cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability, distress, and immune response to vaccination in older adults

Psychological distress and biobehavioral vulnerability (e.g., arising from being older or sedentary) have independently predicted immune responses to influenza vaccination in older adults. Recent research examining basal inflammatory markers suggests that, rather than having additive effects, distress and vulnerability interact with each other. The present study tested the interactions between distress and age, sex, education, BMI, sleep quality, and physical activity over up to 8 years in older adults (N=134; M age=74 years) who received annual influenza vaccinations. Measured vaccination responses were changes from baseline in antibody to the three vaccine components, interleukin (IL)-6, and β2-microglobulin. As predicted, the most robust effects were interactions between distress and vulnerability. BMI interacted with stable individual differences in distress to predict antibody response (t(132)=3.09, p<0.003), such that only the combination of low BMI and low distress was associated with a more robust antibody response. Likewise, changes in physical activity over time interacted with changes in distress (t(156)=2.96, p<0.004), such that only the combination of increased physical activity and decreased distress was associated with a more robust antibody response. Finally, there was a smaller tendency for age to interact with stable individual differences in distress (t(130)=2.46, p<0.015), such that distress was more strongly associated with post-vaccination IL-6 at older ages. The synergistic effects of distress and other forms of vulnerability are an important direction for future research and a target for interventions to improve immunological health in older adults.
8.4.2 A Case Study in the Application of UML and OOA/D in an Information Management Program

During the past few years, Object Oriented (OO) techniques have begun to expand from what had traditionally been a software development focus. Specifically, the expansion of these techniques has not only been extended on the programmatic time line, but also expanded in applicability to other disciplines including Systems Engineering. As the time-line applicability of these techniques has grown, early-on program phases which particularly address Systems Engineering are gaining emphasis. As a result of this, OO techniques are becoming a key tool set in the current-day Systems Engineering discipline. This paper provides a Case Study of an ongoing competitively won Information Warehouse and human-system information access program. An overview of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and related OOA/D techniques are explored. A particular emphasis is placed on insights and lessons learned from the System Engineering perspective.
Localization of "transcriptively active" cells during odontogenesis using acridine orange ultrastructural cytochemistry.

Abstract Acridine orange (AO) was shown to be an effective probe for the ultrastructural localization of gene expression in embryonic epithelial and ectomesenchymal cells during rabbit incisor tooth organogenesis. A concentration of 10−2 M AO provided high-resolution localization of intranuclear binding sites indicative of “transcriptively active” euchromatin portions of the cell nucleus. This method was combined with an analysis of the distribution of silver grains resulting from the incorporation of labeled uridine into ribonucleic acid molecules as evaluated by RNAse T1 and actinomycin D sensitivity. Comparisons of the spatial distribution patterns of (1) electron-dense reaction products resulting from AO binding to euchromatin, and (2) silver grains resulting from the incorporation of uridine into newly synthesized RNA molecules, localized several discrete “transcriptively active” regions in the cervical loop of progenitor ectomesenchymal and adjacent epithelial cell prior to overt cell differentiation. The results justify further investigations of acridine orange and other related molecules as ultrastructural probes for gene expression during embryonic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions associated with epidermal organogenesis.
Assimilation of satellite reflectance data into a dynamical leaf model to infer seasonally varying leaf areas for climate and carbon models

[1] Leaf area index is an important input for many climate and carbon models. The widely used leaf area products derived from satellite-observed surface reflectances contain substantial erratic fluctuations in time due to inadequate atmospheric corrections and observational and retrieval uncertainties. These fluctuations are inconsistent with the seasonal dynamics of leaf area, known to be gradual. Their use in process-based terrestrial carbon models corrupts model behavior, making diagnosis of model performance difficult. We propose a data assimilation approach that combines the satellite observations of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) albedo with a dynamical leaf model. Its novelty is that the seasonal cycle of the directly retrieved leaf areas is smooth and consistent with both observations and current understandings of processes controlling leaf area dynamics. The approach optimizes the dynamical model parameters such that the difference between the estimated surface reflectances based on the modeled leaf area and those of satellite observations is minimized. We demonstrate the usefulness and advantage of our new approach at multiple deciduous forest sites in the United States.
Comparison of DWI offenders with non-DWI individuals on the MMPI-2 and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test

Two groups of driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders with either one DWI offense or with repeat offenses were compared to a group of nonoffenders using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Demographic information was also collected regarding their prior legal history, family history, and blood alcohol level at the time of the DWI arrest. The results indicated both DWI groups had scored significantly higher than the comparison group on the K, Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) Scale, Over-Controlled Hostility (O-H) Scale, and MacAndrews Alcoholism Scale-Revised (MAC-R). The first offenders and multiple offenders did not differ significantly from one another. On the MAST, both DWI offender groups scored significantly higher than the nonoffenders. This time, however, the multiple offenders scored significantly higher than the first-offender group. Unexpectedly, the first offenders and multiple offenders did not differ with regards to blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. There were no significant differences noted with regard to prior legal history or family history of alcoholism for all three groups. These results are discussed with regard to assessment implications.
Magnesium supplement intake and C-reactive protein levels in adults

