cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Composition of Ruminal Bacteria Harvested from Steers as Influenced by Dietary Energy Level, Feeding Frequency, and Isolation Techniques

The effects of isolation techniques and time of sampling on composition of ruminal bacteria were examined in four steers fed two energy levels (2.24 or 2.92 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg DM) at two feeding frequencies. Diets were alfalfa hay and corn silage or ground corn/corn silage and were fed twice or 12 times daily. Whole ruminal contents were collected at four time intervals over a 4-d period. Fluid- and particle-associated bacteria were isolated. Energy level, feeding frequency, and preisolation freezing had little effect on composition of bacteria. Sampling time did not affect composition of bacteria harvested from steers fed frequently but had linear and quadratic effects on concentrations of cell components of bacteria harvested from steers fed twice daily. Differences were observed in the composition of bacteria harvested from the fluid phase compared with particle-associated or mixed populations of ruminal bacteria. These differences translated into different estimates of bacterial N supplied to the small intestine depending on N:purine ratio used. Composition of bacteria may be affected by fraction of contents sample and by time of sampling for animals fed infrequently. Freezing of samples before isolation of mixed bacteria does not appear to affect composition or estimates of bacterial N flows to the small intestine.
Steven C. Wofsy Receives 2012 Roger Revelle Medal: Response

Modern views of the Earth's climate, oceans and atmosphere, and appreciation of human impacts on these systems, are relatively new. Less than a decade before I started my professional career, a small nucleus of pioneering scientists, including many previous recipients of the Revelle Medal, began to discern unexpected changes in atmospheric composition and to assess the implications for the global environment. They initially did not imagine that global environmental changes would be observed in their lifetimes: The Earth system was thought to be too massive compared with human endeavors.
The in vivo expression of the FGF receptor FREK mRNA in avian myoblasts suggests a role in muscle growth and differentiation.

Muscle growth during embryogenesis is the result of a balance between the proliferation of myoblasts and their differentiation into mature, contractile fibers. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are potent stimulators of myoblast proliferation and inhibitors of myoblast differentiationin vitro.However, it is not clear at present if FGFs and their receptors regulate this processin vivo,partially because no FGF receptor was known to be expressed by myoblasts during embryogenesis. In this study, we have used quail/chick grafting and BrdU labeling techniques to demonstrate that a recently cloned avian FGF receptor, FREK, is expressed by replicating skeletal muscle myoblasts, while differentiated muscle cells no longer express this receptor. In the limb, muscle progenitors originating from the somite start expressing FREK at 3 days of development (E3). FREK expression in the limb myoblasts follows that of Pax-3 and Pax-7, but precedes that of MyoD. Since MyoD expression signals the onset of terminal differentiation, this demonstrates that FREK is expressed in muscle progenitors prior to overt muscle differentiation. A more complex situation is observed in the trunk region, where a first wave of MyoD-positive myocytes, which are postmitotic and never express FREK, appear in the early myotomal compartment of the somite. Slightly later, at E2.5, FREK-positive myoblasts migrate into the myotome as a second wave of muscle progenitors, 15 hr after the first MyoD-positive cells. FREK's expression by myoblasts arising at all stages of myogenesis indicates that this growth factor receptor represents one of the earliest molecular markers for this cell population. FREK's prominent expression during muscle differentiation sets it apart from other FGF receptors and suggests that this molecule plays an important role during muscle growth and differentiation.
How well are we measuring smoke

Estimates of the errors in light extinction measurements of smoke resulting from forward scattered light entering the detector and from the spectral width of the light source are presented. It is shown for specific examples that each of these effects can lead to an error of about 25% in typical applications. A potential method for calibrating extinction instruments is described.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of medications used for moderate sedation.

The ability to deliver safe and effective moderate sedation is crucial to the ability to perform invasive procedures. Sedative drugs should have a quick onset of action, provide rapid and clear-headed recovery, and be easy to administer and monitor. A number of drugs have been demonstrated to provide effective sedation for outpatient procedures but since each agent has its own limitations, a thorough knowledge of the available drugs is required to choose the appropriate drug, dose and/or combination regimen for individual patients. Midazolam, propofol, ketamine and sevoflurane are the most frequently used agents, and all have a quick onset of action and rapid recovery. The primary drawback of midazolam is the potential for accumulation of the drug, which can result in prolonged sedation and a hangover effect. The anaesthetics propofol and sevoflurane have recently been used for sedation in procedures of short duration. Although effective, these agents require monitored anaesthesia care. Ketamine is an effective agent, particularly in children, but there is concern regarding emergence reactions. AQUAVAN® injection (fospropofol disodium), a phosphorylated prodrug of propofol, is an investigational agent possessing a unique and distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. Compared with propofol emulsion, AQUAVAN® is associated with a slightly longer time to peak effect and a more prolonged pharmacodynamic effect. Advances in the delivery of sedation, including the development of new sedative agents, have the potential to further improve the provision of moderate sedation for a variety of invasive procedures.
Sorting out single-crossing preferences on networks

