cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards microfabricated biohybrid artificial lung modules for chronic respiratory support.

We have utilized soft lithography techniques to create three-dimensional arrays of blood microchannels and gas pathways in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) that approach the microvascular scale of the natural lung. The blood microchannels were lined with endothelial cells in an effort to provide a non-thrombogenic surface that might ultimately reduce the need for systemic anticoagulation. A novel design and fabrication method were developed to create prototype modules for gas permeance and cell culture testing. The gas permeance modules contained 6 layers, four gas and two blood, while the modules for cell culture testing contained two layers of blood channels. The gas permeance of the modules was examined and maximum values of 9.16 × 10−6 and 3.55 × 10−5 mL/s/cm2/cmHg, for O2 and CO2 respectively, were obtained. Finally, endothelial cells were seeded and dynamically cultured in prototype cell culture modules. Confluent and viable cell monolayers were achieved after 10 days of perfusion.
Reversible and irreversible airway inflammation and fibrosis in mice exposed to inhaled ovalbumin.

Objective and design: We examined the reversibility of several changes in the lungs and airways of mice immediately after exposure to ovalbumin aerosol and after a period of recovery breathing clean air.
Cone-beam filtered backprojection image reconstruction using a factorized weighting function

We present several new families of mathematically exact cone-beam image reconstruction algorithms for a general source trajectory that fulfills Tuy's data sufficiency condition. The basic structure of the new algorithms is to reconstruct images via filtered backprojection (FBP) with a 1-D shift-invariant filter. Specifically, the general weighting function w(x,;t) for redundant data was decomposed into three components w1(x,), w2(x,t), and sgn[·y(t)], viz. w(x,;t)=[w1(x,)w2(x,t)sgn(·y(t))]. Based upon the normalization condition of the weighting function, the first component w1(x,) may be calculated using the second component w2(x,t) Thus, the design of the weighting function was reduced to the selection of the second component w2(x,t). Using this scheme, it has been demonstrated that, for a given scanning configuration, one may develop infinitely many different, exact cone-beam FBP image reconstruction algorithms. To demonstrate how this general procedure may be used to develop FBP image reconstruction algorithms, a two-concentric-circle scanning configuration is discussed in detail. Numerical simulations have been conducted to validate several of the derived image reconstruction algorithms. Several possible scan strategies are presented, and the possibility of performing multiple reconstructions with different scan configurations to reduce image noise is described. Noise properties also have been numerically studied for the implemented image reconstruction algorithms, then compared with two other shift-invariant FBP reconstruction algorithms.
Good and poor readers' learning of verbal and pictorial paired-associate lists

The prediction that poor readers would make more errors than good readers when the items in a paired-associate list were presented verbally, but that there would be no difference when the items were presented pictorially was not supported. Poor readers made more errors in learning the list than good readers with both methods of presentation. Both groups made fewer errors with pictorial than with verbal presentations.
Fields of almost periodic sequences

Abstract Let F((x)) be the field of formal power series over the field with two elements F. We classify all quadratic elements in F((x)) which are almost periodic, the Morse-Hedlund sequence being a special case. We also give some results for higher-degree almost periodic elements.
Identifing Unique Conformational Forms of Phosphofructokinase Using Fluorescence Phasor Analysis

The two main parameters, phase angle and modulation, determined in frequency-domain fluorescence measurements, can be acquired with high precision. Unfortunately, when analyzing systems with complex decay mechanisms, error is often introduced by the imperfect modeling of this complexity. For questions that do not require a precise understanding of those mechanisms, the phasor approach allows a description of the system utilizing only the raw phase angle and modulation data with a corresponding improvement in reproducibility. In this investigation, we used phasor plots to describe the allosteric enzyme phosphofructokinase from E. coli (EcPFK). In our approach, we perform a direct transformation of the phase angle and modulation to the S and G function coordinates described in a Cartesian system as determined at an individual excitation modulation frequency. EcPFK contains a single tryptophan at position 311. Despite this simple composition, conventional fluorescence lifetime measurements of EcPFK exhibit complex decay behavior. The goal of this investigation is to describe the four species involved in the allosteric coupling between the substrate, fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) and the allosteric inhibitor, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), using the phasor approach. These four forms are: apo-EcPFK, EcPFK-F6P, PEP-EcPFK, and PEP-EcPFK-F6P). Special interest is on the ternary complex species (PEP-EcPFK-F6P) that is not considered in classic two-state models that attempt to explain the origin of allosteric behavior. The best results were obtained by exciting at 300 nm and collecting the fluorescence response at frequencies between 40 to 70 MHz. Our results show the presence of four unique conformations that correspond to the different ligated states of the enzyme. Notably, the ternary complex exhibits a unique phasor value, independent of whether it was formed by titrating the substrate followed by the inhibitor or vice versa. Supported by NIH Grant GM33216 and Welch Foundation Grant A1548.
Oxygen—An “Extreme-Pressure Agent”

