cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of corticotropin-releasing factor pathways in stress-related alterations of colonic motor function and viscerosensibility in female rodents.

Abstract Background: Clinical reports have shown that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is comorbid with anxiety/depression and stress-related events, and that the disorder is more prevalent among women than among men. In rodents, colorectal distention (CRD) induces abdominal contractions, and this visceromotor response is used to assess visceral pain. The activation of brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) pathways has a key role in the behavioral and visceral responses to stress. Objective: In this review of experimental studies that delineate the underlying mechanisms of the stress response, we focused on CRF signaling pathways and sex hormones in modulating visceral hypersensitivity induced by CRD in rodents. Methods: The findings of our recent research on the development of an experimental model of visceral pain in female rats and the modulation of the hyperalgesic response to CRD by CRF antagonists were integrated with those of the published literature. A MEDLINE search of the years 1981 to 2005 was conducted using the key words stress, CRF, CRH, CRF1 receptor, IBS, CRD, female rat, visceral pain, estrogen, and anxiety. Results: CRF and other related mammalian peptides (urocortins) interact with the distinct CRF subtype 1 and 2 receptors. Well-documented preclinical studies have established the role of brain CRF1 receptors in mediating stress-related anxiogenic and visceral (stimulation of colonic motor function and sensitization to repeated CRD) responses in male rodents, whereas more limited studies have been performed in female rats. Our recent study indicated that the CRF1 antagonist antalarmin prevents visceral hypersensitivity induced by 2 sets of CRD in female rats. In several models of visceral pain induced by CRD, sex differences and a sensitization action of estrogen were reported. Our preliminary evidence indicated a potentiating interaction between CRF-CRF1 pathways and estrogen in the stimulation of colonic motor responses that may take place within the enteric neurons of the colon, where both CRF1 and estrogen receptors are present. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that overactivity of CRF1 signaling in the brain and the gut may have relevance in understanding the comorbidity of anxiety/depression and IBS in diarrhea-predominant female patients. Targeting these mechanisms with CRF1 antagonists may provide a novel therapeutic strategy.
In Situ Tissue Engineering Using Angiogenic Nanoscaffold Enhances Diabetic Wound Healing in db/db Mouse Model

Tissue engineering offers an attractive alternative for treatment of chronic nonhealing diabetic ulcers, which account for more than 27% of the $10.9 billion total diabetic health care costs in the US annually [1]. The harsh environment of a diabetic ulcer is characterized by reduced expression of angiogenic factors, insufficient vascularization, excess protease activity, matrix degradation and hyperglycemia-induced cell apoptosis [2]. A major factor contributing to insufficient neovascularization in diabetic nonhealing wounds may be deficiency in the recruitment of endothelial cells (ECs) and endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) to the wound site [3]. Recent studies focusing on altering the wound’s cellular and molecular environment using bone-marrow-derived stem cells, growth factors (delivered either directly or using gene or cell therapy), bioengineered skin constructs, and biological matrices, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid gels had promising wound healing outcomes [4]. These studies suggest that strategies aimed at modifying the extracellular environment of the diabetic wound to enhance cell survival and angiogenesis are promising for development of new therapies for diabetic wound healing.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Transforming growth factor-β1 regulates steady-state PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA levels and PTHrP binding in ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells

The effect of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) on the expression of mRNA for the parathyroid hormone receptor and binding of iodinated parathyroid hormone-related protein in ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells was evaluated. TGF-beta1 stimulated a 2-7-fold increase in steady state mRNA levels for the parathyroid hormone receptor at a maximal dose of 5 ng/ml, with increased levels of expression at 6 h of TGF-beta1-incubation, and peak levels at 8-24 h. Receptor binding studies revealed a significant increase in PTHrP-specific binding with TGF-beta1 doses as low as 0.5 ng/ml and a 55% increase in numbers of receptors with no alteration in binding affinity with 5.0 ng/ml TGF-beta1. Time course studies indicated that receptor binding was increased at 24 h with peak levels reached at 48 h of treatment. PTH-stimulated cAMP levels were significantly increased in ROS 17/2.8 cells treated with TGF-beta1 (0.5 ng/ml) for 48 h. These data indicate that TGF-beta1 upregulates steady-state mRNA, ligand binding and PTH/PTHrP receptor signaling in rat osteosarcoma cells. The effects of TGF-beta1 on bone may be attributed in part to regulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor at the molecular level.
The Housing Tenure Adjustments of the Young and the Elderly Policy Implications

The housing tenure adjustments of U.S. households which have recently moved are analyzed as a function of the chronological age of the household head and the intra- metropolitan location of the occupied dwelling unit. Emphasized is the tenure adjustment pattern of the elderly population. While elderly movers are more likely than younger movers to vacate owned units, elderly owner-occupants move less frequently, and a high proportion relocate into other owned units, particularly in suburban areas. Discussed are the implications of these tenure adjustments, for the supply of the housing stock available to younger population groups and the residential satisfaction of the elderly population.
Image-Based High-Throughput Field Phenotyping of Crop Roots

