cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Habitat Requirements of European Fishing Spiders

Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats in the world, and so are their species, which suffer habitat loss due to climate and land use changes. Freshwater species and arthropods receive little attention in research and conservation, and the goals to stop and reverse the destruction of wetlands published 25 years ago in a manifesto by the Union of Concerned Scientists have not been reached. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and habitat requirements at two spatial scales of two species of European fishing spiders Dolomedes, which rely heavily on declining wetland habitats in Sweden and southern Norway. We collected occurrence data for Dolomedes plantarius and Dolomedes fimbriatus, using a live-determination-method. We modelled the placement of nursery webs to describe fine scaled habitat requirements related to vegetation and microclimate. Using a machine learning approach, we described the habitat features for each species, and for co-occurrence sites, to provide insight into variables relevant for the detectability of Dolomedes. We found that habitat requirements were narrower for D. plantarius compared to D. fimbriatus; that the detection of nursery webs can be affected by weather conditions and that nursery placement is mostly dependent on the proximity to water, the presence of Carex sp. (Sedges) and of crossing vegetation structures, and on humidity. Furthermore, co-occurring sites were more similar to D. plantarius sites than to D. fimbriatus sites, whereby surrounding forest, water type and velocity, elevation and latitude were of importance for explaining which species of Dolomedes was present. We provide a detailed field protocol for Dolomedes studies, including a novel live-determination method, and recommendations for future field protocols.
The early achievement of measurable residual disease negativity in the treatment of adults with Philadelphia-negative B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a strong predictor for survival.

The minimal or measurable residual disease (MRD) status following induction/consolidation chemotherapy is an important prognostic endpoint in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the optimal time-point (TP) of MRD assessment and its impact on outcome remains unclear. We analyzed 215 patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia negative B-cell ALL who received intensive chemotherapy, and had available MRD assessment by multicolor flow cytometry at two separate TPs. The median time to first TP (1TP) and second TP (2TP) were 24 and 110 days, respectively. At 1TP, 148 patients (68%) were MRD negative and 67 (32%) were positive. Of the 148 patients with negative MRD at 1TP, 147 (99%) maintained it through 2TP. Patients who were MRD negative at both TPs, early MRD responders, had the 3-year event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) rates of 65% and 76%, respectively. Patients with improved MRD status from positive to negative, late MRD responders, had lower 3-year EFS and OS rates, 42% and 58%, respectively (P = .001). Multivariate analysis showed that KMT2A (MLL) rearrangement and MRD positivity at 1TP were the only factors correlated with worse OS. In conclusion, the earlier achievement of MRD negative remission is a stronger prognostic factor for survival.
Heterogeneity of salmonid anglers in the southern Lake Michigan fishery

Fisheries managers seek information on the characteristics and needs of distinct groups of anglers. By examining perceptions in the context of angler groups, managers can anticipate reactions to fi...
Placental Alpha Macroglobulin-1 (PartoSure) Immunoassay to Assess the Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

Placental alpha macroglobulin-1 (PartoSure) is an immunoassay that measures the presence of placental alpha macroglobulin-1 (PAMG-1). PartoSure is used to assess the risk of spontaneous preterm birth and may be a useful adjunct to determine which patients with threatened preterm labor might benefit from corticosteroid administration to improve neonatal outcomes.
Mixed Methods Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice: a Systematic Review

The field of criminology and criminal justice encompass broad and complex multidisciplinary topics. Most of the research that falls under these areas uses either quantitative or qualitative methodologies, with historically limited use of mixed methods designs. Research utilizing mixed methods has increased within the social sciences in recent years, including a steadily growing body of mixed method research in criminal justice and criminology. The goal of this study was to examine how mixed method designs are being employed within research related to criminal justice and criminology. Our systematic review located 327 mixed method articles published between 2001 and 2017. Findings indicated most criminology and criminal justice research is being conducted within the specialty area of victimology. This study provides an overview of mixed methods research in criminology and criminal justice and also illustrates that most publications are not including methodological concepts specific to mixed methods research (e.g., integration). Along with our systematic review, we offer a series of recommendations to move mixed methods research forward in criminology and criminal justice.
Understanding the Progression from Early Alcohol Use Experimentation to Alcohol Use Disorder: Testing Vulnerability by Experience Interactions Using a Two-Part Latent Growth Curve Model.

