cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of the CArG box in regulation of β-actin-encoding genes

The beta-actin-encoding gene (Act) in carp is regulated by several cis-acting regulatory elements including the evolutionarily conserved CC(A/T)6GG (CArG box or serum-response element) sequences positioned in the promoter region between the CAAT and TATA boxes and in the first intron. To address the roles of the two CArG boxes on gene expression, we replaced them with linker sequences. The CArG box in the proximal promoter was not required for promoter activity in tissue-cultured cells, but was required in conjunction with a second CArG box in the first intron to give full expression in transgenic embryos. Likewise, the geometry of cis-acting transcriptional elements in the proximal promoter was more important for expression of transgenic constructs in developing embryos than in tissue-cultured fibroblasts. Mobility-shift and exonuclease mapping experiments indicated that the same or similar protein factors bind around the two CArG boxes, suggesting that interactions between the promoter and the first intron are involved in Act regulation.
Comments on some ethical, legal, and clinical issues affecting consent in treatment, organ transplants, and research in children.

Abstract Essential elements of key terms used in the determination of the ethics and legality of decisions for treatment and research in children are described. Important ethical, legal, and clinical premises are stated. Applications of these terms and premises in the mechanisms used to decide specific issues in treatment, organ transplant, and research in children are discussed.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 164

Abstract Nuclear structure data for mass 164 nuclei are compiled, and adopted level and gamma-ray properties are presented. The adopted values are based on all data received before June 1973. All published data received between June and September 1973 have also been considered in arriving at adopted values.
A Combined Accelerator-Brake Pedal

The automotive vehicle has become one of modern Society's deadliest killers, in addition to injuring thousands of lives every year. This paper describes a combined accelerator and brake in one pedal which may be a technique for reducing automotive accidents. Its use is riot limited to automobiles, but can be used in any typo of automotive vehicle. Reaction time, from onset of an accident stimulus until the brakes are initially applied, is 0-256 seconds with this one pedal system, versus 0.468 seconds under the conventional two pedal accelerator-brake system. This saving of over 45 per cent in reaction time, results in the brakes of a vehicle being applied about 19 feet earlier at 60 mph for example. In addition, the driver would have this much more room to swerve and possibly avoid an otherwise serious situation ahead.
RNA interference against hepatic epidermal growth factor receptor has suppressive effects on liver regeneration in rats.

Liver regeneration after a two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) is a complex process requiring interaction and cooperation of many growth factors and cytokines and cross talk between multiple pathways. Along with hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor MET (HGF-MET), the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is activated within 60 minutes after PHx. To investigate the role of EGFR in liver regeneration, we used two EGFR-specific short hairpin silencing RNAs to inhibit EGFR expression in regenerating normal rat liver. Suppression of EGFR mRNA and protein was evident in treated rats. There was also a demonstrable decrease but not complete elimination of bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation and mitoses at 24 hours after PHx. In addition, we observed up-regulation of MET and Src as well as activation of the ErbB-3-ErbB-2-PI3K-Akt pathway and down-regulation of STAT 3, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, p21, and C/EBP β. The decrease in the ratio of C/EBP α to C/EBP β known to occur after PHx was offset in shEGFR-treated rats. Despite suppression of hepatocyte proliferation lasting into day 3 after PHx, liver weight restoration occurred. Interestingly, hepatocytes in shEGFR-treated rats were considerably larger when compared with ScrRNA-treated controls. The data indicate that although the MET and EGFR pathways are similar, the contributions made by MET and EGFR are unique and are not compensated by each other or other cytokines.
Gaussian approximation of expected utility

Abstract We apply Gaussian methods to the approximation of expected utility. An explicit formula, in terms of mean, variance and skewness, is developed for the two-point Gaussian method. We derive the following characterization: the Gaussian method on n points approximates E[U(X)] by simulating X with the unique discrete random variable on n (or fewer) points which matches the first 2n moments, E[X0],…,E[X2n−1], of X.
Striatal extracellular dopamine in conscious vs. anesthetized rats: effects of chloral hydrate anesthetic on responses to drugs of different classes.

