cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calbindin D28k Blocks the Proapoptotic Actions of Mutant Presenilin 1: Reduced Oxidative Stress and Preserved Mitochondrial Function

Mutations in the presenilin 1 (PS-1) gene account for many cases of early-onset autosomal dominant inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease. Recent findings suggest that PS-1 mutations may sensitize neurons to apoptosis induced by trophic factor withdrawal and exposure to amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). We now report that overexpression of the calcium-binding protein calbindin D28k prevents apoptosis in cultured neural cells expressing mutant PS-1 (L286V and M146V missense mutations). Elevations of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and generation of reactive oxygen species induced by Aβ, and potentiated by mutant PS-1, were suppressed in calbindin-overexpressing cells. Impairment of mitochondrial function by Aβ (which preceded apoptosis) was exacerbated by PS-1 mutations and was largely prevented by calbindin. These findings suggest that PS-1 mutations render neurons vulnerable to apoptosis by a mechanism involving destabilization of cellular calcium homeostasis, which leads to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Temporal changes in colony cuticular hydrocarbon patterns ofSolenopsis invicta : Implications for nestmate recognition.

Heritable cuticular hydrocarbon patterns ofSolenopsis invicta workers are consistent within colonies for a given sampling time but vary sufficiently from colony to colony to distinguish the colonies from each other. In addition, cuticular hydrocarbon patterns change within colonies over time. Nestmate recognition cues found on the individual's cuticle, can be from heritable or environmental sources, and are a subset of colony odor. The cuticular hydrocarbons can be used as a model for heritable nestmate recognition cues. We propose that because potential nestmate recognition cues, both environmental and genetic, are dynamic in nature rather than static, during its lifetime a worker must continually update its perception (template) of colony odor and nestmate recognition cues.
The Etiology and Treatment of Domestic Violence Between Adult Partners

The field of family violence, although rapidly expanding, remains characterized by large gaps in knowledge regarding both etiology and effective treatment strategies. The purpose of this article is to integrate diverse research efforts in order to better understand the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of interpart-ner violence. Identified limitations include problems with definition, and the lack of integrated, multidimensional explanatory theories, well-controlled treatment outcome studies, and relational-level analyses. Identified strengths include the development of typologies and advances in measurement of interpersonal violence. The underlying theme of this article is that an integrated effort, incorporating basic research and clinical innovation, Individual and interactional perspectives, and differing theoretical orientations and advocacy positions, holds the greatest promise for effectively impacting this problem.
Synthesis and expression in Escherichia coli of cistronic DNA encoding an antibody fragment specific for a Salmonella serotype B O-antigen.

Abstract A 1460-bp DNA encoding the two chains of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) portion of a monoclonal antibody have been chemically synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli . The antibody, Se 155-4, is specific for a Salmonella serogroup B O-antigen and its crystal structure is under investigation. The genes were synthesized according to a strategy that allows for easy manipulation in genetic engineering studies of the Fab-binding site. Each gene is preceded by the ompA secretory signal and a ribosome-binding site, and has been expressed from the two-cistron DNA under the control of the lac promoter. Active Fab of 50 kDa with an inter-chain disulfide bond has been isolated from the periplasm of E. coli in a one-step affinity purification in high yield (2 μg/ml of cells). The bacterially produced Fab is as active as purified mouse Fab in antigen-binding and competitive immunoassays. This is the first example of a completely synthetic Fab gene and provides an ideal system to probe the nature of antigen binding by anti-carbohydrate antibodies.
Characterization and validation of a bioluminescent bioreporter for the direct detection of Escherichia coli.

Abstract A two-component bacteriophage-based bioluminescent reporter system was developed for the detection of Escherichia coli in environmental samples. The bioreporter system consists of a luxI integrated lambda bacteriophage and a lux -based bioluminescent reporter cell that responds to the infection event through acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) mediated quorum sensing and bioluminescent signal stimulation. This work addresses the ability of the bioreporter system to detect and quantify the target pathogen in response to two analytical challenges: (1) detection of target cells in the presence of lactonase-producing non-target organisms that could interrupt AHL signal transduction, and (2) detection of sub-lethally injured or physiologically stressed target cells. The bioreporter system was able to autonomously respond to lambda phage infection events with a target host E. coli at 1 × 10 8 cfu/mL against a background of lactonase-producing Arthrobacter globiformi s at cell densities ranging from 1 to 1 × 10 8 cfu/mL. E. coli target cells stressed by carbon-limitation for 2 weeks (i.e., starvation) or exposure to iodine for 1 week at 2 and 20 ppm (i.e., disinfection) yield a reduced, but detectable, biosensor response. Conversely, short-term iodine exposure produces a significant increase in bioreporter response within the first 24 h. The signal response and limit of detection for the two-component bioreporter system were affected by the physiology and environment of the target, but the bioreporter maintained target specificity demonstrating its potential application for remote sensing of pathogens.
Dynamics of cosmic string