Most adolescents experiment with alcohol, but a smaller percentage advance to heavy alcohol use (AU) and AU disorder (AUD). Understanding for whom and how early risk leads to AUD is of interest to prevention, treatment, and etiology of AUD. Informed by developmental and behavioral neuroscience theory, the current study tested whether temperament (effortful control, surgency, and negative affect), peer AU (multi-reporter), and AU with parents’ permission interacted to distinguish youth who experiment with alcohol from those who escalate to AUD. Community adolescents (N = 765, 53% female) were assessed annually for seven years (Mage = 11.8, range: 10–13 at Year 1; Mage = 18.7; range = 17–20 at year 7). Temperament by early experience interactions were expected to predict amount of AU. Amount of AU was expected to mediate the relationship between the interactions and AUD symptoms (assessed at Years 3 and 7, Mage = 13.8 and 18.7) above and beyond a range of confounds (e.g., problem behavior and parental AU and AUD). Supporting hypotheses, effortful control and surgency interacted with AU with parents’ permission and peer AU, respectively, to predict higher amount of AU (R2 = 0.47) and AUD symptoms (R2 = 0.03). Results support developmental and behavioral neuroscience theory. High surgency and low effortful control in conjunction with peer AU and AU with parents’ permission were associated with large effects on AU and moderate mediated effects through AU to AUD. AU with parents’ permission was risky at low and high effortful control and protective when peers used alcohol.
Left renal vein transposition for posterior Nutcracker syndrome.

Abstract Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare cause of pelvic venous congestion syndrome and is secondary to either compression of the left renal vein in its normal anatomic position by the superior mesenteric artery and aorta or less commonly when the left renal vein is in a retroaortic position, compressed between the aorta and the spine. We herein present a unique case of NCS in a female patient with a history of chronic pelvic pain and venous congestion. We also review the literature and discuss the diagnostic modalities, differential diagnosis, and various open surgical and endovascular options for NCS.
Neuromodulation using electroosmosis

Objective.Our laboratory has proposed chemical stimulation of retinal neurons using exogenous glutamate as a biomimetic strategy for treating vision loss caused by photoreceptor (PR) degenerative diseases. Although our previousin-vitrostudies using pneumatic actuation indicate that chemical retinal stimulation is achievable, an actuation technology that is amenable to microfabrication, as needed for anin-vivoimplantable device, has yet to be realized. In this study, we sought to evaluate electroosmotic flow (EOF) as a mechanism for delivering small quantities of glutamate to the retina. EOF has great potential for miniaturization.Approach.An EOF device to dispense small quantities of glutamate was constructed and its ability to drive retinal output tested in anin-vitropreparation of PR degenerate rat retina.Main results.We built and tested an EOF microfluidic system, with 3D printed and off-the-shelf components, capable of injecting small volumes of glutamate in a pulsatile fashion when a low voltage control signal was applied. With this device, we produced excitatory and inhibitory spike rate responses in PR degenerate rat retinae. Glutamate evoked spike rate responses were also observed to be voltage-dependent and localized to the site of injection.Significance.The EOF device performed similarly to a previously tested conventional pneumatic microinjector as a means of chemically stimulating the retina while eliminating the moving plunger of the pneumatic microinjector that would be difficult to miniaturize and parallelize. Although not implantable, the prototype device presented here as a proof of concept indicates that a retinal prosthetic based on EOF-driven chemical stimulation is a viable and worthwhile goal. EOF should have similar advantages for controlled dispensing of charged neurochemicals at any neural interface.
The push and pull of dominance and power: When dominance hurts, when power helps, and the potential role of other-focus

