cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and their relationship to clinical and functional status

While research on social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia is quickly growing, relatively little is still known about the severity and correlates of these impairments. The few studies that have examined this issue suggest that social cognitive impairments may be positively related to psychiatric symptoms and negatively related to functioning. In the current analyses of 119 stable outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses, we sought to further characterize the nature of social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Specifically, we examined (1) social cognitive impairments on four different social cognitive tasks including measures of emotional processing and Theory of Mind and (2) the demographic, symptom and functional correlates of these impairments. For three of the four social cognitive tasks examined, the majority of participants performed 1 or more S.D. worse than healthy controls, with variability in the degree of impairment across tasks. Contrary to expectation, correlations between social cognitive performance on each of the four tasks and clinical and functional features were few and weak, and for the most part did not replicate the previously reported relationship of social cognition to severity of symptoms or current functional status.
BIOELECTRIC POTENTIALS IN HALICYSTIS : VIII. THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT

The effects of light upon the potential difference across the protoplasm of impaled Halicystis cells are described. These effects are very slight upon the normal P.D., increasing it 3 or 4 per cent, or at most 10 per cent, with a characteristic cusped time course, and a corresponding decrease on darkening. Light effects become much greater when the P.D. has been decreased by low O2 content of the sea water; light restores the P.D. in much the same time course as aeration, and doubtless acts by the photosynthetic production of O2. There are in both cases anomalous cusps which decrease the P.D. before it rises. Short light exposures may give only this anomaly. Over part of the potential range the light effects are dependent upon intensity. Increased CO2 content of the sea water likewise depresses the P.D. in the dark, and light overcomes this depression if it is not carried too far. Recovery is probably due to photosynthetic consumption of CO2, unless there is too much present. Again there are anomalous cusps during the first moments of illumination, and these may be the only effect if the P.D. is too low. The presence of ammonium salts in the sea water markedly sensitizes the cells to light. Subthreshold NH4 concentrations in the dark become effective in the light, and the P.D. reverses to a negative sign on illumination, recovering again in the dark. This is due to increase of pH outside the cell as CO2 is photosynthetically reduced, with increase of undissociated NH3 which penetrates the cell. Anomalous cusps which first carry the P.D. in the opposite direction to the later drift are very marked in the presence of ammonia, and may represent an increased acidity which precedes the alkaline drift of photosynthesis. This acid gush seems to be primarily within the protoplasm, persisting when the sea water is buffered. Glass electrode measurements also indicate anomalies in the pH drift. There are contrary cusps on darkening which suggest temporarily increased alkalinity. Even more complex time courses are given by combining low O2 and NH4 exposures with light; these may have three or more cusps, with reversal, recovery, and new reversal. The ultimate cause of the light effects is to be found in an alteration of the surface properties by the treatments, which is overcome (low O2, high CO2), or aided (NH4) by light. This alteration causes the surface to lose much of its ionic discrimination, and increases its electrical resistance. Tests with various anion substitutions indicate this, with recovery of normal response in the light. A theory of the P.D. in Halicystis is proposed, based on low mobility of the organic anions of the protoplasm, with differences in the two surfaces with respect to these, and the more mobile Na and K. ions.
De novo biosynthetic pathways: rational design of microbial chemical factories

Increasing interest in the production of organic compounds from non-petroleum-derived feedstocks, especially biomass, is a significant driver for the construction of new recombinant microorganisms for this purpose. As a discipline, Metabolic Engineering has provided a framework for the development of such systems. Efforts have traditionally been focused, first, on the optimization of natural producers, later progressing towards re-construction of natural pathways in heterologous hosts. To maximize the potential of microbes for biosynthetic purposes, new tools and methodologies within Metabolic Engineering are needed for the proposition and construction of de novo designed pathways. This review will focus on recent advances towards the design and assembly of biosynthetic pathways, and provide a Synthetic Biology perspective for the construction of microbial chemical factories.
Order Dimension of Orthomodular Amalgamations Over Trees

We consider the amalgamation of bounded involution posets over a strictly directed graph as applied to orthomodular lattices, orthomodular posets or orthoalgebras. In the finite setting, we show that the order dimension of the amalgamation does not exceed that of the amalgamated structures by more than one. We also present conditions under which equality obtains.
ACCELERATION OF ENERGETIC PARTICLES AT SOLAR WIND SHOCKS