Abstract Many investigations using the microdialysis technique have been performed in anesthetized animals, both in this laboratory and elsewhere. Concern arises with this preparation that the anesthetic may compromise neuronal function, or that it may interact with test drugs affecting neurotransmitter overflow. In addition, in these studies the microdialysis probe typically is introduced into the brain on the day of testing, and data collection commences within an hour or two following probe insertion. It has been suggested that transmitter recovered in the perfusate probably represents leakage due to tissue damage as well as exocytotic release, and may not accurately reflect neuronal responses to the manipulations of interest. Such potential confounds present important implications for the interpretation of data from these studies. The present investigation examined the effects of chloral hydrate anesthetic on (1) basal dopamine (DA) overflow in the anterior striatum, and (2) DA responses to systemically delivered drugs of two different classes known to influence DA activity. Three putative indices of impulse-dependent release were measured: (a) the time course and stability of basal DA overflow over several hours; (b) sodium channel involvement by adding tetrodotoxin (TTX) to the artificial CSF; and (c) calcium channel involvement using magnesium (Mg) in a calcium-free perfusate. Basal DA levels became stable in both conscious and anesthetized preparations by the second hour after probe insertion. Levels of recovered DA overflow in the anterior striata of conscious rats were approximately double those in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. Consistent with other findings, this suggests a general depression of CNS function by chloral hydrate. Basal DA was both TTX- and Mg-sensitive, indicating that most of the DA sampled probably arose from exocytotic release. DA response to d -amphetamine differed in the two preparations when expressed as a function of baseline. This reflected both the differences in absolute baseline levels and the impulse-independent mechanism of action of the drug. In contrast, systemic morphine resulted in an increase of DA overflow in anesthetized rats only, an elevation of DOPAC levels in both preparations, and an increase in HVA only in conscious animals. Morphine-treated rats received lower levels of anesthetic supplements over time than did controls, however. Presumably, this resulted in a diminished chloral hydrate suppression both of DA and of metabolite clearance.
Assessing Faculty Beliefs About the Importance of Various Marketing Job Skills

The need to improve the professional skills of those with marketing degrees has spurred surveys of current students, alumni, practitioners, and faculty about the importance of various professional skills; however, previous surveys of marketing faculty have focused only on computer skills. To address this limitation, the goals of this study were (a) to identify marketing-related skills that students, alumni, and practitioners believe to be important; (b) to assess the importance that marketing faculty currently assign to these skills; and (c) to determine if faculty beliefs about these skills are longitudinally stable. The results of two original national surveys, fielded in 1995 and 2002, show that faculty view communication and cognitive skills as relatively more important than other skills and that faculty members' beliefs about the importance of different skills have not changed since 1995. Also, faculty beliefs fall into a stable structure of five basic skills groups—management, cognitive, communicati...
Cues used by the Black Fly, Simulium annulus, for Attraction to the Common Loon (Gavia immer)

The parasitic relationship between a black fly, Simulium annulus, and the common loon (Gavia immer) has been considered one of the most exclusive relationships between any host species and a black fly species. To test the host specificity of this blood-feeding insect, we made a series of bird decoy presentations to black flies on loon-inhabited lakes in northern Wisconsin, U.S.A. To examine the importance of chemical and visual cues for black fly detection of and attraction to hosts, we made decoy presentations with and without chemical cues. Flies attracted to the decoys were collected, identified to species, and quantified. Results showed that S. annulus had a strong preference for common loon visual and chemical cues, although visual cues from Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and mallards (Anas platyrynchos) did attract some flies in significantly smaller numbers.
Probing the role of the barrier layer in magnetic tunnel junction transport

Author(s): Nelson-Cheeseman, BB; Chopdekar, RV; Alldredge, LMB; Bettinger, JS; Arenholz, E; Suzuki, Y | Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions with a ferrimagnetic barrier layer have been studied to understand the role of the barrier layer in the tunneling process-a factor that has been largely overlooked until recently. Epitaxial oxide junctions of highly spin polarized La0.7 Sr0.3 MnO3 and Fe3 O4 electrodes with magnetic NiMn2 O4 (NMO) insulating barrier layers provide a magnetic tunnel junction system in which we can probe the effect of the barrier by comparing junction behavior above and below the Curie temperature of the barrier layer. When the barrier is paramagnetic, the spin polarized transport is dominated by interface scattering and surface spin waves; however, when the barrier is ferrimagnetic, spin flip scattering due to spin waves within the NMO barrier dominates the transport. © 2007 The American Physical Society.
Ultrasound-modulated optical imaging using a powerful long pulse laser

Ultrasound-modulated optical imaging (or tomography) is an emerging biodiagnostic technique which provides the optical spectroscopic signature and the localization of an absorbing object embedded in a strongly scattering medium. We propose to improve the sensitivity of the technique by using a pulsed single-frequency laser to raise the optical peak power applied to the scattering medium and thereby collect more ultrasonically tagged photons. Moreover, when the detection of tagged photons is done with a photorefractive interferometer, the high optical peak power reduces the response time of the photorefractive crystal below the speckle field decorrelation time. Results obtained with a GaAs photorefractive interferometer are presented for 30- and 60-mm thick scattering media.
Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) does not exacerbate myocardial ischemia in canine models of coronary artery stenosis.