Abstract Three studies examined how dominance and power relate to empathy (i.e., empathic concern and perspective-taking), and the potential explanatory role of other-focus. Across studies, dominance predicted reduced empathy, whereas power predicted increased empathy. The relationship between power and empathy appeared more pronounced for perspective-taking. Mediation analyses suggested that the divergent effects of dominance and power may be explained in part by how they influence other-focused tendencies. Study 3 utilized an experimental manipulation of self-construal to examine the potential role of other-focus. A significant interaction between power and condition supported the notion that power may positively relate to empathy by increasing other-focus. Studies 2 and 3 examined the role of prestige and found that the relationship between power and empathy differed depending on whether analyses controlled for dominance or prestige. These studies suggest that dominance, as an individual difference, can reduce the tendency to focus on others and decrease empathy, whereas power and prestige, as interpersonal constructs, may enhance other-focused and empathic tendencies as a means to maintain that power. These findings also suggest that the measure of personal power is not inherently neutral, but rather composed in part of items that overlap with prestige and items that overlap with dominance.
Freshmen Retention Rates at U.S. Private Colleges: Results from Aggregate Data

The declining pool of new high school graduates has led colleges to begin programs to attract a new clientele of older students and encouraged colleges to consider methods to increase the retention rates of the already enrolled students. Using data from published college guide books, this paper investigates a sample of all private U.S. four-year colleges and universities to uncover some of the determinants of freshmen retention rates. Two and three stage least squares are used to estimate a system of simultaneous equations. The results indicate that the acceptance rate, a required interview, and the average collegiate SAT score are major determining factors of retention rates at U.S. private colleges. A required interview increases the retention rate four percentage points. However, total enrollment would not be improved by enforcing stricter acceptance rate criteria because the probable loss in freshmen enrollment would not be sufficiently made up by greater retention rates,
Change from Homo- to Heterolactic Fermentation by Streptococcus lactis Resulting from Glucose Limitation in Anaerobic Chemostat Cultures

Lactic streptococci, classically regarded as homolactic fermenters of glucose and lactose, became heterolactic when grown with limiting carbohydrate concentrations in a chemostat. At high dilution rates (D) with excess glucose present, about 95% of the fermented sugar was converted to l-lactate. However, as D was lowered and glucose became limiting, five of the six strains tested changed to a heterolactic fermentation such that at D = 0.1 h−1 as little as 1% of the glucose was converted to l-lactate. The products formed after this phenotypic change in fermentation pattern were formate, acetate, and ethanol. The level of lactate dehydrogenase, which is dependent upon ketohexose diphosphate for activity, decreased as fermentation became heterolactic with Streptococcus lactis ML3. Transfer of heterolactic cells from the chemostat to buffer containing glucose resulted in the nongrowing cells converting nearly 80% of the glucose to l-lactate, indicating that fine control of enzyme activity is an important factor in the fermentation change. These nongrowing cells metabolizing glucose had elevated (ca. twofold) intracellular fructose 1,6-diphosphate concentrations ([FDP]in) compared with those in the glucose-limited heterolactic cells in the chemostat. [FDP]in was monitored during the change in fermentation pattern observed in the chemostat when glucose became limiting. Cells converting 95 and 1% of the glucose to l-lactate contained 25 and 10 mM [FDP]in, respectively. It is suggested that factors involved in the change to heterolactic fermentation include both [FDP]in and the level of lactate dehydrogenase.
Deflected Thrust Effects on a Close-Coupled Canard Configuration

The effects of deflected thrust on the stability and performance of a close-coupled canard fighter configuration are presented. These results were obtained at low speeds in the Langley V/STOL tunnel. Transonic as well as low-speed results are also presented for an unpowered close-coupled canard and a supercruiser configuration. The V/STOL tunnel data indicate an increase in maximum lift and reductions in drag due to lift with the addition of two-dimension al vectored thrust at the wing inboard trailing edge. The longitudinal pitchup associated with the unpowered configuration at higher angles of attack was significantly reduced with power.
Gender, Emotional Support, and Well-Being among the Rural Elderly.