Current plant phenotyping technologies to characterize agriculturally relevant traits have been primarily developed for use in laboratory and/or greenhouse conditions. In the case of root architectural traits, this limits phenotyping efforts, largely, to young plants grown in specialized containers and growth media. Hence, novel approaches are required to characterize mature root systems of older plants grown under actual soil conditions in the field. Imaging methods able to address the challenges associated with characterizing mature root systems are rare due, in part, to the greater complexity of mature root systems, including the larger size, overlap, and diversity of root components. Our imaging solution combines a field-imaging protocol and algorithmic approach to analyze mature root systems grown in the field. Via two case studies, we demonstrate how image analysis can be utilized to estimate localized root traits that reliably capture heritable architectural diversity as well as environmentally induced architectural variation of both monocot and dicot plants. In the first study, we show that our algorithms and traits (including 13 novel traits inaccessible to manual estimation) can differentiate nine maize (Zea mays) genotypes 8 weeks after planting. The second study focuses on a diversity panel of 188 cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes to identify which traits are sufficient to differentiate genotypes even when comparing plants whose harvesting date differs up to 14 d. Overall, we find that automatically derived traits can increase both the speed and reproducibility of the trait estimation pipeline under field conditions.
Comparison of reactivity of Ar(3Po) and Ar(3P2) metastable states. Products of quenching by some halogen-containing compounds

Abstract Vacuum UV emission from the products of quenching ofAr(3Po) and Ar(3P2) by several reagents has been compared. The large differences suggest that Ar(3Po) and Ar(3P2) preferentially yield respectively the D( 1 2 ) and B( 1 2 ) excited states of ArBr★ or ArCl★, which show specific, but very different, predissociation patterns.
Preparation of atomically clean and flat Si(1 0 0) surfaces by low-energy ion sputtering and low-temperature annealing

Abstract Si(1 0 0) surfaces were prepared by wet-chemical etching followed by 0.3–1.5 keV Ar ion sputtering, either at elevated or room temperature (RT). After a brief anneal under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions, the resulting surfaces were examined by scanning tunneling microscopy. We find that wet-chemical etching alone cannot produce a clean and flat Si(1 0 0) surface. However, subsequent 300 eV Ar ion sputtering at room temperature followed by a 700 °C anneal yields atomically clean and flat Si(1 0 0) surfaces suitable for nanoscale device fabrication.
Outage Probability for Multiple Relay Networks with Supplementary Non-Broadcast Links

Recent large system analyses have shown that the per-node throughput of purely broadcast wireless networks goes to zero as the size of the network increases. Importantly, the problem appears to be physical in nature, i.e., it cannot be overcome through clever protocols, codes, or modulations. This fundamental problem, along with the proliferation of wireless devices that are able to communicate over multiple independent communication modes (frequency bands, channels), motivates the study of a novel kind of communication network composed of conventional wireless nodes along with "multimodal" nodes that can communicate simultaneously over broadcast wireless and other non-broadcast point-point modes, e.g., wires, infrared, acoustic, or free-space optical links. Here, we provide an information outage probability analysis of multiple relay networks with an arbitrary number of supplementary non-broadcast links. We find that the non-broadcast links provide benefits over a wide range of broadcast/non-broadcast power allocations.
GM maize from site-specific recombination technology, what next?

The term plant genetic engineering has long conveyed a highly efficient and precise process for the manipulation of plant genomes. For nearly two decades, research on recombinase-based applications has steadily advanced the surgical capabilities of plant genome rearrangements. Once considered interesting laboratory exercises, a first crop plant derived from this type of DNA acrobatics is heading to market. Originally configured for a specific application, to remove a selectable marker, it could be the first of more to come — and not just market-free plants.
Public affairs, issues management, and political strategy: opportunities, opportunities, and more opportunities

This paper begins where Professor Windsor left off and enumerates some other areas in which academic research could be profitably pursued for both intellectual and practical gain. The tone of Professor Windsor's paper is pessimistic, and lays out in detail some of the obstacles to research; but these are not insurmountable. Some key areas that can be explored to the benefit of researchers and practitioners are in self-regulation, the initiative process, term limits (a relatively recent phenomenon and not particularly well known outside of the USA), and in alliance building, constituency statutes, and links to stakeholder theory and action. Each of these additional areas is addressed in this presentation. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Effects of dansylated acetylcholine analogs on Schistosoma mansoni

