cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multi-user desktop virtual environment for teaching shop-keeping to children

Virtual role-playing environments can be a powerful mechanism of instruction, provided they are constructed such that learning how to play and win the game contributes to a player’s understanding of real-world concepts and procedures. North Dakota State University (NDSU) provides students with environments to enhance their understanding of geology (Planet Oit), cellular biology (Virtual Cell), programming languages (ProgrammingLand), retailing (Dollar Bay), and history (Blackwood). These systems present a number of opportunities and an equal number of challenges. Players are afforded a role-based, multi-user, ‘learn-by-doing’ experience, with software agents acting as both environmental effects and tutors and the possibilities of multi-user cooperation and collaboration. However, technical issues and one important cultural issue present a range of difficulties. The Dollar Bay environment, its particular challenges, and the solutions to these are presented.
Simultaneous surface and volumetric registration using harmonic maps

Inter-subject analysis of anatomical and functional brain imaging data requires the images to be registered to a common coordinate system in which anatomical features are aligned. Intensity-based volume registration methods can align subcortical structures well, but the variability in sulcal folding patterns typically results in misalignment of the cortical surface. Conversely, surface-based registration using sulcal features can produce excellent cortical alignment but the mapping between brains is restricted to the cortical surface. Here we describe a method for volumetric registration that also produces a one-to-one point correspondence between cortical surfaces. This is achieved by first parameterizing and aligning the cortical surfaces. We then use a constrained harmonic mapping to define a volumetric correspondence between brains. Finally, the correspondence is refined using an intensity-based warp. We evaluate the performance of our proposed method in terms of the inter-subject alignment of expert-labeled sub-cortical structures after registration.
miR-200b inhibits prostate cancer EMT, growth and metastasis.

miRNA regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and fine-tune the key biological processes, including cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of miR-200b in the metastatic spread of prostate cancer. We identified miR-200b as a downstream target of androgen receptor and linked its expression to decreased tumorigenicity and metastatic capacity of the prostate cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-200b in PC-3 cells significantly inhibited their proliferation and the formation of subcutaneous tumors. Moreover, in an orthotopic model, miR-200b blocked spontaneous metastasis and angiogenesis by PC-3 cells. This decreased metastatic potential was likely due to the reversal of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as was evidenced by increased pan-epithelial marker E-cadherin and specific markers of prostate epithelium, cytokeratins 8 and 18. In contrast, mesenchymal markers, fibronectin and vimentin, were significantly downregulated by miR-200b. Our results suggest an important role for miR-200b in prostate cancer progression and indicate its potential utility for prostate cancer therapy.
Vitamin C, Hydrogen Peroxide, Copper and the Tallowy Flavor in Milk

Summary 1.It has been demonstrated that ascorbic acid oxidation is an essential link in the chain of the reactions resulting in the development of the tallowy flavor in milk, and that apparently the oxidation of the lipid fraction of the milk is coupled to that of ascorbic acid when a certain equilibrium between ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids has been established. 2.The evidence is presented to show that a promoter (an enzyme) of ascorbic acid oxidation by H 2 O 2 might be responsible for its quick conversion to dehydroascorbic acid, and that it is not the free H 2 O 2 formed in the course of ascorbic acid oxidation which causes the breakdown of the lipid fraction of the milk, resulting in the development of the tallowy flavor. This view is supported indirectly by the observations indicating that H 2 O 2 formed ill the reaction would be used to oxidize the residual ascorbic acid as in the milk to which it was added; and that in the absence of a suitable catalyst the addition of H 2 O 2 to milk completely depleted of its total vitamin C content does not result in the development of the tallowy flavor. 3.The reaction which produces the tallowy flavor is catalyzed by added copper in the presence of H 2 O 2 , providing the agent was added to milk completely depleted of its total vitamin C content by rapid oxidative method, or the amount of the agent added was in excess of that required to oxidize its ascorbic acid content. However, under the experimental conditions the catalysis of the tallowy flavor by copper were confined in a critical region, the limits of which were apparently determined by H 2 O 2 concentration.
Three-year follow-up of laser prostatectomy versus transurethral resection of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objectives. To present our 3-year data comparing laser prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Laser prostatectomy was one of the first new minimally invasive treatment modalities for BPH, and few reports of the long-term results of this treatment regimen have been published. Methods. One hundred men with BPH in whom medical therapy had failed were randomized to undergo either laser prostatectomy or TURP. Preoperative measurements included American Urologic Association symptom score, prostate-specific antigen, uroflowmetry, and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Laser prostatectomy was performed using the potassium titanyl-phosphate/neodynium:yttrium aluminum-garnet laser. TURP was performed in a standard manner with video monitoring. Patients were seen in follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and every 12 months thereafter, with the following data obtained: symptom score, peak urinary flow rate, prostate-specific antigen level, and TRUS volume. Results. A total of 100 patients were entered into the study, with 50 patients in each treatment group. The mean age was 68.2 years (range 45 to 90) for the laser patients and 67.4 years (range 54 to 82) for the TURP group. The mean symptom score decreased from 22.0 to 9.9 at 36 months of follow-up for the laser patients compared with 21.2 to 7.7 for the TURP patients. The mean peak flow rate increased from 8.2 to 12.3 mL/s at 36 months for the laser group with a similar increase from 7.3 to 12.8 mL/s for the TURP patients. The mean TRUS volume for the laser patients decreased from 33.9 to 32.9 cm3 at 36 months compared with a mean TRUS volume of 29.6 cm3 preoperatively for the TURP patients that decreased to 26.3 cm3 at 36 months. Conclusions: At 36 to 72 months of follow-up, the durability of results achieved by the patients in the laser cohort was similar to that for patients undergoing TURP.
ECOLOGY OF THE RED-NECKED FALCON FALCO CHICQUERA IN ZAMBIA

