cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus and Perceived Barriers to Vaccination in a Sample of US Female College Students.

Abstract Objective: To assess knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and perceived barriers to being vaccinated against the virus. Participants: Three hundred ninety-six undergraduate women enrolled at Penn State University in Fall 2008. Methods: A random sample of students were invited to participate in a Web-based survey. Results: Awareness of HPV and the vaccine was high, but knowledge of HPV-related facts averaged only 65% overall. Knowledge was significantly predicted by frequency of media exposure and physician encouragement to be vaccinated, but not by the number of sex partners nor the frequency of condom/dental dam use. On average, women indicated that 2 of the 10 barriers listed applied to them. Physician encouragement negatively predicted barriers at p = .066. No other predictors approached significance. Conclusions: Serious misconceptions remain about specific aspects of the diseases and how they are acquired. Health education efforts are needed to improve knowledge in college populations and...
SPONTANEOUS EVOLUTION OF IMMUNE COMPETENCE IN DIGEORGE SYNDROME

Thymic hypofunction and increased susceptibility to infection in the DiGeorge Syndrome have been associated with reduced humoral and cellular immunity. As a result, thymic transplantation has been utilized to modify immune responses, with improved lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens and antigens being attributed to the effects of therapy. Over the past year we have studied a male infant with the DiGeorge syndrome as documented by 1)characteristic facies, 2)neonatal hypocalcemic tetany, 3)absent thymic shadow, 4) quintallogy of Fallot, 5)antibody deficiency and 6)cellular immune dysfunction. During observation in reverse isolation, serial studies showed spontaneous acquisition of normal levels of serum immunoglobulins and cell mediated immunity as measured in vitro with phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed and staphylococcal antigens. Macrophage inhibitory factor and interferon were produced. Sheep RBC - lymphocyte “T-rosettes” have remained decreased. At one year of age parathormone levels and growth are normal. Only recurrent otitis media and one episode of pneumonia have occurred. Significantly, we have documented progressive spontaneous improvement in immuno-responsiveness without immunotherapy or transplantation. Thus, spontaneous recovery may occur in selected patients with DiGeorge syndrome, and careful observation of such infants may avoid unnecessary transplantation.
Aldose Reductase Inhibition Prevents Allergic Airway Remodeling through PI3K/AKT/GSK3β Pathway in Mice

Background Long-term and unresolved airway inflammation and airway remodeling, characteristic features of chronic asthma, if not treated could lead to permanent structural changes in the airways. Aldose reductase (AR), an aldo-sugar and lipid aldehyde metabolizing enzyme, mediates allergen-induced airway inflammation in mice, but its role in the airway remodeling is not known. In the present study, we have examined the role of AR on airway remodeling using ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic asthma mouse model and cultured human primary airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and mouse lung fibroblasts (mLFs).
The question of nitrification in the Passaic River, New Jersey: Analysis of historical data and experimental investigation

Abstract Historical NH 4 + and NO 3 − data from six stations on the Passaic River, New Jersey, were analyzed. The data for five of the stations span 1963 to 1976, and for the sixth station 1947 to 1976. Some of the conclusions reached are as follows: 1. (1) The concentration of NH 4 + fluctuated widely, but the trend was towards an increase with time. 2. (2) The concentration of NH 4 + was elevated during a period of extreme drought (1963 to 1966). 3. (3) The concentration of NO 3 − tended to increase smoothly with time. 4. (4) The concentration of NH 4 + increases longitudinally (with downstream travel). 5. (5) The loads (concentration × stream-flow) of both nitrogen species tended to increase with time. 6. (6) Substantial NO 3 − enters the stream from non-point sources. 7. (7) The potential for instream nitrification is not fully realized, as represented by elevated levels of NH 4 + . Item (7) was puzzling because conditions in the Passaic, especially in the summer, appear to be favorable for nitrification. The point was clarified, in part through an experimental investigation. River water samples, with and without added NH 4 Cl, were incubated, and the course of the first step of nitrification was followed through the appearance of NO 2 − . (The second step of nitrification was inactive during the experimental period.) The added NH 4 Cl enhanced nitrification in samples from the uppermost stations (native NH 4 + -N approximately 0.1 mg l −1 , but had little or no effect in samples from the middle and lower reaches (native NH 4 + -N > 0.5 mg l −1 ). Consequently, it was inferred that over most of the river's mainstem the growth of NH 4 + -oxidizing bacteria was not substrate limited. There was also no indication of other nutrient limitations or of the presence of any inhibitors. This led to a projection of a 60-fold increase in the population density of planktonic NH 4 + -oxidizers over a certain stretch of the river. However, no increase in the most-probable-number (MPN) of NH 4 + -oxidizing bacteria was observed, which is consistent with item (7). In fact, at the end of a quiescent segment of the river the MPN's were anomalously low. This is attributed to the removal of cells from the water column through settling. This reasoning is extended to suggest that, throughout the river, settling may be the mechanism preventing a response of planktonic nitrifiers to the enrichment with NH 4 + from pollution sources. In turn, this could prevent a full expression of the potential for nitrification. The analyses are discussed from a regulatory perspective. It is concluded that the nitrification component of the Passaic's self-purification capacity is overburdened, and first became so in 1953.
Legislative Organization and Pollution Taxation

