cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Donor-specific antibody and sensitized patients in intestinal transplantation.

Purpose of review It has been well established that antibody to donor HLA pretransplant and the development of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies posttransplant contribute to inferior graft survival outcomes. This article serves to review the current status of the management of pretransplant sensitized intestinal transplant candidate as well as to review posttransplant care of patients that harbor antidonor HLA antibodies. Recent findings The intestinal transplant candidate oftentimes presents for transplant listing with high levels of anti-HLA antibodies that necessitate a careful preoperative strategy to avoid a donor-recipient pair that would result in a positive crossmatch. In the end, donor intestine offer acceptance is based on a balance between recipient clinical needs and allowable immunologic risk tolerance. The use of virtual crossmatching (VXM) enables the transplant center to effectively gauge the immunologic risk of each potential donor-recipient pair far in advance of allocating resources toward pursuing a donor organ. In those candidates with high levels of preformed donor anti-HLA antibodies, desensitization with a novel technique of donor splenic perfusion has been described as well as a single-center experience with a conventional desensitizing protocol. Posttransplant, with the use of a denovo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA) monitoring and treatment protocol, the well known deleterious effects of dnDSA can potentially be ameliorated, thus improving outcome. Efforts to establish a formal histologic criteria for antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in the intestinal graft continues to evolve with recent findings describing the relationship between DSA and histopathologic findings. Summary Techniques such as the use of VXM, novel desensitization methods and protocols, monitoring and eradicating dnDSA, along with establishing new criteria for ABMR have all contributed to improving the outcomes in transplanting the immunologically challenging intestine.
Simulation of Nanoscale Electronic Systems

Abstract As modern silicon integrated devices have reached nanometer scale, device simulation has evolved to provide designers with physical tools that account for particle and quantum features of the transport. At the same time, the ultimate scaling limits of silicon structures are being approached and new material systems have been investigated as candidates to complement or possibly replace silicon technology in the future. Simulation has an important role for the exploration of new molecular device systems, but the increased model complexity presents also many new computational challenges. This chapter will present an overview of simulation approaches for nanoscale device systems with application examples ranging from traditional silicon MOSFETs to molecular and bio-inspired structures.
Physical activity and breast cancer risk among Asian-American women in Los Angeles: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge, there have been few studies published to date regarding physical activity patterns and breast cancer risk in Asian and Asian-American women. METHODS The authors conducted a population-based case–control study of 501 Asian-American women with incident breast cancer and a control group of 594 Asian-American women in Los Angeles County to evaluate the role of lifetime physical activity on breast cancer risk. Information concerning lifetime recreational physical activity (i.e., type of activity, duration [years], and frequency [average hours per week]) and occupational physical activity was obtained using a structured questionnaire that was administered in person. RESULTS Increasing years and levels (average metabolic equivalent [MET] hours per week) of lifetime recreational activity were associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer after adjusting for demographic factors, migration history, and menstrual and reproductive factors. Compared with women who had no lifetime recreational physical activity, ≤ 3 MET hours per week, > 3–6 MET hours per week, > 6–12 MET hours per week, and > 12 MET hours per week of activity were associated with significantly reduced risk, with odds ratios (and 95% confidence intervals) of 0.91 (0.55–1.49), 0.65 (0.39–1.10), 0.53 (0.31–0.90), and 0.47 (0.28–0.80), respectively (P value for trend < 0.001). The risk of breast cancer was associated inversely with occupational physical activity, although the result was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study provide further support for the finding that physical activity has a protective role in breast cancer. Cancer 2003;10:2565–75. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11364
New wine from old barrels.

Phosphoribosylanthranilate isomerase (PRAI) and indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase (IGPS) are distantly related α/β-barrel enzymes that catalyze successive steps in tryptophan biosynthesis. A ‘new’ PRAI was evolved from an ‘old’ IGPS by random mutagenesis followed by DNA shuffling and in vivo selection.
Feeding the Preterm Infant after Discharge

In recent years, much attention has been focused on enhancing the nutritional support of very preterm infants to improve both survival and quality of life. In most countries throughout the world, preterm infants tend to be discharged from hospital earlier than the expected term for economic and other reasons. The question has arisen whether such infants might require special nutritional regimens or special discharge formulas. Since nutrition during hospitalization tends to improve, thereby reducing acquired nutrition deficit, the question of the systematic use of specially designed nutrient-enriched discharge formulas should be questioned. Recommendations for feeding the preterm infant after hospital discharge are made keeping in mind that the goal in nourishing preterm infants after discharge should be to promote human milk feeding, minimize nutrient deficits, promptly address these deficits once identified, and avoid over-nourishing or promoting postnatal growth acceleration once nutrient deficits have been corrected.
Panoramic viewfinder: providing a real-time preview to help users avoid flaws in panoramic pictures