A review of the acceleration of energetic ions at interplanetary shocks is presented with an emphasis on the theory of diffusive shock acceleration and interplanetary traveling shocks. The basic theory is discussed briefly including wave excitation. Ten predictions of the theory as outlined by Kennel et al. (1985) are presented and found to compare favorably with the observations of the 11, 12 November 1978 event. Some problems are presented which should be addressed by future theoretical/experimental work. A simple illustrative application of diffusive acceleration theory is made to the acceleration of ions at shocks in the distant heliosphere and compared qualitatively with the intensity profiles observed by Pioneer 10. Finally some brief thoughts on shock acceleration at high solar latitudes are presented.
Rediscovery and Redescription of the Remarkable Phoenicus sanguinipennis Lacordaire (coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Trachyderini) from the Dominican Republic

Abstract Phoenicus sanguinipennis was described by Lacordaire in 1869 based on one male specimen of unknown origin. We rediscovered this species 135 years later in the Punta Cana region in La Altagracia Province of eastern Dominican Republic (18°30.477′N, 68°22.499′W). Twenty-seven specimens were collected at lights and on dead Maclura tinctoria (Linnaeus) D. Don ex Steudel (Moraceae). We provide a thorough description of the species and the previously unknown female, and a discussion of the previous and current knowledge of the species.
Improved significance test for DNA microarray data: temporal effects of shear stress on endothelial genes

Statistical methods for identifying differentially expressed genes from microarray data are evolving. We developed a test for the statistical significance of differential expression as a function o...
Environmental Factors in Multiple Sclerosis: Epstein‐Barr Virus, Vitamin D, and Cigarette Smoking

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Although its cause is not known, genetic and environmental factors both influence susceptibility to the disease. From the large array of environmental risk factors that have been examined over the past century, infection with Epstein-Barr virus, ultraviolet light exposure/vitamin D status, and cigarette smoking stand out because of the strength of supporting evidence. Epstein-Barr virus infection early in life appears to be necessary permissive step for disease development and probably acts in adolescence and early adulthood. Vitamin D-related mechanisms and cigarette smoking probably modify baseline disease risk and could plausibly do so at several stages of life; smoking appears to negatively affect disease course. This review summarizes current evidence for these 3 putative multiple sclerosis risk factors and early attempts to develop risk models and examine gene-environment interactions for this complex disease.
An Efficient Analytical Method for Particle Counting in Evaluating Airborne Infectious Isolation Containment Using Fluorescent Microspheres

The containment performance of patient isolation enclosures, particularly expedient surge capacity enclosures, must be verified to protect health care providers and staff, other patients, and hospital visitors. Tracer gas methods are often used, but requirements for special equipment and training limit the technique's utility. A technologically simple yet accurate and precise particle-based technique is needed to measure the low count concentrations of escaping airborne particles that might be present outside an isolation enclosure. Reported here is the performance of such a technique employing micrometer-sized fluorescent polystyrene latex microspheres as a surrogate for pathogenic bioaerosols. Particles are released into the isolation enclosure, air is sampled inside and outside the room to capture airborne particles on 25 mm diameter filters, and the number of particles deposited on a filter is quantified using an optimized random field counting approach. The technique accurately estimates the number o...
The 10th workshop on active internet measurements (AIMS-10) report

On 26-27 March 2014, CAIDA hosted the sixth Workshop on Active Internet Measurements (AIMS-6) as part of our series of Internet Statistics and Metrics Analysis (ISMA) workshops. As with previous AIMS workshops, the goals were to further our understanding of the potential and limitations of active measurement research and infrastructure in the wide-area Internet, and to promote cooperative solutions and coordinated strategies between academics, industry, policymakers, and funding agencies in the area of active Internet measurement. This year, we explored capabilities and opportunities for network measurement in the wireless domain, and research infrastructure to support it. Participants found the workshop content challengingly diverse, with substantial knowledge exchange regarding the wireless research infrastructure landscape(s) and existing measurement capabilities. But attendees agreed that the conversation was only beginning, and that some challenges merit further discussion, such as finding consensus on standard metrics to measure, and constructing a road map for wireless measurement research infrastructure and activities for the next decade. This report describes topics discussed at the workshop, and summarizes participants' views of priorities for future funding as well as follow-on workshops in this area. Materials related to the workshop are available at http://www.caida.org/workshops/aims/1403/.
Modification of an Existing Chromosomal Inversion to Engineer a Balancer for Mouse Chromosome 15