Summary The Red-necked Falcon in southern Zambia is a year-long resident in its breeding territory. The study was conducted on a floodplain and the adjacent acacia savannah in an undisturbed natural environment. The falcon principally nests in natural depressions on frond bases on the leeward side of Borassus Palms but also utilizes old crow and raptor nests. Incubation averaged 33 days and was undertaken by the female. The young fledged after a 36-day nestling period and remained under parental care for up to three weeks after that. Nesting success averaged 1.3 young per nest or 44% of the eggs laid. The post-juvenal moult commenced when the young were five to six months old and continued for six months. Birds comprised 98% of the diet of the falcons. The adults selected larger prey as the nestlings increased in size. The 69-day incubation and nesting period is up to 14 days longer than in similar-sized falcons.
Degradation mechanisms in high-power multi-mode InGaAs-AlGaAs strained quantum well lasers for high-reliability applications

Laser diode manufacturers perform accelerated multi-cell lifetests to estimate lifetimes of lasers using an empirical model. Since state-of-the-art laser diodes typically require a long period of latency before they degrade, significant amount of stress is applied to the lasers to generate failures in relatively short test durations. A drawback of this approach is the lack of mean-time-to-failure data under intermediate and low stress conditions, leading to uncertainty in model parameters (especially optical power and current exponent) and potential overestimation of lifetimes at usage conditions. This approach is a concern especially for satellite communication systems where high reliability is required of lasers for long-term duration in the space environment. A number of groups have studied reliability and degradation processes in GaAs-based lasers, but none of these studies have yielded a reliability model based on the physics of failure. The lack of such a model is also a concern for space applications where complete understanding of degradation mechanisms is necessary. Our present study addresses the aforementioned issues by performing long-term lifetests under low stress conditions followed by failure mode analysis (FMA) and physics of failure investigation. We performed low-stress lifetests on both MBE- and MOCVD-grown broad-area InGaAs- AlGaAs strained QW lasers under ACC (automatic current control) mode to study low-stress degradation mechanisms. Our lifetests have accumulated over 36,000 test hours and FMA is performed on failures using our angle polishing technique followed by EL. This technique allows us to identify failure types by observing dark line defects through a window introduced in backside metal contacts. We also investigated degradation mechanisms in MOCVD-grown broad-area InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers using various FMA techniques. Since it is a challenge to control defect densities during the growth of laser structures, we chose to control defect densities by introducing extrinsic point defects to the laser via proton irradiation with different energies and fluences. These lasers were subsequently lifetested to study degradation processes in the lasers with different defect densities and also to study precursor signatures of failures - traps and non-radiative recombination centers (NRCs) in pre- and post-stressed lasers. Lastly, we employed focused ion beam (FIB), electron beam induced current (EBIC), and highresolution TEM (HR-TEM) techniques to further study dark line defects and dislocations in both post-aged and postproton irradiated lasers. We report on our long-term low-stress lifetest results and physics of failure investigation results.
The role of intracellular calcium and protein kinase C in endothelin-stimulated proliferation of rat type I astrocytes.

The increased expression of immunoreactive endothelin-1 (ET-1) in reactive astrocytes and its mitogenic effects on astrocytes and glioma cell lines, have implicated endothelins in the development of reactive gliosis. In this study, an increase in DNA synthesis in rat type I astrocytes was observed after cultures were transiently exposed to ET-1 for 15 min, suggesting that early signal transduction events are essential and sufficient for the propagation of the ET-1-induced mitogenic signal. Prompt increases in inositol triphosphate (IP 3 ) formation and [Ca 2+ ] i were observed upon the addition of ET-1 to these cells. The ET-1-evoked increase in [Ca 2+ ] i consisted of an initial peak which was preserved in Ca 2+ -free medium, and a sustained phase which was abolished in Ca 2+ -free medium and partly attenuated by nifedipine. ET-1 also increased the activity of membrane-associated protein kinase C (PKC) and induced the in vivo phosphorylation of the 85 kD MARCKS protein, an endogenous PKC-specific substrate. The ET-1-evoked increases in DNA synthesis, IP 3 , [Ca 2+ ] i , membrane PKC, and 85 kD MARCKS protein phosphorylation in rat cortical astrocytes were prevented by either the selective endothelin ET A receptor antagonist, BQ-123, or the phospholipase C (PLC)-specific inhibitor, U-73122. However, the inhibition of PKC activity did not affect ET-1-induced DNA synthesis in rat cortical astrocytes. These results suggest that ET-1-induced IP3 and/or [CA 2+ ] i responses, but not the activation of PKC, are essential for the growth-factor like actions of ET-1 in rat cortical astrocytes.
The Gravitational Field of the Moon