Image stitching allows users to combine multiple regular-sized photographs into a single wide-angle picture, often referred to as a panoramic picture. To create such a panoramic picture, users traditionally first take all the photographs, then upload them to a PC and stitch. During stitching, however, users often discover that the produced panorama contains artifacts or is incomplete. Fixing these flaws requires retaking individual images, which is often difficult by this time. In this paper, we present Panoramic Viewfinder, an interactive system for panorama construction that offers a real-time preview of the panorama while shooting. As the user swipes the camera across the scene, each photo is immediately added to the preview. By making ghosting and stitching failures apparent, the system allows users to immediately retake necessary images. The system also provides a preview of the cropped panorama. When this preview includes all desired scene elements, users know that the panorama will be complete. Unlike earlier work in the field of real-time stitching, this paper focuses on the user interface aspects of real-time stitching. We describe our prototype, individual shooting modes, and an implementation overview.
Evaluating and managing risk in small‐scale fish farming in a developing economy: An application to Rwanda

Abstract Policy makers in developing economies continue to promote small‐scale fish culture as a means of generating stable income and alleviating malnutrition and famine problems. In some places like Rwanda, land previously established with traditional crops has been re‐allocated to small‐scale fish culture. While the income derived from fish farming is a powerful incentive to produce an alternative crop, the lack of information on the risk associated with returns from small‐scale fish farming in Rwanda is striking. This study used the @Risk risk analysis and simulation add‐in for Lotus 1–2–3 to determine the range and the probability of economic success or failure, to identify sources of risk, and to evaluate ways of minimizing risks in small‐scale fish production in Rwanda. The study compared fish farming by cooperatives and by individual farmers. Small‐scale fish farming showed economic potential in Rwanda when evaluated as positive income above variable costs. The event ‘income above variable costs i...
Changes in Friendship Commitment: Comparing Geographically Close and Long-Distance Young-Adult Friendships

The existence of long-distance (LD) friendships throws into question assumptions that scholars of interpersonal communication often make about commitment to relationships, the development of relationships, and friendships. An analysis of turning points comparing commitment changes in young-adult geographically close and LD same-sex friendships revealed high and fluctuating levels of commitment over the history of the friendships for both types. Over 80% of those having LD friends reported their levels of commitment were currently increasing, rather than decreasing. Women were more likely than men to report nonlinear trajectories for their friendships, more downturns in commitment to their friendships, and more turning points related to changes in commitment to their friendships.
Reliability of a telephone-based Glasgow Outcome Scale assessment using a structured interview in a heterogenous population of patients and examiners

A reliable telephone-based Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) assessment would be advantageous to both patients and investigators. Using a previously published structured GOS interview and scoring system, the aim of this study was to assess the reliability of telephone-based GOS scores compared to those obtained face-to-face in a heterogenous population of patients and examiners. Sixty-six patients hospitalized for a variety of acute neurological injuries underwent two GOS interviews approximately 90 days after injury. From a pool of six examiners, structured interviews were conducted using a standardized data form containing nine yes/no questions. One interview was conducted face-to-face and the other interview was conducted by telephone, the order being randomly selected. A different examiner conducted the second interview, and was unaware of the findings of the first interview. From this data, a separate investigator assigned GOS scores using standardized criteria. Concordant GOS scores were obtained in 71% (...
Contested Social Identity and Communication in Text and Talk About the Vietnam War

Robert S. McNamara's (1995) In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam, and the public response to it, provide a rich site for investigating the negotiation of social identities in a speech community in which more than 1 speech code is deployed. Drawing from the ethnography of speaking (Hymes, 1962, 1972, 1974), speech codes theory (Philipsen, 1997; Philipsen, Coutu, & Covarrubias, 2005), and identity construction (Carbaugh, 1996), I demonstrate, within the communication form of a social drama, the articulation, rejection, and then potential resolution of the social identity and appropriate communication of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. In so doing, the study contributes to the understanding of how communities with diverse codes manage public discussions about potentially intractable issues.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND NATIONAL LIFE AS SUBJECT MATTER FOR DESIGN1

Artists who lack ideas for design often resort to copying something made by a different people to express the life of a different age. As a result the design does not express America and is not in harmony with the natural expression of the American home. Many interesting symbolic designs have been worked out in class using personal experiences for the subject matter. Thus the designs have a new interest both to the artist and the public. If American industrial art would encourage the artistic use of the wealth of material in our national life, the products produced would be given a soul which would make them alive.
Cigarette smoking and periodontal disease

Persons who never smoked and those who smoked only cigarettes were compared with regard to the incidence of periodontal disease.
A monolithic 48-stage Si-micromachined Knudsen pump for high compression ratios

This paper describes a microchip of 10.35×11.45 mm2 footprint that can self-evacuate on-chip cavities from 760 Torr to 10× improvement above those previously reported. The microfabrication process utilizes a single silicon substrate and requires five masks. A process is described for hermetic sealing of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) oxide/nitride layers using atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al 2 O 3 .
Baseline serum concentrations of zinc, selenium, and prolactin in critically ill children.

