that the effects of audience laughter depend on context, boosting perceptions of host and program credibility when a host is unknown, while reminding viewers of the comedic intentions and appeal of a known comedic host. If humor allows the hosts of comedic political talk shows more freedom to pointedly question their guests without turning off viewers, it may better engage and inform audiences.
Potentiation of arsenic neurotoxicity by folate deprivation: Protective role of S-adenosyl methionine

Folate deficiency contributes to a variety of age-related neurological and psychological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The environmental neurotoxin arsenic has recently been linked with decreased neurofilament (NF) content in peripheral nerve. We examined herein, whether or not folate deprivation potentiated the impact of arsenic on NF dynamics. Arsenic inhibited translocation of NFs into axonal neurites in culture and increased perikaryal NF phosphoepitopes. Folate deprivation potentiated the impact of arsenic on these phenomena. Supplementation with S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) attenuated the impact of folate deprivation on arsenic neurotoxicity, consistent with the decrease in SAM following folate deprivation and the requirement for SAM-mediated methylation for arsenic bioelimination. These findings demonstrate how key nutritional deficiencies can potentiate the impact of enrivonmental neurotoxins.
Adaptive methods for high Mach number reacting flow

This paper describes some adaptive techniques suitable for modeling high Mach number reacting flows. Two basic types of methods are considered: adaptive mesh techniques and front tracking. Numerical results are described using one of these methods, local mesh refinement, for a simple model for planar detonation. The computational results show the formation of Mach triple points in the detonation fronts and provide an initial step toward understanding the factors influencing the spacing. 10 refs., 30 figs.
Model of physiological stress in chickens 3. Temporal patterns of response

The temporal pattern of stress responses following continuous infusion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 8 IU/kg BW/d for 7 d) in broilers was determined in two experiments. Results indicate that the order of responses were elevated plasma corticosterone (CS) by 2 h, elevated plasma glucose (GLU) by 12 h, increased liver weight concomitant with increased hepatic lipid and decreased liver moisture by 18 h, decreased relative weight of the spleen by 24 h, elevated heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio by 2 d, decreased body weight and relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus by Day 4, and decreased liver soluble protein content by 12 d.
InP-based passive ring-resonator-coupled lasers

The design of passive ring-coupled lasers based on InGaAsP waveguides is investigated using a beam propagation method. Mode coupling, propagation loss due to bending, and scattering loss from waveguide sidewall roughness are taken into account. By compromising threshold gain, linewidth and side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR), suitable waveguide width and coupling strength are determined for different ring sizes. Using a ring with radius ranging from 20 to 200 /spl mu/m, it is possible to design passive ring-coupled lasers with threshold gain less than 60/cm and 80/cm for waveguide sidewall roughness 5 and 10 nm, respectively, SMSR larger than 50 dB, and linewidth in the range of /spl sim/3-500 kHz.
Automated Flexible -Boundary True Triaxial System for Cohesive Soils

A fully automated flexible boundary true triaxial device with real -time feedback control system has been developed for testing cohesive soil. Us ing this device, a cubical specimen can be subjected to a wide variety of stress paths in three dimensional stress space. Principal stresses are applied along each principal axis of the specimen using a Proportional - Integral - Differential (PID) based cl osed loop control algorithm and using electro -pneumatic transducers. This device has the ability to measure both the internal and external pore pressures for a 102 mm cubical specimen and uses custom developed Butyl rubber membranes. Use of flexible boundary conditions, the associated experimental issues, and flexible membrane compliance in strain computations are discussed. This paper describes the procedures involved in true triaxial testing such as preparing the remolded cubical specimens, assembling the specimen in the system, and saturating the specimen using backpressure. The PID coefficients used in feed -back control system show their significant influence in the measured stress -strain and strength behavior of clay. Therefore, for good quality testing , the values of PID coefficients have to be chosen carefully considering the influence of the variation in specimen stiffness during shear and pre -consolidation history.
Options to control the rising health care costs of older Americans.