Lunar structure and evolution based on satellite measurements of mass distribution, radius moments of inertia, gravity anomalies and topographic irregularities
Immune Tolerance and Transplantation

Successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation require development of a degree of immune tolerance against allogeneic antigens. T lymphocytes play a critical role in allograft rejection, graft failure, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). T-cell tolerance occurs by two different mechanisms: (1) depletion of self-reactive T cells during their maturation in the thymus (central tolerance), and (2) suppression/elimination of self-reactive mature T cells in the periphery (peripheral tolerance). Induction of transplant tolerance improves transplantation outcomes. Adoptive immunotherapy with immune suppressor cells including regulatory T cells, natural killer (NK)-T cells, veto cells, and facilitating cells are promising therapies for modulation of immune tolerance. Achieving mixed chimerism with the combination of thymic irradiation and T-cell–depleting antibodies, costimulatory molecule blockade with/without inhibitory signal activation, and elimination of alloreactive T cells with varying methods including pre- or post-transplant cyclophosphamide administration appear to be effective in inducing transplant tolerance.
Estimation of the specification error in the expectations theory of the term structure

This paper asks, ‘how false is the expectations theory of the term structure?’. Most previous work has asked, ‘is the expectations theory true?’ and finds that it is not. The goal here is to gauge the economic importance of these answers in the negative by estimating the specification error in the expectations theory. The variance of the estimated specification error (suitably normalized) provides a metric for assessing the validity of the model. I find that, while the expectations theory can be rejected, the importance of the rejection is much less than that implied by previous studies, so that the theory may still be a useful tool for understanding the relationships between interest rates at different maturities.
Protein degradation by the 26S proteasome system in the normal and stressed myocardium

The 26S proteasome is a multicatalytic threonine protease complex responsible for degradation of the majority of proteins in eukaryotic cells. In the last two decades, the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has been increasingly recognized as an integral component in numerous biologic processes including cell proliferation, adaptation to stress, and cell death. The turnover of intracellular proteins inevitably affects the contributions of these molecules to cellular networks and pathways in any given tissue or organ, including the myocardium. Perturbations in the protein-degradation process have been shown to affect protein turnover and thereby affect the cardiac cell functions that these molecules are designated to carry out, engendering diseased cardiac phenotypes. Recent studies have implicated the role of proteasomes in stressed cardiac phenotypes including postischemia-reperfusion injury and cardiac remodeling (e.g., heart failure). The 26S proteasomes also appear to be susceptible to modulation by stresses (e.g., reactive oxygen species). This review focuses on roles of the 26S proteasome system in protein degradation; it provides an overview of the progress made in cardiac proteasome research as well as a discussion of recent controversies regarding the UPS system in diseased cardiac phenotypes.
Healing Basis and Surgical Techniques for Complete Revascularization of the Left Ventricle Using Only the Internal Mammary Arteries

Long-term follow-up data from several leading centers concerning patients undergoing coronary artery bypass clearly demonstrate the superiority of the internal mammary artery (IMA) with patency rates of 83 to 94% at 7 to 12 years compared with the saphenous vein and its patency rates of 41 to 53%. Our experimental studies provide a biological basis for understanding this difference. Thin-walled arterial autografts undergo no histological change after being implanted in the arterial system, while venous autografts undergo major changes with an initial scattered loss of endothelium and marked thickening due to a proliferative reaction. The challenge to the cardiac surgeon is to revascularize the entire left ventricle with the IMAs. We have found this possible in most patients with advanced three-vessel disease by using both IMAs either as in situ grafts or free grafts with as many sequential anastomoses as necessary to achieve full revascularization. Our use of the term in situ refers to the graft's origin from the subclavian artery as opposed to a free IMA graft arising from another site.
Diabetes and Obesity Not Associated With 6-Month Remission Rates for Primary Care Patients With Depression