Tests using a geared-roller-test machine with steel rollers lubricated by plain mineral oil indicate scuffing resistance is strongly dependent on the presence of oxygen. Tests imply protection against scuffing is provided by formation of oxides in the contact zone. The protective layer breaks down thermally so that scuffing occurs at a “critical conjunction temperature” ranging between 390 and 450 F for the sliding speed range investigated (25 to 250 in/sec). If oxygen is present, the protective layer may be replenished so that conjunction temperatures exceeding the critical may occasionally be imposed before scuffing occurs. This is true particularly at low sliding speeds. When the steel rollers are lubricated by a diester-based lubricant which contains oxygen in the lubricant molecule (di-2-ethyl-hexyl-sebacate), scuffing resistance is provided without atmospheric oxygen. With this lubricant the critical conjunction temperature was higher with a nitrogen atmosphere than with an air atmosphere. The criti...
Line-shape parameters of the Raman lines of chloro-, bromo-, and iodobenzene

Abstract High-resolution Raman spectra have been measured of chloro-, bromo-, and iodobenzene for line shifts up to 1600 cm−1 and several new lines were resolved. The line-shape parameters and depolarization ratios of most of these lines are reported here for the first time. The 1595 cm−1 benzene E2g doublet was resolved into the A1 and B1 monohalogen substituted lines. In going from bromoto iodobenzene a reversal in the A1-B1 line intensities was observed.
On-chip native gel electrophoresis-based immunoassays for tetanus antibody and toxin

By integrating photopolymerized cross-linked polyacrylamide gels within a microfluidic device, we have developed a microanalytical platform for performing electrophoresis-based immunoassays. The microfluidic immunoassays are performed by gel electrophoretic separation and quantitation of bound and unbound antibody or antigen. To retain biological activity of proteins and maintain intact immune complexes, nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis conditions were investigated. Both direct (noncompetitive) and competitive immunoassay formats are demonstrated in microchips. A direct immunoassay was developed for detection of tetanus antibodies in buffer as well as diluted serum samples. After an off-chip incubation step, the immunoassay was completed in less than 3 min and the sigmoidal dose-response curve spanned an antibody concentration range from 0.17 to 260 nM. The minimum detectable antibody concentration was 0.68 nM. A competitive immunoassay was also developed for tetanus toxin C-fragment by allowing unlabeled and fluorescently labeled tetanus toxin C-fragment compete to bind to a limited fixed concentration of tetanus antibody. The immunoassay technique described in this work shows promise as a component of an integrated microfluidic device amenable to automation and relevant to development of clinical diagnostic devices.
Co-activation of D1- and D2-like receptors is unnecessary for stimulated motor behavior in rats depleted of dopamine during development.

Abstract The motoric effects of the D1-like agonist SKF 38393 (5.0 or 20.0 mg/kg) and the D2-like agonist quinpirole (0.2, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) were determined in adult rats treated with 6-OHDA (100 μg) or its vehicle on postnatal Day 3. Quinpirole, but not SKF 38393, produced stereotypy and modest motor activity in vehicle-treated rats. These effects of quinpirole were blocked by either the D1-like antagonist SCH 23390 (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg) or the D2-like antagonist clebopride (10.0 mg/kg). In contrast, administration of either D1- or D2-like agonists enhanced stereotypy and motor behavior in animals depleted of dopamine with 6-OHDA. However, in these animals, only the D1-like antagonist was able to block D1-induced behaviors and only the D2-like antagonist was able to block D2-induced behaviors. A separate group of adult rats, treated with 6-OHDA (200 μg) on postnatal Day 20, was studied to determine whether these effects depended upon age at the time of DA depletion. Animals depleted on Day 20 resembled animals depleted on Day 3 in that D2-, but not D1-like antagonists, blocked D2 agonist-induced responses. These results demonstrate that in animals depleted of DA during development, qualitative changes in D1/D2 receptor interactions result in the ability of each receptor subtype to independently activate stereotypy and motor behavior.
Human-Centered Computing: Defining a Research Agenda

Three National Science Foundation (NSF) programs—Human–Computer Interaction, Universal Access, and Digital Society and Technologies—were recently combined into one new cluster called “Human-Centered Computing” (HCC). Two workshops were held to share information about this new cluster with researchers, provide guidance to researchers who are early in their research careers and have yet to receive NSF funding, and provide feedback to NSF from the affected research communities regarding topics that are considered particularly important by this community. Continuing and emerging research opportunities identified included privacy and security issues in HCC context, intelligent user interfaces, universal access including research for different populations such as children and older adults, mobile and ubiquitous computing, and social computing, among others. Various issues concerning interdisciplinary research opportunities were also raised, including understanding the disciplines, promotion and tenure concerns,...
Directionality As Needed - Achieving Connectivity in Wireless Mesh Networks