The current study sought to clarify the effects of social support on the psychological well-being of rural elders. Data were provided by 180 older men and women (mean age = 73.6 years) living in Northern Appalachia. Similar to the demographic profile of this region, most (97.2%) of the participants were Caucasian. Although mean differences in perceptions of emotional support did not emerge, the relative importance of various sources of support differed for men and women. For men, higher satisfaction with family support was associated with lower negative affect and higher positive affect. For women, although satisfaction with emotional support from family and more years of education were associated with lower levels of negative affect, emotional support from friends enhanced positive affect. The results suggest that new programs may be needed in order to help older rural men and women to maintain well-being in late life.
Genre classification of web documents

Retrieving relevant documents over the Web is an overwhelming task when search engines return thousands of Web documents. Sifting through these documents is time-consuming and sometimes leads to an unsuccessful search. One problem is that most search engines rely on matching a query to documents based solely on topical keywords. However, many users of search engines have a particular genre in mind for the desired documents. The genre of a document concerns aspects of the document such as the style or readability, presentation layout, and meta-content such as words in the title or the existence of graphs or photos. By including genre in Web searches, we hypothesize that Web document retrieval could greatly improve accuracy by better matching documents to the user's information needs. Before implementing a search engine capable of discriminating on both genre and topic, a feasibility analysis of genre classification is needed. Our previous research achieved 91% classification accuracy across ten genres, whereas similar research range between 60 and 85% accuracy. However, the ten genres used in our research were mostly distinct and only exemplar Web documents (consisting of only one genre) were chosen. This paper discusses our current work which involves an in-depth analysis of maintaining high accuracy rates among genres that are very similar.
STRATEGIES FOR FIELD USE OF BACULOVIRUSES

In recent years, there has been increased awareness in maintaining the quality of the environment. This has led to the development and use of microbial agents as alternatives to chemicals for controlling noxious insect populations. The insect pathogens in the family Baculoviridae, by virtue of their specificity, virulence, and safety for nontarget species, have become logical candidates in this regard, and several have been registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States (Martignoni, 1978; Lewis et al., 1979; Ignoffo and Couch, 1981). In fact, these viruses, as well as members of the Reoviridae, have been in general use for some time, in one form or another, throughout the world (Bedford, 1981; Cunningham and Entwistle, 1981; Katagiri, 1981; Falcon, 1982; Huber, 1982).
Notch Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension

Proteins of the Notch receptor family are cell surface receptors that transduce signals between neighboring cells. The Notch signaling pathway is highly evolutionarily conserved and critical for cell fate determination during embryogenesis and early postnatal life, including many aspects of vascular development. The interaction of Notch receptor with its membrane-bound ligands leads to cleavage of the receptor into an intracellular domain that translocates to the nucleus and activates the transcription factor, C-promoter binding factor 1 (CBF1; also known as Recombination signal-binding protein for immunoglobulin κ J region, RBPJ). To date, four Notch receptors have been characterized in humans. Of these, Notch3 is expressed only in arterial smooth muscle cells in the human. The functional importance of Notch3 signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells has been recognized. Notch3 receptor signaling has been shown in several model systems to control vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and maintain smooth muscle cells in an undifferentiated state. This review focuses on recent findings of the role of Notch3 in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell behavior and phenotype and discusses the potential role of Notch3 signaling in the genesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Surface profiler for fixed through-glass measurement

An interferometric surface profiler for high-magnification fixed through glass measurement (patent pending), such as for a packaged MEMS or MOEMS measurement, is described in this paper. Three techniques are introduced into the profiler, including aberration correction and long working distance for the objective, substantially shaped illumination and dispersive compensation. Measurement results illuminate that the data of the through glass objective are very close to those of the standard objective.
Regulation of neurogenesis by Fgf8a requires Cdc42 signaling and a novel Cdc42 effector protein