The role of political institutions in shaping public policy has been analyzed in isolation from corruption, and legislative organization (specifically, bicameralism) has received minimal attention. We analyze pollution taxation when decisions are influenced by several veto players, such as legislative chambers. Our theory predicts that an increase in the number of veto players (e.g., moving from uni- to bi-cameralism) pushes the pollution tax towards the social optimum, with the effect being conditional on corruption. As such, dispersion around the optimal tax is lower under bicameralism. Empirical tests – using data from 86 countries – support the theory.
Effects of methylphenidate on schedule dependent and schedule induced behavior.

Abstract The effects of methylphenidate, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 12.0 mg/kg, on lever pressing, schedule induced licking, and drinking were studied. The generator schedule was a fixed interval 1 min food reinforcement schedule. The effects were assessed when animals were reduced to 80% body weight by partial food deprivation and when allowed to recover body weight under conditions of ad lib eating. Results indicate that under both body weight conditions methylphenidate significantly decreases schedule induced licking and drinking but does not affect lever pressing.
Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy with Splenic Conservation: An Operation without Increased Morbidity

Objectives. The advent of minimally invasive techniques was marked by a paradigm shift towards the use of laparoscopy for benign distal pancreatic masses. Herein we describe one center's experience with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed for all distal pancreatectomies completed laparoscopically from 1999 to 2009. Outcomes from those cases completed with a concurrent splenectomy were compared to the spleen-preserving procedures. Results. Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Seven had spleen-conserving operations. There was no difference in the mean estimated blood loss (316 versus 285 mL, 𝑃 = . 5 ) or operative time (179 versus 170 minutes, 𝑃 = . 9 ). The mean tumor size was not significantly different (3.1 versus 2.2 cm, 𝑃 = . 9 ). There was no difference in the average hospital stay (7.1 versus 7.0 days, 𝑃 = . 7 ). Complications in the spleen-preserving group included one iatrogenic colon injury, two pancreatic fistulas, and two cases of iatrogenic diabetes. In the splenectomy group, two developed respiratory failure, three acquired iatrogenic diabetes, and two suffered pancreatic fistulas (71% versus 41% , 𝑃 = . 4 ). Conclusions. The laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a safe operation with a low morbidity. Splenic conservation does not significantly increase the morbidity of the procedure.
Fashion Consumer Groups, Gender, and Need for Touch

Within the context of consumer motivation theory, the purpose of this research was to investigate how fashion consumer groups and gender are related to need for touch. Differences between individuals high and low in need for touch are consistent with differences between fashion change agents and fashion followers. Participants (101 females; 70 males) from 54 different majors completed demographic information, the Need For Touch (NFT) scale, and the Measure of Fashion Innovativeness and Opinion Leadership. Fashion change agents and females had a greater NFT—total, autotelic and instrumental—than fashion followers and males. Fashion change agents and females scored equally high on autotelic and instrumental dimensions of NFT but fashion followers and males scored higher on the instrumental than the autotelic dimension. Using a diverse sample that included male and female college students from a variety of majors countered limitations of earlier research and provided new insights into the role of need for to...
Synthesis of the Salmonella Type E1 Core Trisaccharide as a Probe for the Generality of 1-(Benzenesulfinyl)piperidine/Triflic Anhydride Combination for Glycosidic Bond Formation from Thioglycosides

A synthesis of a chromogenic glycoside of the Salmonella anatum group E1 core trisaccharide is presented in which all three glycosidic bonds, a 1,2-cis-equatorial, a 1,2-trans-axial, and a 1,2-trans-equatorial linkage representing three of the four main classes of glycosidic bond, are formed with thioglycoside donors activated under a single set of conditions by the combination of 1-(benzenesulfinyl)piperidine and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride. 2,3-O-Carbonyl- and 2,3-O-isopropylidene-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl thioglycosides are found to be highly α-selective rhamnosyl donors under these conditions.
Effect of starch of textural properties of surimi gel

The proportion of amylose and amylopectin, and the rheological behavior of eight starches were correlated with the textural properties of starch-containing surimi gels. Findings included the following: increased firmness and cohesiveness with increases in water-holding ability and viscosity of the starch; increased expressible moisture and penetration force with an increase in the amylose fraction due to increased retrogradation: increased tensile force with an increase in the amylopectin fraction: and increased cohesiveness and chewiness after refrigerated storage for all starches with a greater increase for high amylose starches. Surimi gels containing potato starch were the firmest and most cohesive. The textural properties of starch-containing surimi gel correlated well (r = 0.90 to 0.97, P>0.05) with the viscosity of starch paste if 100% amylopectin-containing and pregelatinized starches were excluded from the correlation.
Ellagic Acid Mitigates SNO-PDI Induced Aggregation of Parkinsonian Biomarkers