We study how to achieve a desired connectivity in a wireless mesh network using beamforming antennas. We show that there is no unique solution to this problem. We propose a simple algorithm, directionality as needed (DAN), which strikes a good balance between the dual goals of minimum network design cost and minimum interference among different links.
Electrolyte and fluid imbalance: Neuropsychiatric manifestations

Abstract Electrolyte imbalance may cause neuropsychiatric manifestations that closely mimic functional disorders. For example, depression may accompany hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypomagnesemia. A personality change such as increasing irritability may be a symptom of hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, or hypomagnesemia. In most instances, correction of the underlying electrolyte imbalance will alleviate the psychiatric symptoms. By taking a careful history, the psychiatric consultant may note the symptoms of mineral imbalance before the problem is apparent to the attending physician.
How Family Members Stay in Touch: A Quantitative Investigation of Core Family Networks

Traditionally, people's closest family members resided locally where face-to-face interaction was the predominant mode of communication. Today, in addition to face-to-face visits, one can use a landline telephone, cellular telephone, or any number of the computer-mediated communications such as e-mail. This article explores the modes of communication people use most with their three closest family members with a particular emphasis on how mode of communication may vary by three factors: (1) family member locality, (2) physical distance of the family member, and (3) frequency of communication. The results from a 2005 random sample mail survey show that e-mail has become an important tool in maintaining core familial social networks, especially when these family members live outside the local area. The impacts of computer-mediated communications on the maintenance of familial networks and resulting social capital are addressed.
Basic rest-activity cycle in the perception of the spiral after-effect; a sensitive detector of a basic biological rhythm.

Eight subjects were tested for two consecutive days on the spiral after-effect from 4 PM to 12 midnight. Ten out of the 16 available time series revealed periodicities within the range of periodicities commonly reported for the REM-nonREM cycle. The close similarity between the two cycles supported Kleitman's idea that the REM nonREM cycle is only part of a 24-hr biological rhythm operating during both sleep and wakefulness, which during nonsomnolent states manifested in periodic alternations in alertness.
Germline BRCA2 mutation in a patient with fallopian tube carcinoma: a case report.

Abstract Objectives. Fallopian tube carcinoma is similar to ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma with respect to histology, response to chemotherapy, and prognosis. BRCA germline mutations have been commonly reported in ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma but rarely in other gynecologic cancers. Methods. A patient with fallopian tube carcinoma and a family history of ovarian carcinoma underwent genetic counseling and BRCA testing as did her daughter. Results. The patient and her daughter were found to have a germline BRCA2 mutation. Conclusion. Like a family history of ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma, the occurrence of fallopian tube cancer should alert the clinician to the possibility of an abnormality in the breast cancer susceptibility 1 or 2 genes.
Expressed human hippocampal ASCT1 amino acid transporter exhibits a pH-dependent change in substrate specificity.

Abstract In mammalian cells, the basal Na+-dependent uptake for many of the neutral amino acids is mediated by a transport activity designated System ASC. A cloned human brain cDNA sequence, ASCT1, encodes a Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transport activity that exhibits a substrate specificity similar to that commonly associated with System ASC. However, the characteristics of ASC activity varies significantly between cell types and not all tissues contain detectable levels of ASCT1 mRNA. A unique property of System ASC activity is an altered substrate selectivity such that at pH values below 7.4 anionic amino acids function as inhibitors and substrates. The experiments in this report were designed to determine if the cloned ASCT1 transporter exhibited this pH-dependent anionic transport. Following transfection of HeLa cells with the ASCT1 cDNA, transport strongly favored neutral zwitterionic) amino acids when uptake was measured at a physiologic pH value of 7.5. However, lowering the assay pH to 5.5 significantly enhanced the interaction of the ASCT1 carrier with anionic amino acids such as cysteate, in a pH-dependent manner. The apparent pK for the titratable group was in the range of 6.5–7.0. These results provide evidence that the human brain ASCT1 transporter exhibits the most distinguishing characteristic known for System ASC and provides a model system to investigate the molecular basis for this shift in substrate acceptance.
Number of positive systematic sextant biopsies predicts surgical margin status at radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives. To determine whether the number of positive sextant biopsies contributes to the prediction of positive surgical margins, as the value of systematic prostate biopsies in predicting margin status at radical prostatectomy is unclear. Methods. Consecutive patients (n = 108) who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and systematic sextant biopsies were retrospectively evaluated. Serum prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal examination, primary Gleason grade, Gleason score, and the number and location of positive sextant biopsies were recorded for each patient. Radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated by step-section techniques at 3 to 5-mm intervals. Univariate comparisons for each of these variables was performed between the positive and negative margin groups using the Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed for these variables. Results. Twenty-two (20.4%) of 108 patients had a positive surgical margin because of extension of the tumor through the capsule. Patients with three or more positive biopsies were at higher risk of having a positive surgical margin (P = 0.009). Patients with bilaterally positive biopsies at either the base or midprostate were more likely to have a positive surgical margin. The risk of a positive surgical margin was not significantly determined by the primary Gleason grade, Gleason score, or prostate-specific antigen. Multivariate logistic regression models were created that consistently demonstrate that the number of positive biopsies was the best predictor of margin status. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that the number of positive sextant biopsies contributes to the prediction of margin status at radical prostatectomy.
The rise of predators

