cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flagellar Phase Variation in Salmonella enterica Is Mediated by a Posttranscriptional Control Mechanism

Salmonella enterica has two antigenically distinct flagellin genes, fliC and fljB, that are alternatively expressed. The fljA gene is cotranscribed with fljB and encodes a protein that has been characterized as a transcriptional repressor of the unlinked fliC gene when FljB is expressed. In this study we report genetic evidence that FljA prevents the production of FliC protein through an interaction with the 5′-untranslated region of the fliC mRNA transcript. Studies with operon and gene fusions, Western analyses, and T2 RNase protection assays were performed for strains with the fljBA promoter locked in either the on or the off orientation. β-Galactosidase assays of fliC transcriptional and translational fusions to the lac operon demonstrated that while FljA inhibits fliC transcription fivefold in the fljBAON orientation, it has a 200-fold effect on both fliC transcription and translation, indicating that the FljA inhibitor might act at both the transcriptional and translational level. T2 RNase protection assays also demonstrated a fivefold decrease in fliC transcript levels for cells locked in the fljBAON orientation compared to those in the fljBAOFF orientation, and an eightfold decrease in FliC protein levels was observed by Western analysis. This reduction in FliC protein levels is greater than the decrease observed for the transcript. These results are consistent with a new model whereby FljA inhibits FliC expression by an attenuation or translational control mechanism.
Preconcentration/preelution ion chromatography for the determination of perchlorate in complex samples

Abstract The determination of perchlorate in complex matrices by ion chromatography (IC) with an online preconcentration and preelution technique is discussed. The method was applied to different sample types containing large concentrations of matrix anions that would otherwise interfere with analysis via conventional IC. The present approach was highly effective in removing most of the matrix anions and was thus resistant to the interferences commonly encountered in a high ionic strength background. Method performance was evaluated by analyzing for low-level perchlorate in synthetic high ionic strength solutions, tissue extracts, and hydroponic nitrate fertilizer samples. Not only is it easier to practice the present method compared to USEPA Method 314.0, but for most of these samples the present approach provided equal to or better recovery of perchlorate than Method 314.0. With a sample of specific conductance 12,650 μS cm−1, for example, the present method provided a perchlorate recovery of 101% at the 25 μg L−1 level versus 89% by EPA Method 314.0. Method detection limits of perchlorate in hydroponic fertilizer samples with this method (130–190 μg kg−1) are the lowest thus far reported.
A synthetic triterpenoid selectively inhibits the induction of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 13 by inflammatory cytokines

Objective To address the effects of a novel synthetic triterpenoid, 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO), on the induction of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 13 (MMP-1, MMP-13) by inflammatory cytokines. Methods Human chondrosarcoma cells stimulated with inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], tumor necrosis factor α) were used to study the effects of CDDO on the induction of MMPs and the invasion of cells through a collagen matrix. Results CDDO selectively reduced the induction of MMP-1 and MMP-13 at the levels of messenger RNA and protein. Treatment with CDDO prior to cytokine stimulation enhanced this inhibition, and we demonstrated that CDDO functions at the level of transcription. Additionally, CDDO reduced IL-1β–mediated invasion of cells through a collagen matrix. Conclusion This study demonstrates that CDDO is a novel inhibitor of MMP-1 and MMP-13 gene expression mediated by inflammatory cytokines. Thus, CDDO may have therapeutic potential for the inhibition of joint degradation in osteoarthritis.
Cyclic-AMP inhibition of fimbriae and prodigiosin production by Serratia marcescens is strain-dependent

The cyclic-nucleotide 3',5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP) is an ancient and widespread regulatory molecule. Previous studies have shown that fimbria production and secondary metabolite production are inhibited by cAMP in the prokaryote Serratia marcescens. This study used genetic manipulations to test the strain specificity of cAMP-cyclic-AMP receptor protein regulation of fimbria production and of the red pigment, prodigiosin. A surprising amount of variation was observed, as multicopy expression of the cAMP-phosphodiesterase gene, cpdS, conferred either an increase or decrease in fimbriae-dependent yeast agglutination and prodigiosin production depending upon the strain background. Mutation of crp, the gene coding for the cAMP-receptor protein, similarly conferred strain-dependent phenotypes. This study shows that three distinct biological properties, modulated by a conserved genetic regulatory molecule, can vary significantly among strains. Such variation can complicate the functional analysis of bacterial phenotypic properties which are dependent upon global genetic regulators such as cAMP.
THE SEERS MODIFIED INPUT‐OUTPUT TABLE: SOME PROJECTION TECHNIQUES

Dudley Seers and his colleagues in working with various less developed economies have proposed a modified version of an input-output table for making projections and tests of consistency in planning. The table includes only the important inter-sectoral flows. By making a simplifying assumption with regard to the non-included inter-sectoral flows, an algebraic formulation of the modified input-output table is possible. The resulting matrix of input-output coefficients and final demands can be transformed into a Leontief input-output matrix which is block triangular and composed of two-blocks, one of which is diagonal. Given a set of final demands it is very easy to solve for the total output of each of the sectors. The amount of computation involved is directly related to the number of intersectoral flows included in the original modified input-output table.
A study of carbamyl phosphate synthesis in Streptococcus lactis.