Nitrosative stress mediated S-nitrosylation (SNO) of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a housekeeping oxidoreductase, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic Parkinson’s (PD) and Alzheimer’s (AD) diseases. Previous cell line studies have indicated that SNO-PDI formation provokes synphilin-1 aggregation, the minor Parkinsonian biomarker protein. Yet no work exists investigating whether SNO-PDI induces α-synuclein aggregation, the major Lewy body constituent associated with Parkinson’s pathogenesis. Here, we report that SNO-PDI formation is linked to the aggregation of α-synuclein and also provokes α-synuclein:synphilin-1 deposits (Lewy-body-like debris) normally found in the PD brain. Furthermore, we have examined the ability of a small molecule, 2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione (ellagic acid; EA) to scavenge NOx radicals and to protect cells from SNO-PDI formation via rotenone insult both, cell-based and cell-independent in vitro experiments. Furthermore, EA not onl...
In search of global market leadership: investigation of organisational transformative change

One of the top considerations for small- and medium-sized firms in today's global economy is to strategise how to handle global competition and take the lead in the game. This paper was based on a series of three studies over five years investigating the fundamental change of a former Chinese state-owned enterprise, Huatao Ltd., in its course of becoming a capable organisation with multiple competences and achieving global leadership in its industry. This study suggests that actions of small- and medium-sized companies can result in best practices for firms evolving rapidly into competitive, market-driven enterprises in the global arena.
Localization of the gene for the DNA-binding protein AP-2 to human chromosome 6p22.3-pter.

Abstract A variety of cellular proteins bind to cellular and viral enhancer elements. One such factor, known as AP-2, is a 52-kDa transcription factor identified by its interaction with the SV40 and metallothionein enhancers. In addition, it has been found that AP-2 binds to the SV40 T-antigen. AP-2 activity is mediated by both the state of cellular differentiation and changes in signal transduction pathways, suggesting a potential role of AP-2 in the regulation of diverse cellular processes. As part of an effort to examine the chromosomal organization of cellular genes encoding transcription factors, we report the mapping of the gene encoding AP-2 to human chromosome 6p22.3–24 by analysis of somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization to chromosomes.
Issues in Transition Planning Legal Decisions

The purpose of this article is to identify legal issues concerning the transition planning process through a qualitative analysis of administrative and judicial decisions addressing transition serv...
Bounds on the linear span of bent sequences

Recently, Olsen, Scholtz, and Welch presented families of binary sequences called bent-function sequences which can be generated through nonlinear operations on m -sequences. These families of sequences possess asymptotically optimum correlation properties and large equivalent linear span (ELS). Upper and lower bounds to the ELS of bent-function sequences are derived. The upper bound improves upon Key's upper bound and the lower bound, obtained through construction, and exceeds \left(\stackrel{n/2}{n/4}\right)\cdot 2^{n/4} , where n is the length of the shift register generating the m -sequence. An interesting general result contained in the derivation is the exhibition of a class of nonlinear sequences whose ELS is guaranteed to be large.
Endotension: Net Flow through an Endoleak Determines its Visibility

Objectives: Aortic mural angiogenesis is a key pathologic feature of AAA disease. We previously reported that VEGF-receptor 2 expression correlated with experimental AAA progression. This study evaluated the influence of anti-VEGF-A monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy on AAA formation and progression in the porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) infusion model in C57Bl/6J mice. Methods: PPE-infused mice were given anti-VEGF-A neutralizing mAb or control mAb. Aortic aneurysm progression was evaluated via serial transabdominal in vivo ultrasonography and histology at sacrifice. Results: In control mAb-treated mice, persistent and significant aortic enlargement was noted beginning the third day following PPE infusion. Anti-VEGF-A mAb
Does the Hydrated Electron Occupy a Cavity

Since the discovery of the hydrated electron more than 40 years ago, a general consensus has emerged that the hydrated electron occupies a quasispherical cavity in liquid water. We simulated the electronic structure and dynamics of the hydrated electron using a rigorously derived pseudopotential to treat the electron-water interaction, which incorporates attractive oxygen and repulsive hydrogen features that have not been included in previous pseudopotentials. What emerged was a hydrated electron that did not reside in a cavity but instead occupied a ~1-nanometer-diameter region of enhanced water density. Both the calculated ground-state absorption spectrum and the excited-state spectral dynamics after simulated photoexcitation of this noncavity hydrated electron showed excellent agreement with experiment. The relaxation pathway involves a rapid internal conversion followed by slow ground-state cooling, the opposite of the mechanism implicated by simulations in which the hydrated electron occupies a cavity.
Primary and secondary magnetizations in lunar rocks - Implications for the ancient magnetic field of the Moon