Despite their abundance, diversity, and importance today, organisms with mineralized skeletons are a relatively recent introduction. For the first three billion years of its history, life was soft-bodied, inducing mineralized structures passively, if at all. Beginning ca. 550 Ma, however, more than
Kinetics and mechanism of interaction of aluminum and magnesium of Al-Mg-Bi ternary system with water

The kinetics and mechanism of interaction of aluminum and magnesium of an Al-Mg-Bi ternary system with water were obtained using the method of high-temperature volumetry at high pressures and temperatures of 225–325°C. The kinetic parameters of the reaction, i.e., the rate constant, activation energy, and degree of conversion, were calculated and the mechanism of corrosion dissolution of activated by bismuth aluminum and magnesium in water with the release of hydrogen at high rates was suggested. The kinetic parameters during the interaction of aluminum activated by bismuth and magnesium in boehmite (AlOOH), and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) with water with the release of hydrogen at a rate of 3196–4033 l/(m2 min) in the investigated temperature range were determined. The nanostructured particles of Al-Mg-Bi alloys were detected using a JSM6490 LV electron microscope (Japan).
CLEF 2003 Experiments at UB: Automatically Generated Phrases and Relevance Feedback for Improving CLIR

This paper presents the results obtained by the University at Buffalo (UB) in CLEF 2003. Our efforts concentrated in the monolingual retrieval and large multilingual retrieval tasks. We used a modified version of the SMART system, a heuristic method based on bigrams to generate phrases that works across multiple languages, and pseudo relevance feedback. Query translation was performed using publicly available machine translation software. Our results show small but consistent improvements in performance due to the use of bigrams. We also found that pseudo relevance feedback benefits from using these bigrams for expanding queries in all the 8 languages that we tested.
MicroRNAs, Cellular Behavior, and Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer and the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. In spite of its’ relative importance to overall morbidity among women, molecular research in endometrial cancers lags far behind other cancers such as breast and colorectal. Nowhere is this more true than in research in the newly emergent field of posttranscriptional gene regulation by small, regulatory RNAs, primarily microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, structure, biogenesis, and mode of action of miRNAs are presented along with a brief overview of the role of miRNAs in carcinogenesis and a review of the few miRNA studies in endometrial cancer carried out to date.
Evaluation Of Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon And Boron Nitride Films As Low Permittivity Dielectrics

Although films of diamond-like carbon (DLC) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have shown low dielectric constants in the range of 3 to 4, these materials have been unsuitable for use as interconnect dielectrics due to poor thermal stability and environmental degradation. These deficiencies can be addressed by depositing DLC films free of hydrogen (a-tC) and depositing the cubic phase of BN (c-BN). The dielectric characteristics of hydrogen-free DLC and c-BN that have been deposited by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) have been evaluated using metal-insulator-metal and metal-insulator-semiconductor structures. For comparison, the dielectric characteristics of h-BN deposited by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) were also evaluated. Despite the superior thermal and environmental stability of the a-tC and c-BN films and the attractively low deposition thermal budget (room temperature deposition for a-tC films, 400°C for c-BN films), the films exhibit dielectric constants comparable to those of bulk diamond and bulk BN, ∼ 6. Furthermore, the a-tC and c-BN films exhibit high compressive stress in the GPa range which limits their usefulness only to those applications requiring a thin dielectric layer, e.g. diffusion barriers or encapsulants.
Intracranial carotid artery calcification on head CT and its association with ischemic changes on brain MRI in patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms: retrospective analysis.

Introduction Our purpose was to study the association between the intracranial arterial calcifications observed on head CT and brain infarcts demonstrated by MRI in patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms. Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study which included 65 consecutive patients presenting acutely who had both head CT and MRI. Arterial calcifications of the vertebrobasilar system and the intracranial cavernous carotid arteries (intracranial carotid artery calcification, ICAC) were assigned a number (1 to 4) in the bone window images from CT scans. These four groups were then combined into high calcium (grades 3 and 4) and low calcium (grades 1 and 2) subgroups. Brain MRI was independently evaluated to identify acute and chronic large-vessel infarcts (LVI) and small-vessel infarcts (SVI). The relationship between ICAC and infarcts was evaluated before and after adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Results Statistical analysis could not be performed for the vertebrobasilar system due to an insufficient number of patients in the high calcium group. Of the 65 patients, 46 (71%) had a high ICAC grade on head CT. They were older and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Acute SVI (P=0.006), chronic SVI (P=0.006) and acute LVI (P=0.04) were associated with a high ICAC grade. After adjustment for age and other risk factors, only acute SVI was associated with a high ICAC grade (P=0.002). Conclusion Although age emerged as the most important determinant of ischemic cerebral changes, there were rather complex interactions among multiple risk factors with different infarct types. A high ICAC grade demonstrated a correlation with acute SVI in our patients independent of these risk factors.
The Impact of Relay Selection Strategies on the Amount of Interference in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