The provision of nutritional supplements with the ability to affect cells of the immune system is a promising therapy that may help to maintain immune system efficacy and prevent infection (1). Three natural immunomodulators important for lymphocyte health are zinc, selenium, and prolactin. The multicenter Critical Illness Stress Induced Immune Suppression (CRISIS) Prevention Trial evaluated the effect of zinc, selenium, glutamine, and metoclopramide (a prolactin secretagogue) vs. whey supplementation on the development of infection and sepsis in critically ill children (2). As part of the trial, baseline serum levels of zinc, selenium, and prolactin were obtained within 72 hours of PICU admission. In this report, we describe these baseline values and their relationships to lymphocyte counts. We hypothesized that zinc, selenium, and prolactin concentrations are low in critically ill children early after PICU admission and that low concentrations are associated with lymphopenia.
Enzymatic catalysis and transfers in solution. I. Theory and computations, a unified view

The transfer of hydride, proton, or H atom between substrate and cofactor in enzymes has been extensively studied for many systems, both experimentally and computationally. A simple equation for the reaction rate, an analog of an equation obtained earlier for electron transfer rates, is obtained, but now containing an approximate analytic expression for the bond rupture-bond forming feature of these H transfers. A "symmetrization," of the potential energy surfaces is again introduced [R. A. Marcus, J. Chem. Phys. 43, 679 (1965); J. Phys. Chem. 72, 891 (1968)], together with Gaussian fluctuations of the remaining coordinates of the enzyme and solution needed for reaching the transition state. Combining the two expressions for the changes in the difference of the two bond lengths of the substrate-cofactor subsystem and in the fluctuation coordinates of the protein leading to the transition state, an expression is obtained for the free energy barrier. To this end a two-dimensional reaction space (m,n) is used that contains the relative coordinates of the H in the reactants, the heavy atoms to which it is bonded, and the protein/solution reorganization coordinate, all leading to the transition state. The resulting expression may serve to characterize in terms of specific parameters (two "reorganization" terms, thermodynamics, and work terms), experimental and computational data for different enzymes, and different cofactor-substrate systems. A related characterization was used for electron transfers. To isolate these factors from nuclear tunneling, when the H-tunneling effect is large, use of deuterium and tritium transfers is of course helpful, although tunneling has frequently and understandably dominated the discussions. A functional form is suggested for the dependence of the deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE) on DeltaG° and a different form for the 13C KIE. Pressure effects on deuterium and 13C KIEs are also discussed. Although formulated for a one-step transfer of a light particle in an enzyme, the results would also apply to single-step transfers of other atoms and groups in enzymes and in solution.
High pressure synthesis of new plumbates of bismuth and thallium

Abstract Oxides of the type A2Pb2O7 (A = Tl, Bi) were prepared by solid state reaction at 700°C under 3 kbar pressure starting with Bi2O3, PbO2, and Tl2O3 in sealed gold tubes. For red insulating Bi2Pb2O7, a cubic (FCC) cell of 11.01A accounts for the X-ray diffraction pattern. For black metallic Tl2Pb2O7, a face centered rhombohedral cell with a = 10.598 A and α = 89.55° accounts for the observed x-ray diffraction pattern. A solid solution of the type Tl2−xBixPb2O7 was also prepared.
China's energy consumption change from 1987 to 2007: A multi-regional structural decomposition analysis

Abstract Increasing use of energy has helped to stimulate China's economy. Despite central planning, China has great differences in economic development, energy endowment and energy consumption across its regions. This paper uses the structural decomposition approach to uncover the regional disparities in energy consumption from 1987 to 2007. We also examine six possible key factors for the change in energy consumption by region. We find that final demand change outpaced efficiency improvements to drive up energy use in all regions between 1987 and 2007. More surprisingly, from 2002 to 2007, it appears that changes in production structure enhanced energy consumption in most regions. China produced more energy-intensive goods for capital investment and export. We contend that improving the energy efficiency of key energy-intensive sectors would lead a significant decline in energy intensity. Energy, directly or indirectly, is flowing from Northwest, Central and North China to coastal regions. Regional-specific policies should be designed to promote production structure change and curb energy demand.
Subscale-model and full-scale engine mixed-flow exhaust system performance comparison