Abstract OBJECTIVES Our aim was to determine whether sildenafil citrate (Viagra) unfavorably alters coronary perfusion in canine models of coronary artery stenosis. BACKGROUND Concern has been raised that sildenafil may exacerbate ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the effects of sildenafil on coronary perfusion are largely unexplored. METHODS Using anesthetized dogs, a micromanometer constrictor was applied to either an intact coronary artery (model of stable hypoperfusion: Protocol 1) or a site of arterial injury (model of recurrent platelet-mediated thrombosis: Protocol 2). After monitoring coronary flow for 1 h, dogs received two escalating, clinically relevant doses of sildenafil or placebo. Perfusion was assessed during the initial hour pretreatment, for 1 h following dose 1 and 1 h following dose 2 by measuring the area of the flow-time profile, normalized to baseline flow × 60 min. Interaction between sildenafil and adenosine-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation was evaluated by in vitro platelet aggregometry (Protocol 3). RESULTS In Protocol 1, flow-time area was maintained at 50% to 60% of baseline in both placebo- and sildenafil-treated groups. In Protocol 2, controls exhibited an expected modest, temporal adenosine-mediated improvement in flow-time area (from 40 ± 5% to 61 ± 7%; p CONCLUSIONS Sildenafil did not exacerbate ischemia in canine models of coronary stenosis. However, in the setting of recurrent thrombosis, sildenafil-treated dogs were apparently unresponsive to the platelet inhibitory effects of endogenous adenosine.
On the Rokhlin-Greengard method with vortex blobs for problems posed in all space or periodic in one direction

Abstract In this paper we consider the Rokhlin-Greengard (R-G) fast multipole algorithm when used to evaluate vortex blob interactions in a two-dimensional fluid. We use exact solution of the incompressible Euler equations to demonstrate that the R-G algorithm can compute vortex blob interactions accurately. However, we also show that the structure of vortex blobs forces a practical limitation on the highest (finest) bisection level one can use in the R-G algorithm, a restriction which does not apply when point vortices are used. If this maximum bisection level is exceeded, then the accuracy of the R-G algorithm with blobs may be significantly reduced. A similar constraint should hold in three dimensions. We also extend the R-G algorithm with blobs to problems which are periodic in one spatial dimension and unbounded in the other, and we document the performance of the resulting algorithm using some exact periodic solutions of the incompressible Euler equations.
Vaginal douching among adolescent and young women: more challenges than progress.

The practice of vaginal douching dates back centuries. Numerous studies have shown that douching is quite prevalent and often begins during adolescence. Motiva- tion for the initiation and maintenance of this practice ap- pears complex, and presents challenges to the intervention efforts. The practice of douching remains controversial. Douching has been implicated in numerous adverse reproductive health outcomes such as increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, reduced fertility, and bacterial vaginosis. However, recent studies in developing countries have suggested that in certain circumstances, douching may actually be beneficial. We summarize key findings from the review of published literature and ongoing research, as well as highlight research challenges to our understanding of the role of vaginal douching in reproductive health.
Introduction to TETHYS—an interdisciplinary GIS database for studying continental collisions

Abstract The TETHYS GIS database is being developed as a way to integrate relevant geologic, geophysical, geochemical, geochronologic, and remote sensing data bearing on Tethyan continental plate collisions. The project is predicated on a need for actualistic model ‘templates’ for interpreting the Earth's geologic record. Because of their time-transgressive character, Tethyan collisions offer ‘actualistic’ models for features such as continental ‘escape’, collision-induced upper mantle flow magmatism, and marginal basin opening, associated with modern convergent plate margins. Large integrated geochemical and geophysical databases allow for such models to be tested against the geologic record, leading to a better understanding of continental accretion throughout Earth history. The TETHYS database combines digital topographic and geologic information, remote sensing images, sample-based geochemical, geochronologic, and isotopic data (for pre- and post-collision igneous activity), and data for seismic tomography, shear-wave splitting, space geodesy, and information for plate tectonic reconstructions. Here, we report progress on developing such a database and the tools for manipulating and visualizing integrated 2-, 3-, and 4-d data sets with examples of research applications in progress. Based on an Oracle database system, linked with ArcIMS via ArcSDE, the TETHYS project is an evolving resource for researchers, educators, and others interested in studying the role of plate collisions in the process of continental accretion, and will be accessible as a node of the national Geosciences Cyberinfrastructure Network—GEON via the World-Wide Web and ultra-high speed internet2. Interim partial access to the data and metadata is available at: http://geoinfo.geosc.uh.edu/Tethys/ and http://www.esrs.wmich.edu/tethys.htm . We demonstrate the utility of the TETHYS database in building a framework for lithospheric interactions in continental collision and accretion.
Effects of dietary soybean and fish-protein ratios on growth and body composition of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fed isonitrogenous diets.