The high flexibility of ad hoc wireless networks plays an important role in the design of future wireless generation. In this work, we consider an ad hoc network with nodes communicating the one with each other using multi-hop. Nodes use signal level power control to adjust the amount of transmitted power. The objective of this work is to quantity the amount of interference generated in the network as a function of the relay selection scheme considered. The effectiveness of the power control in reducing the level of interference is also investigated.
Interaction of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) with insulin

Abstract Partially purified glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which had been extracted from Brewer's yeast was mixed with 125 I-insulin, and the solution was chromatographed on Sephadex G-50. Similarly, 125 I-insulin which had not been reacted with GTF was chromatographed. Insulin reacted with GTF produced a significantly greater effect on glucose uptake in epididymal tissue than that of native insulin. When GTF, exclusive of insulin, was chromatographed, the fraction which potentiated insulin activity had an elution volume greater than that of insulin. These results demonstrate that GTF binds to insulin. When insulin was reacted with acetic anhydride under conditions which acetylate the α and e amino groups, GTF binding to insulin was inhibited. These results suggest that the α and e amino groups of insulin may be involved in the binding of GTF to insulin.
Can GC Content at Third-Codon Positions Be Used as a Proxy for Isochore Composition?

The isochore theory depicts the genomes of warm-blooded vertebrates as a mosaic of long genomic regions that are characterized by relatively homogeneous GC content. In the absence of genomic data, the GC content at third-codon positions of protein-coding genes (GC3) was commonly used as a proxy for the GC content of isochores. Oddly, in the postgenomic era, GC3 is still sometimes used as a proxy for the GC composition of isochores. Here, we use genic and genomic sequences from human, chimpanzee, cow, mouse, rat, chicken, and zebrafish to show that GC3 only explains a very small proportion of the variation in GC content of long genomic sequences flanking the genes (GCf), and what little correlation there is between GC3 and GCf was found to decay rapidly with distance from the gene. The coefficient of variation of GC3 was found to be much larger than that of GCf and, therefore, GC3 and GCf values are not comparable with each other. Comparisons of orthologous gene pairs from 1) human and chimpanzee and 2) mouse and rat show strong correlations between their GC3 values, but very weak correlations between their GCf values. We conclude that the GC content of third-codon position cannot be used as stand-in for isochoric composition.
Virulence Gene Expression Is Independent of ResDE-Regulated Respiration Control in Bacillus anthracis

The ResDE two-component system regulates the synthesis of several components of the aerobic and anaerobic respiratory pathways in bacilli. The ResD response regulator transcription factor has been implicated in the regulation of virulence factors in a number of gram-positive species, including Bacillus anthracis. The precise deletions of resD and resE in B. anthracis that retained the classical respiratory phenotypes did not affect the expression of the gene for the protective antigen of the anthrax toxin, pagA, or that of the toxin regulator, atxA. The results indicate that the loss of ResDE-controlled respiratory capacity does not affect the synthesis of anthrax toxin.
Ready for engagement: using key informant interviews to measure community social capacity

This article presents findings from 45 structured key informant interviews conducted in nine rural Minnesota communities to examine the readiness of rural communities to sustain long-term developme...
Collaboratory use by peripheral scientists

Recent years have seen an increasing use of collaboratories in scientific work. It is hypothesized that by enabling scientists to reach remotely located data, instruments and experts, collaboratories will benefit peripheral scientists (e.g., scientists from developing countries and scientists from minority colleges in the U.S.) more than core scientists. However, previous studies on computer network use have shown mixed results regarding peripherality effects. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study intends to investigate cultural, political, and technical factors that influence collaboratory use by peripheral scientists.
Identification and Characterization of Sporulation-Dependent Promoters Upstream of the Enterotoxin Gene (cpe) of Clostridium perfringens

Three promoter sites (P1, P2, and P3) responsible for the sporulation-associated synthesis of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, a common cause of food poisoning in humans and animals, were identified. Nested and internal deletions of the cpe promoter region were made to narrow down the location of promoter elements. To measure the effects of the deletions on the expression of cpe, translational fusions containing the promoter deletions were made with the gusA gene of Escherichia coli, which codes for β-glucuronidase; E. coli-C. perfringens shuttle vectors carrying the fusions were introduced into C. perfringens by electroporation. In addition, in vitro transcription assays were performed with the cpe promoter region as the DNA template for extracts made from sporulating cells. DNA sequences upstream of P1 were similar to consensus SigK-dependent promoters, while P2 and P3 were similar to consensus SigE-dependent promoters. SigE and SigK are sporulation-associated sigma factors known to be active in the mother cell compartment of sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis, the same compartment in which enterotoxin is synthesized in C. perfringens.
Effects of nutrient enrichment on predator–prey metapopulation dynamics

