cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SYNTAX: a rule-based stochastic simulation of the time-varying concentrations of positional isotopomers of metabolic intermediates

Abstract We present a new approach to simulation of metabolic pathways. The syntactic approach combines a rule-based description of biochemical reactions with a stochastic model of chemical kinetics. Each syntactic rule describes the location in a product molecule to which a particular carbon of a reactant molecule will be transferred. Using specifically labeled substrates and known rates of chemical reactions, our simulation predicts the time-dependent changes in concentration of positional isotopomers of metabolic intermediates. (A positional isotopomer of a compound is an isomer that is determined by the positions of isotopes within the molecule, e.g., [1, 2- 13 C]glucose and [1, 3, 5- 13 C]glucose.) For the simulation of the 13 C-positional isotopomers of the citric acid cycle in heart cells we require only 39 syntactic rules, compared to the 176 ordinary differential equations required by the traditional approach. Addition of chemical reactions to the simulation does not require changing the program code for the existing reactions. In comparison, addition of a reaction to a system described by differential equations requires altering the equations for all isotopomers of all reactants and products of the new chemical reaction.
Co-Constructing Non-Mutual Realities: Delay-Generated Trouble in Distributed Interaction

The use of remote communication technologies to carry out daily work is becoming increasingly common, and their use in certain settings is already commonplace. Yet, in spite of the fact that significant sums are being spent on the acquisition of technologies to support distributed work, we are only beginning to understand the intricacies of these interactions. This paper identifies and analyzes one particular limitation of video-based teleconferencing, the impact of an audio and video delay on distributed communication. It offers a detailed microanalysis of one distributed team's use of videoconferencing to support remote teamwork. We explore through this analysis the impact which technology-generated delays may have on shared meaning-making between remote participants. We draw conclusions about the significance of our findings for understanding talk, interaction and collaboration across remote links, and conclude with recommendations for designers, users and implementers.
Shielding Effectiveness of Braided-Wire Shields

An analysis of the shielding effectiveness of braidedwire shields is made using the parameters of the woven wire and the theory of electromagnetic coupling through small irises. The coupling through the rhombic-shaped holes in the braid is approximated by using the electric and magnetic polarizabilities of elliptical holes of the same width and length as the rhombus. The analysis develops the transfer impedance and the mutual capacitance of the shield. The transfer impedance is calculated and plotted for shields of different optical coverages. The variation of mutual capacitance and mutual inductance with the weave angle of the braid are examined.
Two-stage sampling designs for external validation of personal risk models.

We propose a cost-effective sampling design and estimating procedure for validating personal risk models using right-censored cohort data. Validation involves using each subject’s covariates, as ascertained at cohort entry, in a risk model (specified independently of the data) to assign him/her a probability of an adverse outcome within a future time period. Subjects are then grouped according to the magnitudes of their assigned risks, and within each group, the mean assigned risk is compared with the probability of outcome occurrence as estimated using the follow-up data. Such validation presents two complications. First, in the presence of right-censoring, estimating the probability of developing the outcomes before death requires competing risk analysis. Second, for rare outcomes, validation using the full cohort requires assembling covariates and assigning risks to thousands of subjects. This can be costly when some covariates involve analyzing biological specimens. A two-stage sampling design address...
The Isolation of Asym‐Monoethylcitrate from Avocado Fruit

SUMMARY Asym-monoethylcitrate was isolated from avocado fruit. Its identity was established by analysis, by its proton magnetic resonance, and by comparison with the synthetic ester, including X-ray diffraction patterns. Approximately 6% of the citric acid of avocado fruit exists as its asym-monoethyl ester. The ester exists in two crystalline forms of different melting points and different X-ray diffraction patterns.
FIB Induced X-rays (FIBIX) Using 30 keV Ga + Ions

FIB induced X-rays (FIBIX) using a 30 keV Ga+ primary ion beam were collecting using EDS and WDS techniques for conducting samples, YBCO, Al, Cu, ZrB2, and Mo. FIBIX X-ray cross sections are largest for the light element materials, presumably due to momentum transfer from the primary ions to the target atoms and consistent with molecular orbital generation processes. The Ga+ Bremsstrahlung is largest in the low energy X-ray range, less than ∼1 keV, but is essentially nonexistent at higher energies. Thus, characteristic X-ray peaks greater than ∼1 keV are easily identifiable and statistically significant even at low count rates. The large FIBIX counts observed at less than 1 keV are a combination of Bremstrahhlung and characteristic low energy X-rays from light elements, as confirmed by high energy resolution WDS measurements. Low energy X-rays from heavy element targets are difficult to detect using FIBIX, again presumably due to a small amount of momentum transfer to the target atoms.
Experimental and Computational Study of Nanoparticle Transport in Agarose Gel

In magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia for cancer treatment, controlling heat deposition and temperature elevations is an immense challenge in clinical applications. In this study, we evaluate magnetic nanofluid transport using agarose gel that has porous structures similar to human tissue by injecting magnetic nanoparticle solution into the extracellular space of gel. The nanofluid distribution in the gel is examined via digital images of the nanofluid spreading in the gel. By adjusting the gel concentration and injection flow rate, the results have demonstrated that a relatively low injection rate leads to a spherically shaped nanofluid distribution in the gels which is desirable for controlling temperature elevations. In parallel to the experimental study, a particle tracking model is developed to study the migration and deposition of nanoparticles in the porous structure under multiple forces including Brownian motion, London-Van der Waals attraction, electrostatic forces, gravitational body force, viscous force, and inertial force. This model allows for the determination of the rate of nanoparticle deposition on the porous structure for various particle sizes, surface potentials, and local fluid velocity. In the future, the information obtained in this study can be used with continuous porous medium theory to predict the evolution of the concentration and deposition profiles of nanoparticles in porous structure during infusion process.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
New results from optical polarimetry of Saturn's rings

Linear polarimetry of Saturn's rings, obtained through the period of the 1979 opposition, is presented. The polarisation clearly correlates in direction with the plane containing the Sun, planet and Earth, but not the ring plane. The results are consistent with local scattering on the surface of individual ring bodies, covered with frost
Are caffeinated beverages risk factors for delayed conception

The association between time to conceive reported by 2817 fertile women who had recently had a liveborn child and consumption of coffee, tea, and "cola" drinks has been investigated. No evidence for an adverse effect of caffeine was found. For levels of consumption ranging from less than one cup of coffee per week (501 mg caffeine per month) to more than two cups of coffee per day (7000 mg per month), the average time to conceive was similar. The fecundability ratio adjusted for known risk factors for time to conceive was 1.03 (95% confidence interval 0.92-1.16) between those who consumed more than 7000 mg caffeine per month and those who consumed 500 mg or less per month. Furthermore caffeine consumption was not associated with infertility in 1818 infertile women and their primiparous controls.
Asymptotic connectivity of hyperbolic planar graphs

We investigate further the concept of asymptotic connectivity as defined previously by the first author. In particular, we prove the existence of, and compute an upper bound for, the asymptotic connectivity of almost any regular hyperbolic tiling of the plane. Our results indicate fundamental differences between hyperbolic (in the sense of Gromov) and non-hyperbolic graphs.
Operative management of the medial collateral ligament in the multi-ligament injured knee: an evidence-based systematic review

While it is generally accepted that most partial and isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries can be treated non-operatively, ideal treatment of the MCL in multi-ligament knee injuries remains controversial. High failure rates with repair of the posterolateral corner in the multi-ligament injured knee have been recently reported, favoring reconstruction instead. The same maybe true for MCL injuries, however evidence-based treatment recommendations are lacking in the current orthopedic literature. The purpose of this study was to perform an evidence-based systematic review of the operative management (repair and/or reconstruction) of the MCL in the setting of multi-ligament knee injuries. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases for all relevant articles published in English from 1978 to 2008 on the outcomes of surgical management (repair and/or reconstruction) of the MCL in the setting of combined ligament injuries was performed. Inclusion criteria included articles published in (1) English, (2) on human subjects, (3) between the years of 1978 and 2008, (4) had minimum 12-month follow-up, with a mean of at least 24 months, (5) on surgical management of MCL injuries, (6) associated with multi-ligament injuries (three or more ligaments) and/or knee dislocation, and (7) reported objective outcome data on the respective patient cohorts. Exclusion criteria consisted of technique papers, case reports, studies that included fractures associated with MCL injury and those that included pediatric patients. The review identified eight relevant studies. Five articles focused on MCL repair, while three articles focused on MCL reconstruction. No prospective studies compared MCL repair or reconstruction with non-operative treatment or directly compared MCL reconstruction with MCL repair. Currently there is a paucity of objective data on the outcomes regarding surgical management of MCL tears in the combined ligament injured knee. This systematic review demonstrated satisfactory results in both repair and reconstruction groups. Future objective outcome-based studies as well as comparative studies are needed to further evaluate the optimal treatment modality before evidence-based recommendations can be made. Therefore, individual treatment decisions for each patient should be based on the characteristics and nature of the injury.
Adsorption Studies of Methane Films on Catalytic Carbon Nanotubes and on Carbon Filaments

Adsorption measurements of CH4 on catalytically produced carbon nanotubes were used to determine the wetting behavior of the films, the presence of capillary condensation, and the specific surface area of the tubes. Two groups of carbon tubes were produced. The set of larger tubes had inner diameters on the order of 1 μm, while the set of narrower tubes had inner diameters on the order of 10−100 nm. The narrower carbon tubes were either oxidized in nitric acid, or subjected to high-temperature treatment at 2400 °C in vacuum, or left in as-produced condition. The activation processes were used to open the ends of the tubes. Surface area determinations for untreated and treated tubes established that the specific surface area increased as a result of activation. Isothermal adsorption−desorption cycles were measured on treated and untreated tubes. Hysteresis loops, indicative of the formation of a capillary condensate on the substrate, were present only for the open-ended treated tubes; no hysteresis loops w...
From charge transfer to electron transfer in halogen-bonded complexes of electrophilic bromocarbons with halide anions.