Chromosomal inversions are valuable genetic tools for mutagenesis screens, where appropriately marked inversions can be used as balancer chromosomes to recover and maintain mutations in the corresponding chromosomal region. For any inversion to be effective as a balancer, it should exhibit both dominant and recessive visible traits; ideally the recessive trait should be a fully penetrant lethality in which inversion homozygotes die before birth. Unfortunately, most inversions recovered by classical radiation or chemical mutagenesis techniques do not have an overt phenotype in either the heterozygous or the homozygous state. However, they can be modified by relatively simple procedures to make them suitable as an appropriately marked balancer. We have used homologous recombination to modify, in embryonic stem cells, the recessive-lethal In(15)21Rk inversion to endow it with a dominant-visible phenotype. Several ES cell lines were derived from inversion heterozygotes, and a keratin-14 (K14) promoter-driven agouti minigene was introduced onto the inverted chromosome 15 in the ES cells by gene targeting. Mice derived from the targeted ES cells carry the inverted chromosome 15 and, at the same time, exhibit lighter coat color on their ears and tails, making this modified In(15)21Rk useful as a balancer for proximal mouse chromosome 15.
General Electric at the crossroads: the end of the last US conglomerate?

In 2000, General Electric (GE) was the world’s most valuable company, with a market capitalisation of $520 billion. At the end of 2008, GE’s market capitalisation had fallen 69% to $163 billion. This paper analyses first the direct causes of the decline, and then the longer-term root causes, which are attributed to the mismatch and dissonance between GE’s present leadership, strategy and structure and the continuing crisis environment. We offer guidelines for the restructuring of the now obsolete corporate conglomerate, and how to meet the major challenges faced by GE’s executive management: 1 go back to GE’s traditional core competences and divest non-core businesses 2 strengthen the authority of the financial and auditing function 3 expand globalisation 4 rebuild the mutual trust between company and employees 5 continue to expand global R&D to become again a leader in creativity and innovation. We develop a pessimistic and an optimistic scenario for the next decade and conclude that the most probable ou...
The effects of stressful life events on depression.

▪ Abstract This chapter reviews recent research on the relationship between stressful life experiences and depression. A distinction is made between aggregate studies of overall stress effects and focused studies of particular events and difficulties. A distinction is also made between effects of life stress on first onset of depression and on the subsequent course of depression. Although the available evidence suggests that acute stressful life events can lead to the recurrence of episodes of major depression, a series of methodological problems compromise our ability to make clear causal inferences about the effects of life events on first onset of major depression or about the effects of chronic stress on either onset or recurrence of depression. The main problems of this sort are discussed, and recommendations made for ways of addressing these problems in future studies.
Similarity transformations for the two-dimensional, unsteady, stream-function equation

The methods described by Bluman & Cole (1974) are used to derive the infinitesimals of the general invariance group of the unsteady, two-dimensional, stream-function equation for the case where the kinematic viscosity v is equal to a constant and the case where v = 0. The infinitesimals in each case involve ten independent parameters, seven of which appear explicitly and three of which are contained implicitly in three arbitrary functions of time. The various finite groups and similarity transformations which may be derived from the infinitesimals are discussed through examples. Two of the arbitrary functions of time are non-trivial and represent invariance of the stream-function equation under a transformation to a co-ordinate system which moves in a non-uniform irrotational fashion. A general similarity form is derived for which the equations dx/dt = u(x, y, t) and dy/dt = v(x, y, t) for the particle paths may be reduced to an autonomous system. This form is general enough to suggest the hypothesis that, under certain restrictions, the entrainment processes of unsteady flows dominated by two-dimensional large-scale motions may be displayed diagrammatically on a phase-plane plot of particle trajectories.
Functional interaction between amino-acid residues 242 and 290 in cytochromes P-450 2B1 and 2B11.

Abstract Previous studies have revealed the functional importance of the negatively charged amino-acid residue Asp-290 of the phenobarbital-inducible dog liver cytochrome P -450 ( P -450) 2B11 (Harlow, G.R. and Halpert J.R. (1996) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 326, 85–92). A search for P -450 2B11 residues capable of forming a charge pair with Asp-290 suggested the positively charged residue Lys-242 as a likely candidate. Replacement of Lys-242 with Asp in a P -450 2B11 fusion protein with rat NADPH-cytochrome P -450 reductase (reductase) resulted in very low holoenzyme expression levels in Escherichia coli , as did replacement of Asp-290 with Lys. Remarkably, however, expression levels of the double mutant Lys-242→Asp/Asp-290→Lys were dramatically increased above either single replacement alone. Similarly, the pair-wise substitutions Lys-242→Leu/Asp-290→Ile in P -450 2B11 and Leu-242→Lys/Ile-290→Asp in P -450 2B1 showed greater holoenzyme expression levels than the constituent single mutants, providing further evidence for the close proximity of these residues within the three-dimensional structure of these two enzymes. These results support the hypothesis that a functional interaction exists between residues 242 and 290, which may help to coordinate the relative positions of proposed helices G and I. All of the mutant combinations, including the additional P -450 2B11 double mutants Tyr-242/Asn-290 and Tyr-242/Ser-290, displayed altered stereoselectivity of androstenedione hydroxylation.
Repetition reduction: Lexical repetition in the absence of referent repetition.