Summary 1. In certain predator–prey models, enrichment of nutrients produces large amplitude population oscillations that can cause extinctions; this effect has been termed the ‘paradox of enrichment’. Metapopulation models also show that despite enrichment reducing the stability of equilibria in local populations, spatially subdivided populations may show bounded fluctuations because of asynchronous local density fluctuations. 2. Effects of enrichment and subdivided habitat structure were tested using two protozoans, predatory Didinium nasutum Muller and its bacterivorous prey, Colpidium striatum Stokes. A replicated experiment compared predator–prey dynamics in low, medium and high nutrient microcosms. Microcosms consisted of subdivided arrays of nine interconnected 30 mL bottles, undivided bottles of the same total volume (270 mL) and isolated 30 mL bottles. 3. Consistent with the paradox of enrichment, isolated populations produced greater mean predator densities at high nutrient concentrations than low or medium concentrations. The proportion of replicates in which predators drove prey extinct was also greater with high than with low or medium nutrient concentrations. 4. Enrichment increased prey density in all microcosm types. This is consistent with published predator–prey models where dynamics are mathematically unstable. 5. Predators and prey persisted longer in all subdivided microcosms than in undivided bottles. However, there were some unexpected changes in spatial dynamics with enrichment. For prey, direct or indirect effects of enrichment raised numbers dispersing, spatial synchrony of density fluctuations and variability in the number of patches occupied. 6. For predators in arrays, enrichment reduced the starvation rate, total numbers dispersing, and spatial synchrony. Time until recolonization of individual patches by predators was also longer in enriched microcosms, suggesting a possible decrease in the likelihood of regional persistence. A published simulation model produced qualitatively similar changes in dynamics with changes in prey and predator dispersal rate. 7. This study shows that spatial dynamics can potentially explain persistence of subdivided populations for long periods despite nutrient enrichment. However, the complex influence of enrichment on spatial dynamics illustrates the need to study more natural populations.
The in vivo association of manganese with the chromosome of Micrococcus radiodurans.

—Extremely high levels of paramagnetic manganese (Mn2+) which quench phosphorescent reactions have been found to inhibit the formation of thymine-containing dimers in M. radiodurans. Lowering the concentration of Mn2+ in the culture medium resulted in a lower intracellular concentration of Mn2+, an increase in the UV-sensitivity of this bacterium, and a larger photochemical yield of thymine-containing dimers. High levels of paramagnetic Mn2+ were not found in other test organisms which are more sensitive to UV-irradiation. One interpretation of our data is that in Micrococcus radiodurans Mn2+ may bind to the chromosome and thereby reduce the photochemical yield of thymine-containing dimers.
Foreign Banks in Mexico: New Conquistadors or Agents of Change?

Since Mexico opened its banking sector to foreign competition following the 1994 financial crisis, foreign financial institutions have acquired more than 80 percent of Mexican domestic banking assets. Supporters of foreign direct investment (FDI) argue that foreign banks have been an important source of capital as well as skills, technology, and management know-how. Critics accuse foreign banks of earning excess profits without significantly contributing to banking sector development. Based on an empirical analysis of foreign bank entry between 1997 and 2004, this paper shows that FDI had a positive, but limited impact on banking sector development. The key contribution of foreign banks was the recapitalization of the banking sector following the financial crisis. But there is only limited evidence that banking sector efficiency increased as result of a transfer of skills, technology, or management know-how. The main reason for the limited impact of FDI was the low level of competitive intensity in the Mexican banking sector.
Relationship of Occlusion and Periodontal Disease: Part XI. Relation of Axial Inclination (Mesial-Distal) and Tooth Drift to Periodontal Status*

Common among the sequellae of tooth loss is drifting and inclination of adjacent teeth toward the edentulous space. The resultant changes in proximal contact relationships, the deepened gingival sulci and abnormal angulation of occlusal forces have been implicated as etiologic factors in periodontal disease. The relationship of abnormal tooth inclination and drift to periodontal pathology was studied in a clinic population whose periodontal status had been carefully characterized using a Tissue Destruction Index, an inflammation index and mobility scores. The distribution of both inclination and drift was bilaterally symmetrical in the study population. For all teeth in the study population, periodontal parameters ranked by incidence, showed a positive association with mesial inclination and drift, and a negative one with distal inclination. These relationships, however, cannot be deemed as either causal or protective. In the dentitions of younger individuals, the incidence and severity of tooth inclinati...
Speech-rate variation and the prediction of duration