Abstract The lack of an effect of a biotin deficiency upon production of the carbamyl phosphate-synthesizing enzyme of Streptococcus lactis 8039 suggests that biotin is not involved directly in the production of this enzyme. The decreased biotin content of active fractions of the enzyme after each step in purification and the inability of avidin to affect the activity of the purified enzyme suggest that biotin is not a cofactor in the enzyme. Sulfate ion specifically protects the enzyme and also reactivates enzyme preparations which have been inactivated by dialysis, heat treatment, or aging. Some properties of the enzyme were determined.
In-use product stocks link manufactured capital to natural capital

In-use stock of a product is the amount of the product in active use. In-use product stocks provide various functions or services on which we rely in our daily work and lives, and the concept of in-use product stock for industrial ecologists is similar to the concept of net manufactured capital stock for economists. This study estimates historical physical in-use stocks of 91 products and 9 product groups and uses monetary data on net capital stocks of 56 products to either approximate or compare with in-use stocks of the corresponding products in the United States. Findings include the following: (i) The development of new products and the buildup of their in-use stocks result in the increase in variety of in-use product stocks and of manufactured capital; (ii) substitution among products providing similar or identical functions reflects the improvement in quality of in-use product stocks and of manufactured capital; and (iii) the historical evolution of stocks of the 156 products or product groups in absolute, per capita, or per-household terms shows that stocks of most products have reached or are approaching an upper limit. Because the buildup, renewal, renovation, maintenance, and operation of in-use product stocks drive the anthropogenic cycles of materials that are used to produce products and that originate from natural capital, the determination of in-use product stocks together with modeling of anthropogenic material cycles provides an analytic perspective on the material linkage between manufactured capital and natural capital.
Charge-transfer in YBa2Cu3O x

The charge-transfer hypothesis is shown to be inconsistent with data for YBa2Cu3Ox: (i) The two-step behavior ofTc(x) (with jumps from zero to ≈60 K and then to ≈90 K) is not reflected as a similar, statistically significant two-step behavior in the bond-valence-sum charge of cuprate-plane Cu ions (as once believed), (ii) as a consequence of the law of conservation of charge, the derivatives of the layer charges with respect to oxygen contentx for both the Ba-O layers and the charge-reservoir Cu-O chains have the opposite signs to those predicted, and (iii) the charge-transfer observed for superconducting YBa2Cu3Ox is not sufficient to produce superconductivity, as demonstrated by insulating PrBa2Cu3Ox, which has virtually the same layer charges.
Lactational Responses to Postruminal Administration of Proteins and Amino Acids

Rumen by-pass of nutrients has improved performance of lactating dairy cows, growing stepers, and sheep. Postruminal supplementation of casein has increased milk production 1 to 4 kg per cow per day and milk protein yield by 10 to 15%. Component(s) in casein eliciting the improved performance have not been determined adequately. Glucose, amino acids, hormone secretion, or a combination of these factors may be responsible for the improved performance. Future research to delineate limiting nutrients for postruminal supplementation should prove fruitful and should make a major contribution to improved production by ruminant animals.
Abstract A60: Vitamin D related genetic variation, plasma vitamin D, and risk of lethal prostate cancer

Background: The association of vitamin D status with prostate cancer is controversial, with no association observed for overall incidence, but a potential link with lethal disease. Methods: We assessed prediagnostic plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and variation in vitamin D related genes and the risk of lethal prostate cancer using a prospective case-control study nested within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. We included 1328 incident cases diagnosed following blood draw (1993–95) and 1331 controls. Men with prostate cancer were followed through March 2011 for lethal outcomes (n=111). We selected 97 linkage disequilibrium tagSNPs to represent common genetic variation across seven vitamin D related genes (CYP27A1, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, GC, CYP24A1, RXRA, VDR). We used a logistic kernel machine test to assess the multimarker pathway global association for ‘SNP-sets’ defined by the seven genes with prostate cancer. Results: Higher levels of 25(OH)D were associated with about half the risk of lethal prostate cancer (OR comparing extreme quartiles: 0.45; 95% CI:0.25–0.81). This finding did not vary by time from blood draw to diagnosis. We found no significant association of 25(OH)D with overall prostate cancer risk(OR comparing extreme quartiles: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.85–1.30). The total vitamin D pathway SNP-set (seven genes) as well as SNP-sets defined by the individual genes (VDR, RXRA, or CYP27A1) were nominally associated with lethal prostate cancer risk (p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A60.
Inhibition of dehydrogenase enzymes by hexachlorophene