A full-scale engine test of the NASA/General Electric Company (GE) Energy Efficient Engine (E) was conducted to demonstrate the E engine concept and evaluate its performance. The test program, performed at the GE outdoor engine test facilities in Peebles, Ohio, included a detailed evaluation of the total pressure and temperature profiles at the exit of the mixed-flow exhaust system to determine its mixing effectiveness. Subscale model tests of the same mixed-flow exhaust system had been previously conducted at FluiDyne Engineering Corporation in Minneapolis as part of the GE E mixer aerodynamic technology development program. The scalemodel and full-scale engine nozzle exit survey data and the calculated mixing effectiveness are compared and discussed. The results indicate the effectiveness of the full-scale engine mixing to be 5% higher than that of the scale model as a result of a geometric difference and higher turbulence levels in the engine exhaust flowfield.
Nutritional supplementation of nucleotides restores opioid CNS-mediated phenomena in mice

Previous experiments have demonstrated that suppression of immune function by either cyclosporin A or by a nucleotide free (NF) diet results in attenuation of morphine withdrawal symptoms in mice suggesting that immune status impacts CNS opioid-related phenomena. The present study elaborates on these initial findings by examining the effects of repletion of the NF diet with nucleotides or their precursors on opiate withdrawal. Female Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: a control group (C) given a standard lab chow diet and five experimental groups each given one of the following diets: a nucleotide free diet (NF); the NF supplemented with 0.25% RNA (NFR 0.25); the NF supplemented with 2.5% RNA (NFR 2.5) the NF supplemented with 0.06% uracil (NFU 0.06); the NF supplemented with 0.6% uracil (NFU 0.6). The mice were made morphine dependent by subcutaneous implantation of morphine pellets. Seventy-two hours after morphine pellet implantation, withdrawal was precipitated with naloxone (2 mg/kg). The mice were then observed and two indicators of withdrawal scored: jumping and diarrhea. The NF, NFR 0.25, NFR 2.5 and NFU 0.06 groups demonstrated significantly attenuation of the withdrawal signs relative to control animals. The NFU 0.6 group, however, had withdrawal scores restored to near control levels for both jumping and diarrhea. This suggests that nucleotides, particularly uracil, may play an important role in the immune-to-brain signaling pathway.
Quantitative characterization of unit response in the visual system.

A quantitative approach to characterization of unit response in the visual system was proposed. Temporal parameters of response were analyzed by post stimulus time-histograms obtained from point visual stimulation. Explicit temporal intervals were chosen to coincide with discrete response components. By calculating net firing rate within these intervals as a function of stimulus position, quantitative receptive field maps were constructed. To estimate response between stimulated matrix mesh points, a general contouring program was described. Latency, and synchronicity — a logarithmic probability function sensitive to temporal consistency of response — were also mapped as functions of stimulus position. Representative firing rate maps morphologically resembled previously described receptive fields; latency and synchronicity maps, it is argued, allow for additional mechanistic and functional analysis of striate units. By explicitly separating temporal and spatial variables and quantifying unit response, the present methods will hopefully enlarge the scope and sensitivity of receptive field analysis.
Formation and biochemistry of carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines in cooked meats

Heteroyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are a class of hazardous chemicals that are receiving heightened attention as a risk factor for human cancer. HAAs arise during the cooking of meats, fish, and poultry, and several HAAs also occur in tobacco smoke condensate and diesel exhaust. Many HAAs are carcinogenic and induce tumors at multiple sites in rodents. A number of epidemiologic studies have reported that frequent consumption of well-done cooked meats containing HAAs can result in elevated risks for colon, prostate, and mammary cancers. Moreover, DNA adducts of HAAs have been detected in human tissues, demonstrating that HAAs induce genetic damage even though the concentrations of these compounds in cooked meats are generally in the low parts-per-billion (ppb) range. With recent improvements in sensitivity of mass spectrometry instrumentation, HAAs, their metabolites, and DNA adducts can be detected at trace amounts in biological fluids and tissues of humans. The incorporation of HAA biomarkers in epidemologic studies will help to clarify the role of these dietary genotoxicants in the etiology of human cancer.
Heats of combustion and electron spin resonance of ultrafine graphite

Abstract Heats of combustion, (ΔHc) and ESR measurements on ultrafine graphite, an amorphous “degraphitized” form, depended on prior exposure of the material to air. Air-free samples: ΔHc increased from 18 to 35% over the literature value for polycrystalline graphite; the ESR signal was a symmetrical Lorentzian line centered at g = 2.0034. Air-exposed samples; ΔHc was about 4% higher than the literature value; the ESR signal was reversibly and asymmetrically broadened to 4 times the air free value and was nearly Gaussian. The different reactivities of edge and planar carbon atoms in the finely divided material are invoked to explain the combustion data. The asymmetric broadening of the ESR signal on exposure to air is accounted for by postulating anisotropic dipolar coupling between physisorbed molecular oxygen and the unpaired spins. The linewidth data support a model of thin graphite platelets roughly 10 A thick and 30 A in diameter.
Induction of DNA polymerase activity after superinfection of Raji cells with Epstein-Barr virus.