WILL OUR economy be able to withstand the increasing health care costs of older Americans? These per capita costs increase as a function of the age of our adult population and escalate rapidly in the last years of life. For example, the average Medicare reimbursement per person for those aged 65 to 66 years is $1239 compared with an average cost of $2583 for those aged 85 years and older. 1 The future growth of the population of those aged 85 years and over, a group frequently referred to as the "oldest old," will have a substantial impact on future health care costs. This age group is currently the fastest growing age cohort in the United States, 2 and it is projected to grow from 2.5 million persons in 1980 to as high as 24 million persons by the year 2040. 3 The current health care needs of this group
A new inhomogeneous state of superconducting films

We report observations of an inhomogeneous state consisting of alternating superconducting and normal regions which occurs upon exceeding the critical current density in thin granular aluminum films. The results are in quantitative agreement with recent theoretical predictions, based on a model in which only the superconducting and fully normal states are stable. We find the normal regions are maintained at a temperature above T c by the heat dissipation due to the transport current. The breakdown occurs at critical currents smaller than predicted and is apparently a flux-flow instability brought about by a residual perpendicular field.
Estimation of camera matrix using lidar and aerial images

This paper focuses on the 2D-3D camera pose estimation using one LiDAR view and one calibrated camera view. The pose estimation employs an intelligent search over the extrinsic camera parameters and uses an error metric based on line-segment matching. The goal of this search process is to estimate the pose parameters without any apriori knowledge and in less processing time. We demonstrated the validity of the proposed approach by experimenting on two sets of perspective views using lines as feature.
The Once and Future Moon

Have you ever stood in your back yard gazing at the Moon and wondered about the origin of its various features? What makes part of it dark? Light? Smooth? Rough? As old as the Earth, the Moon seems cold and obscure, orbiting in its naked environment more than 356,000 km away. Yet, as scientists have shown us, and returned mission data have confirmed, the Moon is rich with information. Many refer to the Moon as a Rosetta stone, believing that it holds the keys to understanding the origin and evolution of our Solar System.
Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources and Possible Responses in the MINK Region

The capacity to supply both instream and offstream water uses under alternative climate conditions and likely future changes in population, technology, and water-using practices are examined through an adaptation of the framework developed in the Second National Water Assessment. Two measures of the adequacy of water supplies — the availability of renewable supplies to provide for withdrawal and instream uses and the relation between desired instream flows and current streamflows — are used to examine the impact of the 1931–1940 analog climate (with and without C02 enrichment) on Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas (MINK). The impacts of the analog climate on water supplies are estimated from actual streamflow data and estimates of the differences in reservoir evaporation under the 1931–1940 analog and the 1951–1980 control climates. A modification of the Erosion Productivity Inventory Calculator (EPIC) model is used to estimate the impacts of the analog climate (with and without C02 enrichment) on irrigation water use.
A nonparametric approach for statistical comparison of results from alternative forced choice experiments

Task-based image quality assessment is a valuable methodology for development, optimization and evaluation of new image formation processes in x-ray computed tomography (CT), as well as in other imaging modalities. A simple way to perform such an assessment is through the use of two (or more) alternative forced choice (AFC) experiments. In this paper, we are interested in drawing statistical inference from outcomes of multiple AFC experiments that are obtained using multiple readers as well as multiple cases. We present a non-parametric covariance estimator for this problem. Then, we illustrate its usefulness with a practical example involving x-ray CT simulations. The task for this example is classification between presence or absence of one lesion with unknown location within a given object. This task is used for comparison of three standard image reconstruction algorithms in x-ray CT using four human observers.
Office approach to drug abuse prevention

The onset of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use generally occurs during adolescence. While many teens experiment with these substances, a significant number use them to the point that their behavior interferes with school, family, social relationships, and general productivity. It is the pediatrician's responsibility to identify young people who are at risk for the subsequent use of these substances and initiate a carefully designed prevention program in the office setting.
The experiences of remarried stepfathers who pay child support