We extend the single-crossing property to tree networks to facilitate its application in network games. It is equivalent to intermediate preferences and order restriction (also extended to networks). Moreover, to facilitate broader applications in real world cases and simulations, we develop algorithms that answer the following two questions. Given a preference profile, can we construct a tree graph that supports single-crossing? Given a set of alternatives, can we generate single-crossing preference profiles with associated tree graphs?
The Davis–Moore theory of stratification: The life course of a socially constructed classic

In 1945 Davis and Moore, following an earlier formulation by Davis, proposed a functional theory of stratification that was intended to account for what they contended was the “universal necessity” for social inequality in any social order. Beginning with an article by Tumin in 1953, the Davis-Moore theory elicited regular analysis, commentary, criticism, and debate through the 1970s. Although professional work on the theory has largely ceased since the late 1980s, the Davis-Moore theory remains perhaps the single most widely cited paper in American introductory sociology and stratification textbooks and constitutes “required reading” in hundreds, if not thousands, of undergraduate and graduate courses throughout the United States. The present paper traces the history of the debate and attempts to explain the theory’s longevity and vitality in the face of what has amounted to largely negative assessments by other sociologists over the preceding fifty years.
Mifepristone: cervical ripening and induction of labor.

The finding that mifepristone (RU-486) increases cervical dilation when administered in advance of first and even second-trimester pregnancy termination has led to interest in the potential use of this agent for the induction of labor in full-term deliveries. In the only large study to evaluate this potential 120 women at 37.5-41.4 weeks of gestation and with medical indications for delivery received either a placebo or 200 mg of RU-486 orally for two days. There were significant differences between cases and controls in terms of the rate of spontaneous labor (54% vs. 18% respectively) mean interval to the onset of labor (51.75 vs. 74.50 hours) and the total amount of oxytocin required (2.02 vs. 4.73 international units). On the other hand RU-486 was no more effective than a placebo in reducing the number of cesarean deliveries. Moreover given RU-486s demonstrated diffusion across the placenta its effects on the term fetus and neonate are of concern. Before clinical use of RU-486 for cervical ripening and induction of labor is considered research is needed on the efficacy secondary benefits safety and cost-effectiveness of this regimen. Also beneficial would be better understanding of the mechanisms of labor including its triggering event.
An improved Macadamia nut husker

Abstract A new husker was developed which gave improved husking efficiency (96%) and reduced the number of damaged nuts to 0·2% or less in weight. Energy consumption of the machine was also lower. Separation of husks and nuts was satisfactory. Performance was affected little by nut variety, nut size, and husk moisture content. A capacity of 340 kg/h of nuts in shell can be expected from this husker. Multiple units can be installed in a small space.
Toward a scheduling congruity theory of family resource management

This article presents the elements of a theory to explain the dynamic construction and execution of production processes. The theory takes into account both the cognitive underpinnings and observable streams of purposive action necessary for managerial behavior. It attempts to explain both the consciously planned and executed action of individuals and the more routine, repetitive activities which dominate most resource allocation behavior. Further, it provides a framework within which goal directed actions of individuals may be translated into goal directed actions of groups of individuals.
Enhancing the EBP repertoire of substance abuse counselors: a commentary on Kerwin, Walker-Smith, and Kirby.

Since 2001, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has emphasized the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in substance abuse and mental health treatments. This emphasis represents a departure from usual addiction treatments, wherein the implementation of research to practice has lagged. It follows that we need a workforce with the capability to participate in research utilization. However, this is a problem uncovered in the article by Kerwin, Walker-Smith, and Kirby (2006). Their comparison of minimum state requirements for the training and credentialing of substance abuse (SA) and mental health (MH) counselors showed that only half of the states required any credential for an individual to qualify as an SA counselor. Almost all states required MH counselors to have a master’s degree—meaning more uniform academic classroom hours and passing grades on more hours of practicum before being allowed to work in the field. Differences in minimal requirements for SA and MH counselors likely reflect different historical models for training in these fields. SA counselors have often been trained under an apprenticeship model, whereas MH training resembles academic models associated with the medical field. In general, there are no empirical data to suggest that one model of training is better than the other, but there are implications for counselors given that the field is moving toward EBPs. Specifically, do SA practitioners have the foundation on which to anchor the new knowledge and skills demanded of them? Can they understand and critically evaluate disseminated research results and incorporate these as new methods into their practice? At its most sophisticated, adoption of EBPs requires integration of research results by searching and reading the literature—judging and weighing the results in combination
The free energies of mixing of melts in the systems 2FeO-SiO2-2MnO-SiO2 and 2.33FeO-TiO2-2.33MnOTiO2