Abstract Low concentrations of the antibacterial agent hexachlorophene (HCP) inhibited a number of pyridine nucleotide-linked dehydrogenase enzymes, including bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), beef heart malate dehydrogenase (MDH), torula yeast glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P-D), horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), pig heart isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD), and beef heart lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Initial velocity studies at appropriate enzyme concentrations gave I 50 values for the dehydrogenases which ranged between 1.6 μM for GDH and 105 μM for ICD and LDH. More detailed kinetic analyses of G-6-P-D, ICD and GDH showed that inhibition by HCP in most cases was of the noncompetitive type. Calculations made from the kinetic data gave apparent K i values with G-6-P-D, of 59 μM for NADP + and of 38 μM for glucose 6-phosphate; with ICD, of 1.0 μM for NADP + and of 25 μM for isocitrate; and, with GDH, of 2.0 μM for NADH, of 7.4 μM for α-ketoglutarate, and of 2.3 μM for ammonium acetate.
Language, literacy, and characterization of stroke among patients taking warfarin for stroke prevention: Implications for health communication

Abstract Objective Warfarin is a medication commonly prescribed to prevent strokes associated with certain medical conditions such as atrial fibrillation; however, little is known about how people taking warfarin perceive the goal of therapy and how they describe strokes. We assessed the stroke-related health literacy of anticoagulated patients to inform ways in which to improve health communication among people taking warfarin. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study of an ethnically and linguistically diverse sample of people taking warfarin to prevent stroke ( N =183) and measured literacy using the short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. We asked participants to (1) describe their indication for warfarin, and (2) describe a stroke. Transcribed answers were coded as concordant or discordant with established indications for warfarin and definitions of stroke. Results Forty-three percent of participants provided a discordant response when describing their indication for warfarin. Only 9.3% reported that the purpose of taking warfarin was to prevent stroke. Not speaking English [OR=2.4 (1.1–5.6)] and less than a college education [OR=3.3 (1.4–7.3)] were independently associated with discordant answers about warfarin. Nearly 40% of subjects had inaccurate perceptions of stroke, and only one-third of subjects described a symptom or sign of stroke. Among English and Spanish-speaking participants, inadequate literacy was strongly associated with discordant responses about stroke [OR=5.8 (2.1–15.6)]. Conclusion Among high-risk people taking warfarin to prevent stroke, significant gaps in stroke-related health literacy exist. These gaps likely represent mismatches in the ways clinicians teach and patients learn. Practice implications Since stroke risk awareness and early recognition of the signs and symptoms of stroke are critical aspects of stroke prevention and treatment, clinicians should more strongly link warfarin therapy to stroke prevention and ensure that patients know the presenting symptoms and signs of stroke. Public health communication strategies regarding stroke prevention need to target individuals with limited literacy and limited English proficiency.
Internet-based model of distance education

The history of distance education began over a hundred years ago. During the Industrial Revolution, technological developments in areas such as transportation and communications led to major advances in the delivery of distance education. Recent developments with Internet technology, such as electronic mail, newsgroups, chat lines and the World Wide Web, have created another revolution in the capacity to deliver high-quality, cost-effective distance education. In order to take full advantage of using Internet-based tools in human resource development (HRD) initiatives such as training and development, there is a need for a clear model that defines the range and types of Internet-based tools available. In this paper Shale and Garrison's model of distance education developed in the late 1980s is updated and critiqued for the late 1990s through the addition of Internet-based distance education tools. If properly understood and implemented, these Internet-based tools can lead to instruction that is highly int...
Solute diffusion in swollen membranes: III. Non-Equilibrium thermodynamic aspects of solute diffusion in polymer network membranes

Abstract The Kedem-Katchalsky phenomenological coefficients Lp, LD and LpD of albumin transport through PVA membranes were calculated through knowledge of the corresponding multicomponent diffusion coefficients. Non-equilibrium thermodynamic considerations for non-ideal systems of hydrophilic solutes in water were used to describe the transport of albumin through swollen non-porous (gel) polymeric membranes. Experimental results and the effect of polymer structure are also discussed.
Examination of structural effect on thin-layer chromatographic multiple spot formation of sympathomimetic amines in the presence of hydrochloric acid.