Abstract Previous research has indicated that dietary magnesium may be a key component in the association between diet and inflammation; however, the role of intake from magnesium supplements has not been elucidated. The objective of this study was to determine the likelihood of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) in people taking magnesium-containing supplements of 50 mg/d or more. We examined this issue in a study sample derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002, a nationally representative, survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Among US adults, 25.6% were taking a magnesium supplement of at least 50 mg daily. Only 21.9% of individuals not taking supplemental magnesium met or exceeded the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for magnesium intake compared with 60.2% of adults who were taking magnesium supplements. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, people whose total daily magnesium intake was below the RDA were significantly 40% more likely to have elevated CRP regardless of whether they were taking magnesium supplements ( P
Functional sensor modeling for automated highway system simulations

Sensor technology plays a critical role in the operation of the Automated Highway System (AHS). The proposed concepts depend on a variety of sensors for positioning, lane- tracking, range and vehicle proximity. Since large substations of the AHS will be designed and evaluated in simulation before deployment, it is important that simulators make realistic sensor assumptions. Unfortunately, the current physical sensor models are inadequate for this task since they require detailed world state information that is unavailable in a simulated environment. In this paper, we present an open-ended, functional sensor hierarchy, incorporating geometric models and abstract noise characteristics, which can be used directly with current AHS tools. These models capture the aspects of sensing technology that are important to AHS concept design such as occlusion, and field of view restrictions, while ignoring physical-level details such as electromagnetic sensor reflections. Since the functional sensor models operate at the same level of granularity as the simulation platform, complete integration is assured. The hierarchy classifies sensors into functional groups. The models at a particular level incorporate characteristics that are common to all sensors in its subgroups. For example, range sensors have a parameter corresponding to a maximum effective range, while lane-trackers include information pertaining to lateral accuracy.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Autonomous liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) growth of single crystal GaAs by “intelligent” digital control

Abstract An “intelligent” digital growth control approach developed at Arizona State University (ASU) which combines deterministic and heuristic techniques allows virtually total automation of the high-pressure LEC process for GaAs growth. A number of 4 kg, 3 inch semi-insulating GaAs crystals have been grown reproducibly on an adapted Cambridge Instruments CI 358 puller without any significant operator intervention, with process yields of more than 75% single crystals. Crystals produced with the digital system were superior in diameter control, compared to conventionally grown crystals, and exhibited a better uniformity of their electrical and crystalline properties.
Adaptive cache coherency for detecting migratory shared data

Parallel programs exhibit a small number of distinct data-sharing patterns. A common data-sharing pattern, migratory access, is characterized by exclusive read and write access by one processor at a time to a shared datum. We describe a family of adaptive cache coherency protocols that dynamically identify migratory shared data in order to reduce the cost of moving them. The protocols use a standard memory model and processor-cache interface. They do not require any compile-time or run-time software support. We describe implementations for bus-based multiprocessors and for shared-memory multiprocessors that use directory-based caches. These implementations are simple and would not significantly increase hardware cost. We use trace- and execution-driven simulation to compare the performance of the adaptive protocols to standard write-invalidate protocols. These simulations indicate that, compared to conventional protocols, the use of the adaptive protocol can almost halve the number of inter-node messages on some applications. Since cache coherency traffic represents a larger part of the total communication as cache size increases, the relative benefit of using the adaptive protocol also increases.
Comparative study of logarithmic enhancement algorithms with performance measure

Performance measures of image enhancement are traditionally subjective and have difficulty quantifying the improvement made by the algorithm. In this paper, we present the image enhancement measures and show how utilizing logarithmic arithmetic based addition, subtraction, and multiplication provides better results than previously used measures. In addition, for illustration of the performance of developed measures, we present a comprehensive study of several image enhancement algorithms from all three domains, including spatial, transform, and logarithmic algorithms.
Human immunodeficiency virus-associated glomerulosclerosis

The constellation of nephrotic proteinuria, FSGS, and rapid loss of renal function in a patient infected with HIV-1 has been sufficiently widespread and well documented to justify identification as a specific renal syndrome, HIV-associated nephropathy. The position paper of the National Kidney Foundation-National Institutes of Health task force estimated in 1990 that 10,000 to 15,000 persons will develop renal disease in association with AIDS [94]. Management of these patients is complex, and many will reach ESRD and require dialysis treatment, posing additional care problems. Greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the renal disease should lead to treatments which will forestall the development of HIVAN and possibly other forms of fibrotic renal disease. The ultimate eradication of AIDS will consign this renal syndrome to an interesting footnote in the history of nephrology. Since that time is still far in the future, nephrologists will continue to be faced with the need to diagnose and treat HIV-1-infected patients with renal involvement.
A Novel Method for Removal of Emitter Noise in SAR Images