A new DNA polymerase (DNA nucleotidyl transferase) can be found in Raji cells following superinfeetion by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This polymerase is not present prior to infection and can be selectively extracted from infected cells. The polymerase is stimulated by ammonium sulfate. In vitro, the virus-specific drugs, phophonoacetic acid and acyclovirtriphosphate, inhibit the enzymatic activity. The enzyme can be distinguished from host enzymes by phosphocellulose chromatography. The characteristics of the enzyme extracted from virus-infected cells closely resemble those of the enzyme isolated from chemically induced virus-producing cells.
Vasoconstriction during volume expansion is independent of central control.

We have previously demonstrated that, in the absence of the rapid acting neural and hormonal controllers of blood pressure, an acute blood volume expansion of only 5% in unanesthetized rats caused an increase in total peripheral resistance (TPR) of 22%. Either whole body autoregulation or the release of a putative ouabainlike factor from the central nervous system (CNS) could have explained these responses. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible contribution of a centrally released ouabainlike factor to the vasoconstriction response observed during volume expansion. Because the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region is proposed to be important in the control of this putative factor, we compared the hemodynamic responses to blood volume expansion in rats with AV3V lesions (n = 6), sham lesions (n = 6), and total CNS ablation (n = 6). The results of our studies showed that neither AV3V lesion nor CNS ablation reduced the increases of total peripheral resistance seen with blood volume expansion. We conclude that centrally released factors are not required for vasoconstriction in response to acute volume expansion and that regional autoregulatory mechanisms result in a net increase of systemic vascular resistance (i.e., whole body autoregulation).
Relationship between production factors and dominance in White Leghorn hens in a study on social rank and cage design

Abstract The effects of social rank and cage shape on feeding frequency, weight gain, production rate, egg size, shell strength and overt aggressive activity were determined for White Leghorn layers housed six per cage in deep and shallow cages. Social rank significantly affected feeding frequency, production rate, egg size, and aggressive activity for birds in both cage designs. Birds ranking high in the social order fed more frequently, had higher production rates, larger eggs and delivered more aggressive head pecks than birds low in the peck order. The effect for production rate was manifested only at the sixth bird level. Significant social rank effects on weight gain, final body weight and shell strength were not observed. Birds in shallow cages fed more frequently, gained more weight and were involved in more aggressive acts with cage mates than those in deep cages.
Migration and sorption of jet fuel cycloalkane and aromatic vapors in unsaturated soil

Multicomponent vapor transport experiments were conducted in large (10.5 cm x 100 cm) columns packed with dry sand and wet soil to evaluate the effect of vapor phase adsorption on the migration of jet fuel cycloalkane and aromatic components. A diffusion model accounting for sorption at the gas-soil and water-soil interface and vapor partitioning into the soil moisture was fitted to experimental concentration versus time profiles in order to determine the overall diffusion coefficients, D, which combine the effects of both diffusion and sorption. With the exception of benzene, an excellent agreement was observed between model calculations and experimental data for all cycloalkane and aromatic vapors studied. A poor model fit resulted for benzene in wet soil, due to possible biodegradation. The soil tortuosity was determined using the experimental data of n-butane (a conservative gas tracer). Retardation factors, R, were computed for each vapor using the respective D values. R values increased with decreasing solubility of the vapor and were higher for wet soil than for the dry sand. 26 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.
Aerobactin-mediated iron uptake system in intestinal Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with diarrhea were studied to determine the incidence of the components of the aerobactin system. The production of aerobactin and the presence of the aerobactin receptor were demonstrated using bioassay techniques. The presence and location of the genes for the aerobactin system was determined by colony and Southern DNA-DNA hydridization. It was found that aerobactin and the aerobactin receptor could be coded by either chromosomal or plasmid genes. A high percentage of strains expressed the receptor in the absence of aerobactin. Of 19 enterotoxin-producing strains one was found to have the complete aerobactin system, while 11 expressed only the aerobactin receptor which was most frequently coded by a plasmid.
Energetics of Large Fullerenes: Balls, Tubes, and Capsules