From a number of solutions of sympathomimetic amines in ( a ) water or ( b ) 10 N hydrochloric acid, chromatographed on thin layer of alumina, cellulose, or silica gel using a water-hydrochloric acid-phenol solvent system, only two produced multiple spots when the solvent system and an amine solution in excess hydrochloric acid, on cellulose layers, were used. The appearance of multiple spots does not depend upon the chemical structure of the compounds used, since the phenomenon was not reproduced when alumina or silica gel layers were used. The combination of adsorption and partition forces, the presence of the carboxyl groups in prepared cellulose, and the continuity of the thin layer are the main factors leading to the formation of multiple spots.
Use of Raman Spectroscopy to Characterize Hydrogenation Reactions

Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize hydrogenation reactions involving single-step and two-step processes. The Raman technique was shown to be well-suited for endpoint determination as well as process optimization. In this investigation, hydrogenation of cyclohexene to produce cyclohexane was used as a model system. Conditions were varied to determine the effect of catalyst loading, solvent ratios, and reactant concentrations. Four catalysts were evaluated. The kinetic profiles of each reaction process were determined for each of the catalysts. In one case, a side reaction leading to an intermediate was observed for the hydrogenation reaction when run under hydrogen-starved conditions. After these cyclohexene hydrogenations were characterized, Raman spectroscopy was applied to the conversion of carvone to tetrahydrocarvone and the hydrogenation of 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate. Raman was used to characterize the kinetics of these reactions and was also used to prove that two-step hydrogenation mec...
Finite groups with unbalancing 2-components of {L̂3(4), He}-type

1. INTR~DUCTJ~~ Considerable progress has been made in recent years towards the classification of finite simple grnups of odd Chevallcy type These groups may be defined as simple groups G containing an involution t such that C,(t)jO(C,(t)) has a subnormal quasi-simple subgroup. This property is possessed by most Chevalley groups over fields of odd order but by no simple Chevalley groups over fields of characteristic 2, hence the name. It is also a property of alternating groups of degree at least 9 and eighteen of the known sporadic simple groups. Particular attention in this area has focussed on the so-called B-Conjecture.
Two-component model of the neutron diffuse scattering in the relaxor ferroelectric PZN-4.5%PT

We report measurements of the neutron diffuse scattering in a single crystal of the relaxor ferroelectric material $95.5\mathrm{%}\text{Pb}({\text{Zn}}_{1/3}{\text{Nb}}_{2/3}){\text{O}}_{3}\text{\ensuremath{-}}4.5\mathrm{%}{\text{PbTiO}}_{3}$. Our results suggest that the nanometer scale structure in this compound exhibits both $⟨100⟩$ and $⟨110⟩$ polarizations, which contribute to different portions of the total diffuse scattering intensity. These contributions can be distinguished by the differing responses to an electric field applied along [001]. While diffuse scattering intensities associated with $⟨110⟩$ (T2-type) polarizations show little to no change in a [001] field, those associated with $⟨100⟩$ (T1-type) polarizations are partially suppressed by the field at temperatures below the Curie temperature ${T}_{C}\ensuremath{\sim}475\text{ }\text{K}$. Neutron spin-echo measurements show that the diffuse scattering at (0.05,0,1) is largely dynamic at high temperature and gradually freezes on cooling, becoming mostly static at 200 K.
Elderly consumers’ characterization of medication information sources

Abstract Substantial evidence has been developed regarding the identity of information sources preferred by the elderly. However, this research has not empirically investigated why a given source might be more or less important to this segment. To address this gap, this research investigates OTC-health care information sources in terms of their credibility, expertise and associated risk. Differences in perceptions of these characteristics across the derived information source types are then examined across heavy and light users of OTC medications.
Improvement in line orientation discrimination is retinally local but dependent on cognitive set

The ability of human observers to discriminate the orientation of a pair of straight lines differing by 3° improved with practice. The improvement did not transfer across hemifield or across quadrants within the same hemifield. The practice effect occurred whether or not observers were given feedback. However, orientation discrimination did not improve when observers attended to brightness rather than orientation of the lines. This suggests that cognitive set affects tuning in retinally local orientation channels (perhaps by guiding some form of unsupervised learning mechanism) and that retinotopic feature extraction may not be wholly preattentive.
Comparison of Younger and Older Spouses in Bereavement Outcome

Forty-five bereaved spouses were interviewed shortly after the death and again eighteen months later. The Grief Experience Inventory and MMPI were administered at both interviews, responses being subsequently divided into two age categories, sixty-five years and older and sixty-three years and younger. Matched controls were utilized. Younger spouses initially manifested greater grief intensities but at eighteen months a reverse trend was noted; older spouses showed exacerbated grief reactions. While denial seemed to operate as a defense against their anxiety, nevertheless elevations on the Social Isolation, Depersonalization, Death Anxiety, and Loss of Vigor scales of the GEI for older spouses point to the debilitating effects of loneliness and fear for one's personal safety. Maslow's needs hierarchy was used to explain the two levels of motivation seen among younger and older spouses.
Temperament and maternal discourse about internal states as predictors of toddler empathy- and aggression-related behavior

Sixty-five mothers reported on their toddlers’ attention regulation and negative emotional intensity and provided information about the toddlers’ empathy and aggression. Toddler concerned attention was also observed during a laboratory session as was mothers’ discourse about mental states. Toddlers reported to have better attention regulation and lower negative emotional intensity were reported to be less physically aggressive. Mothers who made more references to needs, intentions, and desires had toddlers who were lower in both aggression- and empathy-related behavior as assessed with maternal report and observation.
Reflex control of the prototype leg during contact and slippage