Traditionally, interfering emitter signatures have been removed through notched filtering in the range (fast-time) dimension. This works well when a narrowband emitter interferes with a wideband radar pulse; however, when the emitter and radar signal bandwidths are comparable, then this approach fails since the noise is distributed throughout the pulse and the image as well. In cases where the interfering signal is localized in the cross range, joint time-frequency methods can often focus this interference signal, thereby transforming the image. In this transformed image, the interferer is the foreground, and the desired synthetic aperture radar image is blurred and now the background. The focused compressed interferer can be analyzed and censored from the transformed image. Back transformation restores the image with the interference removed. This technique has been fully automated and applied to an Electromagnetics Institute Synthetic Aperture Radar (EMISAR) image contaminated by a nonstationary emitter. The cleansed image is virtually free of the emitter interference
An Instructive Review of the Law Pertaining to the Graduation of Special Education Students

This article examines the legal parameters pertaining to how and when to properly graduate special education students. These parameters are presented through a review of pertinent components of the U.S. Constitution, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Education of All Handicapped Children Act and their subsequent legal interpretations as provided by case law. Recommendations on how school districts can properly terminate services are also presented
Open Field Behavior after Chronic Self Stimulation

Long term exposure of adult male Sprague Dawley rats to rewarding brain stimulation produced alterations in open field behavior in comparison to nonstimulated controls. Initial activity was increased while movement latency was decreased for the experimental animals. Grooming and defecation were essentially unchanged by stimulation. These findings suggest a selective and tonic influence of brain stimulation upon exploration.
ϵ′/ϵ from the lattice

Abstract Results from a lattice calculation of the matrix elements of the weak hamiltonian which determine ϵ′ are presented. They suggest a smaller value of ϵ′/ϵ than previously estimated.
Characterization of attenuated food motivation in high-fat diet-induced obesity: Critical roles for time on diet and reinforcer familiarity.

Abstract Prior work using animal models to study the effects of obesogenic diets on food motivation have generated inconsistent results, with some reporting increases and others reporting decreases in responding on food-reinforced tasks. Here, we identified two specific variables that may account for these discrepant outcomes – the length of time on the obesigenic diet and the familiarity of the food reinforcer – and examined the independent roles of these factors. Time on diet was found to be inversely related to food motivation, as rats consuming a 40% high-fat diet (HFD) for only 3 weeks did not differ from chow-fed rats when responding for a sucrose reinforcer on a progressive ratio (PR) schedule, but responding was suppressed after 6 weeks of ad lib HFD consumption. Explicitly manipulating experience with the sucrose reinforcer by pre-exposing half the rats prior to 10 weeks of HFD consumption attenuated the motivational deficit seen in the absence of this familiarity, resulting in obese rats performing at the same level as lean rats. Finally, after 8 weeks on a HFD, rats did not express a conditioned place preference for sucrose, indicating a decrement in reward value independent of motivation. These findings are consistent with prior literature showing an increase in food motivation for rats with a shorter time consuming the obesigenic diet, and for those with more prior experience with the reinforcer. This account also helps reconcile these findings with increased food motivation in obese humans due to extensive experience with palatable food and suggests that researchers engaging in non-human animal studies of obesity would better model the conditions under which human obesity develops by using a varied, cafeteria-style diet to increase the breadth of food experiences.
Surgical Approach to Primary Cutaneous Melanoma

The surgical management of primary cutaneous melanoma, from the diagnostic biopsy through the wide local excision and nodal staging, must be carefully planned, and the biology of the melanoma, microstaging and primary tumor pathologic features of the melanoma, location on the body, patient preferences, and comorbidities must be considered. The treating surgeon must balance preservation of oncologic principles, with optimization of functional and aesthetic outcome. This article reviews the rationale behind the surgical approach in the patient with a primary melanoma.
Characterizing ion mobility-mass spectrometry conformation space for the analysis of complex biological samples

The conformation space occupied by different classes of biomolecules measured by ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is described for utility in the characterization of complex biological samples. Although the qualitative separation of different classes of biomolecules on the basis of structure or collision cross section is known, there is relatively little quantitative cross-section information available for species apart from peptides. In this report, collision cross sections are measured for a large suite of biologically salient species, including oligonucleotides (n = 96), carbohydrates (n = 192), and lipids (n = 53), which are compared to reported values for peptides (n = 610). In general, signals for each class are highly correlated, and at a given mass, these correlations result in predicted collision cross sections that increase in the order oligonucleotides < carbohydrates < peptides < lipids. The specific correlations are described by logarithmic regressions, which best approximate the theoretical trend of increasing collision cross section as a function of increasing mass. A statistical treatment of the signals observed within each molecular class suggests that the breadth of conformation space occupied by each class increases in the order lipids < oligonucleotides < peptides < carbohydrates. The utility of conformation space analysis in the direct analysis of complex biological samples is described, both in the context of qualitative molecular class identification and in fine structure examination within a class. The latter is demonstrated in IM-MS separations of isobaric oligonucleotides, which are interpreted by molecular dynamics simulations.
Longitudinal Gradients in Age-0 Gizzard Shad Density in Large Missouri Reservoirs