A series of dansylated fluorescent analogs was synthesized and tested for cholinergic and anticholinergic activity in Schistosoma mansoni. The compounds were compared with a previously reported analog, 5-(dimethylamino)-N-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)naphtha-lenesulfonamide hydrochloride (I). All of the compounds produced some fluorescent labeling of a structure in the head region of the worms. Major differences were not seen among the compounds. The compounds also were tested as antagonists of carbachol-induced paralysis in an activity monitor. Significant carbachol antagonism was seen for all compounds. Effects on the serotonin response also were recorded. Only one compound, a dibutylaminopropylamine derivative, produced striking antagonism of serotonin-induced motor activity.
Cadmium chelation by bacterial teichoic acid from solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

An effective means of studying biological metal chemistry is through the use of cadmium NMR to probe the interaction between biomolecules, such as proteins and peptides, with divalent metals, such as zinc, copper, magnesium, or calcium. Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus and B. subtilis, have peptidoglycan cell walls that contain teichoic acids, a poly(phosphodiester) biopolymer used for, among other things, metal chelation. Previous solid-state NMR and XAFS studies have shown that the cadmium ion binds in a bidentate manner to the phosphoryl centers of the dried teichoic acid backbone at physiological pH. However, current studies indicate that, when hydrated and at the low concentrations typically found in nature, the cadmium ions and phosphoryl sites interact through an extended solvent-separated ion pairing. These data reveal two unequal P−Cd interactions at distances of 4.2 and 4.9 A set approximately 180° from each other in a linear arrangement.
Hostage-Taking in the Context of Domestic Violence: Some Case Examples

Initial reports of domestic violence are generally made to law enforcement officers who must respond and intervene. A subset of these episodes involves cases in which the victim, and, in many instances her child(ren), have been taken hostage by her husband or partner. Moreover, there are indications that the number of such incidents is growing. The purpose of this project was twofold: (1) to provide one of the first reports on the prevalence and characteristics of these events, and (2) to more closely analyze domestic crisis (hostage) situations using actual case examples. All information was obtained from the Hostage Barricade Database System (HOBAS) of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit. HOBAS is a postincident information collection tool which stores historical data from law enforcement agencies across the nation on hostage/barricade incidents. An examination of this database yielded different types of domestic hostage-taking acts and outcomes (e.g., tactical vs. negotiated resolutions, survival vs. death/injury of perpetrator and/or victim[s]). Implications of the findings, for future crisis negotiation efforts directed toward nonviolent resolution of these high-risk critical incidents, are discussed.
ANTISENSE SEQUENCE-DIRECTED CROSS-LINKING OF DNA OLIGONUCLEOTIDES BY MITOMYCIN C

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) conjugated with mitomycin C (MC) via (−CH2−)n tethers of different lengths (n = 6, 12) to their terminal 5‘-phosphate were synthesized, and their interaction with target complementary single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides was investigated. MC, a clinically used natural anticancer drug, is known to act as a bioreductive alkylating agent of duplex DNA with a remarkable preference for 5‘-d(CG) sequences. The usual enzymatic bioreductive techniques known to trigger MC to alkylate DNA were employed in the reaction between the MC−oligonucleotide conjugates and their targets radiolabeled by 32P at their 5‘-phosphate. A slow-moving radiolabeled product, detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using phosphorimaging techniques, was obtained in 15−25% yield with complementary DNA as target. Formation of these products was dependent upon complementary duplex formation. Evidence is presented that the DNA target is alkylated by the mitomycin C moiety of the ODN conjugate at the 2-...
Soil adenosine triphosphate: Extraction, recovery and half-life

Extraction of ATP from microorganisms in desert soil is best carried out using the n-butanol-octanol method. Using this method, one obtains an average ATP-recovery of 68% under widely varying soil moisture and textural conditions. We have also shown that the half-life of non-microbial ATP in soil is not more than one hour and thus the possibility of a build-up of non-microbial ATP in desert soil is unlikely. This method can be used for rapid survey of the microbial content in soil environments with a minimum of soil disruption. It is also a valuable tool for investigating the effect of various environmental factors on fluctuations in soil microflora content.
Geometry of the ringed surfaces in R 4 that generate spatial Pythagorean hodographs

A Pythagorean-hodograph (PH) curve r ( t ) = ( x ( t ) , y ( t ) , z ( t ) ) has the distinctive property that the components of its derivative r ' ( t ) satisfy x ' 2 ( t ) + y ' 2 ( t ) + z ' 2 ( t ) = ? 2 ( t ) for some polynomial ? ( t ) . Consequently, the PH curves admit many exact computations that otherwise require approximations. The Pythagorean structure is achieved by specifying x ' ( t ) , y ' ( t ) , z ' ( t ) in terms of polynomials u ( t ) , v ( t ) , p ( t ) , q ( t ) through a construct that can be interpreted as a mapping from R 4 to R 3 defined by a quaternion product or the Hopf map. Under this map, r ' ( t ) is the image of a ringed surface S ( t , ? ) in R 4 , whose geometrical properties are investigated herein. The generation of S ( t , ? ) through a family of four-dimensional rotations of a "base curve" is described, and the first fundamental form, Gaussian curvature, total area, and total curvature of S ( t , ? ) are derived. Furthermore, if r ' ( t ) is non-degenerate, S ( t , ? ) is not developable (a non-trivial fact in R 4 ). It is also shown that the pre-images of spatial PH curves equipped with a rotation-minimizing orthonormal frame (comprising the tangent and normal-plane vectors with no instantaneous rotation about the tangent) are geodesics on the surface S ( t , ? ) . Finally, a geometrical interpretation of the algebraic condition characterizing the simplest non-trivial instances of rational rotation-minimizing frames on polynomial space curves is derived.
Algorithms for the maximum k-club problem in graphs