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is required for numerous aspects of neural development, including neural induction, CNS patterning and neurogenesis. The ability of FGFs to activate Ras/MAPK signaling is thought to be critical for these functions. However, it is unlikely that MAPK signaling can fully explain the diversity of responses to FGFs. We have characterized a Cdc42-dependent signaling pathway operating downstream of the Fgf8a splice isoform. We show that a Cdc42 effector 4-like protein (Cdc42ep4-l or Cep4l) has robust neuronal-inducing activity in Xenopus embryos. Furthermore, we find that Cep4l and Cdc42 itself are necessary and sufficient for sensory neurogenesis in vivo. Furthermore, both proteins are involved in Fgf8a-induced neuronal induction, and Cdc42/Cep4l association is promoted specifically by the Fgf8a isoform of Fgf8, but not by Fgf8b, which lacks neuronal inducing activity. Overall, these data suggest a novel role for Cdc42 in an Fgf8a-specific signaling pathway essential for vertebrate neuronal development.
Polysaccharide properties probed with atomic force microscopy

In recent years, polysaccharides have been extensively studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Owing to its high lateral and vertical resolutions and ability to measure interaction forces in liquids at pico- or nano-Newton level, the AFM is an excellent tool for characterizing biopolymers. The first imaging studies showed the morphology of polysaccharides, but gradually more quantitative image analysis techniques were developed as the AFM grew easier to use in aqueous liquids and in non-contact modes. Recently, AFM has been used to stretch polysaccharides and characterize their physicochemical properties by application of appropriate polymer stretching models, using a technique called single-molecule force spectroscopy. From application of such models as the wormlike chain, freely jointed chain, extensible-freely jointed chain, etc., properties such as the contour length, persistence length and segment elasticity or spring constant can be calculated for polysaccharides. The adhesion between polysaccharides and surfaces has been quantified with AFM, and this application is particularly useful for studying polysaccharides on microbial and other types of cells, because their adhesion is controlled by biopolymer characteristics. This review presents a synthesis of the theory and techniques currently in use to probe the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides with AFM.
A balance between tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor is required for embryonic development and hemostasis in adult mice

Inactivation of the murine tissue factor (TF) gene or tissue factor pathway inhibitor 1 (TFPI) gene results in embryonic lethality, indicating that both are required for embryonic development. We have shown that expression of low levels of TF from a transgene (hTF) rescues TF-null embryos. However, low-TF mice (mTF–/–/hTF+) have hemostatic defects in the uterus, placenta, heart, and lung. In this study, we hypothesized that the death of TFPI–/– embryos was due to unregulated TF/FVIIa activity and that the hemostatic defects in low-TF mice were due to insufficient TF expression. Therefore, we attempted to rescue TFPI–/– embryos by reducing TF expression, and to restore hemostasis in low-TF mice by abolishing TFPI expression. Intercrossing TFPI+/–/mTF+/–/hTF+/– mice generated close to the expected number of TFPI–/–/low-TF mice at weaning age from 128 offspring, indicating rescue of TFPI–/– embryos from embryonic lethality. Conversely, a decrease in TFPI levels dose-dependently prolonged the survival of low-TF mice and rescued the hemorrhagic defects in the lung and placenta but not in the heart or uterus. These results indicate that the correct balance between TF and TFPI in different organs is required to maintain hemostasis during embryonic development and in adult mice.
Autism and the Courts

Ann M. Rhodes Column Editor: Ann M. Rhodes Ask the Expert provides research-based answers to practice questions submitted by JSPN readers.
Import demand behavior in Africa: Some new evidence

Abstract Some African economies have experienced increases in the level of their foreign exchange reserves as well as increases in their import volume. Theory suggests that as the level of exchange reserves increases, it may affect the demand for imports since more funds will be available for imports. This paper examines import demand behavior in three African economies, namely Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. An empirical analysis of import demand behavior is presented, based on the dynamic error-correction model, which allows an explicit parameterized division of effects into long-run influences, short-term adjustment and error-correction term. It uses econometric techniques organized around Johansen and Harris–Inder cointegration analyses; fully modified OLS, dynamic OLS and non-linear OLS to estimate long-run import demand functions.
Self-similarity and growth kinetics driven by surface free energy reduction