The nature of the ancient magnetic field of the Moon, in which lunar rocks acquired their remanent magnetism, has emerged as an important potential source of evidence, if somewhat controversial, for a lunar core which at a period in the Moon's history was the source of the magnetic field. Many of the lunar rocks possess a stable, primary remanence (NRM) with characteristics consistent with and indicative of thermo-remanent magnetization, acquired when the rocks cooled in an ambient magnetic field. Also present are secondary components of magnetization, one type of which appears to have been acquired between collection on the Moon and reception in the laboratory and others which were apparently acquired on the Moon. An important question to be answered is whether meteorite impacts play any part in lunar magnetism, either in modifying pre-existing magnetizations or by imparting a shock remanent magnetism (SRM) in a transient magnetic field associated with the impact. With current knowledge, SRM, in either a global lunar magnetic field of a transient field, and TRM cannot be distinguished, and in the paper the secondary magnetization characteristic of lunar rocks are examined to investigate whether their nature favours the presence of a permanent lunar magnetic field or whether they are consistent with an origin as a transient field-generated SRM. Besides terrestrial processes of secondary magnetization, such as viscous, chemical and partial thermoremanent magnetization, possible processes peculiar to the Moon are discussed and their likely importance assessed in relation to lunar sample history. The nature of the secondary magnetizations appear to be best explained on the assumption that they are due to one or more of the processes that require an ambient lunar field, namely viscous, partial thermoremanent and shock magnetization. When associated with other types of evidence obtained from lunar magnetism studies, investigations of lunar sample remanent magnetism now favours the existence of an ancient lunar magnetic field.
Giant papillary muscles masquerading as a left ventricular mass: an incidental intraoperative echocardiographic finding

A 20-year–old woman underwent a subaortic membrane resection due to the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Two giant papillary muscles were found incidentally on intraoperative echocardiography that were distinct from the LV wall and did not contribute to the LVOT obstruction (Figs 1 and 2). Reports suggested similar masses as rare fibroelastomas, occasionally requiring surgical resection. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Investigation of interface states and fermi level pinning mechanisms with metals on InP(110) surfaces

Abstract Metal/InP(110) interfaces have been systematically studied using photoelectron Spectroscopy. This work aims at understanding the physical nature of interface states and Fermi level pinning mechanisms. Clear-cut experimental evidence shows that two types of interface states are responsible for Fermi level pinning. At the disrupted interfaces which occur at room temperature, a large amount of defects are generated during various interfacial processes and pin the surface Fermi levels around 0.95 eV above the valence band maximum (VBM). On the contrary, much fewer defects are present at the nearly perfect interfaces which are obtainable at reduced temperature. In these cases, the metal induced gap states play an overwhelming role, and the Fermi level is pinned around 0.75 eV above the VBM. It is also concluded that interplay between the two mechanisms should be taken into account in order to understand the process of Schottky barrier formation.
On the exoneration of Dr. William H. Stewart: debunking an urban legend

Background It is one of the most infamous quotes in the history of biomedicine: “It is time to close the book on infectious diseases, and declare the war against pestilence won.” Long attributed to the United States Surgeon General, Dr. William H. Stewart (1965-1969), the statement is frequently used as a foil by scientific and lay authors to underscore the ever-increasing problems of antibiotic-resistant and emerging infections. However, the primary source for the quote has never been identified.
Ni(II) and Co(II) sensing by Escherichia coli RcnR.

Escherichia coli RcnR and Mycobacterium tuberculosis CsoR are the founding members of a recently identified, large family of bacterial metal-responsive DNA-binding proteins. RcnR controls the expression of the metal efflux protein RcnA only in response to Ni(II) and Co(II) ions. Here, the interaction of Ni(II) and Co(II) with wild-type and mutant RcnR proteins is examined to understand how these metals function as allosteric effectors. Both metals bind to RcnR with nanomolar affinity and stabilize the protein to denaturation. X-ray absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies reveal six-coordinate high-spin sites for each metal that contains a thiolate ligand. Experimental data support a tripartite N-terminal coordination motif (NH2-Xaa-NH-His) that is common for both metals. However, the Ni(II)− and Co(II)−RcnR complexes are shown to differ in the remaining coordination environment. Each metal coordinates a conserved Cys ligand but with distinct M−S distances. Co(II)−thiolate coordinatio...
Antimutagenic effect of rat small intestine in vitro on 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene and 1,1,2,3,3-pentachloropropene.

Abstract The direct mutagenic activity of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene and 1,1,2,3,3-pentachloropropene in Salmonella typhimurium was measured before and after incubation in the presence of intact segments of rat small intestine in vitro. The number of revertants in tester strain TA100 was reduced by about 95% when these chloropropenes were exposed to rat small intestine for 10–30 min immediately prior to determination of mutagenicity. The existence of an intestine-mediated detoxication reaction was postulated, and was supported by observations that incubation with the chloropropenes for 30 min caused a 48–68% depletion of intestinal glutathione in vitro. Although addition of glutathione to the chloropropenes reduced mutagenicity, the amount of tissue glutathione consumed during incubation of mutagen with intestinal segments is probably insufficient to account for the detoxication. Additional metabolic reactions and/or non-specific protein binding may occur in the intact intestine which contribute to the antimutagenic effect. These initial results support the existence of an effective detoxication mechanism by the small intestine which is likely to reduce the absorption of direct-acting mutagens and other electrophiles.
Aluminum-induced alterations in [3H]ouabain binding and ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by the rat brain synaptosomal (Na(+)+K+)-ATPase.