Given a simple undirected graph G, a k-club is a subset of vertices inducing a subgraph of diameter at most k. The maximum k-club problem (MkCP) is to find a k-club of maximum cardinality in G. These structures, originally introduced to model cohesive subgroups in social network analysis, are of interest in network-based data mining and clustering applications. The maximum k-club problem is NP-hard, moreover, determining whether a given k-club is maximal (by inclusion) is NP-hard as well. This paper first provides a sufficient condition for testing maximality of a given k-club. Then it proceeds to develop a variable neighborhood search (VNS) heuristic and an exact algorithm for MkCP that uses the VNS solution as a lower bound. Computational experiments with test instances available in the literature show that the proposed algorithms are very effective on sparse instances and outperform the existing methods on most dense graphs from the testbed.
An evolutionary context for the emergence of language

Abstract Modern human beings process information symbolically, rearranging mental symbols according to rules to envision multiple potential realities. They also express the ideas they form using structured articulate language. No other living creature does either of these things, reflecting a qualitative cognitive gulf between modern Homo sapiens and all the other species – including their own closest living relatives – that compose the Great Tree of Life. Yet it is evident that we are descended from a non-symbolic and non-linguistic ancestor. How did this astonishing transformation occur? Scrutiny of the fossil and archaeological records suggests that the transition to symbolic reasoning happened very late in hominid history – indeed, within the tenure of anatomically recognizable Homo sapiens . It was evidently not simply a passive result of the increase in brain size that typified multiple lineages of the genus Homo over the Pleistocene. I thus propose that a brain exaptively capable of complex symbolic manipulation and Universal Grammar was acquired as a byproduct of the major developmental reorganization that gave rise to the anatomically distinctive species H. sapiens , and that this new capacity was later recruited through the action of a cultural stimulus. In evolutionary terms this would have been a rather routine happening: after all, structures must necessarily be in place before they can be used for new purposes. Given the intimate interdependence of modern cognition and language – both are intrinsically symbolic activities – the most plausible cultural trigger for symbolic thought processes was the invention of language in an African isolate of H. sapiens at (very approximately) 100,000 years ago. I enumerate several advantages that language has in this role relative to other putative stimuli such as theory of mind.
Neptunism and vulcanism in the ocean

Abstract The origin of authigenic minerals on the ocean floor has been extensively discussed in the past with emphasis on two major processes; precipitation from solutions originating from submarine eruptions, and slow precipitation from sea water of dissolved elements, originating from weathering of continental rocks. It is concluded that in several marine authigenic mineral systems these processes overlap. A diagnostic principle is suggested, permitting a qualitative or semiquantitative discrimination between marine authigenic minerals crystallized from dissolved species, which have spent a long time in solution on the one hand, and the same minerals generated from solutions, near their source on the other. Extensive data are available for the manganese and iron oxide minerals forming manganese nodules. It is indicated on the basis of their composition and structure that many of the nodules found in the vicinity of the continents are made up essentially of manganese derived from continental weathering. In contrast to this group, all of the nodules found in the Pacific area of submarine vulcanism display the criteria for rapid precipitation near the source of solution. The distribution of barium minerals over the deep ocean floor is discussed.The same diagnostic principle is suggested for application to these solids, in order to discriminate between baryte and harmotome crystallized near the source of barium- rich, acidic vulcanites, and the same minerals formed from continental solution with passage through the biosphere. In the case of the authigenic aluminosilicates it is found that many of the framework elements (Si and particularly Al) have low passage time through solution, and the major fraction of these elements is consequently removed from solution in the vicinity of the eruptive source materials. Extensive modification of the crystal structures, however, takes place over long periods of time, adding particularly cations from sea water, and probably to some extent silica from siliceous fossils, which on their decay on the ocean floor appear to contribute to the silicate framework of growing zeolites. The marked fractionation of the rare earth ions between coexisting phases is pointed out, with discussion of the potential use of this phenomenon to indicate the processes of formation. The use of the hafnium/zirconium ratio as a tracer for the igneous source type is suggested, and the application of ideally imperfect tracers to establish the varying relative importance of volcanic versus halmeic source of marine minerals is discussed in general.
1,4-naphthoquinone cations as antiplasmodial agents: hydroxy-, acyloxy-, and alkoxy-substituted analogues.