Background Complex interrelationships appear to exist among depression, diabetes, and obesity, and it has been proposed that both diabetes and obesity have an association with depression. Objective The purpose of our study was to explore the effect of obesity and diabetes on response to the treatment of depression. Our hypothesis was that obesity and the diagnosis of diabetes in primary care patients with depression would have no effects on depression remission rates 6 months after diagnosis. Methods A retrospective chart review analysis of 1894 adult (age ≥18y) primary care patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or dysthymia and a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10 from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2012. Multiple logistic regression modeling retaining all independent variables was performed for the outcome of remission (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Results The presence of obesity (odds ratio=0.937, 95% CI: 0.770–1.140, p = 0.514) or the diagnosis of diabetes (odds ratio=0.740, 95% CI: 0.535–1.022, p = 0.068) did not affect the likelihood of remission, while controlling for the other independent variables. Conclusions In primary care patients treated for depression, the presence of diabetes or obesity at the time of diagnosis of depression does not appear to significantly affect remission of depressive symptoms 6 months after diagnosis.
Robust Provisioning of Multicast Sessions in Cognitive Radio Networks

Today's wireless networks use fixed spectrum over long term and fixed geographical regions. However, spectrum utilization varies by time and location, which leads to temporal and special spectrum underutilization. Cognitive radio is an emerging technology that enables dynamic sharing of the spec- trum in order to overcome the spectrum underutilization prob- lem. In this paper, we consider the problem of supporting the multicast service mode in cognitive radio networks. Moreover, we are concerned with supporting this mode of service such that it is robust in the face of failures. We develop two algorithms which provide robust multicasting in such networks. Our proposed algorithms are: 1) multicast sessions protection with link-sharing trees and 2) multicast sessions protection using rings. These algo- rithms provision multiple multicast sessions, and protect them against a single primary user interruption at a time. They also take into account that the activities of a primary user may dis- rupt communication in several groups, of secondary users, which are referred to as Shared Primary User Risk Group (SPURG). The objective of the proposed algorithms is to increase the num- ber of sessions that can be accommodated in the network and minimize the cost of provisioning the sessions while protecting them against failures.
Effect if reduced salinity input on river stratification and dissolved oxygen

Changes in the occurrence, character, and longitudinal extent of salinity (S) stratification, and related impacts on dissolved oxygen (DO), in the Seneca and Oswego Rivers, NY, in response to the abatement of ionic pollution of inflowing Onondaga Lake, is documented. The analysis is based on vertical profiles of specific conductance and DO collected over a 20 km reach of the river system for several years before and after the closure of the source of the ionic pollution, a soda ash manufacturing facility. The S difference between the lake and the Seneca River decreased from about 2.6 to 0.7 parts per thousand (‰) following the closure; more than 50% of the continuing difference is associated with lingering ionic waste loading from soda ash production. The occurrence and longitudinal range of the S stratification phenomenon was, and continues to be, highly dependent on river flow. It is most strongly manifested when river flow is low. The occurrence, magnitude, and longtitudinal extent of S stratification have decreased, and vertical exchange between the stratified layers has increased, since the closure, thereby ameliorating the coupled negative impact on the river's oxygen resources. However, under low flow conditions (e.g., probability of occurrence equal to 15%) S stratification continues to extent > 2 km upstream and > 8 km downstream of the point of entry of Onondaga Lake into the Seneca River. Severe DO depletion in the lowel river layer, representing violations of New York water quality standards, continues to occur where S stratification prevails. Elimination of the continuing ionic waste inputs from soda ash production would further limit the stratification phenomenon and improve the river's DO problem.
Idealized headland simulation for tidal hydrokinetic turbine siting metrics

Tidal hydrokinetic energy is a renewable energy source that is currently being researched at the University of Washington. Admiralty Inlet, an area of interest for pilot-and commercial-scale tidal hydrokinetic turbine placement, has a prominent headland that significantly affects the tidal flow and, therefore, potential turbine siting. A numerical model has been created using the Regional Ocean Modeling System to simulate an idealized, three-dimensional rectangular channel with a symmetric headland. Results from this simulation are examined using several metrics put forth by the European Marine Energy Council for characterizing potential tidal hydrokinetic energy sites. Areas of high mean kinetic density and various measures of asymmetry of tidal flow that may be relevant for turbine developers are highlighted.
17β-Estradiol utilizes the estrogen receptor to regulate CD16 expression in monocytes