Compared to words that are new to a discourse, repeated words are produced with reduced acoustic prominence. Although these effects are often attributed to priming in the production system, the locus of the effect within the production system remains unresolved because, in natural speech, repetition often involves repetition of referents and lexical items simultaneously. Therefore, repetition reduction could be due to repeated mention of a referent or to repetition of a word or referring expression. In our study, we use an event description task to test whether repetition reduction is due to repetition of lexical items or to repeated mention of referents. The results show that repeated lexical items lead to reduced duration and intensity even in the absence of referent repetition, whereas repeated referents lead to reduced intensity alone. The general pattern suggests that repetition reduction is due most strongly to repetition of the lexical item, rather than repeated mention of the referent.
The residential landscape: fluxes of elements and the role of household decisions

We assessed biogeochemical cycling of elements through residential household landscapes to evaluate the importance of annual to decadal household-level decisions for element fluxes that contribute to urban and regional pollution. We combined a mailed survey, vegetation measurements, and allometric and biogeochemical models to estimate fluxes and accumulation of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in landscapes of 360 single-family homes in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area. Carbon inputs and accumulation were strongly influenced by the presence of trees on the property. Nitrogen inputs to the landscape exceeded estimated ecosystem demand for N on average by 51% and were dominated by N fertilizer application. Because Minnesota state law restricts the use of P fertilizer, pet waste was responsible for 84% of P inputs to the landscape. The results have implications for understanding sources of urban pollution and the potential flexibility (i.e., the potential for change) in household behaviors such as tree planting, fertilization, and pet waste management that contribute to such pollution.
End-point optimization of single-reaction systems

Batch and semi-batch processes are of considerable importance in the batch chemical industry. In the face of increased competition, process optimization provides a unified framework for reducing production costs, meeting safety requirements and environmental regulations, improving product quality, reducing product variability, and ease of scale-up [Bonvin, 1988]. In this paper, a numerical optimization approach is developed that utilizes a dynamic model to determine analytically, the structure of the optimal solution for a single-reaction system. This approach is tested via simulation of an end-point optimization problem in a batch chemical reactor.
When peer-reviewed publications are not enough! Delivering science for natural resource management

Over the last century, natural resource management on forest lands has shifted from a singular focus on resource extraction to many foci, such as recreation, tourism, conservation, view-scapes, cultural and spiritual values, sustainability, and other values. As a result, the information needs of land managers must now include social and cultural values. In addition, the public's interest in having greater participation in land management decisions and in generating scientific knowledge has never been greater. The generation of scientific knowledge which is expressed primarily through conventional means – such as peer-reviewed publications targeting academics and technology transfer (e.g., patents, licenses, agreements) primarily for government and industry – does not always satisfy the needs of resource managers and public. In recent decades, there has been rapid growth of methods to help bridge this gap by better connecting new knowledge and knowledge generation with public needs. The U.S. Forest Service is making science delivery as important goal as science creation, including structural institutional changes at the interface among researchers, resource managers, and the public, allocating an appropriate portion of project funding specifically for delivery. The Forest Service is considering increasing its use of citizen science and participatory research – which brings resource managers, decision makers, and the public into the research process to varying extents – as part of the agency's science delivery efforts. Here we explore citizen science and participatory research as possible vehicles to augment existing science delivery efforts from the perspective of a federal land management agency. We found that these mechanisms facilitate public involvement in fundamentally different ways. Depending on the type of research and desired use of research outcomes, either citizen science or participatory research could enhance the use of science in some natural resource management discussions, possibly leading to supportable solutions.
Observability and reconstructibility of hidden Markov models: Implications for control and network congestion control

This paper addresses the observability and reconstructibility of the hidden Markov model. A rank condition for observability of the time-invariant hidden Markov model is proven. This condition is reminiscent of deterministic linear systems theory. Additionally, the externally controlled case is studied by way of simulations of a hidden Markov model which represents a computer network with sources running Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This permits the comparison of congestion control methods based on their quantified reconstructibility properties. Simulation results elucidate the dual purpose of the control signal, which simultaneously regulates the system while ensuring persistent reconstructibility.
Demystifying the Search Button: A Comprehensive PubMed Search Strategy for Performing an Exhaustive Literature Review