Abstract Longitudinal (uplake–downlake) density gradients of age-0 gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum were common but inconsistent within and among years in four of five large (980–22,460-ha) Missouri reservoirs during 1992–1995. These densities were generally greater in uplake than in downlake areas in four reservoirs, but density gradients were not apparent in one reservoir that was altered by a thermal effluent discharged into a midlake area. Distribution of gizzard shad could not be attributed to temporal and spatial variation in water temperature, water clarity, or zooplankton density. Variable longitudinal gradients of gizzard shad density will complicate a mechanistic understanding of density effects on trophic relations in reservoirs and the development of sampling designs.
The 2.0 Å crystal structure of the ERα ligand-binding domain complexed with lasofoxifene

Lasofoxifene is a new and potent selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The structural basis of its interaction with the estrogen receptor has been investigated by crystallographic analysis of its complex with the ligand-binding domain of estrogen receptor alpha at a resolution of 2.0 A. As with other SERMs, lasofoxifene diverts the receptor from its agonist-bound conformation by displacing the C-terminal AF-2 helix into the site at which the LXXLL motif of coactivator proteins would otherwise be able to bind. Lasofoxifene achieves this effect by occupying the space normally filled by residue Leu 540, as well as by modulating the conformation of residues of helix 11 (His 524, Leu 525). A well-defined salt bridge between lasofoxifene and Asp 351 suggests that charge neutralization in this region of the receptor may explain the some of the antiestrogenic effects of lasofoxifene. The results suggest general features of ERalpha/SERM recognition, and add a new dimension to efforts to rationalize differences between the biological activity profiles exhibited by these important pharmacological agents.
The cardiotoxicity of hydrogen cyanide as a component of polymer pyrolysis smokes.

Abstract Groups of adult male rats were repeatedly exposed to the pyrolysis products either of a rigid polyurethane foam or of hemlock, to which was added 0 or 200 ppm hydrogen cyanide under conditions that did not result in depletion of oxygen in the exposure atmosphere. Other groups were exposed to hydrogen cyanide in air or in air plus carbon monoxide. Some of the hydrogen cyanide-exposed groups were pretreated with a chlorpromazine/thiosulfate combination protective against cyanide toxicity. Exposure to hydrogen cyanide without protective pretreatment was associated with mild cardiotoxicity as measured by the magnitude of release of cardiac-specific creatine phosphokinase activity and by the number of ectopic heart beats induced by norepinephrine injection. Much of the difference in the cardiotoxicities of polyurethane and hemlock smokes could be related to their different contents of hydrogen cyanide. However, the prevalence of focal histopathologic lesions in the rat hearts did not correlate well with the other two measures of cardiotoxicity, suggesting that more than one mechanism may be responsible for production of these cardiotoxic effects.
SECONDARY AMENORRHEA LEADING TO OSTEOPOROSIS : INCIDENCE AND PREVENTION

Osteoporosis is widely accepted as a "female disease" occurring primarily in postmenopausal women. The fact that this disease can affect premenopausal women experiencing menstrual dysfunction is less commonly known. Amenorrhea decreases bone density at an age when bone formation should still be occurring. The implications of this failure to attain sufficient bone density during the formative years are frightening. The adverse effects on skeletal strength may lead to devastating outcomes in this subgroup of women, either now or in the future. This article reviews causes, risk factors, and treatments associated with both osteoporosis and amenorrhea. Three causes of secondary amenorrhea are discussed in detail: rigorous physical training, anorexia nervosa, and use of the contraceptive agent medroxyprogesterone acetate injection. A review of the literature is presented in order to establish the link between amenorrhea and osteoporosis. A great many young women may be unknowingly placing themselves at risk for developing osteoporosis. This article includes interventions that may decrease this risk and improve quality of life.
The Salience of Multimodal Sensory Stimulation in Early Development: Implications for the Issue of Ecological Validity.