A formulation of reflex control is presented which has been developed and used in the control of a prototype leg of the adaptive suspension vehicle to implement reflex actions. In particular, the concept of reflex control has been demonstrated experimentally in high-speed contact and foot slippage. A constraint analysis of the leg-environment interaction is found to be especially useful in deriving the invitation and completion conditions. To reduce the total processing required, only simple Boolean conditions are generally checked on the sensor variables. Also, because of the often critical nature of such action, reflex control is executed at the lowest level of control without high-level intervention to achieve maximum response speed; the high-level motion planner is informed of such action so that appropriate steps can be taken when reflex control is relinquished. >
Electrospun starch acetate nanofibers: Development, properties, and potential application in drug delivery

Electrospun starch acetate (SA) nanofibers with different degrees of substitution (DS) have been developed using formic acid/water as solvents, and their properties and potential applications in drug delivery have been studied. Although SA is biodegradable, biocompatible, and inexpensive, the mechanical properties and potential applications of SA nanofibers have not been studied. This research studied the effect of the solvent system, SA concentration, annealing time, and DS on the morphology and tenacity of SA nanofibers. The water stability of SA nanofibers and drug release profiles using diclofenac as a model drug with the sorption and the dissolution methods have also been investigated. It has been found that annealing not only increased the mechanical properties of SA nanofibers but also led to a low initial burst and a constant release rate. The results also showed that 90% (v/v) formic acid/water solvent system gave even and fine SA nanofibers and the highest tenacity obtained in this study was 17.9 MPa. The SA nanofibers with DS 2.3 retained about 78.0% and 48.0% of its tenacity after 16 and 32 days exposing to 50°C and 90% relative humidity comparing to 77.0% and 40.2% for SA nanofibers with DS 1.1, respectively. In addition, SA nanofibers with DS 2.3 had a lower initial burst and a more constant drug release rate than those with DS 1.1. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Left atrial function predicts heart failure hospitalization in subjects with preserved ejection fraction and coronary heart disease: longitudinal data from the Heart and Soul Study.

Objectives This study sought to determine whether left atrial (LA) dysfunction predicts heart failure (HF) hospitalization in subjects with preserved baseline ejection fraction (EF). Background Among patients with preserved EF, factors leading to HF are not fully understood. Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated LA dysfunction at the time of HF, but longitudinal data on antecedent atrial function are lacking. Methods We performed resting transthoracic echocardiography in 855 subjects with coronary heart disease and EF ≥50%. Left atrial functional index (LAFI) was calculated as ([LA emptying fraction × left ventricular outflow tract-velocity time integral] / [indexed LA end-systolic volume]), where LA emptying fraction was defined as (LA end-systolic volume − LA end-diastolic volume) / LA end-systolic volume. We used Cox models to evaluate the association between LAFI and HF hospitalization. Results Over a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 106 participants (12.4%) were hospitalized for HF. Rates of HF hospitalization were inversely proportional to quartile (Q) of LAFI: Q1, 47 per 1,000 person-years; Q2, 18.3; Q3, 9.6; and Q4, 5.3 (p Conclusions Left atrial dysfunction independently predicts HF hospitalization in subjects with coronary heart disease and preserved baseline EF. The LAFI may be useful for HF risk stratification, and LA dysfunction may be a potential therapeutic target.
Activity patterns of a synanthropic population of the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa (Araneae: Sicariidae), with observations on feeding and mating

Abstract I recorded diel and seasonal activity patterns and behavior of the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik 1940 in a free-ranging synanthropic population in northwestern Illinois. Recluse spiders are sit-and-wait predators that spend 85–90% of their nocturnal activity sitting motionless on a small network of silk they use for prey detection. Time not spent waiting for prey is typically occupied maintaining the web by laying down new strands of silk. Feeding and sexual behavior constitute a minute, but critical, portion of daily activity. Recluses were more active at night, but some were active during the day, especially in darker areas of the garage. Activity was relatively constant during the nocturnal hours. Recluse spiders became active in early to mid-May and ceased in mid-October. Beyond this, there was no consistent pattern observed in activity through these months. Sexual encounters were typically brief and similar to behavior reported in prior lab studies. Agonism was ra...
Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance in the Chalcogenide and Pnictide Amorphous Semiconductors

The absence of long range periodic order in amorphous semiconductors makes the interpretation of the usual scattering experiments, such as x- ray, neutron or electron scattering, both difficult and model dependent. For this reason information concerning the static and dynamic properties of these solids must be gathered using many different experimental tech¬niques. In the chalcogenide (group VI) and pnictide (group V) amorphous semiconductors nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy has proved to be one of the important techniques.
Effect of daily fiber intake on reproductive function: the BioCycle Study