A comparison between the output from a set of duration rules based on Klatt '76 and measured durations in a text allows quantification of speech rate at a local as well as a global level. The rules account for known correlates of duration change, such as stress, phonetic and phrasal context, and inherent differences in the durations of each segment, but make no allowance for local changes of rate within a text. The degree of fit of the output from such a system to the observed durations in the text provides a guide both to the accuracy of the rule-set and to the rate-related variation within that text. Statistical procedures can be applied to reduce the rule-related error and thereby strengthen both the predictions of the rules and the quantification of the rate variation. This paper describes research in progress.
A dimming and protection method for the self-oscillating half-bridge ballast circuit

Conventional voltage-fed self-oscillating half-bridge topology has been widely used in the electronics ballast. The major design challenge in such a ballast circuit is how to dim and protect such a self-oscillating circuit, which usually adds system cost and complexity. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to tackle this problem. The dimming method is achieved by simply controlling the gate drive signal delay time. The protection circuit not only ensures the full-range zero voltage switching operation, but also protects the self-oscillating ballast against possible fault modes operation. In addition, the proposed solution also provides the feature to program lamp start-up processes so that ballast designers can optimize their design so as to maximize lamp life and lumen maintenance. The method can be implemented in ballasts for various gas discharge lamps. Theoretical analysis, circuit simulation and experimental results are given to validate the proposed solution.
Oxidative Stress and the Metabolic Pathology of Autism

Chronic metabolic imbalance in the cellular microenvironment is often a primary factor in the development of complex disease. An integrated metabolic profile reflects the combined influence of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that affect the candidate pathway of interest. In this way, the metabolic phenotype of an individual reflects the combined influence of both endogenous and exogenous factors on genotype and provides a window through which the cumulative impact of genes and environment may be viewed. Although both genetic and environmental factors appear to be necessary, in the majority of cases neither is independently sufficient for the autistic phenotype. A metabolic endophenotype provides an intermediate biomarker that is influenced by both genes and environment and can offer insights into relevant candidate genes and pathways.
The impact of Gavi on vaccination rates: regression discontinuity evidence.

Since 2001 an aid consortium known as Gavi has accounted for over half of vaccination expenditure in the 75 eligible countries with an initial per capita GNI below $1000. Regression discontinuity (RD) estimates show aid significantly displaced other immunization efforts and failed to increase vaccination rates for diseases covered by cheap existing vaccines. For some newer and more expensive vaccines i.e. Hib and rotavirus we found large effects on vaccination and limited fungibility though statistical significance is not robust. These RD estimates apply to middle-income countries near Gavis eligibility threshold and cannot rule out differential effects for the poorest countries.
Promoting a new research agenda: health disparities research at the intersection of disability, race, and ethnicity.

Background:Differences in access to and receipt of health care have been extensively documented across racial and ethnic groups. Similarly, a growing body of research has documented disparities between people with and without disabilities in obtaining needed health care. However, our understanding o
Simplex Optimization of Extractive Alkylation Procedures for Organic Acids in Aqueous Samples

Simplex optimization procedures may be used to optimize the yield from an extractive alkylation procedure. Three variables from the derivatization reaction (pH, methylating agent concentration, and phase transfer agent concentration) were chosen for optimization because they interacted with each other and could not be optimized by conventional means. The yield for methylation of adipic acid was doubled with relatively little effort. This procedure may be easily applied to other systems.
Jeffersonian Jews: The Jewish Agrarian Diaspora and the Assimilative Power of the Western Land, 1882–1930

Jewish philanthropies and Jewish agrarians in the late nineteenth century both saw the western land as the salvation for Diasporic Judaism, but for different reasons. These differences highlight the sometimes surprising outcomes of Americanization efforts on immigrant populations that enrich historians' understandings of the acculturation process. The American land helped some Jews preserve their culture even though they appeared to assimilate.
Contextual revision in information seeking conversation systems.

Contextual revision allows users to make incremental revisions to their previous query rather than providing a complete query each time. This is a powerful capability of conversation systems that can greatly reduce the word length of users' input, thereby improving speech recognition accuracy and simplifying NLU. We describe a novel method combining linguistic cues, semantic constraints, and data characteristics to address the ambiguities introduced by this construct.
Hemodialysis Techniques for Infants and Children

Specific problems discussed include blood access and complications thereof, pediatric dialyzers with reference to priming volumes, efficiency of clearance and dysequilibrium syndrome, ultrafiltration and weight monitoring, and hemodialysis for intoxications.
Parasite-related modification of mating behaviour and refuge use in the aquatic isopod Caecidotea intermedius: neurological correlates

The acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus dirus is a trophically transmitted parasite that infects freshwater isopods as intermediate hosts and fish as definitive hosts. Using a laboratory-based experiment, we examined if parasite infection was associated with changes in mating behaviour, refuge use and neurochemical levels of infected isopods (Caecidotea intermedius). Infected isopods were less likely to engage in mating behaviour and more likely to be located in the open than uninfected isopods. Infected isopods also contained lower levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) and had a greater mass of neural tissue (CNS) than uninfected isopods. We propose that the parasite-related changes in mating behaviour and refuge use may be modulated by the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. We also suggest that the parasites could potentially be modulating these behavioural changes by exploiting the neural-immune system of the hosts through their neuroinflammatory responses.
Q and A with Maria Rosario Jackson