The (Na+ + K+)-ATPase is responsible for maintenance of the ionic milieu of cells. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of aluminum, an ion implicated in several neurological disorders, on ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by the rat brain synaptosomal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and on the binding of [3H]ouabain to this enzyme. AlCl3 (25–100 μM) inhibits the phosphatase activity of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in a dose-dependent manner. AlCl3 appears to act as a reversible, noncompetitive inhibitor of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity by decreasing the maximum velocity of the enzyme without significantly affecting the apparent dissociation constant with respect to ATP. AlCl3 may affect Mg2+ sites on the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase but does not appear to interact with Na+ or K+ sites on the enzyme. In contrast to this inhibitory effect on the phosphatase function of the enzyme, AlCl3 (1–100 μM) stimulates the binding of [3H]ouabain to the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. This effect is due to an increase in the maximum [3H]ouabain binding capacity of the enzyme with no change in the [3H]ouabain binding affinity. These data support the hypothesis that AlCl3 may stabilize the phosphorylated form of the synaptosomal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase which increases [3H]ouabain binding while inhibiting the phosphatase activity of the enzyme.
Fundamentals of host immune response against Brucella abortus: what the mouse model has revealed about control of infection.

Abstract The studies reviewed here evaluated the role cellular immune system components play in control of brucellosis by conducting comparative studies with brucella-resistant C57BL/10 or C57BL/6 mice and susceptible BALB/c mice. We have shown by both in vitro and in vivo studies that activation of macrophages with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an important factor for control of infection with B. abortus in the mouse model and that the mechanism of anti-brucella activity largely involved reactive oxygen intermediates. Differences in control of the organism by resistant and susceptible mice was not related to inherent differences in the ability of their macrophages to control infection either with or without IFN-γ activation nor was it attributable to NK cells since we found no role for them in control of brucellosis in either mouse strain. However, relative resistance to brucellosis did correlate with increased production of IFN-γ by CD4 T cells during the first weeks after infection while IL-10 contributed to susceptibility in BALB/c mice. Moreover, by 3 weeks post-infection splenocytes from the susceptible BALB/c mice failed to produce IFN-γ and relied on TNF-α as well as CD8 T cells to control infection until the end of the plateau phase around 6 weeks post-infection when IFN-γ production resumed and clearance began. In contrast, IFN-γ was crucial for control throughout the infection in the more resistant C57BL/6 mice and the mice died in its absence by 6 weeks post-infection compared to 12 weeks for the more susceptible mice that relied on additional mechanisms of control. In contrast to the IFN-γ knock-out mice, both β2 microglobulin knock-out C57BL/6 mice, which do not express conventional MHC class I molecules and thus cannot present antigen to CD8 T cells, or perforin knock-out C57BL/6 mice, which have no T cell cytotoxic activity, controlled and cleared the infection as well as normal C57BL/6 mice. The hiatus of IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice correlated with very high levels of total IL-12 and it was postulated that the lack of IFN-γ was a consequence of p40 homodimer blocking activity. However, reduction of p40 IL-12 in vivo through administration of indomethacin reduced the infection without a concomitant measurable increase in IFN-γ. Current studies are aimed at elucidating the mechanism of the IFN-γ hiatus.
Optical scattering induced noise in RF-photonic systems

Scattering mechanisms in optical fiber induce noise in the spectra of optical signals travelling through the fiber. This fiber-induced noise limits the quality factor of optical fiber resonators and degrades low-noise signals transmitted via optical fiber. In this work, we present preliminary data from our systematic study of optical scattering in fiber. We present noise spectra for Rayleigh and Brillouin scattering. We also demonstrate suppression of these scattering mechanisms via laser frequency modulation.
Linkage of the MHC to Familial Multiple Sclerosis Suggests Genetic Heterogeneity

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. While its etiology is not well understood, genetic factors are clearly involved. Until recently, most genetic studies in MS have been association studies using the case-control design testing specific candidate genes and studying only sporadic cases. The only consistently replicated finding has been an association with the HLA-DR2 allele within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6. Using the genetic linkage design, however, evidence for and against linkage of the MHC to MS has been found, fostering suggestions that sporadic and familial MS have different etiologies. Most recently, two of four genomic screens demonstrated linkage to the MHC, although specific allelic associations were not tested. Here, a dataset of 98 multiplex families was studied to test for an association to the HLA-DR2 allele in familial MS and to determine if genetic linkage to the MHC was due solely to such an association. Three highly polymorphic markers (HLA-DR, D6S273 and TNFbeta) in the MHC demonstrated strong genetic linkage (parametric lod scores of 4.60, 2.20 and 1.24, respectively) and a specific association with the HLA-DR2 allele was confirmed (TDT; P < 0.001). Stratifying the results by HLA-DR2 status showed that the linkage results were limited to families segregating HLA-DR2 alleles. These results demonstrate that genetic linkage to the MHC can be explained by the HLA-DR2 allelic association. They also indicate that sporadic and familial MS share a common genetic susceptibility. In addition, preliminary calculations suggest that the MHC explains between 17 and 62% of the genetic etiology of MS. This heterogeneity is also supported by the minority of families showing no linkage or association with loci within the MHC.
A continuum model of thermal transpiration