Background: High-fiber diets have been associated with decreased breast cancer risk, likely mediated by the effect of fiber on lowering circulating estrogen concentrations. The influence of fiber on aspects of reproduction, which include ovulation, has not been well studied in premenopausal women. Objective: The objective was to determine if fiber consumption is associated with hormone concentrations and incident anovulation in healthy, regularly menstruating women. Design: The BioCycle Study was a prospective cohort study conducted from 2004 to 2006 that followed 250 women aged 18‐44 y for 2 cycles. Dietary fiber consumption was assessed 4 times/cycle by using 24-h recall. Outcomes included concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which were measured 8 times/cycle, and incident anovulation. Results: Dietary fiber consumption was inversely associated with hormone concentrations (estradiol, progesterone, LH, and FSH; P , 0.05) and positively associated with the risk of anovulation (P = 0.003) by using random-effects models with adjustment for total calories, age, race, and vitamin E intake. Each 5-g/d increase in total fiber intake was associated with a 1.78-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.11, 2.84) of an anovulatory cycle. The adjusted odds ratio of 5 g fruit fiber/d was 3.05 (95% CI: 1.07, 8.71). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a diet high in fiber is significantly associated with decreased hormone concentrations and a higher probability of anovulation. Further study of the effect of fiber on reproductive health and of the effect of these intakes in reproductive-aged women is warranted. Am J Clin Nutr
An analysis of the negative feedback control of gonadotropin secretion utilizing chronic implantation of ovarian steroids in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys.

The role of ovarian steroids in the negative feedback inhibition of gonadotropin secretion was examined in rhesus monkeys which were ovariectomized and simultaneously implanted sc with Silastic capsules containing either estradiol 17β or estradiol plus progesterone. By varying the number and dimensions of the capsules implanted, predetermined plasma concentrations of these steroids could be successively achieved and maintained within the physiological range for any desired length of time with the objective of determining the sensitivity of the negative feedback system to known circulating levels of estradiol and progesterone. Maintenance of circulating estradiol alone, within the range observed before ovariectomy (50-80 pg/ml), was usually insufficient to prevent the rise in circulating LH and FSH following ovariectomy whereas maintenance of preoperative plasma levels of both estradiol and progesterone suppressed gonadotropins to undetectable levels. In monkeys treated with estradiol alone, step increment...
Unitarity corrections and dispersion modifications of one-particle exchange theories☆

Amplitudes for elementary particle reactions calculated from a one-particle exchange theory can be modified to satisfy unitarity and to conform to the constraints of a dispersion relation. Unitarity corrections are discussed in Section II for uncoupled and coupled phases and expressions are given for the pure unitarity corrections to phases. Dispersion modifications are discussed in Section III and it is concluded that the schemes proposed so far (1–3) for such modifications are either inconsistent with the unsubtracted dispersion relations or are ambiguous in their definition of the pole contributions. The conclusion is reached that it is not possible to determine experimentally from a dispersion relation, the parameters of a one-particle exchange model. A prescription is given for obtaining the modest amount of information that can in fact be gleaned from the use of such dispersion relations. The specific and quantitative summary of conclusions is given in Section IV.
Dynamic response of a free jet following the activation of a single synthetic jet

The transitory behavior of an axisymmetric free jet (Re U e = 6600) with a single synthetic jet, inclined at a 30° angle with respect to the main jet centerline, was investigated experimentally using PIV. The dynamic response of the main jet was measured immediately following the activation of the synthetic jet. The synthetic jet was driven at a frequency of 1000 Hz, which corresponds to a Strouhal number of 0.16 (within the range of unstable modes of the free jet). Three-dimensional flow renderings were calculated from multiple two-dimensional measurement planes to explore the complex three-dimensional flow field resulting from the interaction. Using this technique, it was shown that the transitory response is highly three-dimensional and occurs within the first four synthetic jet actuation cycles. Moreover, the synthetic jet's effect on the main jet flow field is felt throughout the measurement domain after only two synthetic jet cycles. Measurements of the streamwise vorticity showed that the interacti...
Writing Assignments for a Graduate Course in Technical Writing.

Writing assignments for a graduate course in technical writing should develop students' technical backgrounds, their familiarity with reference materials, and their peer editing skills, as well as their writing skills. Also, the assignments should encourage students to write for publication. The three assignments described here—on a scientist, a topic in science, and a topic in technical communication—can help students achieve these objectives. Students write the first two articles for publication in general-audience newspapers or magazines, and the third for the same general audience or for a technical communication conference or journal.
Spectroscopic and kinetic properties of HO2 radicals and the enhancement of the HO2 self reaction by CH3OH and H2O

The line center absorption cross sections and the rate constants for self-reaction of hydroperoxy radicals (HO2) have been examined in the temperature range of 253−323 K using pulsed laser photolys...
The Psychoanalyst's Apprentice