The free energies of mixing in melts in the system 2FeO · SiO2-2MnO · SiO2 at 1450°C and the system 2.33FeO · TiO2-2.33MnO · TiO2 at 1475°C have been obtained from measurement of the equilibrium Mn + FeO = Fe + MnO established between the melts and ironmanganese foils. Both systems exhibit ideal silicate mixing. The phase diagram for the system 2FeO-SiO2-2MnO ·SiO2 is calculated.
On the Relative Intensity-Concentration Relationship of Carbonyl Bands in the Solution Infrared Spectra of Metal Carbonyl Compounds of C4v Symmetry

Abstract The theory on the relative intensities of CO stretching bands of metal carbonyl compounds of C4v symmetry has been advanced by orgel, inter alios. 2 For complexes of formula M(CO)5Xn [a = -1, 0), three infrared active bands are expected, 2A1 + E. The two A1 bands consist of modes which are predominantly vibration of the CO trans to X (A1 (1)) and the symmetrical stretch of the four equatorial CO's (A1 (2)). The A1 (2) band is nearly forbidden, and owes its intensity to the contribution of the axial CO stretch to the normal mode. The end result of this coupling between axial and radial CO stretching symmetry modes would appear to be an aid in assigning the bands in the carbonyl stretching region to the appropriate symmetry modes; the relative intensities are weak (A1 (2)), strong (E), and medium (A1 (1)) Although this weak-strong-medium pattern is invariably observed in the spectra of
Adjusting for Confounding by Neighborhood Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Complex Survey Data

Abstract When investigating health disparities, it can be of interest to explore whether adjustment for socioeconomic factors at the neighborhood level can account for, or even reverse, an unadjusted difference. Recently, we proposed new methods to adjust the effect of an individual-level covariate for confounding by unmeasured neighborhood-level covariates using complex survey data and a generalization of conditional likelihood methods. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) are a popular alternative to conditional likelihood methods in many circumstances. Therefore, in the present article, we propose and investigate a new adaptation of GLMMs for complex survey data that achieves the same goal of adjusting for confounding by unmeasured neighborhood-level covariates. With the new GLMM approach, one must correctly model the expectation of the unmeasured neighborhood-level effect as a function of the individual-level covariates. We demonstrate using simulations that even if that model is correct, census data on the individual-level covariates are sometimes required for consistent estimation of the effect of the individual-level covariate. We apply the new methods to investigate disparities in recency of dental cleaning, treated as an ordinal outcome, using data from the 2008 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. We operationalize neighborhood as zip code and merge the BRFSS data with census data on ZIP Code Tabulated Areas to incorporate census data on the individual-level covariates. We compare the new results to our previous analysis, which used conditional likelihood methods. We find that the results are qualitatively similar. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley a Sons, Ltd.
Why Some Countries Have National Health Insurance, others Have National Health Services, and the United States Has Neither

This article presents a discussion of why some capitalist developed countries have national health insurance schemes, others have national health services, and the United States has neither. The fi...
Optimal control of a poisson source

Controlled Poisson sources with known rate and with unknown rate but known prior rate distribution are considered and optimal controls are computed in special cases for each.
Microprocessor-controlled potentiostat for twin-electrode voltammetry

Abstract A microprocessor controlled potentiostat with independent potential conrol of two working electrode is described. A 6502 microprocessor enables voltammetry to be conducted with any number of potential waveforms and current-sampling methods. A unique circuit for 60-Hz line noise elimination is used. The utility of the potentiostat is demonstrated with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry in a twin-electrode thin-layer cell.
BIOSYNTHESIS AND SECRETION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS BY PERIPHERAL-BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES IN SEVERE HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINÆMIA

Abstract Compared to peripheral-blood lymphocytes of normal persons, lymphocytes of patients with common variable type of hypogammaglobulinaemia synthesise but do not secrete immunoglobulins. Lymphocytes of a patient with infantile sex-linked agammaglobulinaemia could neither synthesise nor secrete immunoglobulins in detectable amounts. Acrylamide-gel analysis of intracellular immunoglobulins synthesised by lymphocytes of these patients showed three subunit peaks, which is similar to those immunoglobulins synthesised by chicken bursa cells. These findings suggest that lymphocytes of patients with common variable immunodeficiency are immature B cells and that a block in cytodifferentiation is present in their B cells.
Elastocapillary Interaction of Particles on the Surfaces of Ultrasoft Gels: A Novel Route To Study Self-Assembly and Soft Lubrication

We study the interaction of small hydrophobic particles on the surface of an ultrasoft elastic gel, in which a small amount of elasticity of the medium balances the weights of the particles. The excess energy of the surface of the deformed gel causes them to attract as is the case with the generic capillary interactions of particles on a liquid surface. The variation of the gravitational potential energies of the particles resulting from their descents in the gel coupled with the superposition principle of Nicolson allow a fair estimation of the distance dependent attractive energy of the particles. This energy follows a modified Bessel function of the second kind with a characteristic elastocapillary decay length that decreases with the elasticity of the medium. An interesting finding of this study is that the particles on the gel move toward each other as if the system possesses a negative diffusivity that is inversely proportional to friction. This study illustrates how the capillary interaction of par...
Blood flow and venous distensibility in the upper and lower extremities of newborn infants.