Studies of infant development concerned with the emergence of specific perceptual or cognitive abilities have typically focused on responsiveness in only one sensory modality. Research on infant perception, learning, and memory often attempts to reduce multimodal stimulation to "noise" and to control or omit stimulation from other sensory modalities in experimental designs. This type of unimodal research, although important, may not generalize well to the behavior of infants in the multimodal context of the everyday world. Research from animal and human development is reviewed that documents that significant differences in infants' perceptual skills and abilities can be observed under conditions of unimodal versus multimodal stimulation. These studies provide converging evidence for a functional distinction between unimodal and multimodal stimulation during early development and suggest that ecological validity can be enhanced when research findings are generalized appropriately to the natural environment...
HATS: Field Observations to Obtain Spatially Filtered Turbulence Fields from Crosswind Arrays of Sonic Anemometers in the Atmospheric Surface Layer(.

The Horizontal Array Turbulence Study (HATS) field program utilized horizontal, crosswind arrays of sonic anemometers to calculate estimates of spatially filtered and subfilter-scale (SFS) turbulence, corresponding to its partitioning in large-eddy simulations (LESs) of atmospheric flows. Measurements were made over a wide range of atmospheric stability and for z/D f nominally equal to 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0, where z is height and D f is the width of the spatial filter. This paper examines the viability of the crosswind array technique by analyzing uncertainties in the filtered turbulence fields. Aliasing in the crosswind direction, caused by the discrete spacing of the sonic anemometers, is found to be minimal except for the spatially filtered vertical velocity and for SFS second moments. In those cases, aliasing errors become significant when the sonic spacing is greater than the wavelength at the peak in the crosswind spectrum of vertical velocity. Aliasing errors are estimated to be of a similar magnitude for the crosswind gradients of filtered variables. Surrogate streamwise filtering is performed by assuming Taylor’s hypothesis and using the mean wind speed U to interpret sonic time series as spatial data. The actual turbulence advection velocity Uc is estimated from the cross correlation between data from HATS sonics separated in the streamwise direction. These estimates suggest that, for near-neutral stratification, the ratio Uc/U depends on the turbulence variable and is typically between 1.0 and 1.2. Analysis of LES turbulence fields for a neutrally stratified boundary layer finds that the correlation between the true spatially filtered SFS stress component t13 and the same variable obtained with surrogate streamwise filtering exceeds 0.98 for z/D f . 0.25. Within the limits noted, it is concluded that the horizontal array technique is sufficient for the estimation of resolved and SFS turbulence variables.
Cationic copolymerization of tetrahydrofuran with epoxides. II. Characterization and gel‐permeation chromatography of by‐products formed during polymerization

The cyclic oligomers formed as by-products in the polymerization of propylene oxide. 1,2-butylene oxide, and n-propyl glycidyl ether, and in the copolymerization of these monomers with tetrahydrofuran have been studied by gel-permeation chromatography and otherwise and their structures have been determined. Some of the physical properties of the cyclic oligomers are described.
An IgG-like domain in the minor pilin GBS52 of Streptococcus agalactiae mediates lung epithelial cell adhesion.

Summary Streptococcus agalactiae is the leading cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The pathogen assembles heterotrimeric pilus structures on its surface; however, their function in pathogenesis is poorly understood. We report here the crystal structure of the pilin GBS52, which reveals two IgG-like fold domains, N1 and N2. Each domain is comprised of seven antiparallel β strands, an arrangement similar to the fold observed in the Staphylococcus aureus adhesin Cna. Consistent with its role as an adhesin, deletion of gbs52 gene significantly reduces bacterial adherence to pulmonary epithelial cells. Moreover, latex beads linked to the GBS52 protein adhere to pulmonary but not to many other epithelial cells; binding to the former is specifically inhibited by antibodies against GBS52. Nonetheless, substantial binding is only observed with N2 domain-conjugated beads. This study presents the structure of a Gram-positive pilin that utilizes a distinct IgG fold variant to mediate pathogen adherence to a specific tissue.
Genes, hormones, and gender in sociopathy

Although serotonin, testosterone, and genes contribute to sociopathy, the relationships are probably indirect and subject to modifiers (e.g., present only under certain conditions of rearing and temperament). Age at menarche may be a marker variable as well as a causal factor. Since the genders differ in all four areas, sex differences in sociopathy represent a very complex interaction of these factors.
A Landscape Perspective of the Stream Corridor Invasion and Habitat Characteristics of an Exotic (Dioscorea oppositifolia) in a Pristine Watershed in Illinois