Abstract Estrogen can significantly influence CD16 expression and alter monocytic cytokine release upon CD16 receptor activation. However, the function of the estrogen receptor (ER) α and β in this response is unclear. To test whether estrogen binds ERα and/or ERβ to affect CD16 expression, monocytic cells were treated with and without physiological levels of 17β-estradiol and various doses of the ERα and ERβ antagonist fulvestrant followed by measurement of CD16 transcript levels. To determine how estrogen induced changes in TNF-α and IL-1β release due to CD16 activation we quantitated the amount of cytokines after treatment with estrogen, fulvestrant and antibodies that specifically bind and activate the CD16 receptor. Interaction of ERα and the CD16 promoter was then determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, specific promoter elements utilized by estrogen to control CD16 expression were mutated and expression from a luciferase reporter quantitated after transfection. Using the luciferase reporter construct containing a wild type CD16 promoter, the role of ERα and ERβ in the estrogen response was tested by treating transfected monocytes with an ERα specific agonist or an ERβ specific agonist and measuring expression. Our results show that CD16 transcript levels significantly decreased in monocytic cells due to estrogen and that the observed decrease in message was blocked by the antagonist fulvestrant. Estrogen reduced CD16 expression and decreased TNF-α and IL-1β release upon CD16 activation but the administration of fulvestrant blocked this decrease. ERα was found to interact with a region 5′ of the CD16 gene in the presence of estrogen, and site-directed mutational analysis of this region indicated the necessity for an estrogen response element in modulating estrogen effects on CD16 expression. Moreover, both an ERα and an ERβ agonist reduced expression of the CD16 reporter construct suggesting both receptors can play a role in CD16 regulation. In conclusion, CD16 expression can be altered by the activity of ERα or ERβ and our results also show that ERα can associate with a region within the CD16 promoter that is important in production of transcript.
Effect of Early Hyperlipidemia on Graft and Patient Survival in Cyclosporine-Treated Renal Transplant Patients

Hyperlipidemia commonly occurs following renal transplantation. As hyperlipidemia has been postulated to contribute to renal dysfunction in animal models, the effect of early hyperlipidemia was studied in a cohort of 43 cyclosporinetreated renal transplant recipients over a 4-year follow-up period. Hypercholesterolemia occurred in 25 patients, with 18 patients remaining normolipidemic during the initial 3 months following transplantation. Prospective follow-up over a 4-year period was available for 16 of the 18 normolipidemic patients and 25 patients who developed hyperlipidemia, as well as 11 other hyperlipidemic patients who were not included in the initial analysis. Graft function was maintained in 11 (69%) of the patients with early normolipidemia and there has been one patient death (7%). Of the hypercholesterolemic group, two patients were lost to follow-up and 23 of the remaining 34 (68%) had persistant graft function. There have been two patient deaths (6%). No deaths from cardiovascular deaths have occurred in either group, all deaths resulting from infection/sepsis. Mean cholesterol values at 4-year follow-up were 202.0 ± 11.2 mg/dL for the patients with early normolipidemia and 282.9 ± 14.3 mg/dL for the patients with early hyperlipidemia ( P P r = 0.71, P
ELISA of IgG antibody to M. tuberculosis antigen 5 for serodiagnosis of tuberculosis.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been used to measure serum antibody to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 5 in patients with bacteriologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis and healthy control subjects. The test can the carried out under conditions commonly found in areas where tuberculosis prevalence is high. On the basis of studies in Bolivia, Argentina, China, and USA, we believe that this test should have a sensitivity of 0·70 and a specificity of 0·97. Predictive values approach those of sputum smear for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, and the test could be a valuable adjunct to sputum smear in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A08BC034 00003
Generating negatively correlated gamma variates using the Beta-Gamma transformation

The Beta-Gamma transform changes a Gamma distributed variate with shape parameter k into a Gamma variate with shape parameter q, where q is less than k. Using this transformation a scheme is given for generating negatively correlated Gamma variates, each with parameter k. The scheme can be implemented with nothing but a generator of Gamma deviates. It requires no inverse probability integral transform for Gamma variates.
Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid Versus ϵ-Aminocaproic Acid in Cardiovascular Surgery

Background: Blood conservation is a major concern in the management of surgical patients because of transfusion-related complications, limited supply, and health care costs. Tranexamic acid (TXA) and ϵ-aminocaproic acid (ϵACA) are lysine analogue antifibrinolytics used to reduce surgical bleeding and transfusions. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of TXA compared with ϵACA in the management of cardiovascular surgical bleeding at an academic medical center. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study included 120 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass, who received at least 1 dose of perioperative TXA or ϵACA. The efficacy outcome—massive perioperative bleeding—was a composite end point of chest tube drainage >1500 mL in any 8-hour period after surgery, perioperative transfusion of 10 or more units of packed red blood cells, reoperation for bleeding, or death from hemorrhage within 30 days. The safety outcomes were incidence...
The Protein Chaperone HSP90 Can Facilitate the Divergence of Gene Duplicates

The heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) acts as a chaperone by ensuring proper maturation and folding of its client proteins. The HSP90 capacitor hypothesis holds that interactions with HSP90 allow proteins to accumulate mutations while maintaining function. Following this logic, HSP90 clients would be predicted to show relaxed selection compared with nonclients. In this study, we identify a new HSP90 client in the plant steroid hormone pathway: the transcription factor BES1. Its closest paralog, BZR1, is not an HSP90 client. This difference in HSP90 client status in two highly similar proteins enabled a direct test of the capacitor hypothesis. We find that BES1 shows relaxed selection compared to BZR1, hallmarks of neo- and subfunctionalization, and dynamic HSP90 client status across independent evolutionary paths. These results suggested that HSP90’s influence on gene evolution may be detectable if we compare gene duplicates because duplicates share most other properties influencing evolutionary rate that might otherwise conceal the chaperone’s effect. We test this hypothesis using systematically identified HSP90 clients in yeast and observe a significant trend of HSP90 clients evolving faster than their nonclient paralogs. This trend was not detected when yeast clients and nonclients were compared without considering paralog status. Our data provide evidence that HSP90 influences selection on genes encoding its clients and facilitates divergence between gene duplicates.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: impairment and immunization.