. The electrocapacitance plethysmograph was utilized to measure peripheral blood flow and venous distensibility in 17 newborn infants and 20 adults. Measurements were made in the upper and lower extremities in each subject under identical environmental conditions. Blood flow in the forearm and calf were found to be significantly higher in infants than adults. In infants there were no significant differences in the blood flow between the upper and lower extremities. In contrast, in the adults, the blood flow was significantly higher in the upper than in the lower extremities. Similarly, venous distensibility was observed to be higher in infants than in adults. While no significant differences were observed in the venous distensibility between the upper and lower extremities in infants, the venous distensibility was found to be higher in the forearm than in the leg in adults.
IQ-ASyMTRe: Synthesizing coalition formation and execution for tightly-coupled multirobot tasks

This paper presents the IQ-ASyMTRe architecture, which is aimed to address both coalition formation and execution for tightly-coupled multirobot tasks in a single framework. Many task allocation algorithms have been previously proposed without explicitly enabling the sharing of robot capabilities. Inspired by information invariant theory, ASyMTRe was introduced which enables the sharing of sensory and computational capabilities by allowing information to flow among different robots via communication. However, ASyMTRe does not provide a solution for how a coalition should satisfy sensor constraints introduced by the sharing of capabilities while executing the assigned task. Furthermore, conversions among different information types1 are hardcoded, which limits the flexibility of ASyMTRe. Moreover, relationships between entities (e.g., robots) and information types are not explicitly captured, which may produce infeasible solutions from the start, as the defined information type may not correspond well to the current environment settings. The new architecture introduces a complete definition of information type to guarantee the feasibility of solutions; it also explicitly models information conversions. Inspired by our previous work, IQ-ASyMTRe uses measures of information quality to guide robot coalitions to satisfy sensor constraints (introduced by capability sharing) while executing tasks, thus providing a complete and general solution. We demonstrate the capability of the approach both in simulation and on physical robots to form and execute coalitions that share sensory information to achieve tightly-coupled tasks.
Complexation of lactate with neodymium(III) and europium(III) at variable temperatures: studies by potentiometry, microcalorimetry, optical absorption, and luminescence spectroscopy.

Complexation of Lactate with Nd(III) and Eu(III) at Variable Temperatures: Studies by Potentiometry, Microcalorimetry, Optical Absorption and Luminescence Spectroscopy Guoxin Tian, 1 Leigh R. Martin, 2 Linfeng Rao *,1 Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Aqueous Separations and Radiochemistry Department, Idaho National Laboratory, PO Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415, USA Abstract Complexation of neodymium(III) and europium(III) with lactate was studied at variable temperatures by potentiometry, absorption spectrophotometry, luminescence spectroscopy and microcalorimetry. Stability constants of three successive lactate complexes (ML 2+ , ML 2+ and ML 3 (aq), where M stands for Nd and Eu, and L stands for lactate) at 10, 25, 40, 55 and 70oC were determined. The enthalpies of complexation at 25oC were determined by microcalorimetry. Thermodynamic data show that the complexation of trivalent lanthanides (Nd 3+ and Eu 3+ ) with lactate is exothermic, and the complexation becomes weaker at higher temperatures. Results from optical absorption and luminescence spectroscopy suggest that the complexes are inner-sphere chelate complexes in which the protonated α-hydroxyl group of lactate participates in the complexation. Key Words: Neodymium, Europium, Lactate, Complexation, Temperature effect To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: LRao@lbl.gov
Statistical Risk Estimation for Communication System Design

Spacecraft is complex systems that involve different subsystems and multiple relationships among them. For these reasons, the design of a spacecraft is an evolutionary process that starts from requirements and evolves over time across different design phases. During this process, a lot of changes can happen. They can affect mass and power at component, subsystem, and system levels. Each spacecraft has to respect the overall constraints in terms of mass and power: for this reason, it is important to be sure that the design does not exceed these limitations. Current practice in the system model primarily deals with this problem by allocating margins on individual components and on individual subsystems. However, a statistical characterization of the fluctuations in mass and power of the overall system (i.e., the spacecraft) is missing. This lack of an adequate statistical characterization would result in a risky spacecraft design that might not fit the mission constraints and requirements, or in a conservative design that might not fully utilize the available resources. Due to the complexity of the problem and due to the different expertise and knowledge required to develop a complete risk model for a spacecraft design, this research is focused on risk estimation for a specific spacecraft subsystem, the communication subsystem. The current research aims to be a “proof of concept” of a risk-based design optimization approach, which can then be further expanded to the design of other subsystems as well as to the whole spacecraft. The objective of this paper is to develop a mathematical approach to quantify the likelihood that the major design drivers of mass and power of a space communication system would meet the spacecraft and mission requirements and constraints through the mission design lifecycle. Using this approach the communication system designers will be able to evaluate and compare different communication architectures in a risk tradeoff prospective. The results described in the presentation include a baseline communication system design tool, and a statistical characterization of the design risks through a combination of historical mission data and expert opinion contributions. An application example of the communication system of a university spacecraft is presented.
Detecting changes in the transport of the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic overturning circulation from coastal sea level data: The extreme decline in 2009–2010 and estimated variations for 1935–2012