The spatial distribution of exotics across riparian landscapes is not uniform, and research elaborating the environmental constraints and dispersal behavior that underlie these patterns of distribution is warranted. This study examined the spatial distribution, growth patterns, and habitat constraints of populations of the invasive Dioscorea oppositifolia in a forested stream corridor of a tributary of Drury Creek in Giant City State Park, IL. The distribution of D. oppositifolia was determined at the watershed scale mainly by floodplain structure and connectivity. Populations of D. oppositifolia were confined to the floodplain, with overbank flooding from the stream. Dioscorea oppositifolia probably originates in disturbed areas upstream of natural corridors, and subsequently, the species disperses downstream into pristine canyons or ravines via bulbils dispersing in the water. In Giant City State Park, populations of D. oppositifolia were distributed on the floodplain across broad gradients of soil texture, light, slope, and potential radiation. The study also examined the longevity of bulbils in various micro-environments to illuminate strategies for the management of the species in invaded watersheds. After 1 year, the highest percentages of bulbils were viable under leaves, and much lower percentages were viable over leaves, in soil, and in the creek (76.0±6.8, 21.2±9.6, 21.6±3.6, and 5.2±5.2%), respectively. This study suggests that management procedures that reduce leaf litter on the forest floor (e.g., prescribed burning) could reduce the number of bulbils of D. oppositifolia stored in the watershed.
Neodymium:YAG Membranectomy for Pupillary Membranes on Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of neodymium:YAG laser for the removal of membranes from the anterior surface of intraocular lenses. Methods: Seven patients had reduced vision due to a membrane on the anterior surface of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL). Six of the membranes developed after extracapsular cataract surgery and PC IOL combined with trabeculectomy and one after pars plana vitrectomy. Six of the membranes developed in the early postoperative period in association with a fibrinous reaction of the anterior chamber. One formed 7 months after surgery in an eye with iris capture behind the IOL. The membranes persisted despite intensive topical steroid therapy. A neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser was used to remove the membranes from the anterior of the IOL in all the seven cases. Results: The Nd:YAG laser effectively severed the peripheral connections of the membranes to the iris and lens, creating a clear central zone within the visual axis. The settings were fundamental mode, 1.2- to 3.1-mJ energy per shot and 48.3 ± 20.1 single pulses. Vision improved significantly in six patients, whereas elevated intraocular pressure was observed in one patient. Conclusion: Postoperative pupillary membranes may be successfully lysed with use of the Nd:YAG laser.
CHOLECYSTECTOMY IS SAFE IN SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Although recurrent abdominal pain due to gallstones is common in children with sickle cell anemia, cholecystectomy is recommended reluctantly because complications may be as high as 37%. We performed elective cholecystectomy in 12 children (8 M, 4 F; ages 4-19 yrs, mean 11.2 yrs) with abdominal pain related to gallstones in 10 and acute cholecystitis in two. Seven patients had jaundice, 6 nausea, 5 fat intolerance, and 3 biliary colic. Seven children were prospectively studied. Two simple transfusions (10 ml/kg PRBC), designed to decrease HgbS to 30% and to increase total Hgb to 10 gms%, were given preoperatively 2-3 weeks apart. Hgb electrophoresis was rechecked after the second transfusion. A third transfusion was given the day before surgery. The charts of 5 additional patients who received less intense preoperative transfusions were also reviewed. Preoperatively mean HgbS was decreased from 88% to 31% (range 7-38%) and mean Hgb was raised to 12.2 gms% (range 9.5-14.5 gms%). There were no intraoperative complications. Four patients had elective appendectomy and 2 umbilical hernia repair. Although no patients developed complications related to sickle cell anemia, one had ileus for 3 days and one had bigeminy requiring lidocaine. Hospitalization was brief (average 6.3 days, range 4-8 days). At 6 month followup, abdominal pain had resolved in all patients except one who developed pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: With proper preoperative transfusions, elective cholecystectomy is safe in children with sickle cell anemia.
Q: What is the role of probiotics in the treatment of acute Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea?

Overall, the evidence does not support using probiotics to treat Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea. More studies are needed to determine if they are helpful and, if so, which ones and at what dosages.
Track reconstruction in heavy ion collisions with the CMS silicon tracker

Abstract The Large Hadron Collider at CERN will collide protons at S = 14 TeV and lead ions at S NN = 5.5 TeV . The study of heavy ion collisions is an integral part of the physics program of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS). Central heavy ion events at LHC energies are expected to produce a multiplicity of up to 3500 charged particles per unit of rapidity. The CMS detector features a large acceptance and high resolution silicon tracker consisting of pixel and strip detector layers. We describe the algorithms used for pattern recognition in the very high track density environment of heavy ion collisions. Detailed studies using the full detector simulation and reconstruction are presented and achieved reconstruction efficiencies, fake rates and resolutions are discussed.
MiR-210 – micromanager of the hypoxia pathway

Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) regulate a variety of genes to prepare cells to adapt and survive under a hypoxic environment. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a new class of genes regulated by HIFs in response to hypoxia, of which miR-210 is the most consistently and predominantly upregulated miRNA. Functional studies have demonstrated that miR-210 is a versatile gene that regulates many aspects of hypoxia pathways, both in physiological and malignant conditions. Here, we summarize recent findings on the mechanism of hypoxia regulation of miR-210 expression and its multifaceted biological functions in normal physiological and malignant conditions, and discuss the challenges we face in elucidating the biological functions of miR-210 and exploring its potential use for therapeutics.
Bioplasmonic calligraphy for multiplexed label-free biodetection