Remarried stepfathers' experiences paying child support for nonresidential children were explored using a multiple-interview phenomenological approach with 11 fathers in the United States. Circumstances that negatively affected satisfaction with paying child support were seldom related to money, per se. Rather, the pervasive phenomenon that emerged was attempts at managing competing interests among themselves, their children, and their new families. Remarriage magnified feelings of disempowerment and introduced additional complexities to existing child support arrangements. Although generally satisfied with their child support obligations at divorce, fairness concerns arose over time and are situated within equity theory. Nonetheless, identity conceptualizations were more salient than exchange principles, and identity theory therefore frames a discussion on the centrality of a provider mentality among these fathers.
Honeycomb core sandwich panels for origami-inspired deployable shelters: Multi-objective optimization for minimum weight and maximum energy efficiency

Abstract Rapidly deployable shelters, which can be packaged small but offer a high volume expansion ratio, are a critical asset for forward operating bases and can also be effective for disaster relief. Origami-inspired deployable shelters provide significant design advantages, including that (1) the rigid folded plates of these structures provide enhanced structural performance in the deployed form and (2) origami folds permit easy packaging in a small volume. Key design priorities include that the structure be lightweight and that it have thermal insulation for energy efficiency in heating and cooling. Energy efficiency is particularly critical for forward operating bases where fuel is at a premium. Honeycomb core sandwich panels, which provide a high stiffness to mass ratio, offer a lightweight option for rigid-wall origami-inspired shelters and can provide thermal insulation. A challenge in using this material, however, is the wide variety of options for material selection (for the face and core) and the thickness of each component. To achieve weight and energy efficiency priorities, this paper presents a multi-objective optimization procedure to design material properties of honeycomb core sandwich panels for minimum weight and maximum thermal resistance within the context of origami-inspired shelters. The novelty of this work includes the specific application to origami shelters, the simplified approach employed which approximates the structural behavior of the panels to avoid time-intensive finite element analyses, and a focus on selecting commercially available materials. While final design would require a three-dimensional finite element analysis, this procedure offers designers a valuable, simplified tool to rapidly narrow-in on sandwich panel configurations which are lightweight while offering thermal insulation. This approach is demonstrated for one origami-inspired topology which carries loads prescribed by the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center.
System synthesis of synchronous multimedia applications

Modern system design is being increasingly driven by applications such as multimedia and wireless sensing and communications, which all have intrinsic quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as throughput, error-rate, and resolution. One of the most crucial QoS guarantees that the system has to provide is the timing constraints among the interacting media (synchronization) and within each media (latency). We have developed the first framework for systems design with timing QoS guarantees, latency and synchronization. In particular we address how to design system-on-chip with minimal silicon area to meet timing constraints. We propose the two-phase design methodology. In the first phase, we select an architecture which facilitates the needs of synchronous low latency applications well. In the second phase, for a given processor configuration, we use our new scheduler in such a way that storage requirements are minimized. We have developed scheduling algorithms that solve the problem optimally for a-priori specified applications. The algorithms have been implemented and their effectiveness demonstrated on a set of simulated MPEG streams from popular movies.
Mammalian Rap1 widens its impact.

Three recent studies reveal unexpected functions of Rap1, a member of the shelterin complex that protects chromosome ends from the activity of DNA repair pathways. Rap1 not only protects telomeres from sister chromatid exchange, but also functions in genome-wide transcriptional regulation and NF-κB-dependent signalling, revealing new perspectives for the telomere field.
Discovery of novel S. aureus autolysins and molecular engineering to enhance bacteriolytic activity.

Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous bacterial pathogen whose clinical impact has been amplified by the emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance. In the search for more effective therapeutic strategies, great effort has been placed on the study and development of staphylolytic enzymes, which benefit from high potency activity toward drug-resistant strains, and a low inherent susceptibility to emergence of new resistance phenotypes. To date, the majority of therapeutic candidates have derived from either bacteriophage or environmental competitors of S. aureus. Little to no consideration has been given to cis-acting autolysins that represent key elements in the bacterium’s endogenous cell wall maintenance and recycling machinery. In this study, five putative autolysins were cloned from the S. aureus genome, and their activities were evaluated. Four of these novel enzymes, or component domains thereof, demonstrated lytic activity toward live S. aureus cells, but their potencies were 10s to 1000s of times lower than that of the well-characterized therapeutic candidate lysostaphin. We hypothesized that their poor activities were due in part to suboptimal cell wall targeting associated with their native cell wall binding domains, and we sought to enhance their antibacterial potential via chimeragenesis with the peptidoglycan binding domain of lysostaphin. The most potent chimera exhibited a 140-fold increase in lytic rate, bringing it within 8-fold of lysostaphin. While this enzyme was sensitive to certain biologically relevant environmental factors and failed to exhibit a measurable minimal inhibitory concentration, it was able to kill lysostaphin-resistant S. aureus and ultimately proved active in lung surfactant. We conclude that the S. aureus proteome represents a rich and untapped reservoir of novel antibacterial enzymes, and we demonstrate enhanced bacteriolytic activity via improved cell wall targeting of autolysin catalytic domains.
Dream Splicing: A New Technique for Assessing Thematic Coherence in Subjective Reports of Mental Activity

A novel "dream splicing" technique allows the objective evaluation of thematic coherence in dreams. In this study, dream reports were cut into segments and segments randomly recombined to form spliced reports. Judges then attempted to distinguish spliced reports from intact ones. Five judges correctly scored 22 spliced and intact reports 82% of the time (p < .000l); 13 of the 22 reports were correctly scored by all five judges (p < .05 for each). We conclude that most dream reports contain sufficient coherence to allow judges to distinguish intact from spliced reports. In contrast, abridged reports, which had all but their first and last five lines removed, were correctly identified in only 10 of 38 reports, suggesting that thematic continuity does not normally extend from the beginning to the end of dreams. The continuity identified in this minority of the reports depended on easily identifiable features, such as specific characters, objects, locations, and emotions, rather than on "latent" themes.
Follicular lesions of thyroid: a 5-year fine-needle aspiration experience.

BACKGROUND Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid is of limited value in discriminating between nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in approximately 5–29% of patients. Indeterminate lesions are due primarily to the overlapping cytologic features found in follicular lesions. In this report, the authors describe their experience with FNA biopsy of the thyroid, concentrating on the analysis of those aspirates placed in the follicular lesion category. METHODS A blinded, retrospective analysis of 92 patients who underwent FNA and were diagnosed with follicular lesions was performed by three of the authors (T.S.G., B.D.F., and M.O.) at a multihead microscope. A worksheet assessing a variety of cytologic and architectural features was filled out for each FNA patient. The reviewers then reached a consensus diagnosis. RESULTS The reviewers agreed with the reported FNA diagnosis of follicular lesion in 63 of the 92 patients studied. No distinguishing cytologic features predictive of the histologic outcome were found in any of these 63 patients. Seven patients were judged by the reviewers to have insufficient cells for evaluation. In the remaining 22 patients, the reviewers' diagnoses were in agreement with the histologic diagnoses in 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS The authors found that there is a gray area in the cytologic diagnosis of patients with thyroid lesions by FNA due to inherent similarities at the light microscopic level. However, increased specificity may be achieved by careful attention to cytologic features and morphologic detail. Skillful application of FNA techniques, with the recovery of an adequate sample, will further decrease both interpretive errors and the number of patients diagnosed with “follicular lesions.” Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2000;90:335–341. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Diffusion in a two-region slab with an eroding boundary

Abstract The transient mass diffusion problem with linear irreversible trapping and external sources for a two-region slab which has one of its outer boundaries eroding at a prescribed rate and subjected to boundary condition of the third kind at both boundaries is analyzed and a zeroth order solution is presented for the concentration distribution in the medium as a function of time and position. To illustrate the application, numerical results are presented for the concentration distribution in the medium.
Hydroxyproline ingestion and urinary oxalate and glycolate excretion