Cations of hydroxy-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones were synthesized and evaluated as antiplasmodial agents against Plasmodium falciparum. The atovaquone analogues were found to be inactive as antagonists of parasite growth, which was attributed to ionization of the acidic hydroxyl moiety. Upon modification to an alkoxy substituent, the antiplasmodial activity was restored in the sub-100 nM range. Optimal inhibitors were found to possess IC50 values of 17.4–49.5 nM against heteroresistant P. falciparum W2.
Achromatic hybrid refractive-diffractive lens with extended depth of focus

A method for designing achromatic hybrid refractive-diffractive elements that can produce beams with long focal depths while they preserve the entire aperture for capture of light and high transverse resolution is presented. Its working principle is based on the combination of a diffractive optical element that generates a long range of pseudonondiffractive rays and a refractive lens of opposite dispersion to form an achromatic hybrid lens. A hybrid lens with a fast f-number (f/1) that works in the entire visible wave band (400-700 nm) was designed and fabricated. Simulation results demonstrate a factor-of-10 improvement in depth of focus compared with that of a conventional f/1 lens, with matching 1-microm lateral resolution. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method through demonstration of an achromatic hybrid lens with better than a factor-of-7 improvement in depth of focus and 1-microm transverse resolution.
Lacustrine shales and oil shales from Stellarton Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada: organofacies variations and use of polyaromatic hydrocarbons as maturity indicators

Abstract The Post-Acadian Stellarton Basin is a small pull-apart basin in northern Nova Scotia. The Coal Brook Member, which is the main focus of this study, contains the thickest and most extensive development of oil shales within the Late Carboniferous Stellarton Formation. Bulk and molecular geochemistry indicate that the organic-rich oil shales and black shales contain Type I/II kerogen with a mixed assemblage of aquatic and terrestrial organic matter that is dominated by the former. Biomarker evidence indicates that these sediments were deposited under deep, anoxic and fresh-to-brackish water lake conditions. Organofacies distinctions were made on the basis of several parameters that are independent of maturity and therefore suggest organic matter changes. The organofacies identified are the result of water-level fluctuations that are climate controlled. All of the aromatic compounds evaluated as maturity parameters were seen to experience alterations in proportion to temperature in the form of either depth or geologic age, that can be correlated with maturity. These alterations are believed to result from changes in molecular composition. Maturity parameters based on the alkylbenzothiophenic and alkylnaphthalenic compounds are shown to be effective maturity parameters in lacustrine sequences, particularly over the higher maturity ranges where standard maturity parameters based on steranes and hopanes are not effective.
Recent developments in discrete choice model formulation, estimation, and inference

The developments in discrete choice formulation, estimation and inference techniques have been fast and furious over the past few years. This special issue of Transportation Research Part B is a compilation of some of the cutting-edge research in the field.
Benzolactams as non-peptide cholecystokinin receptor ligands

A series of 1,3-substituted benzolactams are reported which are nonpeptidal receptor ligands of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). These compounds are composites of potent, selective benzolactam CCK-A antagonists and unique structural elements which have been demonstrated to enhance the affinity of certain 1,4-benzodiazepine CCK-A antagonists for the CCK-B receptor.
Signal-to-noise ratio analysis of one- and two-channel halfwave plate polarimeters

The theoretical shot-noise-limited signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is compared for one- and two-channel half-wave plate polarimeters, where rotation of the halfwave plate within the system causes a corresponding rotation in the incident linear polarization. This analysis estimates the smallest possible waveplate rotation that may be resolved by each polarimeter. It is shown that, at least theoretically, the differentially amplified two-channel polarimeter provides a superior SNR and thus correspondingly greater angular resolution. The degradation of the SNR as a result of polarization imperfections that might be introduced by less than ideal optical components is also considered.
A modified backfire antenna

The three-term theory is applied to study the circuit and field properties of linear and crossed-dipole arrays of the backfire type. The arrays are composed of both driven and parasitic elements. It is found that with proper spacings and lengths of the elements, both broadside and endfire patterns can be obtained by changes in the relative phases of only a fraction of the total number of elements.
Generation and observation of surface waves on dielectric slabs and coplanar structures

Surface waves have been transmitted and received in dielectric slabs using microwave and millimeter-wave wafer probes. Experimental results suggest that the TE/sub 0/ and TM/sub 0/ surface waves have been measured. Coupling between the coplanar waveguide (CPW) mode and surface wave modes has also been achieved experimentally. This coupling is primarily due to the TM/sub 0/ and TE/sub 1/ modes that propagate beyond the ground plane edges of the CPW. For dielectric slabs having a relative permittivity in the 9.9 to 12.9 range (i.e., alumina and GaAS), it was empirically determined that a CPW transmission line with a (W+2G)/T value less than 0.35 has minimal interaction with surface waves. >
Semiconductor factory automation: designing for phased automation