First-principles calculations were performed to compare the energies of 29 different fullerene structures, with mass number from 60 to 240, and of eight nonhelical graphite tubes of different radii. A quantity called the planarity, which indicates the completeness of the π-bonding, is the single most important parameter determining the energetics of these structures. Empirical equations were constructed for the energies of nonhelical tubes and for those fullerene structures that may be described as balls or capsules. For a given mass number, bail-shaped fullerenes are energetically favored over capsular (tube-like) fullerenes.
Nicotine and cotinine adducts of a melanin intermediate demonstrated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Pigmentation is a major factor in the incorporation of many drugs into hair. In an attempt to elucidate potential mechanisms of drug−melanin interaction, melanin was synthesized in vitro in the presence of nicotine, which we have shown to have a substantial interaction with melanin, and cotinine, a primary nicotine metabolite. l-DOPA, a precursor of eumelanin, was oxidized and oligomerized with tyrosinase. Nicotine, cotinine, and/or their deuterated analogues were added to the oligomerization reaction mixture in a 10:1 l-DOPA:drug ratio. A black precipitate formed within 60 min. Aliquots were removed from the incubation mixture at 60, 120, and 360 min. MALDI-TOF MS determinations were carried out on each sample to provide a mean and standard error for the masses of interest. Internal calibration allowed accurate mass measurement of the products. A careful comparison of the spectra of samples prepared both with and without drug indicated the presence of masses corresponding to the protonated drug, melanin ...
GNB1L, a gene deleted in the critical region for DiGeorge syndrome on 22q11, encodes a G-protein β-subunit-like polypeptide

CATCH 22 syndromes, which include DiGeorge syndrome and Velocardiofacial syndrome, are the most common cause of congenital heart disease which involve microdeletion of 22q11. Using a strategy including EST searching, PCR amplification and 5'-RACE, we have cloned a 1487 bp cDNA fragment from human heart cDNA library. The cloned GNB1L cDNA encodes a G-protein beta-subunit-like polypeptide, and the GNB1L gene is located in the critical region for DiGeorge syndrome. A comparison of GNB1L cDNA sequence with corresponding genomic DNA sequence revealed that this gene consists of seven exons and spans an approximately 60 kb genomic region. Northern blot analysis revealed GNB1L is highly expressed in the heart.
Effect of oocyte maturation medium on in vitro development of in vitro fertilized bovine embryos

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different culture media used for maturation of bovine oocytes on in vitro embryo development following in vitro fertilization. Oocytes were aspirated from 2-5 mm follicles of ovaries collected at a local abattoir. The oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) were cultured for 23-25 h in one of seven commercially available media supplemented with 6 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA), 0.25 mM pyruvate, 10 micrograms/ml luteinizing hormone (LH), 0.5 microgram/ml follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and 1 microgram/ml estradiol. After maturation for 23-25 h, all eggs were subjected to the same in vitro fertilization protocol using modified TALP medium and subsequently cultured in the same serum-free embryo culture medium (HECM-1/BSA) for 8 days, after which embryo development was assessed. Five media (SFRE, MEM alpha, TCM199, MEM alpha/+, RPMI:MEM alpha) better supported normal oocyte maturation as determined by embryo development to the two-cell (76-82%), morula/blastocyst (25-32%), and blastocyst (12-19%) stages. Oocytes that were matured in Waymouth's medium MB 752/l or Ham's F-12 had a significantly reduced incidence of cleavage to the two-cell stage (52% and 37%, respectively), which was not attributed to failure of fertilization. Of the eggs that did cleave to the two-cell stage in these two media, 27% and 9% developed to morulae/blastocysts but only 6% and 3%, respectively, developed into blastocysts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Democracy and Peace-building: Re-thinking the Conventional Wisdom

Abstract This article, which is a systematic analysis of the practical experiences of the authors in facilitating workshops to help resolve African conflicts, argues that we need to think again about how we both conceptualize and operationalize peace-building techniques. As the Iraq debacle may be said to show, to impose a peace settlement and democratic government institutions on a state and people after a war does not, by itself, work. What is needed is a much deeper understanding by the parties to the conflict that they have shared interests, a common vision and must learn to work in collaboration with one another. In their work in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, the authors and their team have developed new training techniques that are based on experiential learning. They organize workshops that bring key leaders together in a long-term process designed to resolve the tensions and mistrust that are the inevitable by-product of conflict and war, and to build (or rebuild) their ca...
Solid phase (9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) synthesis and characterization of [[1-13C]Phe11]gramicidin B1

The solid phase synthesis of [[1-13C]Phe11]Gramicidin B was successfully achieved using the 9-Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl protecting group. There was at least a 30% drop in yield during the adition of the three valines in positions 8, 7 and 6, which is likely due to steric hindrance caused by the steric constraints of the valine side chains. Still, the overall yield of the peptide was comparable with that obtained using thetert-butyloxycarbonyl group for protection. The synthetic Gramicidin B was completely characterized by high-pressure liquid chromatography, circular dichroism, and13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Also reported are the single-channel conductance properties, which compare favorably with those reported earlier and demonstrate the interesting multiplicity of conductance states to be distinquishable from that of Gramicidin A. Thus, these several useful characterizations have been carried out on the same preparation.
Resistance Patterns Among Nosocomial Pathogens: Trends Over the Past Few Years