We consider various aspects of the dynamics of cosmic string, many of which are special to four spacetime dimensions. When a loop fragments we show how the properties of the original loop, and those of the daughter loops, are related. We discuss the construction of solutions for a string loop of various types, emphasizing the properties of loops with kinks. Since the number of cusps does not increase during fragmentation, most loops may not have cusps. We provide a geometrical argument that cusps are not smoothed by the self-gravity of the string. An estimate of the gravitational back reaction near a cusp is compatible with this result. We discover a relation between self-intersections of a loop and cusps, and discuss various ways in which a loop is expected to evolve as it loses mass to radiation. The cusps which occur at kinks may be detectable if the string is superconducting.
Control of growth by auxin and its specific neutral inhibitor

Evidence for the existence of a neutral inhibitor specific for auxin has been in the literature for 45 years. The inhibitor is demonstrable by its effect in causing positive curvature of theAvena coleoptile. The growth of the mesocotyl of oat and corn seedlings in darkness and its inhibition by light are determined by the neutral inhibitor as is the phototropic response of the sunflower stem. Production of the inhibitor is promoted by red and fluorescent light. Irradiance at 730 nm promotes auxin production while irradiance at 660 nm promotes production of the inhibitor. The positive curvature induced by 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid can be used to quantify the neutral inhibitor. Since the benzoic acid is more effective than iodoacetate in reacting with the sulfhydryl of cysteine, a sulfhydryl group is indicated to bo one reaction site for auxin and to be the basis of polar transport.
Hyperlipemia and hemolysis. II. Interaction of sodium oleate with human erythrocytes in homologous plasma.

Summary and ConclusionNormal human plasma binds exogenous sodium oleate firmly in vitro as indicated by inhibition of oleate hemolysis despite vigorous mechanical agitation. The oleate hemolysis inhibition can be reduced 30-fold by adding oleate directly to whole blood, rather than to plasma subsequently reconstituted as whole blood. Whenever oleate enters whole human blood in vitro, red cells and plasma compete for binding oleate; that fraction of oleate bound by plasma is rendered hemolytically inert whereas that fraction bound by erythrocyte constitutes the hemolytically active moiety.
Sleep, breathing, and cephalometrics in older children and young adults. Part II-Response to nasal occlusion

Study objectives We postulated that nasal occlusion would provide a challange enabling us to assess factors predisposing development of sleep apnea in older children/adolescents and young adults. Factors of interest included sex, age, body mass index (BMI), tonsillar hypertrophy, and cephalometric measurements. Design Sleep and breathing variables were examined and compared for four groups of subjects between one baseline night and one night of nasal occlusion in a sleep research laboratory. Subjects Healthy, normal boys (n=23, mean age= 13.3 ± 2.1 years), girls (n=22, mean age=13.8 ± 1.8 years), men (n=23, mean age=22.2 ± 1.5 years), and women (n=24, mean age=22.4 ± 1.8 years) were studied. Measurements and results The following sleep and sleep-related breathing measures showed significant increases in all four groups from baseline to occlusion: percentage of stage 1, number of transient arousals, transient arousal index, apnea index, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and mean apnea length. No significant relationships were found between occlusion-night RDI and tonsillar size, cephalometric variables, or BMI, either singly or in combination. Conclusions Subjects' responses to nasal occlusion varied: most demonstrated a minimal and clinically insignificant increase in RDI; few showed a marked increase in RDI. Significant increases of sleep fragmentation—even in the absence of frankly disturbed breathing—indicate that nasal occlusion may secondarily affect waking function if prolonged over a series of nights.
Dividends and taxes

Abstract We present sufficient conditions for taxable investors to be indifferent to dividends despite tax differentials in favor of capital gains (Strong Invariance Proposition). The conditions include two ‘seemingly unrelated’ provisions of the Internal Revenue Code: (1) the limitation of interest deductions to investment income received and (2) the tax-free accumulation of wealth at the before-tax interest rate on investments in life insurance. Although we use insurance for simplicity in the proof, many tax-equivalent investment vehicles now exist, notably pension funds. Our analysis suggests that the personal income tax is approaching a consumption tax with further drift likely.
A post-transcriptional mechanism contributes to circadian cycling of a per-beta-galactosidase fusion protein.

Abstract The period gene (per) of Drosophila melanogaster affects circadian rhythms. Circadian fluctuations in per mRNA levels are thought to contribute to circadian fluctuations in per protein levels in the heads of adult flies. To address the mechanisms underlying these oscillatory phenomena, we have analyzed RNA and protein cycling from two per-beta-galactosidase fusion genes. These studies demonstrate that 5' noncoding sequences from per are sufficient to cause the fusion mRNA levels to cycle in a wild-type (rhythmic) background. Protein cycling requires additional sequences derived from the per coding region. The data suggest that there is a per-dependent posttranscriptional mechanism that is under circadian clock control required for per protein levels to fluctuate in a rhythmic fashion.
Are the Effects of Gambling Treatment Overestimated

Background Studies of clinical trials across the field of healthcare found use of designs that overestimate treatment effects.
Professional Learning Communities as a Leadership Strategy to Drive Math Success in an Urban High School Serving Diverse, Low-Income Students: A Case Study.