It has been 50 years since Smith [1] and Weller et al. [2] separately reported the isolation and propagation of a cytopathogenic virus from tissues of infants with cytomegalic inclusion disease. In the intervening half century, much has been learned about congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, as well as the epidemiological, transmission, and molecular biological characteristics of CMV and the natural history of CMV infection. Unfortunately, no means of preventing congenital CMV infection or its cognitive, motor, or sensory sequelae is available or even on the visible horizon. In this issue of the
Powerful Bactericidal and Sterilizing Activity of a Regimen Containing PA-824, Moxifloxacin, and Pyrazinamide in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis

PA-824 is a nitroimidazo-oxazine in clinical testing for the treatment of tuberculosis. We report that the novel combination of PA-824, moxifloxacin, and pyrazinamide cured mice more rapidly than the first-line regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. If applicable to humans, regimens containing this combination may radically shorten the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Myocardial neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity after coronary artery thrombosis and thrombolysis

Abstract Neutrophil accumulation and free radical release are implicated in the genesis of reperfusion injury. However, little is known about the changes in myocardial lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in relation to coronary artery thrombosis and thrombolysis. To investigate this issue, 18 dogs with electrically induced occlusive thrombus in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery were given tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA). Sustained reflow (lasting >120 min) occurred in 4 dogs, reocclusion after initial thrombolysis (transient reflow, duration of reflow 5 to 25 min) occurred in 7 dogs, and no reperfusion was evident in 7 dogs. Myocardial neutrophil infiltration was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant activity by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the myocardial regions supplied by the nonischemic left circumflex (Cx) and the ischemic LAD coronary arteries. In dogs with ischemia alone (no reperfusion), MPO activity and MDA levels in the LAD-supplied myocardium were modestly higher and SOD activity modestly lower than in the corresponding Cx-supplied myocardium. In dogs with sustained reperfusion there was a marked increase in MPO and MDA and a marked reduction in SOD activity in the reperfused myocardium. The MPO and MDA values in the myocardium of dogs with transient reperfusion, although much higher than the corresponding normal myocardial values, were less marked than in the myocardium of dogs with sustained reperfusion, and the SOD activity was preserved in the transiently reperfused regions. Myocardial shortening fraction in the LAD region was worse in dogs with sustained reperfusion than in those with sustained ischemia or transient reperfusion. Thus neutrophil accumulation occurs in the ischemic and reperfused myocardium, mostly in the early phase of reperfusion. Lipid peroxidation occurring during reperfusion correlates with the duration of reperfusion, extent of neutrophil accumulation, and myocardial contractile dysfunction. Lastly, myocardial SOD activity declines markedly during prolonged reperfusion and recovers rapidly when reperfusion is short-lived.
Melt blown nanofibers: Fiber diameter distributions and onset of fiber breakup

Abstract Poly(butylene terephthalate), polypropylene, and polystyrene nanofibers with average diameters less than 500 nm have been produced by a single orifice melt blowing apparatus using commercially viable processing conditions. This result is a major step towards closing the gap between melt blowing technology and electrospinning in terms of the ability to produce nano-scale fibers. Furthermore, analysis of fiber diameter distributions reveals they are well described by a log-normal distribution function regardless of average fiber diameter, indicating that the underlying fiber attenuation mechanisms are retained even when producing nanofibers. However, a comparison of the breadth of the distributions between mats with differing average fiber diameters indicates that the dependence of the breadth with average fiber diameter is not universal (i.e., it is material dependent). Finally, under certain processing conditions, we observe fiber breakup that we believe is driven by surface tension and these instabilities may represent the onset of an underlying fundamental limit to the process.
Iterative Reconstruction for Ultra-Low-Dose Laxative-Free CT Colonography

Iterative reconstruction IRT makes it possible to acquire computed tomographic colonography CTC images at <50% of the radiation dose of conventional standard-dose filtered back-projection FBP without impairing image quality. It has also other significant advantages over FBP, including better noise suppression, reduction of image artifacts, and flexible mathematical formulation. In this pilot study, we explored the potential application of IRT in the implementation of an ultra-low-dose ULD laxative-free CTC examination. First, CTC images are reconstructed approximately with FBP to detect regions of fecal tagging and other high-density objects that can generate image artifacts. Next, the detected regions are projected to sinogram domain to guide the IRT process for the minimization of image noise, correction of beam-hardening artifacts, and virtual cleansing of fecal-tagged regions. For pilot evaluation, five patients were prepared for an ULD dual-energy CTC examination by use of non-cathartic dietary fecal tagging with iodine. For one patient, the CTC images were reconstructed by use of both the FBP and IRT methods. Preliminary results showed that the IRT-reconstructed images demonstrated superior image quality over the FBP-reconstructed images.
do Yanomamo killers have more kids

Discussion, critique de l'etude de N. Chagnon (dans Science, 1988, no 239) et son interpretation evolutionniste et sociobiologique de la guerre chez les Yanomami (Bresil, Venezuela)| reponse de N. C.
Second surgical opinion programs: dead or alive?