Multiple surveillance studies have demonstrated that resistance among prevalent pathogens is increasing at an alarming rate, leading to greater patient morbidity and mortality from nosocomial infections. Among Gram-positive organisms, the most important resistant pathogens are methicillin- (oxacillin-)resistant Staphylococcus aureus, β-lactam-resistant and multidrug-resistant pneumococci, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Important causes of Gram-negative resistance include extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis, high-level third-generation cephalosporin (Amp C) β-lactamase resistance among Enterobacter species and Citrobacter freundii, and multidrug-resistance genes observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In selecting an empiric treatment for a nosocomial infection, one should consider the prevalent resistance patterns. Antimicrobials used for the treatment of nosocomial infections should be effective against any likely resistant pathogens and should not further promote the development of resistance. Recent data suggest that because of ESBLs and high-level amp C β-lactamase resistances, use of third-generation cephalosporins may be ineffective in many patients with nosocomial infections. In addition, use of these agents may allow overgrowth of inherently resistant enterococci. The role of fluoroquinolones in the empiric treatment of nosocomial infections is also being limited by new resistance patterns and increasing resistance levels. Available antimicrobials with good activity against many resistant pathogens include the carbapenems, piperacillin/tazobactam, and cefepime. In addition, several new agents with good activity against Gram-positive organisms are in development or have been recently released. Appropriate antimicrobial selection, surveillance systems, and effective infection-control procedures are key partners in limiting antimicrobial-resistant pathogen occurrence and spread.
Trade policies in the U.S. automobile industry

Abstract This paper uses the results from estimating an empirical model of the U.S. Automobile Industry to investigate two trade policy questions: The effects of the Voluntary Export Restraint in the early 1980s and the impact of NAFTA on prices and variable profits in the U.S. Automobile Industry.
Wordsworth and the politics of ambition

(1989). Wordsworth and the politics of ambition. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 91-120.
An Overview of ANONIZE: A Large-Scale Anonymous Survey System

A new scheme enables a survey authority to independently select a group of registered users and create a survey in which only selected users can anonymously submit exactly one response. This technology has numerous applications including university course evaluations, online product reviews, and whistleblowing.
Comparison of Single-Wall Versus Multi-Wall Immersive Environments to Support a Virtual Shopping Experience

With the proliferation of large screen stereo display systems, major consumer product manufacturers are using this technology to test marketing ideas on consumers. One of the performance factors that is of interest to retailers or manufacturers of retail products is the ability of consumers to quickly and easily locate their products within a retail store. Virtual reality technology can be used to create a virtual store that is easily reconfigurable as a test environment for consumer feedback. The research presented in this paper involves a study that compares the use of a multi-wall immersive environment to a single-wall immersive environment. Users were given a list of products to find in the virtual store. A physical mockup of a shopping cart was created and instrumented in order to be used to navigate throughout the virtual store. The findings indicate that participants in the five-wall immersive environment were significantly faster in locating the objects than the participants using the one-wall immersive environment. In addition, participants in the five-wall condition reported that the shopping cart was easier to use than in the one-wall condition. This study indicates that the use of multiple walls to provide an increased sense of immersion improves the ability of consumers to locate items within a virtual shopping experience.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Exeristes roborator: quantitative determination of in vitro larval growth rates in synthetic media with different glucose concentrations.

Abstract Larval growth rates of the insect parasite, Exeristes roborator reared in vitro were calculated from egg hatching to the fourth instar. Dry weight gain and mean wet weight during feeding were considered. Dry weights of developing larvae were estimated as the sum of the total protein and lipid levels, eliminating the contribution of stored waste. Dry/wet weight ratios of larvae were found to decrease markedly during development. Growth rates of parasite larvae increased from approximately 1 μg/mg·day on carbohydrate-free media to 50 μg/mg·day on artifical diets containing 8% glucose.
SHIV-162P3 infection of rhesus macaques given maraviroc gel vaginally does not involve resistant viruses.

Maraviroc (MVC) gels are effective at protecting rhesus macaques from vaginal SHIV transmission, but breakthrough infections can occur. To determine the effects of a vaginal MVC gel on infecting SHIV populations in a macaque model, we analyzed plasma samples from three rhesus macaques that received a MVC vaginal gel (day 0) but became infected after high-dose SHIV-162P3 vaginal challenge. Two infected macaques that received a placebo gel served as controls. The infecting SHIV-162P3 stock had an overall mean genetic distance of 0.294±0.027%; limited entropy changes were noted across the envelope (gp160). No envelope mutations were observed consistently in viruses isolated from infected macaques at days 14–21, the time of first detectable viremia, nor selected at later time points, days 42–70. No statistically significant differences in MVC susceptibilities were observed between the SHIV inoculum (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] 1.87 nM) and virus isolated from the three MVC-treated macaques (MVC IC50 1.18 nM, 1.69 nM, and 1.53 nM, respectively). Highlighter plot analyses suggested that infection was established in each MVC-treated animal by one founder virus genotype. The expected Poisson distribution of pairwise Hamming Distance frequency counts was observed and a phylogenetic analysis did not identify infections with distinct lineages from the challenge stock. These data suggest that breakthrough infections most likely result from incomplete viral inhibition and not the selection of MVC-resistant variants.
Interaction of elastic waves with a unilateral interface