Abstract We consider a configuration of interfaces (area S) moving under the driving force of interfacial free energy reduction in a large volume V. The time dependence of the linear scale l = V S of the configuration is deduced for systems with a single or multicomponent order parameter, conserved or non-conserved, by use of the hypothesis of statistical self-similarity: specifically, we assume that statistical parameters that are invariant under uniform magnification are also independent of time and that local equilibrium of the intersection angles of interfaces holds along lines of intersections (if any). This hypothesis, together with the scaling characteristics of interface velocities in the system under consideration, is sufficient to yield the result l(t) ~ tn with n > 0; in particular, we show that n = 1 2 for curvature driven growth and n = 1 3 for diffusion limited coarsening. We conclude that these values are independent of many of the approximations and restrictions that characterize specific models (e.g. over-simplifications of geometry, mean field approximations, small volume fraction of precipitates). Free energy functional models that exhibit the above growth laws are also discussed.
Cost and clinical utility of repeated syphilis screening in the third trimester in a high-risk population

Objective We sought to determine the clinical utility and cost of repeating syphilis testing in the third trimester of pregnancy in a high-risk urban population. Study Design A retrospective cohort analysis was performed for patients delivering from January 1993 through December 2009 with at least 1 venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test sent during pregnancy. Chart review was performed for patients with confirmed syphilis to determine the temporal relationship of syphilis diagnosis to the pregnancy. For patients who seroconverted during pregnancy (no antecedent history or treatment for syphilis), newborn charts were reviewed. The costs of treating seropositive neonates and the costs of implementing additional third-trimester syphilis screening were then compared. Results In the 17-year cohort, 58,569 deliveries were available for analysis. In all, 113 new cases of syphilis occurred (192.9/100,000 deliveries). There were 17 detected seroconversions; 10 were not rescreened in the third trimester and tested positive at delivery. These 10 patients may have benefitted from implementing uniform VDRL testing at 28-32 weeks' gestation. All newborns were asymptomatic with a negative workup and received empiric penicillin therapy. Based on 2011 hospital charges, the cost of evaluating and treating a neonate for syphilis is $11,079. Implementing an additional VDRL screen at 28-32 weeks' gestation for each pregnant patient during the 17 years studied would cost $1,991,346. An 18-fold increase in syphilis prevalence (3500/100,000 [3.5%] deliveries) would be required for the cost of implementation of universal early third-trimester screening to be equal to the potential health care charges saved by detecting maternal seroconversion and obviating the need for neonatal therapy. Conclusion In this high-risk population, additional syphilis screening in the third trimester is costly and is not clinically helpful in detecting maternal seroconversion.
Assessing a State-Mandated Institutional Accountability Program: The Perceptions of Selected Community College Leaders

ABSTRACT In the spring of 2002 we conducted a structure-focused case study at 4 North Carolina community colleges to understand how selected senior campus leaders assessed a new legislatively-mandated institutional-accountability program. Using confidential interviews and document analysis we collected, analyzed, and interpreted data that revealed clear differences in how leaders regarded the accountability program. These distinct, campus-specific perspectives are characterized as “bureaucratic meddling,” “benign intrusion,” “an opportunity to demonstrate accountability,” and “the divided leaders.” Despite these distinct perspectives, however, we also found 2 overarching themes that illuminated common reactions to the accountability program. First, leaders at 3 of the 4 institutions reported that performance ratings under the accountability program were instrumental in prompting changes in instructional programs or staffing. Second, faculty leaders at 3 institutions exhibited an apathy or unawareness of s...
On the Eigenfunction Expansion of a Piecewise Smooth Function

For eigenfunction expansions of piecewise smooth functions associated with an elliptic operator of order m in R 2 the convergence is proved.
An Analysis of Aland's Teststellen in 1 John

Under the direction of Professor Kurt Aland, the Institute of NT Textual Research developed a system for classifying Greek manuscripts without having to do a full collation.On the basis of 98 selected test passages, all extant manuscripts for the Catholic Epistles were classified. In order to determine the accuracy of the test passages for classification purposes, 112 fully collated manuscripts of 1 John from the files of Andrews University were used to compare classifications based on test passages and full collations. Classifications based on full collations of 1 John confirmed 83 per cent. of the Institute's classifications for the Catholic Epistles.
Efficient pole placement technique for linear time-variant SISO systems