Printable multi-marker biochips that enable simultaneous quantitative detection of multiple target biomarkers in point-of-care and resource-limited settings are a holy grail in the field of biodiagnostics. However, preserving the functionality of biomolecules, which are routinely employed as recognition elements, during conventional printing approaches remains challenging. In this article, we introduce a simple yet powerful approach, namely plasmonic calligraphy, for realizing multiplexed label-free bioassays. Plasmonic calligraphy involves a regular ballpoint pen filled with biofunctionalized gold nanorods as plasmonic ink for creating isolated test domains on paper substrates. Biofriendly plasmonic calligraphy approach serves as a facile method to miniaturize the test domain size to few mm2, which significantly improves the sensitivity of the plasmonic biosensor compared to bioplasmonic paper fabricated using immersion approach. Furthermore, plasmonic calligraphy also serves as a simple and efficient means to isolate multiple test domains on a single test strip, which facilitates multiplexed biodetection and multi-marker biochips. Plasmonic calligraphy, which can be potentially automated by implementing with a robotic arm, serves as an alternate path forward to overcome the limitations of conventional ink-jet printing.
Endometrioma of uterine serosa in a woman with mosaic Turner’s syndrome receiving hormone replacement therapy: Case report

Endometriosis in Turner's syndrome patients has only been reported in five isolated cases. We present here an endometrioma on the uterine serosa and pelvic endometriosis arising in a mosaic Turner's patient receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The 24 year old patient with mosaic Turner's syndrome [45,X; 46,X pseudo dicentric Y (q11.23)], on cyclic HRT after laparoscopic gonadectomy 5 years previously, was found to have an adnexal mass on routine examination. Given her history, due to the fear of a malignant process arising from a potential gonadal remnant, she underwent a laparoscopy and was found to have a 5 cm serosal endometrioma arising on a stalk from the uterine fundal surface as well as pelvic endometriosis. De-novo endometrioma and endometriosis occurred in a mosaic Turner's patient after gonadectomy on cyclic HRT. The presentation was also unusual with a pedunculated endometrioma arising from the uterine serosa. Due to the fact that the patient did have cyclic menstrual flow, her endometriosis may have arisen from retrograde menstruation or coelomic metaplasia induced by exogenous hormones.
The STARNET coherent WDM computer communication network: experimental transceiver employing a novel modulation format

We have designed, constructed, and investigated an experimental transceiver employing a novel combined PSK and ASK modulation format for the STARNET coherent WDM computer communication network. Using this experimental transceiver, we show that it is possible to transmit and receive 2.488 Gb/s PSK circuit-switched data and 125 Mb/s ASK packet-switched data on the same lightwave. The experimental transceiver employs a custom integrated-optic LiNbO/sub 3/ modulator with both phase and amplitude sections, a 2.488 Gb/s tunable PSK heterodyne receiver, and a 125 Mb/s ASK heterodyne receiver. Both receivers function properly with error rates less than 10/sup -9/ and a sensitivity of -32.1 dBm; the corresponding optimum ASK modulation depth is 0.57. The resulting network power budget is 26.6 dB. >
Solid State Reactions in the ZR-AL-CU-NI Bulk Metallic Glass Forming Alloy System

Diffusion couples combining a h.c.p. Zr 90 Al 10 supersaturated solid solution with a fc.c. Cu 64 Ni 36 solid solution were annealed at 410°C for different times. The reaction at the interface was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Cross sectional TEM images and electron diffraction patterns reveal the formation of a non-crystalline layer at the interface between the two solid solutions which grows to a maximum thickness of more than 0.3 μm. Using EDAX, the concentration profiles across the layerswere determined. The glassy layer consists of a Zr-Ni-Al alloy with a small amount of Cu.The concentration profiles reveal that two non-crystalline phases coexist in the diffusion couple. One phase is Ni-rich and the other is Zr-rich. A small gradient of the Ni concentration in the Ni-rich amorphous phase and a steeper gradient in the Zr-rich non crystalline phase indicate that the Ni diffusion constant in the Ni-rich phase is larger than the Ni diffusion constant in the Zr-rich phase. In the late stage of the reaction, the growth of a nanocrystalline layer with an average concentration of Cu 90Nij 0 is observed on the Cu-Ni side of the diffusion couple. Crystallization starts at the Zr-Al side of the diffusion couple.
Formation of sprite streamers at subbreakdown conditions from ionospheric inhomogeneities resembling observed sprite halo structures