A thorough review of the literature is the basis of all research and evidence-based practice. A gold-standard efficient and exhaustive search strategy is needed to ensure all relevant citations have been captured and that the search performed is reproducible. The PubMed database comprises both the MEDLINE and non-MEDLINE databases. MEDLINE-based search strategies are robust but capture only 89% of the total available citations in PubMed. The remaining 11% include the most recent and possibly relevant citations but are only searchable through less efficient techniques. An effective search strategy must employ both the MEDLINE and the non-MEDLINE portion of PubMed to ensure all studies have been identified. The robust MEDLINE search strategies are used for the MEDLINE portion of the search. Usage of the less robust strategies is then efficiently confined to search only the remaining 11% of PubMed citations that have not been indexed for MEDLINE. The current article offers step-by-step instructions for building such a search exploring methods for the discovery of medical subject heading (MeSH) terms to search MEDLINE, text-based methods for exploring the non-MEDLINE database, information on the limitations of convenience algorithms such as the “related citations feature,” the strengths and pitfalls associated with commonly used filters, the proper usage of Boolean operators to organize a master search strategy, and instructions for automating that search through “MyNCBI” to receive search query updates by email as new citations become available. (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2015;39:622-635)
Myocardial infarction pain: systematic description and analysis

The aim of the study was to describe various components of pain in suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI). Ninety-four patients admitted to a Coronary Care Unit (CCU) complaining of chest pain with the preliminary diagnosis suspect MI were included in the study. Thirty-eight subjects were eventually diagnosed as having MI and 56 subjects as non-MI. A comparison of chest pain description was performed between MI and non-MI subjects. The Pain-o-meter (POM) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess pain intensity. MI patients reported more intense sensory and affective pain than non-MI patients. MI patients also reported more intense affective pain than sensory pain, whereas non-MI patients reported just the opposite. The number of affective words chosen by MI patients differentiated them more clearly from non-MI patients than any other factor in the pain description. Pain intensity was significantly correlated to the estimated size of the infarct.
Analysis of Manifests for Containerized Commodities Imported through US Ports

Special nuclear material (SNM) hidden in sea-going cargo containers has been identified as a significant threat at US ports, consequently several SNM detection schemes based on imaging and active interrogation techniques are being developed. Since it has proven difficult to establish what standard cargos should be, we analyzed shipping manifests for US imports shipped through North American ports collected on 14 days distributed over 12 months, and obtained several distribution functions of interest to the cargo scanning community, such as average densities, commodity categories, and packaging types. The "Nuclear Carwash", a cargo scanning technique currently under development at LLNL is based on neutron active interrogation, and relies on the unique signature of beta-delayed gammas emitted by fission products in the 3 to 7 MeV energy range. 19F(n,alpha)16N, has been identified as the main potential interference for neutrons in the 7 to 9 MeV range and estimates of cargo compositions based on manifests identified as containing fluorine are presented.
Addressing the Challenges and Needs of English-Speaking Caribbean Immigrant Students: Guidelines for School Counselors

Caribbean students are among the distinct immigrant groups in U.S. public schools with particular needs to be addressed by school counselors. This article discusses the challenges Caribbean immigrant students face that create obstacles to their academic and personal/social success. Guidelines for school counselors are outlined, which can be used to meet the needs of Caribbean immigrant students and promote their healthy adjustment.
Identifying intestinal metaplasia at the squamocolumnar junction by using optical coherence tomography

Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging method that produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of the esophagus. The accuracy of OCT for differentiating tissue types at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) has not been established. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify and validate OCT image criteria for distinguishing metaplastic from nonmetaplastic tissue at the SCJ. Design A total of 196 biopsy-correlated OCT images of the SCJ were acquired from 113 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. A pathologist blinded to the OCT results reviewed each pathology specimen and determined the presence of the following histopathology: gastric cardia, squamous mucosa, pancreatic metaplasia, and intestinal metaplasia. An algorithm for diagnosing specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) was created by reviewing a training set of 40 biopsy-correlated OCT images. Two blinded investigators prospectively tested the algorithm on a validation set of 123 images. Results OCT images of squamous mucosa were characterized by a layered appearance without epithelial glands; gastric cardia, by vertical pit and gland structure, a well-defined epithelial surface reflectivity, and relatively poor image penetration; and SIM by an irregular architecture and good image penetration. The OCT criteria were 85% sensitive and 95% specific for SIM when applied retrospectively to the training set. When applied to the validation set, the algorithm was 81% sensitive for both OCT readers and 66% and 57% specific for diagnosing SIM. The interobserver agreement was good (κ = 0.53). Conclusions OCT imaging can identify SIM at the SCJ with an accuracy similar to that of endoscopy.
Failure to cospeciate: an unsorted tale of millipedes and mites