Hewlett-Packard has developed a strategy for phased semiconductor factory automation design and implementation. This strategy allows a semiconductor factory to incorporate progressive levels of factory control software components, automated material handling systems, and real-time process tool control to meet the growing and changing needs of a semiconductor facility. This paper discusses the benefits, interfaces, components and return on investment associated with automation phasing. Included are discussions on modular tool interfaces and control, distributed factory control systems, modular automated material handling systems, distributed stocking, facility systems design, rapid manual contingency operations, reliability considerations and cost benefits of phased approaches.
Multi-issue coalitions in the Congress (voting alignments on supercomputer)

The authors explore voting alignments in six US Senates between 1959 and 1981. The authors' thesis is that the Senate is organized by four recurring multiissue coalitions that combine in various ways to form larger voting coalitions. The four-coalition hypothesis was tested with the use of complete-link hierarchical clustering on a matrix of senators over contested bills. The significance of clustering into four rather than some other number of groups was established by computing gamma goodness-of-fit statistics for each possible clustering, a computation that was practical only with the aid of a supercomputer. Beyond the basic clustering result, descriptive statistics were used to measure membership consistency over time. Membership in the four coalitions persisted even across Senates spanning the supposed Reagan realignment. This finding and others support the conclusion that the multiissue coalition is the appropriate unit in roll-call analysis. >
Association between simian virus 40 and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Summary Background Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has increased in frequency over the past 30 years, and is a common cancer in HIV-1-infected patients. Although no definite risk factors have emerged, a viral cause has been postulated. Polyomaviruses are known to infect human beings and to induce tumours in laboratory animals. We aimed to identify which one of the three polyomaviruses able to infect human beings (simian virus 40 [SV40], JC virus, and BK virus) was associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Methods We analysed systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma from 76 HIV-1-infected and 78 HIV-1-uninfected patients, and non-malignant lymphoid samples from 79 HIV-1-positive and 107 HIV-1-negative patients without tumours; 54 colon and breast carcinoma samples served as cancer controls. We used PCR followed by Southern blot hybridisation and DNA sequence analysis to detect DNAs of polyomaviruses and herpesviruses. Findings Polyomavirus T antigen sequences, all of which were SV40-specific, were detected in 64 (42%) of 154 non-Hodgkin lymphomas, none of 186 non-malignant lymphoid samples, and none of 54 control cancers. This difference was similar for HIV-1-infected patients and HIV-1-uninfected patients alike. Few tumours were positive for both SV40 and Epstein-Barr virus. Human herpesvirus type 8 was not detected. SV40 sequences were found most frequently in diffuse large B-cell and follicular-type lymphomas. Interpretation SV40 is significantly associated with some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These results add lymphomas to the types of human cancers associated with SV40.
Two-Dimensional Heteronuclear Chemical-Shift Correlation in Proteins at Natural Abundance 15N and 13C Levels

Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy is finding increasing application in the study of structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. The development of 2D NOE spectroscopy (I) permits the measurement of interproton distances and provides a direct means of determining conformation. Unfortunately, the ‘H NMR spectra of macromolecules usually show severe overlap, even at the highest available field strengths. Assignment of a ‘H NMR spectrum can therefore be prohibitively complicated, which makes use of the valuable NOE information impossible. By correlation of ‘H chemical shifts with those of 15N or 13C, spectral overlap can largely be removed and the 15N or 13C chemical-shift value can be of additional help in assigning the ‘H spectrum. Early attempts to record such heteronuclear chemical-shift correlation spectra for proteins relied on 13C detection and consequently had low sensitivity, requiring very large sample quantities and long measuring times or isotope enrichment (2-4). More recently, heteronuclear chemical-shift correlation schemes have been proposed that rely on ‘H detection and that offer up to two orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity (5-10). This new approach has recently been demonstrated for isotopically labeled proteins (11-13) and nucleic acids (14, 15). Very recently, one report showed the feasibility of natural abundance ‘H-l5 N correlation in small proteins (16). Here, we demonstrate that routine heteronuclear shift correlation in proteins is feasible and we outline procedures that optimize sensitivity for both 13C and “N. The main problems faced in the application of ‘H-detected heteronuclear chemicalshift correlation methods are the suppression of signals from protons that are not attached to 13C or 15N and the maximization of the sensitivity and resolution of the method. For 13C, the best scheme for this purpose, we find, is ‘H: 90:-7- -t,/2-180,“~t,/2- -T-Acquire(#)
Spatial and temporal distributions of salmonids in two ponds in Newfoundland, Canada