[1] Modeling results of sprite streamer formation from large ionospheric inhomogeneities or patches (several tens to hundreds of meter wide) indicate that positive streamers can be initiated at subbreakdown conditions from the inhomogeneities with a density comparable to sprite halo densities. For spherical patches with a given radius, the minimum density required for streamer initiation decreases with increasing ambient field. For a given density, the minimum size of the inhomogeneity decreases with increasing ambient field. The modeling results on the associated optical emissions show that a luminous spherical-like cap appears around the lower tip of the ionization patch before streamer initiation, and the streamer is initiated from the bottom of this cap, which appears to be similar to streamer initiation from luminous structures in the lower ionosphere recorded by recent high-speed videos. Our study suggests that if the sprite halo front is unstable, inhomogeneities developing from it can initiate sprite streamers at subbreakdown conditions.
Protease Gene Duplication and Proteolytic Activity in Drosophila Female Reproductive Tracts

Secreted proteases play integral roles in sexual reproduction in a broad range of taxa. In the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster, these molecules are thought to process peptides and activate enzymes inside female reproductive tracts, mediating critical postmating responses. A recent study of female reproductive tract proteins in the cactophilic fruit fly Drosophila arizonae, identified pervasive, lineage-specific gene duplication amongst secreted proteases. Here, we compare the evolutionary dynamics, biochemical nature, and physiological significance of secreted female reproductive serine endoproteases between D. arizonae and its congener D. melanogaster. We show that D. arizonae lower female reproductive tract (LFRT) proteins are significantly enriched for recently duplicated secreted proteases, particularly serine endoproteases, relative to D. melanogaster. Isolated lumen from D. arizonae LFRTs, furthermore, exhibits significant trypsin-like and elastase-like serine endoprotease acitivity, whereas no such activity is seen in D. melanogaster. Finally, trypsin- and elastase-like activity in D. arizonae female reproductive tracts is negatively regulated by mating. We propose that the intense proteolytic environment of the D. arizonae female reproductive tract relates to the extraordinary reproductive physiology of this species and that ongoing gene duplication amongst these proteases is an evolutionary consequence of sexual conflict.
Fur Negatively Regulates hns and Is Required for the Expression of HilA and Virulence in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Iron is an essential element for the survival of living cells. However, excess iron is toxic, and its uptake is exquisitely regulated by the ferric uptake regulator, Fur. In Salmonella, the Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) encodes a type three secretion system, which is required for invasion of host epithelial cells in the small intestine. A major activator of SPI-1 is HilA, which is encoded within SPI-1. One known regulator of hilA is Fur. The mechanism of hilA regulation by Fur is unknown. We report here that Fur is required for virulence in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and that Fur is required for the activation of hilA, as well as of other HilA-dependent genes, invF and sipC. The Fur-dependent regulation of hilA was independent of PhoP, a known repressor of hilA. Instead, the expression of the gene coding for the histone-like protein, hns, was significantly derepressed in the fur mutant. Indeed, the activation of hilA by Fur was dependent on 28 nucleotides located upstream of hns. Moreover, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation to show that Fur bound, in vivo, to the upstream region of hns in a metal-dependent fashion. Finally, deletion of fur in an hns mutant resulted in Fur-independent activation of hilA. In conclusion, Fur activates hilA by repressing the expression of hns.
Nonparametric estimation of average power dissipation in CMOS VLSI circuits

In this paper, we present a new statistical technique for estimation of average power dissipation in digital circuits. Present statistical techniques estimate the average power based on the assumption that the power distribution can be characterized by a preassumed function. Large errors can occur when the assumption is not met. To overcome this problem, we propose a nonparametric technique in which no distribution function needs to be assumed. A distribution-independent upper and lower bound of the average power are derived from the Kolmogorov-Smirnov theorem. A stopping criterion is designed based on the bounds for a desired percentage error with a specified confidence level. Since it does not resort to the assumption of any particular distribution function, the technique can be applied to all the circuits irrespective of their power distributions.
Developing a sense of safety: the neurobiology of neonatal attachment.

Clinical data suggests a strong negative impact of traumatic attachments on adult mental illness, presumably through organizing brain development. To further explore this clinical issue, a mammalian model of imprinting was developed to characterize the neural basis of attachment in both healthy and traumatic attachments. The altricial neonatal rat must learn the mother’s odor for nipple attachment, huddling, and orienting to the mother, all of which are required for pup survival. While it appears maladaptive to depend upon learning for attachment, the unique learning system of neonatal pups greatly enhances odor-preference learning and attachment while pups are confined to the nest. This heightened learning is expressed behaviorally as an enhanced ability to acquire learned odor preferences and a decreased ability to acquire learned odor aversions. Specifically, both odor-milk and odor-shock (0.5 mA) conditioning result in odor-preference acquisition. It appears as though there are at least three brain structures underlying the neonatal rat’s sensitive period for heightened odor learning: (1) odor learning is encoded in the olfactory bulb; (2) the hyperfunctioning noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) appears to support preference conditioning through release of NE; and (3) the hypofunctioning amygdala appears to underlie pups’ difficulty in learning odor aversions. Overall, this suggests that the CNS of altricial infants is specialized for optimizing attachments to their caregiver.