Experimental and computational studies of the halogen-bonded complexes, [R–Br, X−], of bromosubstituted electrophiles, R–Br, and halide anions, X−, revealed that decrease of a gap between the frontier orbitals of interacting species led to reduction of the energy of the optical charge-transfer transition and to increase in the ground-state charge transfer (X− → R–Br) in their associates. These variations were accompanied by weakening of the intramolecular, C–Br, and strengthening of the intermolecular, Br⋯X−, bonds. In the limit of the strongest electron donor–acceptor pairs, formation of the halogen-bonded complexes was followed by the oxidation of iodide to triiodide, which took place despite the fact that the I− → R–Br electron-transfer step was highly endergonic and the calculated outer-sphere rate constant was negligibly small. However, the calculated barrier for the inner-sphere electron transfer accompanied by the halogen transfer, R–Br⋯I− → R˙⋯Br–I−˙, was nearly 24 kcal mol−1 lower as compared to that calculated for the outer-sphere process and the rate constant of such reaction was consistent with the experimental kinetics. A dramatic decrease of the electron-transfer barriers (leading to 18-orders of magnitude increase of the rate constant) was related to the strong electronic coupling of the donor and acceptor within the halogen-bonded precursor complex, as well as to the lower solvent reorganization energy and the successor-complex stabilization.
Bringing Features of Human Dialogue to Web Surveys

SUMMARY When web survey respondents self-administer a questionnaire, what they are doing is in many ways similar to what goes on in human–human interviews. The studies presented here demonstrate that enabling web survey respondents to engage in the equivalent of clarification dialogue can improve respondents’ comprehension of questions and thus the accuracy of their answers, much as it can in human–human interviews. In two laboratory experiments, web survey respondents (1) answered more accurately when they could obtain clarification, that is, ground their understanding of survey questions, than when no clarification was available, and (2) answered particularly accurately with mixed-initiative clarification, where respondents could initiate clarification or the system could provide unsolicited clarification when respondents took too long to answer. Diagnosing the need for clarification based on respondent characteristics—in particular, age—proved more effective than relying on a generic model of all respondents’ need for clarification. Although clarification dialogue increased response times, respondents preferred being able to request clarification than not. The current results suggest that bringing features of human dialogue to web surveys can exploit the advantages of both interviewer- and self-administration of questionnaires. Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal generators of finite fields

for some CI E FFn. Such an tl is called a normal generator of IF,,. It is known that every finite held has a normal basis. In 1968 Davenport [l] proved that F,, has a primitive normal basis, i.e., a basis (1) which satisfies the further condition that c1 generates the multiplicative group of F,.. In the course of his proof Davenport obtained a lower bound for the number of normal generators. In this paper we will derive an exact formula for the number N(p’) of (not necessarily primitive) normal generators.
Barriers and challenges in accessing social transfers and role of social welfare services in improving targeting efficiency: A study of conditional cash transfers

Conditional cash transfers are recognized widely as an effective demand-side social assistance intervention that complements the long-standing supply-side intervention of ensuring adequate supply of services. Despite the sophistication and complexity, targeting is not always efficient. Examining nine different conditional cash transfer programs, this review identifies various barriers and challenges faced by both agencies administering the transfers and potential beneficiaries of these transfers and explores the role of social welfare services in overcoming these barriers and challenges and facilitating access to social transfers.
A Nondimensional Analysis of Vertical Configuration, Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Startup

A nominal 10.6 kW (three ton), vertical configuration, ground-coupled heat pump was installed in Abilene, TX in Dec. 1989 and has been monitored since then using a remote data acquisition system. Monitored data include: temperature and relative humidity of return and supply air, water temperature entering and leaving the condenser, power consumption of the individual system components, cycling rate, on-time, and soil temperatures at various depths and radial locations. Water and air flow rates have been measured twice during the monitored period, and have remained constant. The measured quantities allow calculation of instantaneous capacity, power, coefficient of performance (COP), and ground-coil heat rejection. Data for operation in the cooling mode are discussed herein. Based on the experimental data, it was discovered that the water temperature entering the condenser (EWT) exhibited a prolonged minimum after startup due to cooling of the water during the off-cycle. The decreased levels of EWT early in the cycle increased capacity and decreased power, both acting to increase the COP. Two sets of nondimensional groups were developed based on the experimental data. The first nondimensional group allowed analysis of startup independent of changes in independent variables, while the second nondimensional group quantified the performance benefits due to cyclic operation. The results tended to indicate that an improvement in COP may be achieved in cyclic operation, due to the decreased values of EWT early in the cycle. This is in contrast to behavior for air source heat pumps, where cycling always degrades efficiency.
Variability among advanced gamma‐irradiation induced large‐seeded mutant breeding lines in the ‘Georgia Browne’ peanut cultivar