Mites form symbiotic relationships with many animal taxa, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, mollusks and arthropods. They are often found living on millipedes and it has often been speculated that these two groups of arthropods have, in some cases, undergone coevolution. However, this hypothesis has never been formally tested. Millipedes of the family Xystodesmidae Cook 1895 (Diplopoda: Polydesmida) and their symbiotic mites of the genus Stylochyrus Canestrini & Canestrini 1882 were collected in broadleaf forests of the eastern USA. The DNA from two mitochondrial regions (16S/12S and cox1) was sequenced for all collected millipede and mite specimens. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed for both millipede and mite taxa using Bayesian inference. Pairwise distance data were used in distance-based coevolutionary analyses and reconstructed phylogenies were used in tree-based coevolutionary analyses. The phylogenetic analyses indicate Stylochyrus and xystodesmid millipede evolutionary history is incongruent. Moreover, the evolutionary relationships among mite individuals and populations have very low support values and indicate little to no geographic structuring. The coevolutionary analyses likewise detected no pattern of coevolution among these millipede and mite lineages. Unlike many arthropod species, Stylochyrus mites appear to be highly vagile. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 101, 272–287.
Atomistic Modeling of Void Growth and Coalescence in Ni+H

Finite strain rate atomistic simulations were conducted on Ni and Ni+H lattices containing voids to better understand the dislocation-scale mechanisms of void growth and coalescence and how hydrogen affects these damage processes. Void growth is governed by dislocations that nucleate at the void surface to transport mass away from the void as well as dislocations arriving at the void from the lattice exterior to deposit vacancies and accommodate void-surface expansion. Hydrogen can retard void growth when large local hydrogen concentrations impede dislocation nucleation and propagation at the void surface. The formation of hydrogen gas molecules in the void interior does not necessarily aid void growth. Pressure in small voids may be mitigated by the mutual interaction of hydrogen molecules and the interaction of molecules with the void surface.
Pressureless Sintering of a Ceramic Matrix with Multiple Rigid Inclusions: Finite Element Model

Interaction among the dispersed second phase of rigid inclusions in a ceramic matrix undergoing densification is investigated by a viscoelastic finite element method with a two-dimensional multiple-inclusion model. The interaction is negligible when the volume fraction of inclusions is low (<20%) and/or when the inclusions are uniformly distributed. The interaction becomes significant when the volume fraction of inclusions is high or the inclusions are agglomerated. The densification rates in the region between the inclusions are enhanced to some degree when the inclusions are closely packed. This enhancement will, however, cease when the inclusions get much closer, eventually coming in contact with each other. In general, the agglomeration or close packing of inclusions results in retardation in the overall densification of the sintering matrix.
Subsistence strategies of two "savanna" chimpanzee populations: the stable isotope evidence.

Twenty-two chimpanzee hair samples collected from night nests at two different “savanna” sites were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios represented as δ13C and δ15N values. The first at Ugalla, Tanzania is a miombo woodland with grass groundcover and small patches of forest. The second at Ishasha, Democratic Republic of the Congo is a habitat composed of riverine gallery forest, semideciduous thicket forest, wooded grassland, and grassland. Based on comparative data from other primates, Ugalla hair δ13C values suggest that the chimpanzees are feeding primarily in the woodland rather than in forest patches or on grassland foods (grasses or grammivorous fauna). Similar comparisons indicate that the Ishasha chimpanzees are feeding within the forests and not in more open areas. In addition, the Ugalla chimpanzees had δ15N values that indicate extensive ingestion of leguminous flowers, seeds, and/or leaves. The Ishasha samples show a range encompassing three trophic levels. Two samples with the most positive values may indicate a nursing signal or vertebrate-feeding. Three individuals with intermediate values are similar to those in omnivorous nonhuman primate species. The four individuals with the lowest values are very similar to those in herbivorous monkeys. Stable isotope ratios permit time-averaged and habitat-specific dietary comparisons among sites, even without habituation or detailed foraging observations. Am. J. Primatol. 49:297–314, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dissecting the cAMP-inducible allosteric switch in protein kinase A RIα

The regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) are the major receptors of cAMP in most eukaryotic cells. As the cyclic nucleotide binding (CNB) domains release cAMP and bind to the catalytic subunit of PKA, they undergo a major conformational change. The change is mediated by the B/C helix in CNB-A, which extends into one long helix that now separates the two CNB domains and docks onto the surface of the catalytic subunit. We explore here the role of three key residues on the B/C helix that dock onto the catalytic subunit, Arg226, Leu233, and Met 234. By replacing each residue with Ala, we show that each contributes significantly to creating the R:C interface. By also deleting the second CNB domain (CNB-B), we show furthermore that CNB-B is a critical part of the cAMP-induced conformational switch that dislodges the B/C helix from the surface of the catalytic subunit. Without CNB-B the Ka for activation by cAMP increases from 80 to 1000 nM. Replacing any of the key interface residues with Ala reduces the Ka to 25–40 nM. Leu233 and M234 contribute to a hydrophobic latch that binds the B/C helix onto the large lobe of the C-subunit, while Arg226 is part of an electrostatic switch that couples the B/C helix to the phosphate binding cassette where the cAMP docks.
Treatment of Langerhans-cell Histiocytosis in Children. Experience at the Children's Hospital of Nancy

Forty children who had Langerhans-cell histiocytosis were followed for an average of six years (range, excluding patients who died of the disease, two to fifteen years). The patients were divided into two diagnostic groups: those who had localized disease (involving one bone or more only) and those who had multifocal disease (an osseous lesion and a soft-tissue mass, a skin rash, diabetes insipidus, or generalized disease). Methods of treatment included curettage, bone-grafting, chemotherapy, local or systemic corticosteroids, and radiotherapy. Nineteen of the thirty patients who had localized disease had a complete response to the therapy, four had a partial response, and seven had no response. Twenty-one of these thirty patients had not had a recurrence by the time of the latest follow-up examination; nine had a local recurrence within four years after the initial therapy but had no additional recurrences after treatment of the local recurrence. No recurrence occurred more than four years after the time that the initial diagnosis had been made. Five of the ten patients who had multifocal disease had a complete response to the therapy, two had a partial response, and three had no response. Six patients had a recurrence; four did not. Two patients died of the disease. As a result of this study, we recommend the avoidance of intensive measures of treatment, if possible, and we advise long-term follow-up of these patients.
Effects of excess dietary protein on ovarian function of beef cows

The effect of excess dietary protein supplementation on ovarian function of beef cows consuming low quality forage was investigated. In a pair of studies, non-pregnant, non-lactating beef cows were supplemented with excess dietary protein along with ad libitum access to chopped corn stalks. In the first study, the objective was to determine the effect of feeding excess metabolizable protein (MP) from feedstuffs differing in rumen degradability on ovarian parameters. Cows were supplemented with either a moderately undegradable protein (corn gluten meal; CGM) or low-undegradable protein (soybean meal; SBM) based supplement, formulated to supply 150% of NRC MP requirements for 58 days (d). Cows supplemented with CGM experienced greater dominant follicle growth post-dominance, larger follicles at spontaneous luteolysis, shorter duration of proestrus, and larger ovulatory follicles than SBM-treated cows. Peak estradiol production and corpus luteum volume did not differ due to treatment, but within the CGM treatment, cows tended to have lesser progesterone concentrations 7 d postestrus compared to cows consuming the SBM supplement. Circulating plasma urea N (PUN) concentrations were elevated after supplementation in both treatment groups; yet no differences between treatments existed at ovulation. Total circulating plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations were not different between treatments after supplementation, but individual AA concentrations were shifted based on degradability of the protein supplement. In order to determine if enhanced ovarian parameters observed in the first study was mediated by amount of undegradable protein, a second study was conducted offering
Luminescence in Solutions Under Pressure

Probe molecules P placed in dilute solution and absorbing radiation I a produce electronically excited species P* which can return to thermal equilibrium by radiative (luminescence) k R and nonradiative (heat) k NR processes. The relative probabilities of the two decay channels are determined by measuring the lifetime τ of P* and the luminescence quantum yield φ = I/I a , where I is the luminescent intensity. The kinetic scheme and relevant relations are
Comparative Predatory Potential and Asexual Reproduction of Sectioned Dugesia dorotocephala as They Relate to Biological Control of Mosquito Vectors

Individuals regenerated from the head, middle, and tail-sections of Dugesia dorotocephala (Woodworth) were studied in the laboratory to ascertain their predatory and asexual reproductive potential. In 2 predatory experiments head-sectioned Dugesia consumed a larger number of Culex p. quinquefasciatus larvae during the 1st 24 h than either the middle or tail-sectioned planarians. At low predator:prey ratio the maximum consumption was low while at higher ratio of 20:50/replicate, predation percentages were higher. A total of 98, 97 and 95.5% larvae was consumed by the unsectioned, head, and middle-sectioned groups, respectively. Asexual reproduction was highest among tail-sectioned Dugesia in 2 tests, increasing from an initial 100 to 280 in 30 days, while the unsectioned control increased to only 262. In all tests the planarians doubled their initial numbers in 20 days.
Effect of prolonged exercise on atherogenesis in the rabbit.