An 8-week growth trial was conducted with red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to determine the amount of soybean protein that could be substituted for fish protein in formulated diets without reducing growth. In the laboratory, juvenile red drum (7.4 ± 0.1 g) were fed 34%-crude-protein diets in which dietary protein was supplied by soybean (soy) meal, menhaden fish meal or an isonitrogenous mixture of soybean and fish meal calculated to provide graded levels of each protein source. Dietary protein was provided as: (1) 100% soy protein; (2) 100% soy protein with a methionine supplement (calculated to approximate the methionine content of menhaden fish meal); (3) 75% soy protein: 25% fish protein; (4) 50% soy protein: 50% fish protein, (5) 25% soy protein: 75% fish protein; and (6) 100% fish protein. Diets containing only soy protein or soy protein plus a methionine supplement were poorly consumed by red drum. Approximately half of the fish that received these diets died during the first 4 weeks of the growth trial and the remainder lost weight. The 100%-soy and 100%-soy + methionine diets were therefore considered unacceptable for practical use and both treatments were terminated after 4 weeks. Among the remaining treatment groups, red drum fed diets containing only fish protein (100 FP), or soy-protein: fish-protein (SP: FP) ratios of 1: 3 (25 SP: 75 FP) and 1: 1 (50 SP: 50 FP) had higher (P 0.05) from that of fish fed the diets with higher levels of fish protein. This indicated a superior cost: benefit ratio for the 1:1 soy-protein: fish-protein mixture in a 34%-crudeprotein diet for fingerling red drum.
Metallothionein-like proteins in human placenta and fetal membranes

Abstract Metallothionein (MT) levels were measured in the term human placenta, chorion, and amnion by the Cd-radioassay method. MT concentrations in the amnion and chorion were 8 to 9 μg MT/g tissue while placental levels were approximately half this value. For individual subjects a significant correlation ( r 2 = 0.96) was found for placental and chorionic MT, while amnionic MT levels did not correlate with either placental or chorionic MT. Gel filtration and uv spectral analysis confirmed the presence of a MT-like protein in cytosol obtained from amnion, chorion, and placenta. MT levels in trophoblasts cultured from chorion were increased upon exposure in vitro to either Cd or Zn.
Developmental regulation of aortic elastin gene expression involves disruption of an IGF-I sensitive repressor complex.

Abstract Nuclear proteins were isolated from different aged chick embryonic aorta and examined by gel mobility shift and footprint analyses using the −195 to +2 bp region of the human elastin gene. A major developmental change in DNA/protein complexes involved the loss of binding complexes present initially in the 8- to 11-day nuclear extracts. Both chemical and enzymatic footprinting demonstrated that the deprotected binding complexes corresponded topositions −167 to −137 bp within the elastin promoter fragment. Gel shift competition assays confirmed the identity of the specific DNA sequences affected. These results demonstrate that increased elastogenesis during aortic embryogenesis involves the derepression of a negative element functionality previously shown to be affected by IGF-I in vitro .
Cytochrome b559 and cyclic electron transfer within photosystem II

Cytochrome b₅₅₉ (Cyt b₅₅₉), β-carotene (Car), and chlorophyll (Chl) cofactors participate in the secondary electron-transfer pathways in photosystem II (PSII), which are believed to protect PSII from photodamage under conditions in which the primary electron-donation pathway leading to water oxidation is inhibited. Among these cofactors, Cyt b₅₅₉ is preferentially photooxidized under conditions in which the primary electron-donation pathway is blocked. When Cyt b₅₅₉ is preoxidized, the photooxidation of several of the 11 Car and 35 Chl molecules present per PSII is observed. In this review, the discovery of the secondary electron donors, their structures and electron-transfer properties, and progress in the characterization of the secondary electron-transfer pathways are discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosystem II.
A technique for fabrication of a cheek recontouring prosthesis

Abstract A technique has been described for fabrication of a removable prosthesis that restores proper cheek contour. This prosthesis is a modified removable partial denture with a retentive surface to hold an acrylic resin bolus to recontour the cheek from within. The advantages of such a prosthesis for the patient with facial nerve paralysis include (1) restoration of fullness and proper contour to the cheek (Figs. 7 and 8), (2) prevention of trauma to the buccal mucosa during mastication, and (3) stretching of the cheek, which indirectly improves oral hygiene in the buccal sulcus. The disadvantages of this technique include (1) limited improvement in esthetic and functional contour of the cheek, and (2) food accumulation beneath the acrylic resin bolus, which requires more meticulous hygiene.
Mechanical properties of the harbor porpoise lung, Phocoena phocoena.

The pressure-volume and pressure-flow characteristics of the excised lungs of 5 harbor porpoise were determined. It was found that: (1) in comparison to terrestrial mammals the lung volume relative to body weight is large, (2) the lungs are capable of emptying to less than 17% of total lung capacity, (3) peak expiratory flowrates of 5 to 10 vital capacities (VC).sec-1 are relatively high for mammals, (4) isovolume pressure flow curves showed a clustering of flowrate plateaus from 40 to 80% VC, with a marked drop in the flow rate plateau at 20% VC, (5) the profile of flow-volume curves is unusually square shaped with flows remaining above 2 VC.sec-1 at a lung volume of 20% VC, (6) this feature is responsible for the short emptying time of less than 0.2 sec. It is concluded that cartilaginous airway reinforcement, which extends to the alveolar sac, is responsible for the unusual flow-volume properties. These porpoises have the capability of exchanging a large percent of their lung gas very rapidly during their brief pass through the air-water interface.
Gas-Driven Fracture Propagation