The objective of this study was to compare the variability among advanced large-seeded 'Georgia Browne' mutant breeding lines induced by gamma-irradiation. Seeds of the small-seeded, high-yielding, disease-resistant peanut cultivar 'Georgia Browne' were exposed to a 200 Gy dose of gamma-radiation. Several advanced (M(6:7)-M(6:9)) 'Georgia Browne' mutant breeding lines were developed and evaluated at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station over three consecutive years 1997-99 for disease incidence, pod yield, total sound mature kernels (TSMK) grade, pod weight, seed weight and seed size distribution. Field performance tests showed significant differences among the advanced large-seeded mutant breeding lines compared with 'Georgia Browne' for each of these variables. The results obtained demonstrate the beneficial use of mutation breeding for inducing and developing variable and desirable advanced mutant breeding lines within peanut cultivars.
Dieulafoy lesions: a review of 6 years of experience at a tertiary referral center

Dieulafoy lesions are uncommon sources of GI hemorrhage and predominantly occur in the proximal stomach. At one time a pathological diagnosis made postoperatively, Dieulafoy lesions are now routinely diagnosed and treated endoscopically. Their true incidence is unclear as quiescent Dieulafoy lesions are easily overlooked on endoscopy and bleeding lesions are occasionally misidentified. Over 6 yr (June 1993-November 1999), 40 Dieulafoy lesions were identified on upper endoscopy at our institution, of which seven were located in the duodenum and one in the right colon. Forty-seven percent of patients were hospitalized for other causes before onset of bleeding, and 17 of 40 were found to have other abnormal findings at endoscopy. In 90% of the cases, endoscopic treatment was successful. Seven patients died, but none as a result of hemorrhage. In 24 endoscopically-treated patients in whom follow-up data are available, Dieulafoy bleeding recurred in one patient. Dieulafoy lesions are rare and often difficult to diagnose, but must be considered in the evaluation of upper and lower GI tract hemorrhage, as they can usually be managed endoscopically.
Study of bandgap narrowing in the space-charge region of heavily doped silicon MOS capacitors

Abstract A new approach for analyzing the bandgap narrowing in the space-charge region of heavily doped silicon MOS capacitors is presented in this paper. Using high-frequency capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements on the ultra-thin MOS capacitor structure, the bandgap narrowing versus dopant density in the space-charge region was determined by fitting the measured capacitance minimum, Cmin, with our theoretical calculations using a modified C-V theory which considered the heavy doping effects. The results showed a significant bandgap reduction (e.g. ΔEg = 0.49 eV at NB = 1.6 × 1019 cm−3) for dopant densities greater than 1018 cm−3.
Adherence of human newborn infants' monocytes to matrix-bound fibronectin.

The localization of monocytes to sites of inflammation is mediated by interactions with extracellular matrix components including fibronectin, a nonimmune opsonin with binding sites for collagen, fibrin, heparin, and cell surfaces. This study demonstrates that newborn infants' monocytes bind to both gelatin (i.e., denatured collagen) and matrix-bound fibronectin to a degree comparable to that of adult-derived cells.
Regiospecificity of the peptidyl tRNA ester within the ribosomal P site.

The ribosomal peptidyl transferase center is expected to be regiospecific with regard to its tRNA substrates, yet the ester linkages between the tRNA and the amino acid or peptide are susceptible to isomerization between the O2‘ and O3‘ hydroxyls of the terminal A76 ribose sugar. To establish which isomer of the P site tRNA ester is utilized by the ribosome, we prepared two nonisomerizable transition state inhibitors with either an A76 O2‘ or O3‘ linkage. Strong preferential binding to the O3‘ regioisomer indicates that the peptidyl transferase proceeds through a transition state with an O3‘-linked peptide in the P-site.
Primary payer status affects outcomes for cardiac valve operations

Background Disparities in health care have been reported among various patient populations, and the uninsured and Medicaid populations are a major focus of current health care reform. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of primary payer status on outcomes after cardiac valve operations in the United States. Methods From 2003 to 2007, 477,932 patients undergoing cardiac valve operations were evaluated using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Records were stratified by primary payer status: Medicare (n = 57,249, age=74.0 ± 0.02 years), Medicaid (n = 5,868, age=41.2 ± 0.13 years), uninsured (n = 2,349, age=49.7 ± 0.15 years), and private insurance (n = 31,808, age=53.3 ± 0.04 years). Multivariate regression models were applied to assess the independent effect of payer status on in-hospital outcomes. Results Preoperative patient risk factors were more common among Medicare and Medicaid populations. Unadjusted mortality and complication rates for Medicare (6.9%, 36.6%), Medicaid (5.7%, 31.4%) and uninsured (5.2%, 31.4%) patient groups were higher compared with private insurance groups (2.9%, 29.9%; p Conclusions Uninsured and Medicaid payer status is associated with increased risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality and morbidity among patients undergoing cardiac valve operations compared with Medicare and private insurance. In addition, Medicaid patients accrued the longest hospital stays and highest total costs. Primary payer status should be considered as an independent risk factor during preoperative risk stratification and planning.
Static Fatigue of Preoxidized Hot-Pressed Silicon Nitride