Utilizing a qualitative case-study design, this study explored how a mid-sized urban high school professional learning community was used as a reform effort to increase student achievement in mathematics on standards-based assessments. From a year-long interaction with the math professional learning community, which consisted of 3 school leaders and 6 teachers, principal leadership emerged as most significant in the professional learning community process for increasing teacher and student learning. Through detailed observations of professional learning community meetings and teachers' classrooms, this research was able to trace changes in teacher practices that resulted from the professional learning community meetings. Results indicate that school leaders may have to take responsibility for providing instructional processes and practices that are characterized by structure, pressure, and support to ensure that teacher learning and change in teacher practice that leads to improved student learning occur ...
Rapid purification of dehydrogenases by affinity chromatography with ternary complexes

Abstract The rapid purification of dehydrogenases by a modification of affinity chromatography was investigated. A ternary complex enzyme-NAD(H)-inhibitor (E-NADH-I) was formed by the addition of coenzyme and a substrate-competitive inhibitor to the dehydrogenases initially separated from nondehydrogenases by an NAD-affinity column. The enzyme in the ternary complex cannot rebind to the NAD-agarose column in the presence of inhibitor. As all other dehydrogenases do, this yields a highly purified enzyme-inhibitor complex. Aldehyde dehydrogenases in the presence of chloral hydrate and alcohol dehydrogenase with pyrazole were purified as their E-NAD + -I ternary complexes, while lactic dehydrogenase in the presence of oxamate was purified as the E-NADH-I complex. This technique allows for the rapid separation of a specific dehydrogenase from other dehydrogenases. The technique should be applicable to the purification of other enzymes exhibiting ordered sequential binding.
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of the Left Bundle Branch in a Canine Model

Left Bundle Branch Ablation. Introduction: Transcatheter ablation of the left bundle branch may be considered for management of selected macroreentrant ventricular tachycardias. Left bundle ablation can also change the sequence of left ventricular contraction and may simulate pacing in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine electrophysiologic and anatomic parameters for successful selective transcatheter left bundle ablation in a canine model. Methods and Results: A catheter was advanced to the left ventricular apex and the tip deflected toward the septum, until a discrete left bundle potential (LBP) was found. Radiofrequency (RF) energy was then applied until left bundle branch block or complete AV block occurred. In 29 (85%) dogs, an LBP (mean LBP-V 16 ± 3 msec; range 10 to 20 msec) was identified resulting in successful left bundle ablation. In 5 (15%) dogs, a similar potential (mean potential-V 28 ± 4 msec; P = 0.001 vs LBP-V) was identified, but RF energy application produced complete AV block. The A:V electrogram ratio at the successful LBP ablation site was < 1:10 in all 29 dogs successfully ablated, but only 2 (40%) of 5 dogs in the unsuccessful group (P = 0.0017). In 4 successfully ablated dogs, the right bundle potential was mapped and complete AV block was created by RF energy application, confirming that the left bundle was completely ablated. In 9 dogs, the left bundle and AV junction were sequentially ablated with 1 lesion at each site. Postmortem examination showed 2 discrete lesions 1.2 ± 0.7 cm apart. Conclusions: Selective transcatheter left bundle ablation was successfully guided by the LBP. The distance between the AV junction and the main left bundle was 1.2 cm in this canine model. An A:V ratio < 1:10 and an LBP-V time < 20 msec appear to minimize the risk of AV block. Prudent use of similar techniques may cure macroreentrant ventricular tachycardias and reduce the need for permanent pacing in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
On the folly of principal's power: Managerial psychology as a cause of bad incentives

Abstract Faulty and dysfunctional incentive systems have long interested, and frustrated, managers and organizational scholars alike. In this analysis, we pick up where Kerr (1975) left off and advance an explanation for why bad incentive systems are so prevalent in organizations. We propose that one contributing factor lies in the psychology of people who occupy managerial roles. Although designing effective incentive systems is a challenge wrought with perils for anyone, we believe the psychological consequences and correlates of higher rank within organizations make the challenge more severe for managers. Patterns of promotion and hiring typically yield managers that are more competent than their employees, and ascending to management positions increases individuals’ workload and power. In turn, these factors make managers more egocentrically anchored and cognitively abstract, while also reducing their available cognitive capacity for any given task, all of which we argue limits their ability to design effective incentives for employees. Thus, ironically, those with the power to design incentives may be those least able to effectively do so. We discuss four specific types of bad incentive systems that can arise from these psychological tendencies in managers: those that over-emphasize compensation, generate weak motivation, offer perverse motivation, or are misaligned with organizational culture. “ There is no doubt that in our society the superior/subordinate relationship—the hierarchy itself—is crucial in terms of motivation. ” ( Lawler, 1973 , p. 7)
A study of vinyl radical cyclization using N-alkenyl-7-bromo-substituted hexahydroindolinones.