Abstract Recent studies reported weakening in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and in the Gulf Stream (GS), using records of about a decade (RAPID project) or two (altimeter data). Coastal sea level records are much longer, so the possibility of detecting climatic changes in ocean circulation from sea level data is intriguing and thus been examined here. First, it is shown that variations in the AMOC transport from the RAPID project since 2004 are consistent with the flow between Bermuda and the U. S. coast derived from the Oleander measurements and from sea level difference (SLDIF). Despite apparent disagreement between recent studies on the ability of data to detect weakening in the GS flow, estimated transport changes from 3 different independent data sources agree quite well with each other on the extreme decline in transport in 2009–2010. Due to eddies and meandering, the flow representing the GS part of the Oleander line is not correlated with AMOC or with the Florida Current, only the flow across the entire Oleander line from the U.S. coast to Bermuda is correlated with climatic transport changes. Second, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) analysis shows that SLDIF can detect (with lag) the portion of the variations in the AMOC transport that are associated with the Florida Current and the wind-driven Ekman transport (SLDIF-transport correlations of ~ 0.7–0.9). The SLDIF has thus been used to estimate variations in transport since 1935 and compared with AMOC obtained from reanalysis data. The significant weakening in AMOC after ~ 2000 (~ 4.5 Sv per decade) is comparable to weakening seen in the 1960s to early 1970s. Both periods of weakening AMOC, in the 1960s and 2000s, are characterized by faster than normal sea level rise along the northeastern U.S. coast, so monitoring changes in AMOC has practical implications for coastal protection.
S-nitrosylated Cysteins In The Y522S Ca2+ Release Channel RyR1

The Y522S mutation, linked to malignant hyperthermia (MH) and central core diseases in humans, causes a leaky Ca2+ release channel (RyR1), when engineered to mice (RyR1Y522S/wt). The elevated levels of resting Ca2+ in mice harboring the Y522S mutation drive an increased generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). S-nitrosylation of the mutant RyR1 increases its temperature sensitivity, resulting in uncontrolled muscle contractions during heat stress, and decreases its sensitivity to Ca2+ inhibition further promoting SR Ca2+ leak, leading to a feedforward cyclic mechanism that continuously increases the temperature sensitivity of RyR1 and RNS production [1].We have used selective isotope coded affinity tag labeling and mass spectroscopy, to identify the cysteines that are endogenously S-nitrosylated in the mutant Ca2+ release channel RyR1 and responsible for its temperature sensitivity.This work was supported by grants from NIH (AR050503 and AR053349) and MDA to SLH[1]. RyR1 S-Nitrosylation Underlies Environmental Heat Stroke and Sudden Death in Y522S RyR1 Knock in Mice, W.J. Durham, P. Aracena-Parks, C. Long, A.E. Rossi, S. A. Goonasekera, S. Boncompagni, D. L. Galvan, C.P. Gilman, M.R. Baker, N. Shirokova, F. Protasi, R. Dirksen, and S.L. Hamilton. Cell, (2008), 133, 53–65.
Study of Discontinuous Atmospheric Pressure Interfaces for Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation Development

The discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface (DAPI) has allowed the transfer of ions from atmospheric pressure ionization sources to an ion trap mass analyzer in hand-held mass spectrometers with miniature pumping systems at transfer efficiencies high enough for proper chemical analysis. The DAPI potentially would allow a significant enhancement to the mass analysis efficiency of laboratory-scale mass spectrometers, which have pumping systems of much larger capacities. A laboratory-scale mass spectrometer with a DAPI−RIT (rectilinear ion trap)−DAPI configuration has been developed to explore this possibility. The gas dynamic effects on ion trapping and mass analysis have been studied at various conditions. A pulsed nanoelectrospray ionization source synchronized with the DAPI has been implemented to improve the sample usage efficiency as well as to adjust the number of ions to be trapped for MS analysis, so that space charge effects can be avoided. Single-scan spectra of peptides were recorded with an...
The Radiographic Diagnosis of Sacroiliitis