When I embarked on my first assignment teaching English in college, I was handed 16 texts and a roll book, and told to return the roll book with grades at the end of the semester. That was the whol...
Coxiella burnetii Interaction with Neutrophils and Macrophages In Vitro and in SCID Mice following Aerosol Infection

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever in humans. Human Q fever is mainly transmitted by aerosol infection. However, there is a fundamental gap in the knowledge regarding the mechanisms of pulmonary immunity against C. burnetii infection. This study focused on understanding the interaction between C. burnetii and innate immune cells in vitro and in vivo. Both virulent C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and avirulent Nine Mile phase II (NMII) were able to infect neutrophils, while the infection rates were lower than 29%, suggesting that C. burnetii can infect neutrophils, but infection is limited. Interestingly, C. burnetii inside neutrophils can infect and replicate within macrophages, suggesting that neutrophils cannot kill C. burnetii and C. burnetii may be using infection of neutrophils as an evasive strategy to infect macrophages. To elucidate the mechanisms of the innate immune response to C. burnetii natural infection, SCID mice were exposed to aerosolized C. burnetii. Surprisingly, neutrophil influx into the lungs was delayed until day 7 postinfection in both NMI- and NMII-infected mice. This result suggests that neutrophils may play a unique role in the early immune response against aerosolized C. burnetii. Studying the interaction between C. burnetii and the innate immune system can provide a model system for understanding how the bacteria evade early immune responses to cause infection.
Advanced components and sub-system solutions for 40 Gb/s transmission

With the commissioning of the latest 10-Gb/s systems, vendors are now in the process of developing architectures for their next-generation products. 40-Gb/s components and subsystems are currently in development to address the necessities of these next-generation systems. The top three challenges associated with 40-Gb/s transmission are optical signal-to-noise ratio, dispersion, and high-speed components. In order to realize 40-Gb/s transmission, new component and subsystem developments are crucial. This paper reviews the latest transmission technologies and dispersion compensation techniques developed to fulfill 40-Gb/s transmission system requirements.
Bestimmung des Gewichtes, des Massenträgheitsmomentes und des Schwerpunktes von Triebwerksteilen

Geringe Gewichte aller bewegten Teile einer Maschine sind um so wichtiger, je weiter der Schnellauf getrieben wird. Also mit kleinem Werkstoffaufwand und richtiger Werkstoffverteilung arbeiten, damit die bewegten Teile zugleich leicht und steif werden.
Analgesia for Children With Acute Abdominal Pain: A Cautious Move to Improved Pain Management

Concerns about inadequate treatment of pain in children have prompted policy statements and clinical reports by the American Academy of Pediatrics.1,2 It has also been suggested that failure to treat children's pain constitutes substandard practice and is unethical.3 The pediatric community is aware now that pain is an important symptom that deserves aggressive treatment for the purpose of relieving suffering. This awareness has led to steady advances and improvements in pediatric pain management.2 However, acute abdominal pain has remained largely off limits to analgesic treatment, primarily because of concerns of pediatric surgeons that pain is a crucial symptom of appendicitis and other acute abdominal injuries, as noted by Vane4 in his commentary. Surgeons have been concerned that the use of analgesics may mask the underlying condition, leading to delays in diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention. Green and colleagues5 examined whether early treatment … Address correspondence to F. Daniel Armstrong, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101. E-mail: darmstrong{at}miami.edu
Decision support using the intranet

Abstract The Intranet is rapidly leading to new ways of using, sharing and managing information in many organizations. This paper explores the role of Intranet from a new perspective—as a mechanism for supporting decision-making. This paper is divided into two parts. The first part of the paper uses the well-known data-dialog-model framework of decision support systems. It explores how an Intranet can be useful for rapid and flexible access to information required for decision-making. The second part of the paper presents a taxonomy of major types of Intranet-based decision support with illustrative examples.
Sorption of a finite amount of swelling solvent in a glassy polymer

We study the time history of a diffusing front when a polymer is exposed to a finite amount of penetrant which becomes used up. A class of polymers is considered for which slow molecular relaxation occurs only at or near the glass-gel interface with instantaneous relaxation both ahead of and behind the progressing front. We show that the position of the penetrant front versus time undergoes a long smooth transition from standard Fickian t1/2 behavior to exponential time decay onto a final equilibrium position attained when all the penetrant is used up.
MyD88 Intrinsically Regulates CD4 T-Cell Responses