A new method for the synthesis of the octahydropyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline ring system that possesses the characteristic skeleton of the aspidosperma family of alkaloids has been developed. The method utilizes an intramolecular Diels−Alder reaction of an amido-substituted furan across a tethered indole π-bond. To apply this strategy to the synthesis of the indole alkaloid spegazzinidine, it was necessary to address the problem of assembling the final D-ring of the pentacyclic skeleton. Radical cyclization of a model N-allyl-7-bromo-3a-methylhexahydroindolinone system was found to preferentially lead to the 6-endo-trig cyclization product, with the best yield being obtained under high dilution conditions. The six-membered cyclized product is generated through two reaction pathways: (a) 6-endo-trig ring closure and (b) rearrangement of an intermediate methylene−cyclopentyl radical obtained by 5-exo-trig cyclization. A number of related 7-bromo-substituted hexahydroindolinones containing tethered olefinic gr...
What does the T-cell receptor recognize when it docks on an MHC-encoded restricting element?

The postulate is analyzed that single V-gene segments encode recognition of the allele-specific determinants (a) required for the restrictive response of the αβTCR to peptide. The consequence of this is that the positively selected V-domain, Vα or Vβ, engages an allele-specific determinant (a) on one subunit or domain of the MHC-encoded restricting element. The entrained V-domain docks on an invariant determinant (i) on the complementing subunit or domain. Consequently, each functional V-domain expresses an anti-a site and an anti-i site, and all subunits or domains of MHCencoded restricting elements express an a- and i-determinant. The evidence, both biological and structural, discussed here strongly support this postulate which has far reaching consequences. The goal of this commentary is to analyze the data that are necessary and sufficient to establish a postulate of the Tritope Model, namely that the V-gene segments, Vα and Vβ, act as an single pool specifying recognition of the allele-specific determinants expressed on the MHC-encoded restricting elements of the species. Aspects of this postulate will also be discussed. This version was revised to incorporate the criticisms of reviewers who also requested that I discuss additional data. As a compromise, those data which are believed to be incompatible with my argument, are analyzed.
Clinical implications of increased lung uptake of thallium-201 during exercise scintigraphy 2 weeks after myocardial infarction.

Abstract To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of increased lung thallium-201 uptake during submaximal exercise myocardial scintigraphy performed 2 weeks after acute myocardial infarction, 61 patients underwent submaximal exercise testing (target heart rate, 120 beats/min), multigated blood pool imaging at rest and coronary angiography before hospital discharge. Thallium lung uptake on the initial anterior projection image was graded qualitatively by comparing the intensity of thallium-201 activity in the lungs with that in the mediastinum. In 39 patients (64 percent), it was normal (equal to mediastinal activity) and in 22 (36 percent), it was increased (greater than mediastinal activity). Compared with patients with normal lung uptake, those with increased uptake had a greater prevalence of prior infarction (13 versus 36 percent, probability [ p ] p p p p p p p Thus, the occurrence of increased lung thallium-201 uptake during submaximal exercise scintigraphy in the early postinfarction period is frequent and appears to be a marker of severe and functionally more important coronary artery disease associated with left ventricular dysfunction.
Assay of Secretin

ConclusionsThe commercial secretin preparation, Pancreotest, has been assayed on dogs and found to be half as potent as our standard material. An apparent discrepancy in the expression of units of secretin has been explained.
C-Fos induction in response to a conditioned stimulus after single trial taste aversion learning

Taste aversion conditioning is characterized by its prompt acquisition despite the introduction of long delays between CS (taste) and UCS (toxic drug). Although the dramatic changes in behavioral response to a taste after this conditioning are well documented, relatively little is known about the changes in neural activity that accompany this learning. c-Fos immunohistochemical staining was employed to define brain regions activated during the expression of a conditioned taste aversion (CTA). The present studies examined c-Fos immunoreactivity in the brains of rats after i.p. injection of LiCl or NaCl or after intraoral infusion of a saccharin CS. LiCl administration, a common unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in CTA experiments, was found to induce c-Fos protein in a number of brainstem regions, including the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), medial and lateral pontine parabrachial nucleus (PBN), and hypoglossal nucleus. Conditioned animals received a single pairing of the CS saccharin with the UCS LiCl, while controls were exposed to the CS saccharin but received non-contingent LiCl 24 h after saccharin exposure. Following saccharin re-exposure, conditioned animals showed patterns of neuronal activation to a taste which were similar to those activated by the UCS drug. Specifically, the pattern of c-Fos expression in conditioned animals was confined to the same region of the NTS which showed the most activation following the UCS LiCl. This pattern of activation was not evident in controls re-exposed to saccharin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Zero point energy in parastring theories