Continuing the study of how elastic waves interact with a unilateral interface that cannot transmit tensile tractions and separates locally, this paper considers the additional effects of frictional slip. An interesting phenomenon caused by friction is that, under the influence of an incident wave, the solids may slowly slide with respect to each other without ever slipping globally. Moreover, the sliding velocity can be changed by shearing the bodies. Although the problem can be solved in closed form when the separation and slip zones propagate along the interface with supersonic velocities, the results contain too many parameters and specific examples must be considered to assess the interaction.
Incorporating atomistic data of lattice friction into BCC crystal plasticity models

Abstract Despite the technological importance of body-centered cubic (BCC) metals, models of their plastic deformation are less common than those of face-centered cubic (FCC) metals, due in part to the complexity of slip in BCC crystals caused by the thermal activation of screw dislocation motion. This paper presents a physically based crystal plasticity model that incorporates atomistic models and experimental measurements of the thermally activated nature of screw dislocation motion. This model, therefore, reproduces the temperature, stress, and strain rate dependence of flow in BCC metals in a simple formulation that will allow for large, grain-scale simulations. Furthermore, the results illustrate the importance of correctly representing mechanistic transitions in materials with high lattice friction.
A multicomponent model of the infrared emission from Comet Halley

We have attempted to incorporate the compositional information available from interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and the recent Halley flybys into a coherent model to account for cometary infrared emission. We show that the entire infrared emission spectrum of Comet Halley is consistent with the presence of three general dust particle types. These dust types are (i) amorphous carbon grains, (ii) crystalline silicate grains, and (iii) crystalline silicate grains with thin carbonaceous coatings. In analogy with IDPs, the thin carbonaceous coatings on the silicate minerals may be responsible for the dark appearance of most comets. Good fits to the observational data are found for particle populations having particle size distributions similar to those inferred for Comet Halley, and silicate to amorphous carbon mass ratios of 8 to 40, values consistent with IDP and flyby data. Composite particles in which all the carbon resides in thick mantles on silicate cores fail to simultaneously match both the spectral and compositional constraints. Finally, the apparent strength of the 10-μm silicate feature is found to be particle size dependent. Consequently, as has been noted before, the absence of an obvious 10-μm feature in other comets does not imply the absence of silicates, but may instead imply the dominance of large silicate grains.
Nineteenth-Century Royal Navy Sailors from Africa and the African Diaspora: Research Methodology

The paper explains a methodology, where previously there was none, for identifying African and diasporan naval personnel hired by the British Royal Navy to serve in the West African Station in the mid-nineteenth century. The methodology employs a variety of naval documents including: ship’s musters, description books, daily sick lists, and medical journals to identify African and diasporan personnel. The Royal Navy employed four categories (Kroomen, Liberated Africans, Africans, Blacks) to describe and to differentiate the African and diasporan work force within the Station. By identifying African and diasporan naval personnel more can be learned about the ways in which race and ethnicity were constructed and applied during the age of abolition. It also provides a method capable of examining the shipboard lives and socio-economic niches carved out by ‘subject’ people within the British maritime Atlantic World.
Perspective-driven IT talent acquisition

This paper presents a theoretical framework based on exploratory research so IT managers can plan and procure their organization's IT skills more effectively. Open-ended interviews revealed that IT managers have difficulty in describing specific profiles of the ideal IT candidate. In contrast, IT managers are very specific for an existing open position. Yet, when asked about their IT skills portfolio (at the organizational or individual level), both IT managers and IT professionals had difficulty in articulating its strengths and weaknesses. This is partly because IT is rapidly changing and evolving, often unpredictably. In addition, while the existing IT skills taxonomies have commonalities, their anchors are arbitrary choices of career levels, technologies, job domains, task types and responsibility levels. These taxonomies often confuse IT professionals because there are no many bases for anchoring skills. This proposed framework uses three skills management perspectives (task-oriented, fundamental skill, and socio-cultural) to prioritize the countless IT skills into more manageable scopes. The combination of critical factors for a job position (technology/firm specificity, job tenure, organization size) dictates which perspective is most appropriate, thus giving to an IT manager a focus for analyzing IT skills.