Previous proposed modifications in the respective constitutive forms of the Newtonian deviatoric stress tensor and the no-slip boundary condition imposed upon viscous fluids at solid surfaces, wherein the fluid's mass velocity is replaced by its volume velocity, furnishes a complete continuum-hydrodynamic description of thermal transpiration phenomena occurring in a closed capillary tube filled with a single-component gas or liquid, the former at negligibly small Knudsen numbers. The resulting expression for the steady-state thermomolecular pressure difference upon the physicochemical properties of the capillary walls, an observation which accords with the predictions of our theory. Our proposed volume velocity-based rationalization of the phenomenon of thermal transpiration offers a strictly continuum no-slip alternative to Maxwell's widely-accepted thermal creep explanation thereof, involving slip of the fluid's mass velocity at a non-isothermal surface. The agreement of our theoretical predictions of the thermomolecular pressure difference with experimental data, which is essentially indistinguishable in accuracy from that provided by Maxwell's thermal creep theory, provides further support for the viability of the generic volume velocity-based framework underlying our theory, the latter having recently been used to also rationalize related thermophoretic and diffusiophoretic phenomena in gases, as well as thermal diffusion in liquids.
Rapid shape acquisition using color structured light and multi-pass dynamic programming

This paper presents a color structured light technique for recovering object shape from one or more images. The technique works by projecting a pattern of stripes of alternating colors and matching the projected color transitions with observed edges in the image. The correspondence problem is solved using a novel, multi-pass dynamic programming algorithm that eliminates global smoothness assumptions and strict ordering constraints present in previous formulations. The resulting approach is suitable for generating both high-speed scans of moving objects when projecting a single stripe pattern and high-resolution scans of static scenes using a short sequence of time-shifted stripe patterns. In the latter case, space-time analysis is used at each sensor pixel to obtain inter-frame depth localization. Results are demonstrated for a variety of complex scenes.
Mechanical stretch modulates TGF-β1 and α1(I) collagen expression in fetal human intestinal smooth muscle cells

Intestinal muscle undergoes stretch intermittently during peristalsis and persistently proximal to obstruction. The influence of this pervasive biomechanical force on developing smooth muscle cell ...
CvManGO, a method for leveraging computational predictions to improve literature-based Gene Ontology annotations.

The set of annotations at the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD) that classifies the cellular function of S. cerevisiae gene products using Gene Ontology (GO) terms has become an important resource for facilitating experimental analysis. In addition to capturing and summarizing experimental results, the structured nature of GO annotations allows for functional comparison across organisms as well as propagation of functional predictions between related gene products. Due to their relevance to many areas of research, ensuring the accuracy and quality of these annotations is a priority at SGD. GO annotations are assigned either manually, by biocurators extracting experimental evidence from the scientific literature, or through automated methods that leverage computational algorithms to predict functional information. Here, we discuss the relationship between literature-based and computationally predicted GO annotations in SGD and extend a strategy whereby comparison of these two types of annotation identifies genes whose annotations need review. Our method, CvManGO (Computational versus Manual GO annotations), pairs literature-based GO annotations with computational GO predictions and evaluates the relationship of the two terms within GO, looking for instances of discrepancy. We found that this method will identify genes that require annotation updates, taking an important step towards finding ways to prioritize literature review. Additionally, we explored factors that may influence the effectiveness of CvManGO in identifying relevant gene targets to find in particular those genes that are missing literature-supported annotations, but our survey found that there are no immediately identifiable criteria by which one could enrich for these under-annotated genes. Finally, we discuss possible ways to improve this strategy, and the applicability of this method to other projects that use the GO for curation. Database URL: http://www.yeastgenome.org
A micro thermoelectric energy scavenger for a hybrid insect

We report: (1) the design, fabrication, and testing results of an implantable micro-scale thermoelectric power scavenging device that utilizes the body temperature of beetles as an energy source, (2) measurements of beetle body temperature during flight and (3) the developmental stability of beetles with implanted devices. The implantable energy scavenger consists of multiple Bi2Te3 legs and long heat pipes that extend outside the beetlepsilas body to maintain a temperature difference. The device is fabricated on a flexible SU-8 substrate, has a footprint of 2times4 mm2, and is 250 mum thick. It produces a power density of 10 muW/cm2 with an 11degC DeltaT. The beetles produce an 11degC temperature difference during flight at the wing base and demonstrate a survival rate over 95% when devices are implanted in their backs during the pupa stage.
Characterization of a 5 kW solid oxide fuel cell stack using power electronic excitation