Spatial and temporal distributions of salmonids were examined in Junction Pond, Northeast River, Placentia and Conne Pond, Conne River, Newfoundland using Lundgren multiple-mesh experimental gillnets. Both ponds contain populations of Atlantic salmon and brook trout with Junction Pond also possessing brown trout and resident Arctic charr. For salmon parr there was a significant month effect in distribution of catch rates in both ponds, and in Junction Pond, there was a significant diel effect. There was also significant variation in catch rates by lentic zone. For brook trout, there was a significant lentic zone × month interaction in Junction Pond; in Conne Pond, the main effects lentic zone and month were significant. Highest benthic catch rates of Atlantic salmon parr occurred in the littoral zone of both ponds. Most captures of brook trout also occurred benthically in both ponds; similar to salmon parr, littoral zone catch rates were higher than those of the deeper benthic area in Conne Pond but the reverse was true for Junction Pond. For both salmon parr and brook trout, the deeper benthic area and the pelagic area were relatively important rearing habitats in each pond. The distribution of catches for brown trout (few in number relative to the other species) in Junction Pond was similar to that of brook trout while Arctic charr were found mainly pelagically. Within the benthic area, most Arctic charr were caught at depths beyond the littoral zone. There was a tendency for Altantic salmon parr and brook trout found in the deeper benthic area and the pelagic area to be significantly larger and older than those in littoral zone in each pond. Sizes of Arctic charr did not differ significantly among lentic zones.
Statistics of competing post-breakdown failure modes in ultrathin MOS devices

The statistical analysis of the time elapsed from first oxide breakdown to device failure (residual time) reveals that the distinction between hard breakdown (HBD) and soft breakdown (SBD) is meaningful for ultrathin oxides down to 1 nm. It also shows that the growth of the HBD current is progressive. Thus, the HBD prevalence ratio picture of post-breakdown reliability is generalized to include the HBD progressiveness. Moreover, it is shown that the statistics of residual time cannot be quantitatively understood unless the SBD mode is considered to be unstable and to finally cause the device failure. As a consequence, a worst case criterion is used to combine these two failure modes (unstable SBD and progressive HBD) into a global post-breakdown cumulative failure function. This combined approach is shown to be a valuable tool to interpret a broad range of apparently dissimilar experimental results in devices with gate oxides ranging from 2.7 to 1 nm. The existence of two post-breakdown failure modes highly complicates the complete characterization of the post-breakdown relevant magnitudes and introduces extra difficulties for the reliable extrapolation of reliability data to operation conditions and low failure percentiles. It is found that ultrathin oxides as thin as 1 nm show essentially the same post-breakdown phenomena as oxides above 2 nm. However, unstable SBD is found to have a more severe impact on the failure of these ultrathin oxides.
Pertussis Resurgence: Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Beyond

The introduction of routine vaccination against Bordetella pertussis more than a half century ago led to a drastic decline in the number of reported cases of pertussis. It was originally believed that lifelong immunity was afforded after vaccination. Unfortunately, this belief is flawed, as the highest number of pertussis cases since 1959 was reported in 2004. This significant increase has led to additional research on immunity, vaccination, and treatment of B. pertussis in all age groups. We performed a MEDLINE search of literature from 1966-2006 to evaluate and review the existing data on immunity to and prevention or treatment of B. pertussis infections. Additional articles were identified from the bibliographies of reviewed literature. Numerous articles pertaining to these topics have been published recently. The most significant changes in the management of this infectious disease surround the new recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for adult and adolescent immunizations to assist in preventing outbreaks of B. pertussis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published guidelines updating the recommended pharmacologic agents for treatment or prevention of B. pertussis. Despite decades of successful vaccination programs, pertussis continues to be a problematic disease. Fortunately, data and vaccines are now available that make development of a pertussis booster vaccination campaign reasonable. However, until widespread compliance with such programs is achieved, clinicians need to maintain vigilance against pertussis.
Anemia in the Kidney-Transplant Patient

Anemia, a potentially correctable cardiovascular risk factor, continues to be a major problem in kidney-transplant patients. Erythropoietin levels increase rapidly after successful kidney transplantation, and by 3 months, most patients achieve hemoglobin levels greater than 12 g/dL. Anemia may be caused by problems commonly seen in the general population such as iron deficiency or gastrointestinal blood loss, by immunosuppressive medications, or by more rare abnormalities such as hemolytic uremic syndrome or parvovirus B19-induced aplastic anemia. Iron deficiency is common at the time of transplantation and beyond and frequently contributes to anemia. Markers of iron deficiency (ferritin or transferrin saturation) are frequently inconclusive because of the presence of inflammation and infection. Immunosuppressive medications, such as azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), are a common cause of mild bone-marrow suppression and, thus, anemia. Sirolimus can cause more severe bone-marrow suppression, although this effect can lessen over time. The transplant patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently develops anemia, yet agents such as epoetin-α and darbepoetin are greatly underutilized. Evaluation of anemia should be undertaken when hemoglobin fails to normalize by 3 months after transplantation. Later after transplantation, especially in the setting of chronic allograft dysfunction, evaluation should take place when the hemoglobin falls to less than 11 g/dL in premenopausal females or to less than 12 g/dL in males and postmenopausal females.
Student Team Solutions to an Open‐Ended Mathematical Modeling Problem: Gaining Insights for Educational Improvement