The paper deals with the transformation of linear single-input/single-output (SISO) systems into Frobenius canonical form of which the ultimate objective is to achieve a new and computationally efficient methodology towards a desired pole placement. The classical formula of Ackermann is generalised for both time-invariant and time-varying systems as a result of this study. The advantage of the proposed technique is that it does not require the computation of characteristic polynomial coefficients or the eigenvalues of the original system, nor the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of the transformed system. Its computational efficiency is demonstrated to be superior in comparison with some other commonly used techniques.
Purification and characterization of regenerating mouse L929 karyoplasts.

Abstract Within 72–96 hr after preparation, about 10% of the karyoplasts made from mouse L929 cells regenerated to reform whole viable cells. As soon as 30 hr after preparation, however, nearly all of the remaining 90% of karyoplasts were dead. By separating living and dead karyoplasts at 30 hr, therefore, that fraction destined to complete regeneration was effectively purified. Complete separation was accomplished by sedimentation through Ficoll-paque (Pharmacia), a patented preparation originally developed for the separation of monocytes from whole blood. With the addition of this technique to the previously reported purification scheme for karyoplasts, various biochemical and morphological studies were attempted. Of particular importance are results indicating that karyoplasts that regenerate do not initially contain any more cytoplasm than the average karyoplast in a preparation—that is, about 10% of the cytoplasm within a whole cell. Electron microscopy of karyoplasts immediately after preparation indicated an unequal partitioning of cytoplasmic organelles at the time of enucleation. For example, karyoplasts initially contained about 11.4% of the mitochondrial volume of whole cells, but only 2.9% of the Golgi apparatus. The size of the karyoplasts and the volume occupied by a variety of organelles was followed throughout the process of regeneration. Although there was an approximately linear increase in the diameter of regenerating karyoplasts, there appeared not to be a simple concordant increase in the volume occupied by all cellular organelles. An extensive investigation was performed to determine whether or not karyoplasts contained centrioles. Immediately after enucleation, 15,000 random thin sections through karyoplasts, which represented about 100 complete bodies, were examined for the presence or absence of centrioles. No centrioles were observed. Examination of the cytoplasts revealed that they contained a sufficient number of centrioles to account for all of the centrioles that were present in the whole cells before enucleation. Centrioles were first detected in karyoplasts at 24 hr after preparation, about the same time that karyoplasts regained the ability to adhere to the surface of tissue culture dishes. At this time, however, the average karyoplast had less than one centriole. By 72 hr, the regenerated karyoplasts had approximately the same number of centrioles as whole cells.
Numerical simulation of steady compressible flows using a zonal formulation. Part II: viscous flows

Abstract Viscous flow simulations are usually based on the Navier–Stokes equations representing the balance of mass, momentum, and energy. For many high Reynolds number flows, the viscous effects are only limited to small regions in the neighborhood of solid surfaces and in the wakes. We present here a zonal formulation with a reduced system of equations in the outer inviscid flow region. As in part I of this work, the velocity components are calculated from a generalized form of the Cauchy–Riemann equations with non-vanishing vorticity only in the inner region, where the governing equations including the viscous terms are solved. The viscous effects are transferred to the Cauchy–Riemann equations through a forcing function (vorticity), and the process is repeated until convergence. Preliminary results are presented and compared to standard Navier–Stokes calculations for two and three dimensional flow problems.
Evaluation of studies of health economics.