Abstract Background: In the 1970s, second surgical opinion programs were established in an effort to improve medical care and to control health care costs. The cost-effectiveness of these programs has been questioned recently. Study Design: A retrospective review was conducted of elective second-opinion surgical consultations for members of Local 32B-J of the International Service Employees Union for the years 1993–1994. Nonconfirmed consultations were reviewed against claims history data for the subsequent 2 years. Data were analyzed for rates of nonconfirmation by diagnosis and surgical specialty and for cost-effectiveness benefit. Results: Of the 5,601 second surgical consultations performed, 490 procedures were not confirmed as medically necessary (9%). Claims history survey for these 490 patients for the 2 years following the consultation revealed that no operation was performed in 62%. The highest nonconfirmation rate (41%) was in plastic and reconstructive surgery, followed by gynecology (22%). The cost-benefit ratio for the program was calculated to be 1.34. Conclusions: A second surgical opinion program confers both cognitive and psychologic beneficial effects on Joint Trust Fund members and their dependents who are advised to undergo elective operations. Our current second surgical opinion nonconfirmation rate is 9%, with hysterectomy, prostatectomy, and bunionectomy among the procedures most frequently nonconfirmed. The cost-benefit ratio was estimated at 1.34.
Human insulin absorption from the intestine in diabetic rats

AbstractThe ability of human insulin to produce hypoglycemia in streptozocin-diabetic rats (average weight 500 g) was investigated. A simple solution of human insulin (insulin in hypotonic buffer solution) was administered intraduodenally. Rats received a dose of insulin of either 200 U/kg, 400 U/kg, or 600 U/kg. The hypoglycemic response was most significant when 600 U/kg solution of insulin was administered. The 200 U/kg dose was of two forms; one form was a solution of insulin with a concentration of 25 U/ml, 4 ml, and the other was a solution of insulin with a concentration of 50 U/ml, 2 ml. The dose of 25 U/ml, 4 ml produced a more significant hypoglycemic response than that of 50 U/ml, 2 ml. Carrier-insulin systems were also introduced intraduodenally in streptozocin-diabetic rats. The results indicate that the carrier systems without insulin had glucogenic effect. Despite this glucogenic effect, carrier-insulin systems at 200 U/kg dose were as effective as that of 600 U/kg of insulin solution. We c...
Differences in Beliefs About Psychological Services in the Relationship Between Sociorace and One's Social Network

The roles of previous psychological service use and social network variables in beliefs about psychological services were examined with 184 college students. Having friends and family members who used psychological services, being female, and having used psychological services positively related with beliefs about psychological services. Socioracial differences in the effects of previous use of psychological services and social network variables on students’ beliefs about psychological services were found. Suggestions for ways counselors can provide support to students are discussed.
Effects of percentage of goal-punished extinction trials on self-punitive behavior

Following 20 shock-escape acquisition trials in a straight runway, 36 female albino rats were given.5-sec shock after entering the goalbox on 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of extinction trials. Relative to the 0% controls, all punished groups ran significantly faster during extinction but did not differ significantly among themselves. The results confirm earlier studies demonstrating self-punitive behavior using the goal-shock procedure and are consistent with other research in which intermittent punishment has been applied in the alley. Nevertheless, the results do not seem to be supportive of theoretical points of view that stress the critical importance of maintaining the eliciting stimuli and the reinforcing conditions that were present during acquisition.
Staging, Migration, and Winter Distribution of Canada and Cackling Geese Staging in Interior Alaska