Conventional radiography is the standard method of objectively identifying sacroiliitis. Single views of the sacroiliac joints can be unequivocally interpreted in 70-80% of patients with low back pain. A series of views usually correctly resolves the ambiguity in the remaining 20-30% of patients (67% correct). Computed tomography will be helpful in the few patients in whom a series of views produces equivocal interpretation.
Molecular characterization of allospecific T suppressor and tolerogenic dendritic cells: review

T suppressor and regulatory cells have been shown to play an important role in the maintenance of central and peripheral tolerance thereby preventing allograft rejection, autoimmunity and allergy. We have previously described a distinct population of antigen-specific CD8(+)CD28(-) T suppressor cells (T(S)). These CD8(+)CD28(-) T(S) cells can be generated in vitro after multiple rounds of stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with either allogenic- or xenogeneic-donor APCs. CD8(+)CD28(-) T(S) cells are FOXP3+, MHC class I-restricted and tolerize both professional antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DC) and nonprofessional APC such as endothelial cells (EC) by up-regulating the cell surface expression of inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-3 and ILT4 and down-regulating the expression of costimulatory molecules such as CD58 and CD86. Tolerized ILT3(high), ILT4(high) APC anergize CD4(+) T(H) cells and can induce the generation of antigen-specific CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cells (T(R)) cells and CD8(+)CD28(-) T(S) cells. In this review, we present our recent studies on the molecular characterization of these antigen specific T suppressor cells and tolerogenic APC.
Micro- and nanoscale characterization of hydrophobic and hydrophilic leaf surfaces

Superhydrophobic surfaces as well as low adhesion and friction are desirable for various industrial applications. Certain plant leaves are known to be hydrophobic in nature due to their roughness and the presence of a thin wax film on the surface of the leaf. The purpose of this study is to fully characterize the leaf surfaces on the micro- and nanoscale while separating out the effects of the micro- and the nanobumps of hydrophobic leaves on the hydrophobicity. Hydrophilic leaves were also studied to better understand the role of wax and roughness. Furthermore, the adhesion and friction properties of hydrophobic and hydrophilic leaves were studied. Using an optical profiler and an atomic/friction force microscope (AFM/FFM), measurements were made to fully characterize the leaf surfaces. It is shown that the nanobumps play a more important role than the microbumps in the hydrophobic nature as well as friction of the leaf. This study will be useful in developing superhydrophobic surfaces.
Sibling Involvement in Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

Many researchers have studied various interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Occasionally, siblings will be included in intervention studies, participating in programs designed to address a number of challenges faced by individuals with ASD. Although sibling involvement in such interventions is not a new phenomenon, there is no consistent method for including siblings in treatment for individuals with ASD. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature describing sibling involvement in interventions among families of children with ASD, describing patterns of research and targeted outcomes. The authors also identify gaps and areas for future consideration from researchers, clinicians, and families.
Lactose maldigestion and recurrent abdominal pain in children.

Our objectives were to evaluate children with recurrent abdominal pain for lactose maldigestion and to assess factors which might predict lactose absorption status. One hundred thirty-seven children were referred for specialty evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain of at least three months' duration. Study subjects were evaluated by history and physical examination, dietary interviews, hematologic and biochemical laboratory testing, stool parasite examination, and radiologic or endoscopic structural examinations, as indicated. Lactose hydrogen breath testing was performed after challenge with 1 g/kg lactose (10% aqueous solution). There were 53 males and 84 females, whose ages ranged from 6 to 18 years (9.64 ±2.9; mean±sd). Lactose maldigestion was detected in 33/137 patients (24%). The prevalence of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation was similar in children with or without lactose maldigestion. The perception of symptoms related to the ingestion of dairy products was similar in both groups. No other clinical parameter predicted lactose maldigestion. However, children with lactose maldigestion had overall clinical improvement with a lactose-restricted diet. Clinical evaluation alone cannot adequately predict the presence of lactose maldigestion in children. Formal evaluation for lactose maldigestion using breath hydrogen testing methods should be considered in children with recurrent abdominal pain.
MULTISCALE BORN-OPPENHEIMER THEORY OF COLLECTIVE ELECTRON-NUCLEAR DYNAMICS IN NANOSYSTEMS

Born-Oppenheimer theory is based on the separation in timescales between the nuclear and electron dynamics implied by the electron-to-nuclear mass ratio. This makes it naturally fit into a multiscale analysis. It is shown that a fully dynamical Born-Oppenheimer theory follows from a multiscale ansatz on the wave function and a Taylor expansion in the mass ratio. Allowing for a larger spatial scale of electron motion yields an understanding of boson, fermion, and more complex excitations that involve quasi-particles with an effective mass not equal to that of the electron. The theory involves a unified asymptotic expansion in a mass and length scale ratio, and preserves all many-body effects via accounting for the full strength of the interparticle forces. A novel mean-field theory emerges based on the fact that long-scale migration allows each electron to interact with many others on the space-time scale relevant to the coarse-grained equation. Implications for computational methods and applications to quantum nanosystems such as quantum dots, nanowires, superconducting nanoparticles, and liquid He droplets are discussed.
Effects of initial spanwise perturbations and three-dimensionality in a plane mixing layer