Sandia's mathematical study found that a one-dimensional gas flow drives a wedge-shaped fracture into a linearly elastic, impermeable half space that is in uniform compression at infinity. Under a constant driving pressure, the fracture/flow system accelerates through a sequence of three self-similar asymptotic regimes (laminar, turbulent, inviscid) in which the fracture grows as an elementary function of time (exponential, near-unity power, and linear, respectively). In each regime, the transport equations are reducible under a separation-of-variables transformation. The integro-differential equations that describe the viscous flows are solved by iterative shooting methods, using expansion techniques to accommodate a zero-pressure singularity at the leading edge of the flow. These numerical results are complemented by an asymptotic analysis for a large pressure ratio that exploits the disparity between the fracture length and penetration length of the flow. Because the seepage losses to a surrounding porous medium are negligible in the late-time long-fracture limit, the results apply to geologic problems such as the stimulation of oil and gas wells and the permeability enhancement prior to in situ combustion processes.
Behavioral profile of possible Alzheimer's disease patients in Virginia search and rescue incidents

We performed a retrospective study of the behavior of lost dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) patients who became the subjects of organized search and rescue efforts. We compared the DAT patients' behavior to the behavior of elderly lost victims who possessed normal cognitive abilities. Data for both populations were from the Virginia Department of Emergency Services lost-subject database. We found that normal elderly individuals on average traveled a greater straight-line distance (2.56 km) from the point last seen (PLS) than did DAT patients (0.88 km). The median straight-line distance from the PLS was the same for both populations (0.8 km). The mortality rate for DAT patients was 19%. Mortality was caused by hypothermia, dehydration, and drowning. No fatalities were found among DAT patients when they were located within 24 h. A mortality rate of 46% was found for patients requiring more than 24 h to locate. This 24-h survivability window suggests that lost DAT patients require an immediate and aggressive search response.
Central Mean Subspace in Time Series

We propose a notion of central mean dimension reduction subspace for time series {xt} which does not require specification of a model but seeks to find a p×d matrix Φd, d≤p, so that the d×1 vector ΦdTXt−1, where Xt−1=(xt−1, …, xt−p)T for some p≥1, includes all the information about xt that is available from E(xt|Xt−1). For known p and d, we estimate the mean central subspace through the Nadaraya–Watson kernel smoother and establish the strong consistency of our estimator. In addition, we propose estimation of d and p using a modified Schwarz Bayesian criterion, if either of d and p is unknown. Finally, we examine the performance of all the estimators extensively through a variety of simulations and provide a new analysis of the well-known Canadian lynx data. Supplemental materials for this article are available online.
Effect of Source Coherence on Interferometric Imaging

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new technique for various medical-imaging applications. The operation is based on a Michelson interferometer with a low coherence source. We have constructed a prototype system designed for imaging periodontal tissues.
Intercrop performance of pearl millet, amaranth, cowpea, soybean, and guar in response to planting pattern and nitrogen fertilization

Intercropping is a common practice in developing countries because it may produce higher total yields than monocropping. The objective of this study was to apply intercropping principles to alternative and traditional crops in the USA under mechanized conditions. Although these crops have been examined in intercropping systems, in most cases studies were not conducted with improved varieties found in the USA or in strip widths that can accommodate machinery. A Held study was conducted at two central Missouri locations in 1991 and 1992 to determine the effect of intercropping on grain yields of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. × A. hybridus L.), cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Treatments were assigned in an incomplete factorial design and consisted of planting pattern (monocrops, narrow and wide row strips, and alternate row intercrops), N fertilizer (0, 56, or 112 kg N ha⁻¹), and component crop combination. Each intercrop consisted of a legume (cowpea, soybean, or guar) and a nonlegume (pearl millet or amaranth). In the strip intercrops, only cowpea showed a consistent yield response to planting pattern, with the narrow strip arrangement with amaranth yielding 53 and 39% lower than its monocrop in two environments. Land equivalent ratios of amaranth and pearl millet grown in alternate rows with cowpea were not significantly different from their monocrops. At the Columbia site, yields of alternate row intercrops generally did not increase upon addition of N and in 1992, amaranth yield at 0 kg N ha⁻¹ was 25% higher in the alternate row intercrop than it was at the same N rate in the monocrop. In general, grain yields were similar in the various intercrops compared with monocrops. Contribution of the Missouri Agric. Exp. Stn. Journal Series no. 11,862.
Using a Human Patient Simulation Mannequin to Teach Interdisciplinary Team Skills to Pharmacy Students

Objectives. To determine the effectiveness and student acceptance of using a human patient simulation (HPS) training module focused on interdisciplinary teamwork skills. Design. During their second-professional year, all pharmacy students were in enrolled in Principles of Pharmacotherapy 4: Cardiovascular Diseases and Patient Care Lab IV, a problem-based learning course. As part of the patient care laboratory, students participated in a simulated case of an acutely ill patient with a hypertensive emergency. During the simulation, students performed a history and physical examination. They then worked as a team to make treatment recommendations to the nursing and physician staff members. Following the exercise, a facilitated debriefing session was conducted. Students completed satisfaction surveys to assess the quality and effectiveness of the session. Assessment. Over 98% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they learned material relevant to their current studies. When compared to student lectures, ...
The role of trehalose dimycolate (cord factor) on morphology of virulent M. tuberculosis in vitro.