SummaryRabbits fed ad lib. on a high cholesterol diet were exercised 8 hours daily for 2 months. This regimen did not inhibit atherogenesis as measured by serum and aortic tissue cholesterol levels.
An Investigation of Twin Supersonic Jets' Near-field

The near-field of twin-jets is investigated to study the twin-jet plumes’ interaction at a nozzle separation distance of two nozzle exit diameters. The linear microphone array was located close to the twin-jet plumes with various azimuthal angles relative to the twin-jet axes to record the near-field twin-jet effect. The twin-jet plumes interact and contribute to the near-field pressure amplification at different levels (weak or strong) depending on the dominant azimuthal mode motion (varying with jet Mach number). The level of twin-jet plumes’ interaction was evaluated by comparing to the equivalent single jet (with one of the twin-jet nozzles blocked). Among three azimuthal mode (axisymmetric, helical, and flapping) motions examined in this study, the twin-jet plumes (whose natural mode is determined by the jet Mach number) featuring the dominant flapping motion result in the most amplified near-field pressure response. Given by the nature of the flapping motion, the strong twin-jet plumes’ interaction is found in the preferred directivity along the flapping direction. In the twin jet this preferred direction is in the plane of the twin-jet axes. Localized arc filament plasma actuators were used as a flow diagnostic tool to confirm the understanding of the interaction phenomenon of twin-jet plumes.
Use of biguanides to improve response to chemotherapy

Abstract Metformin is a commonly utilized antidiabetic agent, which has been associated with improved clinical outcomes in cancer patients. The precise mechanism of action remains unclear, but preclinical evidence suggests that metformin can sensitize tumor cells to the effects to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and ionizing radiation (IR). In this chapter we discuss the general background of an approach to evaluate the effects of metformin on conventional chemotherapeutic agent toxicity in a preclinical model.
The Expression Effect of DC-CIK on K562/A Multidrug Resistance Gene mdr1

Objective: Observe the expression effect of dendritic cells(DC) combined with cytokine-induced killer cells(CIK) on the multidrug resistance gene mdr1 of K562/A cell line in vitro. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) isolated from peripheral blood of healthy people were collected, and induced them to DC and CIK by mixing in a variety of cytokines,then detected their surface markers by flow cytometry. Added cell lysates of K562/A to DC, and then made the sensitized DC culturing with CIK for 48 hours. Detected the expression of mdr1 gene by Quantitative PCR after sensitized DC-CIK were cultured with K562/A and K562 respectively, used PBMC as a control group. Results:The mdr1 mRNA in K562 / A + DC-CIK group was significantly lower than K562 / A group by RT-PCR. Through Quantitative PCR we observed that the expression of mdr1 mRNA in K562 / A group was 10.27 times than K562 group, K562/A/PBMC group was slightly lower than the untreated K562/A group(P0.05), and K562/A/DC-CIK group was lower than K562/A、K562/A/PBMC group(P0.05). The expression of mdr1 gene after mixed culture was significantly lower than DC-CIK mixed culture with two cell lines before. Conclusion: The experimental datas showed that mdr1 gene in resistant cell lines can be downregulated by DC-CIK. But this gene was not reduced significantly after K562 mixed culture with DC-CIK, and it suggesting that there is basal gene expression in cells to maintain the intracellular homeostasis. The research about reversing resistance against leukemia is few currently, need to conduct more research in order to broaden the immunotherapy field of application in reversing drug resistance. DC-CIK is a anti-tumor approach with development potential. This experiment will provide a basis for the study of reversing drug resistance mechanisms next phase, and DC-CIK cellular immunotherapy is expected to become a new way reversing tumor resistance. The mothod is expected to become the leader in cancer treatment, it has broad prospects for development.
New Dealer Choice: The Buyer Perspective

This report describes the results of an exploratory expert interview and a new car dealership employee focus group followed by a two‐wave mail survey of area customers who had recently purchased a new car. Dealership choice factors were the focus of the research. Choice criteria were identified and placed in rank order for various subgroups of the sample. The grouping was done on the basis of sex, marital status, income and education. Differences of note were found among the various segments. A summary of suggested research‐oriented and practical business implications are also provided.
Asynchronous erosion of inflatable penile prosthesis into small and large bowel.

AbstractComplications of a 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir are rare, with rupture and fluid leakage being the most common. We recently encountered a patient in whom the reservoir migrated twice into the bowel. A review of the literature suggests that a previous major pelvic or abdominal operation might contribute to erosion of the reservoir into the adjacent viscera.