Jan Cohen-Cruz: Maria, how does the current discourse around creative placemaking relate to the work of the NOCD-NY-affiliated artists?
Modifying Keyboard Layout to Reduce Finger-Travel Distance

Ample evidence shows that the Qwerty layout is inefficient for one-finger typing on virtual keyboards: letters in common digrams are placed on opposite sides of the keyboard, resulting in an unnecessarily long finger-travel distance. In this paper, we report on using simulated annealing for modifying keyboard layout to reduce finger-travel distance for entering letters of the English alphabet. Our investigation led to improved 3 X 10, 4 X 7, and 5 X 6 layouts, all of which reduced the weighted sum of finger-travel distances for all digrams (denoted by d) by about 40% over Qwerty. The most improved layout is the 5 X 6 layout, which reduces d from 3.31 key widths (the value of d for Qwerty) to 1.78 key widths. These layouts also outperform the best layout reported in the literature.
It's Easier to Contract Than to Pay: Judicial Independence and U.S. Municipal Default in the 19th Century

It is well established in the literature that an independent judiciary can act as a signal of credibility by a sovereign state and also as a guarantor of creditor rights. However, to date there has been little systematic work analyzing how an independent judiciary reacts to fiscal stress and public sector default. This article addresses that very question by evaluating how and if judicial independence effects default rates using U.S. municipal data through the nineteenth century. Overall, the results do indicate that greater judicial independence is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of default. This channel largely occurs through the method by which a member of a state’s court of last resort is selected (either appointment or popular election) and also term length.
Development and Initial Testing of the FLOW Instrument: Novel Assessment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men

Purpose: We sought to develop a method to assess lower urinary tract symptoms regardless of literacy and numeracy.Materials and Methods: We convened focus groups and developed a questionnaire based on 4 identified domains of urinary function, including frequency, incontinence (leakage), nocturia (overnight voiding) and weak stream. We pilot tested the novel FLOW (frequency, leakage, overnight voiding and weak stream) questionnaire in 64 men and performed quantitative analysis to determine internal consistency. Criterion validity was established via direct comparison to the AUA (American Urological Association) symptom score in a larger cohort of 161 men.Results: Median time to complete the FLOW questionnaire was 18.0 seconds (IQR 15.8–21.0). The mean number of positive responses to the FLOW instrument was 1.7. Test-retest reliability was 0.91 and the Cronbach α was 0.67. In the validation cohort there was a significant correlation between FLOW scores and AUA symptom score (r = 0.63, p <0.001). All men reg...
"The Era of Ferment, Liability of Ferment and the Role of Corporate Development in Firm Survival"

We introduce the term ‘liability of ferment’ (LOF) that represents a threat to firm survival when firms make suboptimal corporate development decisions because of the level of uncertainty in the er...
Albrecht von Graefe: The Beginnings of Scientific Ophthalmology and Education

The nineteenth century saw the true introduction of science into medicine. Perhaps in no subspecialty area was this more true than in ophthalmology. The development Helmholtz’ ophthalmoscope, opening the vista to the posterior segment in vivo, Dondor’s research on refraction and optics, the introduction of topical anesthesia by Koller, and the beginnings of formal ophthalmic education ranks as seminal events within the nineteenth century. Perhaps no individual better represents this trend than Albrecht von Graefe, who in period of a mere 42 years was instrumental in introducing the longest serving ophthalmology journal, the first real practical school of ophthalmology, advances in surgical techniques, and introduction of understanding of the important aspects of glaucoma and the beginnings of potential treatment. Most importantly, Albrecht von Graefe influenced directly and indirectly more individuals in the development of modern ophthalmology than any other. Thus, his figure is a towering touchstone of the development of ophthalmology in the nineteenth century.
The effects of Immunosuppressive agents on NK cell function (102.18)

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent effector cells in allogeneic bone marrow and xeno transplantation. NK cells infiltrate solid organ allografts and a role for NK cells in acute and chronic rejection has been suggested. Little is known about the effects of immunosuppressive agents on NK cells Primary NK cell lines were analyzed for proliferation in the absence or presence of increasing doses (0–100 ng/ml) of cyclosporine (CSA), FK506 (FK) or Rapamycin, (RAPA). NK cells demonstrated robust proliferation both in the absence and presence of CSA and FK. In contrast, RAPA significantly (p These data indicate that CSA and FK have little effect on NK cell function. In contrast, NK cell proliferation and function are significantly decreased in the presence of RAPA. Understanding the differential effects of immunosuppressive drugs on NK cell function is important in clinical transplantation.