Summary Setting M. tuberculosis (MTB) lose virulence during prolonged culture on artificial media. This loss of virulence is associated with a change in colony morphology. Several studies suggested that trehalose 6,6′ dimycolate (TDM or cord factor), contributes to colony morphology. Objective To investigate the role of TDM in colony morphology of MTB using clinical isolates selected to have colony morphology typical of virulent or attenuated organisms. Design Use immunohistochemical and physical chemical methods to assess the presence and distribution of TDM in rapidly growing pellicles of MTB. Results TDM forms an insoluble crystalline monolayer at the air–water interfaces that is more rigid than that formed by any other biologic amphiphile and is strong enough to support a spreading pellicle of MTB. The surface of young pellicles of the isolate with virulent morphology displayed the regular linear pattern characteristic of monolayers of TDM. TDM was also identified in the open spaces of pellicles of MTB by immunohistochemistry. MTB with morphology of attenuated organisms had neither of these properties. Conclusion These data suggest that the characteristic morphology of colonies of virulent MTB is due to TDM released from the surface of the organisms.
Test-retest reliability of drug-induced sleep endoscopy

Objective To determine the test-retest reliability of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).
Symmetry relations for the conductivity tensor

A long-standing weakness in the theoretical analysis of reciprocity relations is eliminated. The Onsager reciprocity theorem demonstrates the symmetry of phenomenological coefficients for systems described by a discrete set of variables. It has previously been demonstrated that this theorem implies that the divergence of the generalized conductivity tensor is symmetric. After some additional analysis it has been argued that the symmetry of the tensor itself is implied. This argument has been criticized in the literature. In the present paper it is shown that, when boundary conditions are appropriately incorporated into the analysis, one obtains the symmetry of the conductivity tensor from the Onsager relations.
Preexisting stress urinary incontinence: a predictor of discontinuation with pessary management.

Objective. To identify variables predictive of pessary discontinuation in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Methods and Materials. Forty-two women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse presenting at a hospital-based urogynecology practice without a prior history of pessary use who opted for this form of management were included in the study. Data collected included vaginal paritye, presence or absence of symptomatic urinary incontinence, and previous pelvic surgery. Results. Of the 42 patients, 24 (57%) were successfully managed with a pessary while 18 (43%) discontinued pessary use and were categorized as failures. Patients with preexisting urinary incontinence were more likely to discontinue pessary usage (OR 10.2 [1.06–240.96]). Logistic regression analysis indicated that stress urinary incontinence was the only significant type of incontinence predictive of discontinuation of pessary usage Conclusions. Preexisting stress urinary incontinence may be an independent predictor of pessary failure in the management of pelvic organ prolapse.
Two discrete modes of histone gene expression during oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract We have used in situ hybridization to ovarian tissue sections to study the pattern of histone gene expression during oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Our studies suggest that there are two distinct phases of histone gene expression during oogenesis. In the first phase, which occurs during early to middle oogenesis (stages 5–10A), we observe a mosaic pattern of histone mRNA in the 15 nurse cells of the egg chamber: some cells have very high levels of mRNA, while others have little or no mRNA. Our analysis suggests that there is a cyclic accumulation and subsequent degradation of histone mRNA in the egg chamber and that very little histone mRNA is transported into the growing oocyte. Moreover, since the endomitotic replication cycles of the nurse cells are asynchronous during this period, the mosaic distribution of histone message would suggest that the expression of the histone genes in each nurse cell nucleus is probably coupled to DNA replication as in most somatic cells. The second phase begins at stage 10B. During this period, histone gene expression appears to be “induced” in all 15 nurse cells of the egg chamber, and instead of a mosaic pattern, high levels of histone mRNA are found in all cells. Unlike the earlier phase, this expression is apparently uncoupled from the endomitotic replication of the nurse cells (which are completed by the end of stage 10A). Moreover, much of the newly synthesized histone mRNA is transported from the nurse cells into the oocyte where it accumulates and is stored for use during early embryogenesis. Finally, we have also observed tightly clustered grains within nurse cell nuclei in non-denatured tissue sections. As was the case with cytoplasmic histone mRNA, there is a mosaic distribution of nuclear grains stages 5 to 10A, while at stage 10B, virtually all nurse cell nuclei have grain clusters. These grain clusters appear to be due to the hybridization of nurse cell histone gene DNA to our probe, and are localized in specific regions of the nucleus.
The role of lakeshore homeowner associations in environmental management