We point out that the regularization of the zero point fluctuations in parastring theories provides an alternative method of obtaining the critical dimensions for these theories.
The impact of intraoperative autologous blood transfusion during type III radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects on transfusion rates, perioperative complications, and survival of using intraoperative autologous blood transfusions for patients undergoing type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. Study Design: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 156 patients treated with type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy at the University of Miami School of Medicine from 1990 to 1997. One group of patients (n = 50) had intraoperative autologous blood transfusions and the other (n = 106) did not. Results: The group that received intraoperative autologous blood transfusion had a significant reduction in homologous blood transfusions (12% vs 30%; P = .02). Patient demographic data, histologic parameters, and operative factors were similar between the 2 groups. There was a higher percentage of patients with positive pelvic lymph nodes in the group that did not receive intraoperative autologous blood transfusion (10% vs 30%; P = .02). Seven patients in the intraoperative autologous blood transfusion group (14%) died with disease present and all the recurrences in this group were local. Conclusion: The use of intraoperative autologous blood transfusions during type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy appears to be safe and effective without compromising rates and patterns of recurrence. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1310-6.)
Caenorhabditis elegans: An Old Genetic Model Can Learn New Epigenetic Tricks

Synopsis Gamete cells pass on information to the next generation via DNA sequence and also through epigenetic mechanisms such as small RNAs, DNA methylation, or chromatin modifications. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetic model system that an enormous number of talented researchers have used to understand biological phenomenon and develop molecular tools that have ultimately led to paradigm-shifting ideas in biology. Thus, this model is well poised to further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved with epigenetic modifications and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. The strengths of this model system include a historical wealth of information regarding genetics, development, germline function, chromosome biology, and the regulation of gene expression. Using this system, one can investigate the mechanisms involved with how the germline passes on heritable epigenetic information to subsequent generations. Here, we highlight aspects about the biology of C. elegans that make it amenable to epigenetic studies, highlight some recent findings in the field of epigenetics, and comment on how this system would be beneficial for future biological studies involving epigenetic processes.
Design optimization of PHEV charging station

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is one of the most feasible approaches towards significantly lowering the consumption of oil and improve fuel economy with today's existing technology. The paper focuses the design optimization of the PHEV charging station with battery storage units. The battery units conserve the low price clean energy and discharge when demanded. The on-site installed photovoltaic (PV) and off-site (virtual) wind farm are the main supply of charging station to charge the battery units. The grid electricity plays an auxiliary role in the station when the renewable sources and the demands are unbalance or the trading provides economic benefits to the charging station. The paper examines the PHEVs charging trend, and proposes an optimized operation for the battery storage schedule, and strategy of power trading to minimize the cost of station. Analysis based on level of forecast uncertainty is utilized to evaluate the optimization.
Inactivation of Oxytocin and Deamino-oxytocin by Nonpregnant and Pregnant Rat Uterine Homogenates

Homogenates of rat uteri had the ability to inactivate oxytocin and deaminooxytocin. There was an increase of this activity in uteri during pregnancy. In homogenates of estrous rat uteri the oxytocin inactivation curve was linear, whereas the deamino-oxytocin inactivation curve was not. In pregnant uteri, the increase in oxytocin inactivating activity was about 40%. The increase in deamino-oxytocin inactivating activity was small and statistically not significant. The results suggest that the inactivation of oxytocin was enzymic in nature and that a different enzyme or some other mechanism was probably responsible for the inactivation of deamino-oxytocin. It was further found that oxytocin was bound by tissue protein in the homogenate. Deamino-oxytocin did not bind with the tissue protein under identical conditions. (Endocrinology 82: 475, 1968)
Recombinant AAV-directed gene therapy for type I glycogen storage diseases.

Introduction: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ia and Ib are disorders of impaired glucose homeostasis affecting the liver and kidney. GSD-Ib also affects neutrophils. Current dietary therapies cannot prevent long-term complications. In animal studies, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector-mediated gene therapy can correct or minimize multiple aspects of the disorders, offering hope for human gene therapy. Areas covered: A summary of recent progress in rAAV-mediated gene therapy for GSD-I; strategies to improve rAAV-mediated gene delivery, transduction efficiency and immune avoidance; and vector refinements that improve expression. Expert opinion: rAAV-mediated gene delivery to the liver can restore glucose homeostasis in preclinical models of GSD-I, but some long-term complications of the liver and kidney remain. Gene therapy for GSD-Ib is less advanced than for GSD-Ia and only transient correction of myeloid dysfunction has been achieved. A question remains as to whether a single rAAV vect...
Reduced-order adaptive controllers for MHD flows using proper orthogonal decomposition