Endogenous synthesis of oxalate is an important contributor to calcium oxalate stone formation and renal impairment associated with primary hyperoxaluria. Although the principal precursor of oxalate is believed to be glyoxylate, pathways in humans resulting in glyoxylate synthesis are not well defined. Hydroxyproline, a component amino acid of collagen, is a potential glyoxylate precursor. We have investigated the contribution of dietary hydroxyproline derived from gelatin to urinary oxalate and glycolate excretion. Responses to the ingestion of 30 g of gelatin or whey protein were compared on controlled oxalate diets. The time course of metabolism of a 10 g gelatin load was determined as well as the response to varying gelatin loads. Urinary glycolate excretion was 5.3-fold higher on the gelatin diet compared to the whey diet and urinary oxalate excretion was 43% higher. Significant changes in plasma hydroxyproline and urinary oxalate and glycolate were observed with 5 and 10 g gelatin loads, but not 1 and 2 g loads. Extrapolation of these results to daily anticipated collagen turnover and hydroxyproline intake suggests that hydroxyproline metabolism contributes 20-50% of glycolate excreted in urine and 5-20% of urinary oxalate derived from endogenous synthesis. Our results also revealed that the kidney absorbs significant quantities of hydroxyproline and glycolate, and their metabolism to oxalate in this tissue warrants further consideration.
ENZYMATIC ESTIMATION OF AVAILABLE LYSINE

The automated lysine decarboxylase method of determining lysine concentrations was integrated with a previously developed method of treating samples with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to bind free epsilonamino groups of lysine. Together these procedures provide an improved test for available lysine.
Interaction of Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor with Heparin Inhibits Proteases Involved in Asthma

Protease inhibition by secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is accelerated by the sulfated polysaccharides. The nature of the SLPI-polysaccharide interaction, explored with affinity chromatography, indicated that this interaction was sensitive to the charge and type of polysaccharide. Dextran and chondroitin had the lowest affinity for SLPI, followed by dermatan, heparan, and dextran sulfates. While heparin bound SLPI tightly, the highest affinity heparin chains unexpectedly contained a lower level of sulfation than more weakly interacting chains. Heparin oligosaccharides, prepared using heparin lyase I were SLPI-affinity fractionated. Surprisingly, undersulfated heparin oligosaccharides bound SLPI with the highest affinity, suggesting the importance of free hydroxyl groups for high affinity interaction. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to determine the thermodynamics of SLPI interaction with a low molecular weight heparin, an undersulfated decasaccharide and a tetrasaccharide. The studies showed 12‐14 saccharide units, corresponding to molecular weight of ;4,800, were required for a 1:1 (SLPI:heparin) binding stoichiometry. Furthermore, an undersulfated decasaccharide was able to bind SLPI tightly (Kd ;13 nM), resulting in its activation and the inhibition of neutrophil elastase and pancreatic chymotrypsin. The in vitro assessment of heparin and the decasaccharide and tetrasaccharide using stopped-flow kinetics suggested that heparin was the optimal choice to study SLPI-based in vivo protease inhibition. SLPI and heparin were co-administered by inhalation in therapy against antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in a sheep bronchoprovocation model. Heparin, in combination with SLPI demonstrated in vivo efficacy reducing early and late phase bronchoconstriction. Heparin also increased the therapeutic activity of SLPI against antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness.
Examining Meta-Analytic Approaches For Evaluating Multi-Year Wellness Program Impact: An Example From The Health And Human Service Arena