The purpose of this study was to determine what role lakeshore homeowner associations might play in environmental management. Lakeshore homeowner associations are formally organized groups of individuals owning property on or in the vicinity of a lake. Lakeshore homeowner associations in the Adirondack Park region of New York State were investigated by both a questionnaire mailed to all presidents and an informal field survey of some permanent lakeshore residents. The study showed that many of these organizations have become highly involved in an array of environmental management activities during their relatively long history. These activities include monitoring septic tank seepage, regulating the use of motorboats, restricting shoreline development, and assisting state and local planning agencies in detecting zoning violations. Some lakeshore homeowner associations are not highly involved in activities designed to maintain or improve quality of the lake environment. These associations are concerned instead primarily with organizing social events and performing other miscellaneous activities, such as access road maintenance. These associations, however, report lower overall water quality in their lakes than those associations with a high degree of involvement in environmental management. The study uncovered two important factors that tend to undermine the ability of lakeshore homeowner associations to undertake environmental management activities. One is the extent of cooperation that can be expected from nonmember residents of the lakeshore, such as seasonal vacationers. The second is an environmental problem that does not originate locally and therefore cannot be controlled by a local organization. Acid precipitation, rated by association presidents as their foremost water quality concern, is one such problem in the Adirondack Park Region.
Nonmetal ordering in Ti C 1 − x N x : Ground-state structure and the effects of finite temperature

The $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{C}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}$ system has long been prized in industry because of its desirable thermodynamic and hardness characteristics. Previous studies have not produced comprehensive results describing the ordering tendencies of $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{C}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}$ at any temperature. We apply the mixed-basis cluster expansion and Monte Carlo methods to the problem and find a fascinating array of ground-state structures occurring at precise nitrogen-concentration intervals of $\ensuremath{\Delta}x=1∕16$ and related to each other by simple (201) quasisuperlattice motifs. Thermodynamic Monte Carlo results indicate that the critical ordering temperatures at all concentrations are well below room temperature. Short-range ordering develops at $T\ensuremath{\approx}800\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ and exhibits the characteristic motifs of the predicted ground-state structures. Bulk modulus optimization is not feasible since this quantity shows little sensitivity to atomic configuration.
Quintessence and thermal matter

We investigate the effects of thermal interactions on tracking models of quintessence. We show that even Planck-suppressed interactions between matter and the quintessence field can alter its evolution qualitatively. The dark energy equation of state is in many cases strongly affected by matter couplings. We obtain a bound on the coupling between quintessence and relativistic relic particles such as the photon or neutrino.
Genetic structure of local populations and divergence between growth forms in a clonal invertebrate, the Caribbean octocoral Briareum asbestinum

Although the genetic structure of many populations of marine organisms show little deviation from panmixia, in those marine species with limited larval dispersal, patterns of microgeographic genetic differentiation may be common. The octocoral Briareum asbestinum should show local population differentiation because colonies reproduce asexually by fragmentation, most matings occur between colonies in very close proximity, and the sexually produced larvae and sperm appear to disperse only short distances. Variability in secondary chemistry of individual B. asbestinum colonies from different populations in close proximity also suggests local population differentiation. We determined the genetic composition of local populations by surveying allozyme variation of three shallow and two deep populations within a 300 m2 area at San Salvador Island, Bahamas and at a site 161 km away on Little San Salvador, Bahamas in July 1990. As B. asbestinum occurs as either an erect branching form or an encrusting mat often at the same sites, we sampled both morphs to examine the extent of genetic exchange between them. Five of 21 loci were polymorphic and most populations showed a deficit of heterozygotes. Allele frequencies differed significantly between morphs at each site where they occurred together. The mean genetic distance (D=0.065) between morphs is consistent with the interpretation that the two morphs are genetically isolated. Despite the close spatial proximity of the San Salvador populations, both the branching and encrusting morphs showed significant genetic heterogeneity among neighboring populations. Similarly, pooled allelic frequencies for samples collected from the islands of San Salvador and Little San Salvador differed significantly at 1 locus for the branching morph and at 3 out of 5 loci for the encrusting morph.
Assessment of the survivability of communication systems for silo-based missiles

Results of a graph-theoretic analysis of the survivability of land lines that form the communication links between missiles deployed in hardened silos and the launch control centers which fire them are reported. The analysis indicates that critically needed communication links have a high probability of being destroyed due to collateral damage resulting from an attack on missile silos using modern nuclear missiles. Missile basing modes that rely on hardened silos must also include plans for hardened communication links if the communication system is to survive a fast-strike attack by Soviet strategic forces of the next decade. >
Modeling the topography of the salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, as an equipotential surface of Earth's gravity field