We present a reduced-order adaptive controller design for MHD flows. Frequently, reduced-order models are derived from low-order bases computed by applying proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) on an a priori ensemble of data of ow model. This reduced-order model is then used-to derive a reduced-order controller. The approach discussed here differs from these approaches. It. uses an adaptive procedure that improves the reduced-order model by successively updating the ensemble of data. The idea is illustrated on a control problem in unsteady magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) flows. Numerical implementations and results are provided illustrating feasibility.
Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in natural populations of Drosophila species and their hosts

1. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were determined in seven species of wild-caught Drosophila (see Patterson & Stone 1952) and their natural hosts in order to assess if any relationships existed between isotope signatures of the flies and their hosts. The species included the cosmopolitan D. hydei, D. arizonae, D. simulans and D. pseudoobscura collected from rotting fruit (commercial melons), and the cactophilic D. nigrospiracula, D. mojavensis and D. pachea collected from their specific host plants (Saguaro, Organpipe and Senita Cactus, respectively). 2. Isotope signatures were clearly different among the natural hosts, with fruit and each species of cactus segregating into a non-overlapping pattern on plots of δ13C vsδ15N. 3. Wild-caught Drosophila exhibited interspecific differences in isotope signatures that reflected the patterns observed for their natural hosts. For most species, values for δ15N were 3·0–5·‰ higher in the flies, in agreement with the expected δ15N enrichment with increased trophic level. 4. For D. nigrospiracula, changing food resources from the natural host (Saguaro) to a laboratory diet of yeast for only 24 h resulted in a shift in stable isotope signatures toward the values of the new resource. 5. The results suggest that stable isotope analysis can be a valuable tool in studies of resource ecology and feeding habitats in Drosophila, and is sensitive enough to detect recent feeding history.
Efficient Control of the Dependency Problem Based on Taylor Model Methods

It is shown how the Taylor Model approach allows the rigorous description of functional dependencies with far-reaching control of the dependency problem. The amount of overestimation decreases with a high power of the interval over which the information is required, at a computational expense that increases rather moderately with the dimensionality of the problem. This leads to the possibility of treating even cases with a very significant dependency problem that are intractable using conventional methods.
The First Heart Sound in Normal and Ectopic Ventricular Contractions: Mechanism of Closure of the A-V Valves

Phasic right atrial and ventricular pressures and heart sounds were simultaneously recorded from dogs with normal and ectopic ventricular contractions. Heart sounds and electrocardiograms were recorded from humans. The first heart sound is significantly delayed in the absence of atrial systole. The time between onset of the ventricular pressure rise due to ventricular contraction and the beginning of the first heart sound is minimal at normal AS-VS intervals. These findings support the view that normally the A-V valves are closed or nearly closed before ventricular systole. In ectopic ventricular beats the A-V valves are closed from an open position by ventricular contraction.
Adverse reactions to drug additives

There is a long list of additives used by the pharmaceutical industry. Most of the agents used have not been implicated in hypersensitivity reactions. Among those that have, only reactions to parabens and sulfites have been well established. Parabens have been shown to be responsible for rare immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions that occur after the use of local anesthetics. Sulfites, which are present in many drugs, including agents commonly used to treat asthma, have been shown to provoke severe asthmatic attacks in sensitive individuals. Recent studies indicate that additives do not play a significant role in "hyperactivity." The role of additives in urticaria is not well established and therefore the incidence of adverse reactions in this patient population is simply not known. In double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, reactions to tartrazine or additives other than sulfites, if they occur at all, are indeed quite rare for the asthmatic population, even for the aspirin-sensitive subpopulation.
Primary Vaccine Failure after 1 Dose of Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Children

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is an alphaherpesvirus that causes chickenpox during primary infection and zoster with recurrence. Immunity to VZV consists of both VZV-specific antibodies and CD4 and CD8 T cells [1]. Both natural VZV infection and vaccination with live attenuated Oka virus induce humoral and cell-mediated responses that appear to be long lasting, although the persistence of these responses after vaccination has been evaluated only in the setting of continued circulation of wild-type VZV [2–4]. The primary modality by which VZV immunity, whether elicited by natural infection or vaccination, is determined is by detection of VZV antibodies. Methods of evaluating cell-mediated immunity are available but are expensive and impractical for use in children. Measuring VZV IgG antibodies is challenging because many available serologic techniques lack sensitivity and specificity [5, 6]. Prelicensure studies of the varicella vaccine used the glycoprotein ELISA (gpELISA), for which the threshold for seroconversion was initially ≥0.625 gpELISA units/mL [7, 8]. In later studies, a response of ≥5 gpELISA units/mL was defined as an approximate correlate of protection against varicella. Using this value, reported seroconversion rates have ranged from 86% to 96% [4, 9, 10]. The fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) assay, developed in 1974 and used consistently for several decades to assess immunity to VZV, is a highly sensitive and specific assay for VZV antibodies [6, 11, 12]. This assay is validated by demonstrating the absence of detectable antibodies in individuals before they develop varicella, which then appear after contracting the disease. In addition, antibodies to VZV measured by the FAMA assay correlate with protection from varicella after household exposure. The FAMA assay was used to evaluate the immunogenicity of varicella immunization in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission and as an immune correlate of efficacy, studies which subsequently led to widespread testing of the varicella vaccine in healthy US children [13]. In an effort to determine whether recent reports of breakthrough varicella [14 –24] might represent higher-than-expected rates of primary vaccine failure, we studied VZV antibody titers using the FAMA assay in 148 immunized children before and after receiving 1 dose of vaccine. Primary vaccine failure is defined as failure to mount a protective immune response after a dose of vaccine, and secondary vaccine failure is defined as a gradual loss of immunity after an initial immune response over a period of years after vaccination (waning immunity).
Intrinsic Religiosity and Substance Use in Intercollegiate Athletes