Background When engineers and students engage in mathematical modeling, the models they create are representational systems of real-world problem situations. These representational systems reveal modelers' interpretations of the relative importance of various real-world aspects. Purpose This paper illustrates how interpretations of student teams' solution models (i.e., their representational systems) to a particular problem can be used to inform educational decisions. Design/Method First-year engineering teams' iterative solution models to the Travel Mode Choice Model-Eliciting Activity (MEA) were interpreted for the purpose of identifying patterns within and across teams' responses. This MEA requires the creation of a model for a client who wants to predict the mode of transportation an individual will likely take to a college campus. Teams were provided with the client's needs and sample data concerning individuals' actual travel mode and travel time, cost, and convenience for various travel modes (walk, bus, or drive). Results Student teams were required to submit their intermediate and final model descriptions in narrative form. Systematic study of their models resulted in identification of four different types of models. Patterns within and across model types were then used to suggest changes to the instructional system. Conclusion When instructors study student models as representations of their interpretation of a real-world problem situation, insights gained can lead to practical proposals for improving instruction with authentic open-ended problems including revisions to tasks, implementation strategies, formative assessment strategies, and course content.
Bacteria-immune system interactions. VIII. Modulation of human cytotoxic reactions by crude lipoteichoic acid extracts of Bacillus globigii.

AbstractCrude lipoteichoic acid (LTA)1 extracts were prepared from Bacillus globigii (Bg-LTA). The addition of Bg-LTA to mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) produced a dose dependent inhibition of specific cytotoxic reactions and of tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation. Much less Bg-LTA was needed to inhibit the initiation (addition at day 0) than the effector phase (addition at day 6) of the cytotoxic reactions. None of the LTA quantities used had a toxic effect on the lymphocytes. LTA pretreated stimulator cells also had a modulatory effect on the cytotoxic reactions. Stimulators pretreated with very low or very high LTA concentrations had no effect; however, pretreatment with intermediate concentrations induced a drastic inhibition of cytotoxicity. LTA pretreated stimulator cells did not significantly affect 3H-TdR Incorporation. Suppression of the cytotoxic reaction could also be obtained by LTA-pretreatment of the effector cells.
The role of high pressure in the study and applications of the ferroelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride and its copolymers

The effects of frequency, temperature and hydrostatic pressure on the dielectric properties, molecular relaxations, and phase transitions of PVDF and a copolymer with 30 mol% trifluoroethylene will be discussed. Pressure causes large slowing down of the /spl beta/ molecular relaxations as well as large increases in the ferroelectric transition temperatures and melting points, but the magnitudes of the effects are different for the different "transitions." These effects can be understood in terms of pressure-induced hindrance of the molecular motions and/or reorientations. A unique application of these polymers as time-resolved dynamic stress gauges based on PVDF studies under very high pressure shock compression is discussed.
Medications and the visually impaired elderly

persons aged 65 and older are the largest consumers of medications, accounting for 30% of prescription drugs and 40% of over-the-counter (OTC) medications) But poor eyesight can interfere with the reading of prescription labels, dosage instructions, and the "how to" for opening drug containers. Many older persons take a number of different drugs, and impaired vision may make it difficult to differentiate one bottle of pills from another. More than 3 million elders are visually impaired. One million are legally blind in both eyes. 2. The prevalence of vision impairment among all non-institutionalized elders is 13%, ranging from 10% for those 65 to 74 years of age to 26% for those over the age of 85.3,4 Commonly occurring eye problems in the geriatric population include presbyopia, iatrogenic drug side effects, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and ocular manifestations of systemic disease such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Many visually impaired elderly live alone, are responsible for their own drug dosing schedule, and take multiple medications for a variety of coexisting conditions. The use of two or more drugs, combined with widely varying degrees of disease-related and physiological visual impairment, can lead to adverse reactions and even death. Case Presentations
The nature of cervical carotid stenosis

There are 2 distinct types of cervical carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (CCAS): embologenic (symptomatic) and nonembologenic (asymptomatic), with markedly different symptoms and prognoses. There is incomplete knowledge concerning treatment of these 2 conditions, including optimal medical therapy, indications for intervention, and the optimal means for intervention. All previous trials with endarterectomy were said to be versus the best medical therapy. However, endarterectomy has actually only been compared with aspirin therapy, and not with what is now thought to probably be better medical therapy (eg, warfarin or combination aspirin/dipyridamole). Current data indicate that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as it is currently practiced in the United States bears little relationship to the published multicenter randomized trials. There is a high level of interest in carotid stenting, but there is no definitive proof of its safety, efficacy, or durability. Cerebral protection from procedural emboli during carotid stenting can potentially reduce the risk of carotid stenting to a level comparable with that of endarterectomy, or even lower. Further study is warranted.