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is an essential adaptor protein in the Toll-like receptor-mediated innate signaling pathway, as well as in interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and IL-18R signaling. The importance of MyD88 in the regulation of innate immunity to microbial pathogens has been well demonstrated. However, its role in regulating acquired immunity to viral pathogens and neuropathogenesis is not entirely clear. In the present study, we examine the role of MyD88 in the CD4 T-cell response following lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. We demonstrate that wild-type (WT) mice developed a CD4 T-cell-mediated wasting disease after intracranial infection with LCMV. In contrast, MyD88 knockout (KO) mice did not develop wasting disease in response to the same infection. This effect was not the result of MyD88 regulation of IL-1 or IL-18 responses since IL-1R1 KO and IL-18R KO mice were not protected from weight loss. In the absence of MyD88, naive CD4 T cells failed to differentiate to LCMV-specific CD4 T cells. We demonstrated that MyD88 KO antigen-presenting cells are capable of activating WT CD4 T cells. Importantly, when MyD88 KO CD4 T cells were reconstituted with an MyD88-expressing lentivirus, the rescued CD4 T cells were able to respond to LCMV infection and support IgG2a antibody production. Overall, these studies reveal a previously unknown role of MyD88-dependent signaling in CD4 T cells in the regulation of the virus-specific CD4 T-cell response and in viral infection-induced immunopathology in the central nervous system.
A Michigan Lumbering Family

The bonanza lure of lumbering proved irresistible to many established small businessmen, who were dazzled by the prospects of cheap raw materials and simple processing, on the one hand, and by growing markets on the other. Disillusionment was frequent, but amidst crushing difficulties created by inexperience and inadequate capital the small operator proved remarkably ingenious and persistent. His often ill-rewarded and seemingly unjustified ventures contributed much to the economic growth of the nation.
Hybrid Computer Methods for Direct Functional Optimization

Control and trajectory optimization involves the minimization of a performance index (PI) of integral form where some optimal control law exists in a dynamic system. In this paper, a hybrid minicomputer with an adaptive random-search algorithm implements an iterative search for the optimal control. The search assumes that some initial control is randomly perturbed and a fast analog computer generates respective PI from the analog response of the dynamic system. An improved PI informs the digital computer to utilize the perturbed control as a basis for the next iteration; otherwise a new perturbation replaces the old perturbation in the next iteration. The search terminates when no further improvements occur.
The role of evaluation in increasing the usefulness of employee involvement programs

Articles should deal with topics applicable to the broad field of program evaluation. Implications for practicing evaluators should be clearly identified. Examples of contributions include but are not limited to reviews of new developments in evalua tion and descriptions of a current evaluation effort, research problem, or technique. Manuscripts should include appropriate references and not exceed 10 double- spaced typewritten pages in length.
Selective Performance Effects of Nitrous Oxide

Abstract : Twenty-one U.S. Navy divers were given several standard visual tests, the Purdue Pegboard, the Bennett Hand Tool Dexterity Test, and the Wechsler Memory Scale while breathing air or 30% nitrous oxide. The results showed that visual function, fine and gross motor performance, and long-term memory were normal under nitrous oxide, while learning and short-term memory were significantly impaired. The subjective effects of breathing nitrous oxide were similar to those experienced during compressed air narcosis. The selective impairment of short-term memory suggests that divers might be able to perform useful work at depths deeper than those currently authorized, provided the tasks were well learned and practiced.
Assessment of the Use of Lightning Information in Satellite Infrared Rainfall Estimation

In this paper, the combined use of cloud-to-ground lightning and satellite infrared (IR) data for rainfall estimation is investigated. Based on analysis of the correlation between satellite microwave and IR rainfall estimates and on the number of strikes in ‘‘contiguous’’ areas with lightning, where the contiguity is defined as a function of the distance between strikes, an empirical algorithm is developed for convective rainfall estimation. The rainfall in areas not associated with lightning is determined using a modified version of an existing IRbased rainfall estimation technique. The combined lightning and IR-based technique is evaluated based on 15 days of data in July 1997 provided by geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites and the National Lightning Detection Network. The general conclusion is that lightning data contain useful information for IR rainfall estimation. Results show a reduction of about 15% in the root-mean-square error of the estimates of rain volumes defined by convective areas associated with lightning. It is shown that the benefit of using lightning information extends to the whole rain domain, because the error caused by missing convective areas because of the absence of lightning is smaller than that caused by overestimating the convective rain areas because of cirrus that obscure underlying convective storms when only satellite IR data are used.
Phenomenology as Critique: Teleological–Historical Reflection and Husserl’s Transcendental Eidetics

Many have deemed ineluctable the tension between Husserl’s transcendental eidetics and his Crisis method of historical reflection. In this paper, I argue that this tension is an apparent one. I contend that dissolving this tension and showing not only the possibility, but also the necessity of the successful collaboration between these two apparently irreconcilable methods guarantees the very freedom of inquiry Husserl so emphatically stressed. To make this case, I draw from Husserl’s synthetic analyses of type and concept constitution as well as his later work on sedimentation and streaming-in and develop a richer modal taxonomy than the one Husserl proposed. I employ this taxonomy in an examination of the structures and conditions for the possibility of transcendental eidetic variation in order to show this method’s reliance on historically sedimented epistemic and normative resources. This reliance brings to light the necessity for a methodological critique, which is precisely what I take to be the work of teleological–historical reflection as Husserl comes to conceive it in the Crisis.