Although there has been little research examining religiosity in athletes, recent evidence suggests that it may play an important role in the lives of some athletes. The present study investigated the relationship of intrinsic religiosity to substance use in intercollegiate athletes. The Intrinsic Religiosity subscale of the Duke Religion Index, the Alcohol Problems subscale of the Personality Assessment Inventory, and two questions assessing marijuana and other drug use were completed by 105 varsity athletes. Findings indicated that intrinsic religiosity was inversely associated with alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use. Implications of these findings for sport practitioners are discussed.
Cryptococcal encephalopathy without persisting cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, a diagnostic challenge: Case report and review of the literature

Central nervous system (CNS) invasion by Cryptococcus neoforans is typically associated with subacute or chronic meningitis in he setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection or other mmunocompromised states [1]. Less frequently, C. neoformans ay cause meningitis in individuals without known immune defiiency [1,2]. In rare individuals, C. neoformans infection may cause cogniive failure or confusional psychosis without meningeal symptoms 3–9]. Here we report a patient in whom C. neoformans produced a rolonged, encephalopathic illness, with initial, mild cerebrospinal uid (CSF) pleocytosis but then with normal CSF except for signifiantly elevated protein. After multiple negative CSF fungal cultures nd cryptococcal antigen determinations C. neoformans was idenified by positive cryptococcal antigen and India Ink preparation in
ZigZag: A Content-Based Publish/Subscribe Architecture for Human Networks

The wide use of mobile devices gives rise to many novel network applications, which require an efficient communication substrate. These networks, which are comprised solely of human-carried mobile devices, are called human networks (HUNETs). In this paper, we present ZigZag, a contentbased publish/subscribe (CBPS) architecture for HUNETs. We deem that CBPS is a natural fit for HUNETs for its inherent anonymity, scalability, and flexibility. However, existing CBPS systems are designed for the Internet, consuming resources beyond the capacity of mobile devices. Additionally, they do not consider user mobility. To address these restrictions, ZigZag employs a transformation-based subscription representation and processing technique, and a Bloom-filter-based message routing and forwarding scheme. The advantages of ZigZag are its low subscription storage consumption and matching complexity. Analytic and simulation results prove that our proposed methods are flexible and more efficient than existing techniques.
Tuberculosis of the Central Nervous System in Immunocompromised Patients: HIV Infection and Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating infection with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide and may manifest as meningitis, tuberculoma, abscess, or other forms of disease. Immunosuppression, due to either human immunodeficiency virus infection or solid organ transplantation, increases susceptibility for acquiring or reactivating TB and complicates the management of underlying immunosuppression and CNS TB infection. This article reviews how immunosuppression alters the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of TB infections of the CNS.
Dietary supplement or drug? The case of Cholestin