Hot-pressed Si3N4 samples were preoxidized and tested in stress rupture. The lifetime of preoxidized samples was compared to samples that were not pretreated; for the test conditions chosen, lifetime was shorter for the preoxidized samples.
Projection Methods for Solving Sparse Linear Systems

Some methods of successive approximation for the solution of simultaneous linear equations are discussed. The coefficient matrix A of the linear system is assumed to be sparse. It is shown that savings in the computer storage and the computing time are possible, if there exists a subset of the rows (columns) of A, consisting of only orthogonal rows (columns). Such savings are also possible, if for some permutation matrices P and Q, PAQ has a particular structure, viz., singly bordered block diagonal form. It is shown that the set of orthogonal rows (columns) of A, as well as P and Q can be determined by using some results from graph theory (e.g., incidence matrices, row and column graphs, points of attachment). Geometrical interpretations of the methods and their inter-relatiohip are given.
SPINR: two-dimensional spectral imaging through tomographic reconstruction

We describe a novel technique that enables us to conduct 2-D imaging spectroscopy with a 1-D imaging spectrometer. A typical imaging spectrometer obtains a series of 1-D monochromatic images that contain the entire field of view, but the spatial information in the dispersion direction is lost. By rotating the instrument (hence, rotating the field of view), we compile a series of time-dependent profiles. We use a numerical tomographic reconstruction method to recover the second spatial dimension and thereby obtain 2-D monochromatic images of the field of view. This technique is more sensitive and, hence, collects a full 2-D image more quickly than a conventional push-broom scan. We present the results of numerical simulations and discuss the prospects of this method for magnetospheric imaging applications.
Numerical simulation of MHD shock waves in the solar wind

The effects of the interplanetary magnetic field on the propagation speed of shock waves through an ambient solar wind are examined by numerical solutions of the time-dependent nonlinear equations of motion. The magnetic field always increases the velocity of strong shocks. Although the field may temporarily slow down weak shocks inside 1 AU, it eventually also causes weak shocks to travel faster than they would without the magnetic field at larger distances. Consistent with the increase in the shock velocity, the gas pressure ratio across a shock is reduced considerably in the presence of the magnetic field. The numerical method is used to simulate (starting at 0.3 AU) the large deceleration of a shock observed in the lower corona by ground-based radio instrumentation and the more gradual deceleration of the shock in the solar wind observed by the Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10 spacecraft.
Coding true arithmetic in the Medvedev and Muchnik degrees

We prove that the first-order theory of the Medvedev degrees, the first-order theory of the Muchnik degrees, and the third-order theory of true arithmetic are pairwise recursively isomorphic (obtained independently by Lewis, Nies, and Sorbi [7]). We then restrict our attention to the degrees of closed sets and prove that the following theories are pairwise recursively isomorphic: the first-order theory of the closed Medvedev degrees, the first-order theory of the compact Medvedev degrees, the first-order theory of the closed Muchnik degrees. the first-order theory of the compact Muchnik degrees, and the second-order theory of true arithmetic. Our coding methods also prove that neither the closed Medvedev degrees nor the compact Medvedev degrees are elementarily equivalent to either the closed Muchnik degrees or the compact Muchnik degrees.
A Kappa Opioid Model of Atypical Altered Consciousness and Psychosis: U50488, DOI, AC90179 Effects on Prepulse Inhibition and Locomotion in Mice

Sensorimortor gating and locomotion are behaviors that reflect pre-attentive sensory filtering and higher order, top-down, sensory processing, respectively. These processes are thought to affect either the perception of novelty in an environment (filtering) or cognition (higher order processing), salient features of models of altered states of consciousness (ASC). Drugs with highly selective receptor affinities that produce ASC can help to establish neural correlates, pathways, and mechanisms underlying ASC. Furthermore, screening for substances that selectively reverse drug-induced sensory processing departures is valuable for development of experimental antipsychotics. This study investigated the anomalous opioid sub-type, the kappa opioid (KA) system, within the two ASC models. Significant interaction and reversal effects between KA and the serotonin/2A (5-HT2A) system - the serotonin sub-type associated with classical psychedelics - were observed in three BPM measures. These measures showed that KA activation-induced effects could be reversed by 5-HT2A deactivation. These results suggest that KA could function as an atypical antipsychotic medications and/or as a screening tool for new antipsychotic medicines. The experimental work for this study comprised dose-response and reversal experiments with drugs that activate and deactivate kappa opioid and serotonin systems in the two behavioral models for the first time in mice.
Mycobacterium avium 104 deleted of the methyltransferase D gene by allelic replacement lacks serotype‐specific glycopeptidolipids and shows attenuated virulence in mice