The salar de Uyuni is a massive dry salt lake that lies at the lowest point of an internal drainage basin in the Bolivian Altiplano. A kinematic GPS survey of the salar in September 2002 found a topographic range of only 80 cm over a 54 × 45 km area and subtle surface features that appeared to correlate with mapped gravity. In order to confirm the correlation between topography and gravity/geopotential, we use local gravity measurements and the EGM96 global geopotential model to construct a centimeter-level equipotential surface corresponding to the elevation of the salar. Our comparison of GPS survey elevations with the equipotential surface estimate shows that 63% of the variance of the GPS elevations can be explained by equipotential surface undulations (and long-wavelength error) in the EGM96 model alone, with an additional 30% explained by the shorter-wavelength equipotential surface derived from local gravity. In order to establish a physical connection between topography and the geopotential, we also develop and test a simple surface process model that redistributes salt via the dissolution, transport, and redeposition of salt by precipitated water. Forcing within the model pushes the system to evolve toward constant water depth, with the salt surface approximating the shape of the local equipotential surface. Since the model removes almost all topographic relief with respect to the equipotential surface within a matter of decades, it appears that observed (~5 cm amplitude, ~5 km wavelength) residual topography is actively maintained by a process independent of gravity-driven fluid flow.
How postdocs benefit from building a union.

Members of UAW 5810—the union for postdoctoral researchers at the University of California—describe how their union has led to improved terms and conditions for postdocs.
A Queueing Loss Model with Heterogeneous Skill Based Servers Under Idle Time Ordering Policies

We consider a queueing loss system with heterogeneous skill based servers with arbitrary service distributions. We assume Poisson arrivals, with each arrival having a vector indicating which of the servers are eligible to serve it. An arrival can only be assigned to a server that is both idle and eligible. Assuming exchangeable eligibility vectors and an idle time ordering assignment policy, the limiting distribution of the system is derived. It is shown that the limiting probabilities of the set of idle servers depend on the service time distributions only through their means. Moreover, conditional on the set of idle servers, the remaining service times of the busy servers are independent and have their respective equilibrium service distributions.
Clinical Spectrum and Laboratory Characteristics Associated With Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid

Objective To determine the clinical, neurologic, and laboratory characteristics of patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1) or HSV type 2 (HSV-2) DNA detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with use of polymerase chain reaction. Patients and Methods Clinical, laboratory, and demographic data were determined from 249 CSF specimens (collected from 247 patients >10 years of age) that tested positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2 DNA at the Mayo Clinic from January 1999 to August 2000. Results The median age of the 200 patients whose age was available was 70 years vs 40 years for those with HSV-1 or HSV-2 DNA in CSF, respectively. Detailed data were available for 39 and 78 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction results for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Of those with HSV-1 DNA detected in CSF, 89% had encephalitis, whereas most patients with HSV-2 DNA detected in CSF had findings compatible with meningitis. Only 5 (7%) of 69 patients in whom HSV-2 was detected in CSF had genital lesions at presentation, and none of the assessable patients with HSV-2 who had recurrent meningitis had active genital lesions at presentation. Conclusion The vast majority (82%) of patients with HSV-2 detected in CSF had no history of genital herpes and no lesions at the time of presentation. Polymerase chain reaction assays designed to detect HSV in CSF should detect HSV-1 and HSV-2 and differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2.
A Quasi‐Market Framework for Development Competition

This article describes a quasi-market framework to integrate the diverse perspectives on local government development competition found in the economic development literatures. Within this framewor...
Performance of two methods for solving separable Hamiltonian systems

Abstract We make qualitative comparisons of fixed step symplectic and variable step nonsymplectic integrations of the separable Henon–Heiles Hamiltonian system. Emphasis is given to interesting numerical phenomena. Particularly, we observe the relationship of the error in the computed Hamiltonian to the presence and absence of chaos, when computing with a symplectic (fixed step) method, qualitative phenomena in the Hamiltonian error for a variable step method, and the sensitivity of the chaotic behavior and of the computation of features in Poincare sections to very small changes in initial conditions, step sizes and error tolerances.
Avian oncovirus MH2 is defective in Gag, Pol, and Env.

Abstract The defectiveness of avian oncovirus MH2 is characterized further by genetic experiments and by tryptic peptide mapping. The results show that MH2 lacks full function of all three viral genes necessary for replication, namely, gag, env, and pol. The polyprotein MH2 p100 made in MH2 nonproducer cells contains the tryptic peptides of gag proteins p19 and p27.
New poly(silanes‐siloxanes) via hydrosilation in supercritical CO2 and subsequent crosslinking

In order to obtain crosslinkable, low dielectric, low Tg materials, the hydrosilation polymerization was carried out in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO 2 ) using Karstedt's catalyst, and a series of new fluorine-containing poly(carbosilane/siloxane) were synthesized and characterized. The molecular weights of polymers obtained in SC CO 2 were notably greater than those obtained in benzene. Hydrolysis and thermal curing of these polymers leads to materials considerably higher molecular weight which retain their low Tg values.