Fuel cells have attracted great interest as a means of clean, efficient conversion of chemical to electrical energy. This paper demonstrates the identification of both non-parametric and lumped circuit models of our stack in response to a test signal introduced by control of a power electronic circuit. This technique could be implemented on-line for continuous condition assessment of the stack, as it delivers power. The results show typical data from the stack, comparison of model and measured data, and whole-stack impedance spectroscopy results using a power electronic system to provide excitation. Run-time excitation currents for the spectroscopy measurement are generated by a hybrid power system controlling the flow of power from the fuel cell and a secondary power source to a fixed resistive load. The hybrid power system generates small-signal currents at the fuel cell terminals while the load current itself is largely unaffected by the impedance spectroscopy measurement.
Homoclinic orbits around spinning black holes. I. Exact solution for the Kerr separatrix

For equatorial Kerr orbits, we show that each separatrix between bound and plunging geodesics is a homoclinic orbit---an orbit that asymptotes to an energetically-bound, unstable circular orbit. We derive exact expressions for these trajectories in terms of elementary functions. We also clarify the formal connection between the separatrix and zoom-whirl orbits and show that, contrary to popular belief, zoom-whirl behavior is not intrinsically a near-separatrix phenomenon. This paper focuses on homoclinic behavior in physical space, while in a companion paper we paint the complementary phase space portrait. Although they refer to geodesic motion, the exact solutions for the Kerr separatrix could be useful for analytic or numerical studies of eccentric transitions from orbital to plunging motion under the dissipative effects of gravitational radiation.
Heart triglyceride synthesis in diabetes: selective increase in activity of enzymes of phosphatidate synthesis.

Abstract Heart triglyceride content increased in streptozotocin-induced ketotic diabetic rats. Insulin treatment of the diabetic rats reversed the heart triglyceride content to normal values. Triglyceride synthesis from radioactive glycerophosphate was studied in heart homogenates of control, ketotic diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats. There was an increased synthesis of triglyceride and its precursors in the ketotic diabetic state suggesting an increased substrate flow through the triglyceride synthetic pathway. Insulin treatment of the diabetic rats reverted the substrate flow to control values. These results showed a correlation between the in vivo heart triglyceride content and triglyceride synthesis in heart homogenates of control, ketotic diabetic and insulin-treated rats. Activity of the various enzymes catalyzing the synthesis of triglyceride from palmitate was assayed under optimal conditions. Activity of enzymes of phosphatidate synthesis was increased in the diabetic state and was reversible to control values following insulin treatment of the diabetic rats. There was no change in the activity of fatty acid thiokinase or phosphatidate phosphohydrolase or diglyceride acyltransferase either in the ketotic diabetic state or following insulin treatment. The results suggested that increased synthesis of triglycerides played a role in heart triglyceride accumulation in the diabetic state. Increase in the activity of the enzymes of phosphatidate synthesis contributed to the increased triglyceride synthesis in the heart homogenates of the diabetic rats.
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota Is Associated with HIV Disease Progression and Tryptophan Catabolism

Progressive HIV infection is characterized by dysregulation of the intestinal immune barrier, translocation of immunostimulatory microbial products, and chronic systemic inflammation that is thought to drive progression of disease to AIDS. Elements of this pathologic process persist despite viral suppression during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and drivers of these phenomena remain poorly understood. Disrupted intestinal immunity can precipitate dysbiosis that induces chronic inflammation in the mucosa and periphery of mice. However, putative microbial drivers of HIV-associated immunopathology versus recovery have not been identified in humans. Using high-resolution bacterial community profiling, we identified a dysbiotic mucosal-adherent community enriched in Proteobacteria and depleted of Bacteroidia members that was associated with markers of mucosal immune disruption, T cell activation, and chronic inflammation in HIV-infected subjects. Furthermore, this dysbiosis was evident among HIV-infected subjects undergoing HAART, and the extent of dysbiosis correlated with activity of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan catabolism and plasma concentrations of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), two established markers of disease progression. Gut-resident bacteria with capacity to catabolize tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway were found to be enriched in HIV-infected subjects, strongly correlated with kynurenine levels in HIV-infected subjects, and capable of kynurenine production in vitro. These observations demonstrate a link between mucosal-adherent colonic bacteria and immunopathogenesis during progressive HIV infection that is apparent even in the setting of viral suppression during HAART. This link suggests that gut-resident microbial populations may influence intestinal homeostasis during HIV disease.
A practical situation based agent architecture for social simulations

The concept of situation is central to the decision making processes of both human and software agents. The recognition of situation facilitates decision processes that ultimately result in action selection. Cognitive agent architectures that incorporate the concept of situation provide the opportunity for more sophisticated representations of human behavior and for more sophisticated decision support applications. This paper provides an overview of a general cognitive architecture for use in multi-agent simulation with the concept of situation central to the action selection and decision making process.
Deficits in emotional learning and memory in an animal model of schizophrenia.