Mycobacterium avium is a major opportunistic pathogen of AIDS patients in the United States. The understanding of M. avium pathogenesis has been hampered by the inability to create gene knockouts by homologous recombination, an important mechanism for defining and characterizing virulence factors. In this study a functional methyltransferase D (mtfD) gene was deleted by allelic replacement in the M. avium strain 104. Methyltransferase D is involved in the methylation of glycopeptidolipids (GPLs); highly antigenic glycolipids found in copious amounts on the M. avium cell surface. Interestingly, the loss of mtfD resulted in M. avium 104 containing only the non-serotype specific GPL. Results also suggest that the mtfD encodes for a 3-O-methyltransferase. The absence of significant amounts of any serotype-specific GPLs as a consequence of mtfD deletion indicates that the synthesis of the core 3,4-di-O-methyl rhamnose is a prerequisite for synthesis of the serotype-specific GPLs. Macrophages infected with the mtfD mutant show elevated production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and RANTES compared to control infections. In addition, the M. avium 104 mtfD mutant exhibits decreased ability to survive/proliferate in mouse liver and lung compared to wild-type 104, as assessed by bacterial counts. Importantly, the mtfD mutant complemented with a wild-type mtfD gene maintained an infection level similar to wild-type. These experiments demonstrate that the loss of mtfD results in a M. avium 104 strain, which preferentially activates macrophages in vitro and shows attenuated virulence in mice. Together our data support a role for GPLs in M. avium pathogenesis.
Pat Nixon: Embattled First Lady – By Mary C. Brennan

Pat Nixon is in many ways America's forgotten First Lady. Sandwiched between her immediate predecessors, the stylish Jacqueline Kennedy and the environmentally active Lady Bird Johnson, and her suc...
Average case universal lossless compression with unknown alphabets

Bounds on the average redundancy are derived for universal coding of patterns of sequences generated by independently identically distributed (i.i.d.) sources with unknown, possibly large, alphabets. Sequential approached for compression of patterns are proposed, and the relation between pattern entropy and that of i.i.d. sequences is studied.
A new fabrication method for all-PDMS waveguides

Abstract We report on a novel fabrication technology for building a waveguide system with its core and cladding both formed by Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The refractive index difference is realized by controlling the mixing ratio of base and curing agent. The entire process only requires regular PDMS material and is completely compatible with soft lithography process. The experimental results show a good confinement of light and the transmission loss was about 1.1 dB/cm at 460 nm.
Nutritional control of mRNA isoform expression during developmental arrest and recovery in C. elegans

Nutrient availability profoundly influences gene expression. Many animal genes encode multiple transcript isoforms, yet the effect of nutrient availability on transcript isoform expression has not been studied in genome-wide fashion. When Caenorhabditis elegans larvae hatch without food, they arrest development in the first larval stage (L1 arrest). Starved larvae can survive L1 arrest for weeks, but growth and post-embryonic development are rapidly initiated in response to feeding. We used RNA-seq to characterize the transcriptome during L1 arrest and over time after feeding. Twenty-seven percent of detectable protein-coding genes were differentially expressed during recovery from L1 arrest, with the majority of changes initiating within the first hour, demonstrating widespread, acute effects of nutrient availability on gene expression. We used two independent approaches to track expression of individual exons and mRNA isoforms, and we connected changes in expression to functional consequences by mining a variety of databases. These two approaches identified an overlapping set of genes with alternative isoform expression, and they converged on common functional patterns. Genes affecting mRNA splicing and translation are regulated by alternative isoform expression, revealing post-transcriptional consequences of nutrient availability on gene regulation. We also found that phosphorylation sites are often alternatively expressed, revealing a common mode by which alternative isoform expression modifies protein function and signal transduction. Our results detail rich changes in C. elegans gene expression as larvae initiate growth and post-embryonic development, and they provide an excellent resource for ongoing investigation of transcriptional regulation and developmental physiology.
A method of indoor mobile robot navigation by using fuzzy control

In the design of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), it is necessary to describe schemes of monitoring the status of the robot and suitable procedures of handling various situations. this paper presents a sensor-based navigation method using fuzzy control, whose purpose is to construct expert knowledge for efficient and better piloting of the AMRs. This method provides a function for tracing a planned path by sensing the distance of an AMR from its planned path and the difference between its angle and that of the planned path, and another function that allows an AMR to avoid stationary and moving obstacles by sensing how far an open area extends ahead of it. Fuzzy control is also used to select suitable rules for tracing a path or avoiding obstacles according to the situation, which is determined from sensor information by using fuzzy control. The effectiveness of the established rules and the effect of fuzzy control on AMR navigation are discussed on the basis of simulations. >
Effect of Metformin, Rapamycin, and Their Combination on Growth and Progression of Prostate Tumors in HiMyc Mice