The current investigation examines the use of meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of a community-wide health care initiative across a four-year period. This community-wide initiative began in an effort to create a “healthy community” in a small mid-western city. This multi-level, longitudinal study incorporates the use of meta-analysis in an effort to examine treatment effects across the areas of knowledge of health issues, reported healthy behaviors, and clinical measures. Issues regarding the challenges associated with the synthesis of different types of effect size measures across time, as well as concerns associated with multi-site repeated measure responses, are presented. Results of the effect size analyses are presented using odds ratios.
Embedded data indexing for fast stream interception by Internet appliances

Interception of a data stream is central to any intelligent and dynamic processing of Web information. It is perhaps as fundamental to Internet services' overall architecture as the design of disk scheduling to the conventional machine architecture. We discuss an IPv6 based indexing protocol that can facilitate random access into multilevel hierarchically encoded content streams and provide serious performance boost to Web content processing.
Evolutionary conservation of mechanisms upstream of asymmetric Nodal expression: reconciling chick and Xenopus

Recent experiments have suggested a pathway of genes that regulate left-right asymmetry in vertebrate embryogenesis. The most downstream member of this cascade is nodal (XNR-1 in frogs), which is expressed in the left-side lateral mesoderm. Previous work in the chick [Levin, 1998] suggests that an inductive interaction by Shh (Sonic hedgehog) present at the midline was needed for the left-sided expression of nodal, which by default would not be expressed. Interestingly, it has been reported [Lohr et al., 1997] that in Xenopus, right-side mesoderm that is explanted at st. 15 and allowed to develop in culture, goes on to express nodal, suggesting that lateral mesoderm expresses this gene by default and that a repression of nodal by the midline is needed to achieve asymmetry. Such a contradiction raises interesting questions about the degree of conservation of the mechanisms upstream of nodal asymmetry and, in general, about the differences in the LR pathway among species. Thus we examined this issue directly. We show that in the chick, as in the frog, explanted mesoderm from both sides does, indeed, go on to express nodal, including both the medial and lateral expression domains. Ectopic nodal expression in the medial domain on the right side is not sufficient to induce an ectopic lateral domain. We also show that explanted lateral tissue regenerates node/notochord structures exhibiting Shh expression. Furthermore, we show that Xenopus explants done at st. 15 also regenerate notochord by the stage at which XNR-1 would be expressed. Thus explants are not isolated from the influence of the midline. In contrast to the midline repressor model previously suggested [Lohr et al., 1997] to explain the presence of nodal expression in explants, we propose that the expression is due to induction by signals secreted by regenerating node and notochord tissue (Shh in the chick). Thus our results are consistent with Shh being necessary for nodal induction in both species, and we provide an explanation for both sets of data in terms of a single conserved mechanism upstream of nodal expression.
Establishment Efficiency Among Clones of the Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium mexicanum, for Mixed-Clone Infections in Its Natural Lizard Host

Abstract: Within genetically diverse infections of malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.), the relative proportions of genetic clones in the vertebrate host's blood can influence clonal competition, transmission success, gametocyte sex ratio, and virulence. Clonal proportions depend on establishment success of each clone when they enter a new host and on subsequent differences in rates of asexual replication and clearance. Both of these life history traits could be influenced by clone genotype. To assess genetic (clonal) influences on both establishment success and later changes in relative proportion for the lizard malaria parasite Plasmodium mexicanum, 7 naturally infected fence lizards harboring a single clone of P. mexicanum served as donors to initiate replicate experimental infections containing each of the clones and combinations of 2 clones. Measured were relative establishment success of each clone, change in relative proportions over time, and rate of increase of parasite density and total parasit...
Perhaps a Stable Dihyperon

In the quark bag model, the same gluon-exchange forces which make the proton lighter than the $\ensuremath{\Delta}(1236)$ bind six quarks to form a stable, flavor-singlet (with strangeness of - 2) ${J}^{P}={0}^{+}$ dihyperon ($H$) at 2150 MeV. Another isosinglet dihyperon (${H}^{*}$) with ${J}^{P}={1}^{+}$ at 2335 MeV should appear as a bump in $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ invariant-mass plots. Production and decay systematics of the $H$ are discussed.