Alterations in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function have been linked to numerous behavioral deficits and neurochemical alterations. Recent investigations have begun to explore the role of NMDA receptor function on principally inhibitory neurons and their role in network function. One of the prevailing models of schizophrenia proposes a reduction in NMDA receptor function on inhibitory interneurons and the resulting disinhibition may give rise to aspects of the disorder. Studies using NMDA receptor antagonists such as PCP and ketamine have induced schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits in animal model systems as well as changes in inhibitory circuits. The current study investigated whether the administration of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine (8 mg/kg subcutaneously), that disrupts sensorimotor gating, also produces impairments in a Pavlovian emotional learning and memory task. We utilized both standard delay and trace cued and contextual fear conditioning (CCF) paradigms to examine if ketamine produces differential effects when the task is more difficult and relies on connectivity between specific brain regions. Rats administered ketamine displayed no significant deficits in cued or contextual fear following the delay conditioning protocol. However, ketamine did produce a significant impairment in the more difficult trace conditioning protocol. Analyses of tissue from the hippocampus and amygdala indicated that the administration of ketamine produced an alteration in GABA receptor protein levels differentially depending on the task. These data indicate that 8 mg/kg of ketamine impairs learning in the more difficult emotional classical conditioning task and may be related to altered signaling in GABAergic systems.
Shigella flexneri 2a Strain CVD 1207, with Specific Deletions in virG, sen, set, and guaBA, Is Highly Attenuated in Humans

A phase 1 clinical trial was conducted among 35 healthy adult volunteers to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and shedding of different doses of CVD 1207, a live attenuated Shigella flexneri 2a vaccine candidate with specific deletion mutations in virG, sen, set, and guaBA. CVD 1207 retains the ability to invade epithelial cells but cannot effectively spread intercellularly after invasion (ΔvirG), does not produce enterotoxin (Δsen and Δset), and has limited proliferation in vivo (ΔguaBA). In a consecutive fashion, groups of three to seven subjects ingested a single oral dose of CVD 1207 at an inoculum of either 106, 107, 108, 109, or 1010 CFU. CVD 1207 was remarkably well-tolerated at inocula as high as 108 CFU. In comparison, one of 12 subjects who received 109 CFU experienced mild diarrhea and another experienced a single episode of emesis. One of five subjects who received 1010 CFU experienced watery diarrhea and emesis. All subjects who ingested doses of 108 to 1010 CFU excreted the vaccine; in 23 of 25, the duration of excretion was ≤3 days. A dose-related, immunoglobulin A antibody-secreting cell (ASC) response to S. flexneri 2a O-specific lipopolysaccharide was seen, with geometric mean peak values of 6.1 to 35.2 ASCs/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) among recipients of 107 to 1010 CFU. The cytokine response to Shigella-specific antigens observed in volunteers' PBMC following vaccination suggested a Th1 pattern with stimulation of gamma interferon and absence of interleukin 4 (IL-4) or IL-5. CVD 1207 represents a Shigella live oral vaccine strain prepared from wild-type S. flexneri 2a by rational use of recombinant DNA technology that achieves a remarkable degree of attenuation compared with earlier recombinant strains, even when administered at high dosage.
CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS TARP IS PHOSPHORYLATED BY SRC FAMILY TYROSINE KINASES

The translocated actin recruiting phosphoprotein (Tarp) is injected into the cytosol shortly after Chlamydia trachomatis attachment to a target cell and subsequently phosphorylated by an unidentified tyrosine kinase. A role for Tarp phosphorylation in bacterial entry is unknown. In this study, recombinant C. trachomatis Tarp was employed to identify the host cell kinase(s) required for phosphorylation. Each tyrosine rich repeat of L2 Tarp harbors a sequence similar to a Src and Abl kinase consensus target. Furthermore, purified p60-src, Yes, Fyn, and Abl kinases were able to phosphorylate Tarp. Mutagenesis of potential tyrosines within a single tyrosine rich repeat peptide indicated that both Src and Abl kinases phosphorylate the same residues suggesting that C. trachomatis Tarp may serve as a substrate for multiple host cell kinases. Surprisingly, chemical inhibition of Src and Abl kinases prevented Tarp phosphorylation in culture and had no measurable effect on bacterial entry into host cells.
Finding a shortest solution for the N x N extension of the 15- Puzzle is intractable

The 8-puzzle and the 15-puzzle have been used for many years as a domain for testing heuristic search techniques. From experience it is known that these puzzles are "difficult" and therefore useful for testing search techniques. In this paper we give strong evidence that these puzzles are indeed good test problems. We extend the 8-puzzle and the 15-puzzle to a nxn board and show that finding a shortest solution for the extended puzzle is NP-hard and thus computationally infeasible. We also present an approximation algorithm for transforming boards that is guaranteed to use no more than c L (SP) moves, where L (SP) is the length of the shortest solution and c is a constant which is independent of the given boards and their size n.