An experimental study concerning the influence of small changaes in initial conditions on the near- and far-field evolution of the th ree-dimensional structure in a plane mixing layer has been conducted. A two-stream mixing layer with a velocity ratio of 0.6 was generated with the initial boundary layers laminar and nominally two-dimensional. The initial conditions were changed slightly by interchanging the high- and low-speed sides of the wind tunnel, while maintaining the same velocity ratio. The results indicate that, even with this minor change in initial conditions, the near-field regions of the two cases differ significantly, with the peak Reynolds stress levels varying by up to 100 percent. In addition, the distribution of the individual streamwise vortical structures differs in intensity and position for the two cases, although the overall qualitative description is comparable.
A Nuclear Matrix Attachment Region Upstream of the T Cell Receptor β Gene Enhancer Binds Cux/CDP and SATB1 and Modulates Enhancer-dependent Reporter Gene Expression but Not Endogenous Gene Expression

Abstract We have previously identified a DNase I-hypersensitive site in the T cell receptor β locus, designated HS1, that is located 400 base pairs upstream of the transcriptional enhancer Eβ and is induced during CD4−CD8− to CD4+CD8+thymocyte differentiation. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we show that HS1 induction correlates with increased binding of two nuclear factors, Cux/CDP and SATB1, to a 170-base pair DNA sequence within HS1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HS1 is a nuclear matrix attachment region, referred to as MARβ. These findings demonstrate that an analogous organization of cis-regulatory elements in which a nuclear matrix attachment region is in close proximity to an enhancer is conserved in the immunoglobulin and T cell receptor loci. In addition, we show that MARβ represses Eβ-dependent reporter gene expression in transient transfection assays. However, the targeted deletion of MARβ from the endogenous locus does not change T cell receptor β gene transcription in developing T cells. These contrasting results suggest a potential pitfall of functional studies of nuclear matrix attachment regions outside of their natural chromosomal context.
Nosocomial Pulmonary Mucormycosis with Fatal Massive Hemoptysis

We postulate that the previously healthy woman reported here developed abnormal host defense mechanisms because of acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and glucocorticosteroid administration. Pneumonia unresponsive to antibiotics terminated in massive fatal hemoptysis that was due to mucormycosis with rupture of the pulmonary artery into the tracheobronchial tree.
Origins and consequences of ligand-induced multiphasic thermal protein denaturation.

The presence of subsaturating levels of a high-affinity ligand has been demonstrated both by experiment and calculation to have far-reaching consequences on thermally induced protein denaturation due to the coupling between the protein denaturation and ligand-binding equilibria. Under such circumstances, a protein may undergo biphasic denaturation even though in the absence of ligand it exhibits a thermogram comprised of a single essentially symmetric endotherm. Up to now, the presence of just 2 maxima in the thermogram has been presented merely as an experimental observation or as the result of equilibrium computations. Here we develop a thermodynamic description of the linkage between these equilibria in which the number of cusps present in the thermogram correlates with the number of resolved steps in the plot of saturation level of remaining native protein vs temperature (i.e., the thermal binding curve). During thermally induced denaturation, the concentration of native protein decreases; thus, the native protein in effect is titrated with ligand at constant total ligand concentration. The free ligand concentration The free ligand concentration increases substantially through the release of bound ligand by unfolding protein thereby increasing the saturation level of the remaining native protein. The form of this thermal binding curve is a function of the number of ligand-binding sites on the protein, the magnitudes of the association constants, and the total ligand and total protein concentrations. As a result, the model predicts multiphasic denaturation of a single cooperative unit when the thermal binding curve consists of discrete multiple steps. The presence of only 2 maxima (i.e., a single cusp) in a thermogram for a protein with multiple sites on the native species derives from the form of the thermal binding curve, which in this case is a single-step sigmoidal plot, and not from the predominant denaturation of unliganded and fully liganded native species. In addition, it is shown that, in general, the contributions from the denaturation of individual native protein species are decidedly non-two-state in character; thus, simple deconvolution should not be carried out. The effects of nonzero values of delta Cp and d delta Cp/dT for denaturation and of changes in enthalpy and in heat capacity for ligand binding, as well as the interaction of ligand with the denatured protein, are explored also.
Multiple affinity and guanine nucleotide sensitive forms of the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) receptor

Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) is a novel neuropeptide with an impressive array of biological actions consistent with its diverse tissue distribution and suggested role as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Binding sites for CGRP with properties consistent with those of receptors are present in both central and peripheral tissues. Radioligand binding studies were performed to investigate the fundamental processes underlying CGRP receptor activation and signaling following agonist occupancy of the receptor. These studies documented the existence of a selective, high affinity, and homogeneous population of binding sites for CGRP in membranes prepared prepared from central and various peripheral tissues. The affinity of [125I]CGRP for these sites was regulated by GTP or its stable analog GTP--gamma S, indicating coupling of CGRP receptors to G-protein(s). Kinetic studies documented the existence of the CGRP receptor in multiple affinity states when both coupled to and uncoupled from G-protein(s). These findings suggest that CGRP occupancy of its receptor induces conformational changes in the receptor that may be involved in its coupling to G-proteins and that the resulting ligand--receptor---protein ternary complex exists in multiple affinity conformational states. It seems likely that the multiple affinity states of the CGRP receptor ternary complex are involved differentially in signaling by and desensitization of the receptor. This evidence for agonist-induced conformational changes in a G-protein-coupled receptor prior to its coupling with G-protein(s) and for the existence of the ligand--receptor--G-protein ternary complex in multiple affinity conformational states is novel and extends our current understanding of the nature of the processes involved in agonist-dependent activation of G-protein-coupled receptors.
Dispersion measurements of water with white-light interferometry

We measure the second- and third-order dispersion coefficients, d2k/ dω 2 and d3k/dω3, of water for wavelengths from 0.45 to 1.3 μm using a Michelson white-light interferometer. In this interval, the second-order dispersion ranges from 0.068 to -0.1 fs2/μm, and the third-order dispersion ranges from 0.048 to 1.18 fs3/μm. We observe an oscillation in d2k/dω2 near 1.1 μm that is due to water absorption features near that wavelength. From the dispersion coefficients, derivatives of the index of refraction of water are calculated and compared with available equations. These measured values of d2n/dλ2 and d3n/dλ3 should be useful in the evaluation and improvement of existing equations for n(λ) in water.
Extraction protocols for the quantification of phycobilins in aqueous phytoplankton extracts

Phycobiliproteins are light harvesting pigments in cryptophytes, cyanobacteria, and rhodophytes that allow these organisms to absorb light in the green and orange regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike chlorophylls and carotenoids, however, phycobilins are rarely quantified as part of routine photobiological studies because they require different extraction protocols. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare 10 existing methods to determine that with the highest extraction efficiency and (2) to determine the maximum time limit for the storage of phycobilins before degradation. Cells of the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina and the cyanobacterium Synechococcus bacillaris were harvested either by centrifugation or filtration and then subjected to lyophilization, mechanical disruption, or freeze–thaw techniques. The extraction efficiency for pigments in cells collected on glass fiber filters was always <32 ± 5% and thus always significantly lower than in samples harvested by centrifugation, which had extraction efficiencies of 53 ± 6–98 ± 11%. Disruption of cells by freezing–thawing and sonication both resulted in significantly higher (ANOVA, p < 0.01) extraction efficiencies than disruption with a tissue grinder. Storage of samples at −80°C showed no significant pigment degradation over the course of 24 weeks.
Rethinking the Factors of Success: Social Support and Community Coalitions

Background: Coalitions are often the strategy of choice when needs are great, resources are few, and individual efforts have proven unsuccessful in addressing serious health issues. Despite the widespread use of coalitions and extensive research, no definitive list of factors predicting coalition success has been identified. One factor, social support, has yet to be fully explored and may prove to be significant in achieving coalition success. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to describe the history of coalitions and the concept of social support, provide evidence that social support contributes to coalition success, and justify the need to further explore the role of social support in achieving coalition success. Methods: Several databases including Medline, CINHAL, and SOCindex were accessed. Keywords included but were not limited to coalitions, health promotion, health education, social support, and health. Results: The literature provides strong evidence that social support behaviors exist withi...
Cloning, mRNA localization and evolutionary conservation of a human 5-HT7 receptor pseudogene.

Initial experiments designed to clone novel serotonin receptor subtypes in the substantia nigra have led to the discovery of a transcribed human 5-HT7 receptor pseudogene that is expressed in a wide range of tissues. The original clone (S771) possessed greater than 90% homology to the 5-HT7 receptor sequence and was identified by a degenerate PCR approach. Expression of the pseudogene transcript was detected throughout the brain and peripheral tissues in general agreement with 5-HT7 mRNA localization. Interestingly, the transcript was detected in tissues not known to express the 5-HT7 receptor (i.e. liver and kidney). Analysis of genomic DNA explained the genesis of the human pseudogene via a processed parental transcript (retrotransposition) and led to the discovery of a species homologue in the rhesus monkey.
Design, tolerancing, and certification of a null corrector to test 8.4-m mirrors

We present a design and new approach to certify a null corrector with tight manufacturing tolerances. This involves a diamond turned asphere and a hologram that provide certification redundancy.