In this study, we compared the effect of oral administration of metformin (MET) and rapamycin (RAPA) alone or in combination on prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression in HiMyc mice. MET (250 mg/kg body weight in the drinking water), RAPA (2.24 mg/kg body weight microencapsulated in the diet) and the combination inhibited progression of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions to adenocarcinomas in the ventral prostate (VP). RAPA and the combination were more effective than MET at the doses used. Inhibition of PCa progression in HiMyc mice by RAPA was associated with a significant reduction in mTORC1 signaling that was further potentiated by the combination of MET and RAPA. In contrast, treatment with MET alone enhanced AMPK activation but had little or no effect on mTORC1 signaling pathways in the VP of HiMyc mice. Further analyses revealed a significant effect of all treatments on prostate tissue inflammation as assessed by analysis of the expression of cytokines, the presence of inflammatory cells and NFκB signaling. MET at the dose utilized appeared to reduce PCa progression primarily by reducing tissue inflammation whereas RAPA and the combination appeared to inhibit PCa progression in this mouse model via the combined effects on both mTORC1 signaling as well as on tissue inflammation. Overall, the current data support the hypothesis that blocking mTORC1 signaling and/or tissue inflammation can effectively inhibit PCa progression in a relevant mouse model of human PCa. Furthermore, combinatorial approaches that target both pathways may be highly effective for prevention of PCa progression in men.
Bisexuals and the sex differences in jealousy hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to examine jealousy toward infidelity in bisexual individuals. Each participant completed an online survey including a forced-choice question regarding what distresses them more: the emotional aspects of the infidelity or the sexual aspects of the infidelity. Results supported the hypothesis: a higher percentage of bisexual men dating women reported being bothered by the sexual infidelity than bisexual men dating men, bisexual women dating women, and bisexual women dating men. Additionally, there was a gender by relationship orientation interaction where the traditional sex difference emerged when comparing women dating men and men dating women, but the sex difference disappeared when comparing women dating women and men dating men.
NFTAPE: networked fault tolerance and performance evaluator

The NFTAPE is a software implemented, highly flexible fault injection environment for conducting automated fault/error injection-based dependability characterization. NFTAPE: (1) enables a user: (i) to specify a fault/error injection plan, (ii) to carry out injection experiments, and (iii) to collect the experimental results for analysis; (2) targets assessment of a broad set of dependability metrics, e.g., availability, reliability, coverage; (3) operates in a distributed environment; (4) can be configured to implement a variety of fault/error injection strategies and thus to serve multiple users and target systems; (5) imposes minimal disturbance of target systems.
Characterization and protective immunogenicity of the SzM protein of Streptococcus zooepidemicus NC78 from a clonal outbreak of equine respiratory disease.

Streptococcus zooepidemicus of Lancefield group C is a highly variable tonsillar and mucosal commensal that usually is associated with opportunistic infections of the respiratory tract of vertebrate hosts. More-virulent clones have caused epizootics of severe respiratory disease in dogs and horses. The virulence factors of these strains are poorly understood. The antiphagocytic protein SeM is a major virulence factor and protective antigen of Streptococcus equi, a clonal biovar of an ancestral S. zooepidemicus strain. Although the genome of S. zooepidemicus strain H70, an equine isolate, contains a partial homolog (szm) of sem, expression of the gene has not been documented. We have identified and characterized SzM from an encapsulated S. zooepidemicus strain from an epizootic of equine respiratory disease in New Caledonia. The SzM protein of strain NC78 (SzMNC78) has a predicted predominantly alpha-helical fibrillar structure with an LPSTG cell surface anchor motif and resistance to hot acid. A putative binding site for plasminogen is present in the B repeat region, the sequence of which shares homology with repeats of the plasminogen binding proteins of human group C and G streptococci. Equine plasminogen is activated in a dose-dependent manner by recombinant SzMNC78. Only 23.20 and 25.46% DNA homology is shared with SeM proteins of S. equi strains CF32 and 4047, respectively, and homology ranges from 19.60 to 54.70% for SzM proteins of other S. zooepidemicus strains. As expected, SzMNC78 reacted with convalescent-phase sera from horses with respiratory disease associated with strains of S. zooepidemicus. SzMNC78 resembles SeM in binding equine fibrinogen and eliciting strong protective antibody responses in mice. Sera of vaccinated mice opsonized S. zooepidemicus strains NC78 and W60, the SzM protein of which shared partial amino acid homology with SzMNC78. We conclude that SzM is a protective antigen of NC78; it was strongly reactive with serum antibodies from horses during recovery from S. zooepidemicus-associated respiratory disease.
Epidemiological Study of Sudden and Unexpected Deaths due to Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease

A study of sudden unexpected nontraumatic deaths was begun on June 1, 1964. A sample of all nontraumatic deaths in Baltimore residents between the ages of 20 and 64 from June 15, 1964, to June 14, 1965, was obtained. The deaths were then studied by reviewing all available medical information in order to determine: (1) whether the death was possibly sudden or not and (2) the accuracy of the diagnosis reported on the death certificate. The next of kin or other relative or friend of each deceased person who died suddenly was then interviewed. For comparison, information was obtained on (1) a probability sample of the Baltimore population, and (2) deaths due to arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD deaths) that were found to be "not-sudden." There were 1,857 deaths in the original sample, of which 589 were sudden according to the definition of sudden death. After adjustment for sampling, it was estimated that 1,178 (32%) of the total 3,648 deaths in Baltimore were sudden. Arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) ...
Differences in consumer use of food labels by weight loss strategies and demographic characteristics

Little is known about national patterns in the use of fast food and packaged food labels among adults by weight loss strategies and demographic characteristics. We analyzed the Consumer Behavior Module in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2010 among adults (N = 9,690). For each of the outcome variables – use of packed food and fast food menu labels – multiple logistic regressions were used to adjust for potential differences in population characteristics by weight loss activities and demographic characteristics. Overall, 69 percent of adults reported they would use fast food information and 76 percent reported using the nutrition facts panel on packaged foods. Adults trying to lose weight had a greater likelihood of reporting use of nutrition information to choose fast foods (OR = 1.72; 95 % CI: 1.29, 2.29) and using the nutrition facts panel on food labels (OR = 1.92; 95 % CI: 1.60, 2.30). Black and Hispanic adults were more likely to report using ingredients lists on packaged foods compared to Whites (White −63 %, Black/Hispanic −68 %, p < 0.05). Regardless of weight loss activities or demographic characteristics, a majority of adults report they would use fast food nutrition information.
Isospin mixing in $sup 8$Be with the Sussex interaction

The Sussex harmonic oscillator matrix elements are employed to estimate the effect of cross terms between the nuclear interaction and the Coulomb potential. The 2p, 3p1h, and 4p2h corrections are calculated with second order perturbation theory. The resulting matrix elements of the charge dependent interaction yield excellent agreement with observed isospin mixing in $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$. Comparison is made to $G$-matrix calculations.
Design of a Network of Digital Sensor Macros for Extracting Power Supply Noise Profile in SoCs

Increased functional density with shrinking technology could result in escalating power supply noise (PSN)-induced failures in the field. Furthermore, the low correlation between system-level functional test and production test is making it difficult to better screen parts that would fail in the field due to PSN. To address these issues, in this paper, we present a fully digital on-chip distributed sensor network to continuously monitor the PSN profile across the chip and generate a trace for diagnosis of any noise-induced failure at silicon validation, structural test, system test, and functional operation phases of system on chips (SoCs). The sensors capture PSN at a fine granularity and store the SoC’s critical status bits. The sensor offers easy access and control with the aid of scan chains. The sensor network has been designed in the 28-nm standard cell library, and its performance is demonstrated in the physical design of OpenSPARCT1 multicore processor SoC.
Rotavirus Diarrhea in Shenzhen Baoan District,2005-2010

Objective To provide evidence for rotavirus control by analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of rotavirus in Shenzhen Bao'an district.Methods Descriptive epidemoiological method was used to analyze characteristics of the reported rotavirus diarrhea cases from the diseases reporting information system during 2005-2010.Results Totally 26 539 cases of rotavirus diarrhea were reported in Shenzhen Bao'an district from 2005 to 2010,and the annual incidence rate was 10.02/105,29.58/105,60.01/105,114.29/105,87.90/105 and 124.81/105,respectively.The reported cases increased obviously from every September and into the peak period in November.The patients under 5 years old accounted for 95.29%(25 289 cases),and the patients under 2 accounted for 92.81%(24 631) cases);97.60% of the cases were diagnosed by laboratory tests.Conclusion The incidence rate of rotavirus dirrhea in Shenzhen Bao'an district presented an anually increasing trend from 2005 to 2010.The reported cases of rotavirus dirrhea occurred mostly in the chilren under 5 years old,and the incidence peaked in September to November.More attention and financial support,human resources should be paid into the control and prevention of rotavirus diarrhea among enfants.
Cancer screening practices of Cajun and non-Cajun women in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

A survey was undertaken to learn about cancer screening practices of adult women residing in Houma, Louisiana, many of whom are of Cajun descent. The women were identified using a telephone sampling procedure and interviewed about their use of screening mammography, clinical breast examinations, Pap smears, and other factors. Interviews were completed for 50 women aged 50 to 75 years. Forty-eight percent (24 of 50) were self-identified Cajuns, 34% were non-Cajun white, 14% were black, and 4% were of other races. Only 42% of the Cajun women and 41% of non-Cajun white women reported having had a mammogram in the last year. The Cajun women were less educated on average (P .05). In view of their geographical isolation and unique culture, more research is needed to identify barriers to preventive health services in Cajun communities.