The breeding stock composition and ecology of Canada (Branta canadensis) and cackling (B. hutchinsii) geese, collectively white-cheeked geese, staging in interior Alaska and wintering in the Pacific Northwest is poorly understood. We captured, measured, and applied neck collars to white-cheeked geese during spring and fall staging near Fairbanks and Delta Junction, Alaska, USA, to study their breeding stock composition, migration, and winter distribution. We measured exposed culmen, flattened wing chord, total tarsus, and body length of geese staging in interior Alaska to assist with determination of breeding stock. The first principal components, as well as a univariate measurement of exposed culmen, indicated geese trapped in Fairbanks in the fall were larger on average than geese trapped in Delta Junction in either spring or fall. We observed or recovered most of the banded geese detected in fall and winter in central British Columbia, Canada, central Washington, USA, and north-central Oregon, USA, east of the Cascade Mountains, with relatively few observations in western British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. We found no evidence of movement between wintering areas on the east and west sides of the Cascade Mountains. Geese that we trapped during spring staging in Delta Junction were more often observed on the west side of the Cascade Mountains than geese trapped during fall staging in Fairbanks. Most (93%) geese trapped during fall staging in both Fairbanks and Delta Junction, however, wintered east of the Cascade Mountains. After-hatch-year (AHY) geese from interior Alaska staging areas observed on the west side of the Cascade Mountains were structurally smaller on average than AHY geese observed on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. Our results indicate fall staging white-cheeked geese in Fairbanks were predominantly 1 breeding stock of white-cheeked geese, while fall and spring staging white-cheeked geese in Delta Junction comprised at least 2 stocks of white-cheeked geese. Based on our findings, we recommend separate harvest and management strategies be considered for small white-cheeked geese migrating through coastal and central British Columbia and wintering east and west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon to avoid potential overharvest of independent breeding stocks.
Weighted Graph Algorithms

The data structures and traversal algorithms of Chapter 5 provide the basic building blocks for any computation on graphs. However, all the algorithms presented there dealt with unweighted graphs—i.e., graphs where each edge has identical value or weight.
Needle-Type Multi-Analyte MEMS Sensor Arrays for In Situ Measurements in Biofilms

Biofilms are colonies of microbial cells in a polymeric matrix. Formation of biofilms has been associated with a broad range of industrial problems at the annual cost of billions of dollars. For example, biofilms are ubiquitous in water distribution systems and control of their growth have been a great challenge, with many water utilities in the US reporting biofilm survival in water distribution systems despite the continuing presence of disinfectants. In addition to being a nuisance, biofilms may also harbor various types of microorganisms including opportunistic pathogens and thus can threaten public health. The conventional methods for studying biofilms include microelectrode sensors fabricated from pulled glass micropipettes. However, fragility, difficulty to manufacture and operate, and susceptibility to electrical interference limit their use to specialized laboratories under highly controlled conditions. Thus, there is a critical need for robust microelectrode sensors that can be used In Situ to study biofilms.
Teaching qualitative research: Key content, course structures, and recommendations:

This article examines the interdisciplinary literature in order to define core content areas and course structures used in teaching qualitative research. The available literature on teaching qualit...
Renal Carbuncle: The Use of Ultrasound in its Diagnosis and Treatment

AbstractThe use of ultrasound in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of 5 patients with renal abscesses is described. A spectrum of ultrasonic findings was noted, with the majority of the lesions being anechoic (3 cases). However, a few lesions showed a mixed pattern (2 cases). Ultrasonic aspiration of abscess fluid for culture and sensitivity obviated an operation in 1 case. For the first time, ultrasonically guided, percutaneous, indwelling catheter drainage of a renal carbuncle is reported. Since the patient had failed to respond to systemic antibiotic therapy this technique saved the patient from undergoing an operation. The clinical and ultrasonic findings in the 6 previous case reports of abscesses are reviewed.
Stimulation of burrowing activity by wave action in some marine bivalves

Abstract It is shown, that wave action stimulates Macoma balthica, Spisula subtruncata, Cardium edule and Mya arenaria to start burrowing and to continue the burrowing for a longer period of time than in stilI water. All 4 species live in places, where they are in danger of being washed out of their substratum. On the contrary, wave action slightly inhibits burrowing activity in Nuculana pernula, and it clearly inhibits burrowing activity in Nucula nucleus. These two species live in places, where there is little risk that they will be washed out of their substratum. N.pernula was the only of the species tested, which showed any signs of “tiredness”.
Self-defeating personality: is there a secondary gain?

Summary.-No support was found for the hypothesis that self-defeating behavior results in secondary gain, i.e., more supportive behaviors from others. Two of the eight criteria for diagnosing self-defeating personality disorder involve rejecting opportunities for pleasure (criterion five) and being uninterested in and rejecting people who treat one well (criterion seven). Berglas (1989) has suggested there is a secondary gain for people with self-defeating personality disorder, particularly for those with these two characteristics. Supposedly, certain people respond to these individuals' lack of enjoyment and their disinterest or reiection with efforts to nurture or "rescue" them. To assess whether this is the case, 53 men and 57 women volunteers from introductory psychology took Schill's SeU-defeating Personality Scale (1990) which has 48 items, six for each of the criteria used in diagnosing this disorder. Sample means (and standard deviations) were for men 21.20 (5.65) and for women 17.95 (5.06). They also took Barrera, Sander, and Ramsay's (1981) Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors. Sample means (and standard deviations) were for men 110.50 (28.06) and for women 112.59 (26.87). If Berglas is right, people having more characteristics of self-defeating personality, particularly characteristics associated with criteria five and seven, should report receiving more supportive transactions from others during the past