Dietary supplements, used widely by Americans, are regulated by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (1), an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act provides that any product marketed as a dietary supplement cannot contain an article that is approved as a new drug unless the product was marketed before the drug’s approval. Any component of the product may be considered to be an article. Evidently, the law is intended to maintain the incentive for pharmaceutical companies to bring new drugs to market, a process that involves extensive and expensive preclinical and clinical evaluations. In this issue of the Journal, Heber et al (2) report on a clinical trial of Cholestin (Pharmanex, Simi Valley, CA), a product related to red yeast rice. Red yeast rice has been used in China as a food colorant and flavor enhancer for centuries. Another related Chinese product, Xuezhikang, has been shown to lower plasma cholesterol concentrations. In the current double-blind clinical trial, 83 men and women with above average LDL-cholesterol concentrations were randomly assigned to receive Cholestin (4 capsules containing 2.4 g product) or rice powder placebo capsules for 12 wk. On average, LDL-cholesterol concentrations were reduced by 22% in those assigned to Cholestin and by 1% in those assigned to placebo after 12 wk of supplementation. Cholestin contains, by weight, 0.4% 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase inhibitors of the statin class, and the authors conclude that “the reduced costs of the red yeast rice dietary supplement compared with prescription drugs could provide a new and novel approach for the maintenance of healthier cholesterol concentrations,” as applied to the prevention of coronary artery disease. Cholestin is currently sold in this country as a dietary supplement for healthy adults. The package insert instructs the user not to take more than 2 capsules twice daily (2.4 g) and warns of the possibility of toxicity of HMGCoA inhibitors of the statin class, including “diseases of the liver and skeletal muscle.” The package insert states that Cholestin is intended to maintain “desirable cholesterol levels” and not to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease” (to conform with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act). The package insert notes that “too much cholesterol in your blood results in excess build-up on the walls of arteries” that “restricts or may even block the flow of blood” and “that’s why blood cholesterol plays an important part in deciding your risk of getting coronary heart disease.” The package insert also states: “The proprietary all-natural ingredient in Cholestin has been clinically proven in studies involving thousands of people at various dosages to promote healthy cholesterol concentrations by its ability to lower total cholesterol, lower LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and to increase HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels.”
The Behavioral Effects of the “Lactone-free” Hot Water Extract of Catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the Young Chick

AbstractThe “lactone-free” hot water extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) causes a significant decrease in wakefulness and an increase in sleep behavior, particularly deep sleep.
‘Vape shops’ and ‘E-Cigarette lounges’ open across the USA to promote ENDS

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly called electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, first became available in the USA in 2007.1 Since then, US ENDS sales are reported in the press to have doubled annually to reach US$1 billion for January–August 2013.2 ENDS sales are estimated by one news source to reach US$4 billion globally by the end of 2013.3 From 2010 to 2011, awareness of ENDS among US adults increased from 40.9% to 57.9% and ever use increased from 3.3% to 6.2%.4 ENDS organisations have formed an industry that has begun advocating for its interests by promoting ENDS products and favourable policies for ENDS manufacturers and retailers.5 ENDS were initially promoted and sold online, but have quickly expanded to traditional brick and mortar retail outlets, like grocery stores and gas stations. Independent retail specialty shops that exclusively sell ENDS products, or ‘vape shops’, are opening around the USA and abroad,3 with over 3500 such shops estimated in the USA6 (figure 1). Vape shops sell ENDS products found in traditional retail stores (eg, starter kits, cartridges and disposable ENDS) but can offer a substantially …
Food sharing past and present

Food sharing has been proposed as a fundamental basis for the evolution of human behaviour, and a universal characteristic of modern hunters and gatherers. Various theoretical models contrast immediate vs delayed consumption, or sharing vs storage, with the inference that these may be seen as mutually exclusive phenomena. A survey of cross-cultural evidence for sharing in the ethnographic literature indicates quite a range of variation in actual practice of food sharing among modern hunters and gatherers. While competing theories attribute this behaviour to ideological or ecological bases, most ideological models are very difficult to test in the archaeological record. The difficulty lies first in establishing that food sharing took place, as opposed to mere assertion that it did, and second in demonstrating linkages between perceived patterns in the archaeological record and explanatory models said to account for the practice. Faunal remains from a late Upper Palaeolithic archaeological site are used to ...
Writing Women and the Nation in Diaspora Jung Chang’s Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China 在海外书写中国妇女与中国历史：论张戎 的《鸿：三代中国女人的故事

Jung Chang’s Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China achieved spectacular success and received worldwide critical acclaim. The way that academic and non-academic circles in the West readily embrace it betrays an unqualified equation of the book to a reliable source of knowledge regarding Chinese culture and history. However, such a perception leaves out narrative politics and simplifies the multilayered process of writing in the diaspora. This paper argues that the book is a bicultural product, involving constant negotiation between the site of experience and the place of writing. First of all, it showcases essentialized national culture and history and managing trauma as symptoms of cultural deficiency. Secondly, it is retrospective memory, mediated by the author’s anglicized perspective. In conclusion, Chang’s book is illuminating about the triangular relationship between the diasporan intellectual, the homeland, and transnational memory space at the time of writing and publishing the book.
Germinal Centers in Germfree Animals

Germfree animals were originally derived from healthy conventional mothers by caesarean delivery, at term, directly into sterile isolator systems (Reyniers, 1946; Trexler and Reynolds, 1957; Gustafsson, 1948). The animals were hand-fed a steam-sterilized diet by stomach tube until weaning age, and thereafter they were fed a steam-sterilized fortified diet, ad libitum. They reproduced by natural means, and their adult offspring have served as foster mothers to new strains of animals which were introduced into the germfree environment. At present, Lobund Laboratory is propagating, maintaining, and using seven strains of germfree mice, three of germfree rats, and one colony of germfree rabbits. Current annual production exceeds 12,000 germfree rats and mice.