A rural hospital hires a new infection control professional, EL, who has just received her master’s degree and trained in infection control departments that were up to date on the best evidence. EL reviews the infection control policies and learns that traditional central line catheters are used. Where she trained, a new, more expensive, antiseptic catheter was used. The new catheter is impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine and costs $25 more than the traditional catheter. Because the new catheter is designed to reduce the incidence of hospital associated infections, particularly blood stream infections that are catheter related, EL recommends that the hospital begin using it in place of the traditional central line catheter. However, hospital administration and the purchasing department question the value of this new, more expensive, antiseptic impregnated catheter. Issues related to both cost and the possibility of improved outcomes are discussed at a meeting with intensive care nurses, physicians, and representatives from hospital administration and the purchasing department. Specifically, the questions are: (1) is the antiseptic impregnated catheter economically efficient? In other words, are the additional costs of the catheter offset by potential cost savings in reduced number of infections, which will affect length of stay? (2) Is the antiseptic impregnated catheter more cost effective when used in certain types of patients (eg, patients at high risk of catheter related infections, such as immunosuppressed patients)? An interdisciplinary team is asked to conduct a literature search and make an evidence-based recommendation. As healthcare technology continues to expand, the cost of using all effective clinical services exceeds available resources. Because of the scarcity of resources, decisions regarding the implementation of new services frequently need to be based on economic analysis. Economic analysis is a set of formal, quantitative methods used to compare 2 or more treatments, programmes, or …
INORGANIC FOULING AT QUARTZ:WATER INTERFACES IN ULTRAVIOLET PHOTOREACTORS—I. CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract Fouling of quartz jackets around mercury arc lamps represents a performance limitation in photochemical reactors used in treatment of aqueous streams, such as those used in disinfection, photocatalysis and UV-based advanced oxidation processes. These fouling materials are generally comprised of inorganic constituents, though little is known about their specific chemistry. The goal of this paper is to characterize inorganic fouling on quartz surfaces in photoreactors by evaluation of the composition of fouling materials and chemical analysis of corresponding waters. Results showed that the fouling materials were predominantly amorphous inorganics. Fouling material composition was found to be site-specific. Cation composition in the fouling materials was found to be highly complex, with many metals being common to all samples; in all cases, iron, aluminum and calcium were found to represent the majority of the metals present. Predominant anions included carbonate, sulfate, hydroxide, chloride and phosphate. In the absence of UV radiation and heat from UV lamps, the extent of inorganic fouling was substantially diminished. Thermally-induced precipitation of inorganic species and impaction of preexisting colloidal particles were hypothesized to be the primary mechanisms responsible for inorganic fouling; accumulation of materials due to direct ion exchange reactions with the quartz surfaces was shown to be of negligible importance.
Study of procainamide hapten-specific antibodies in rabbits and humans.

Procainamide (PA) is the drug most commonly associated with the induction of autoantibodies and drug-related lupus (DRL). While the majority of these patients express autoantibodies, antibodies to the parent drug and metabolites, PA-hydroxylamine (PAHA) or nitroso-PA (NOPA), have not been reported in humans. Hapten-carrier conjugates were prepared using human hemoglobin (HgB) or autologous rabbit erythrocytes with PAHA or NOPA. PA was conjugated to rabbit serum albumin (RSA) or egg albumin (OVA) via diazotization and condensation methods. Rabbits were immunized with hapten conjugates in Freund's adjuvant. These hapten-carrier compounds (5-10 micrograms/ml) were used as test antigens for antibodies in sera from the rabbits and 40 patients on chronic PA treatment. 10 SLE patients, 33 elderly and 20 young normal controls by ELISA. Type I and II collagens were also used as test antigens for human sera. Sera from rabbits immunized with the PA compounds had elevated IgG antibody values to PA, PAHA and NOPA, but no autoantibodies. Absorption of the rabbit sera with the PA compounds reduced the antibody levels; ssDNA and histones failed to inhibit the total binding values. Mean binding to PA-OVA was 0.95 +/- 0.41 for PA patients and 1.37 +/- 0.26 standard error of means (S.E.M.) in the SLE patients compared to 0.37 +/- 0.14 S.E.M. in the normal sera (P < or = 0.05); similar binding values to PAHA-HgB and NOPA-HgB were also observed. Sixty-eight percent of the PA patients had antibodies to type II collagen. Elevated binding values to PA compounds were inhibited by absorption of human sera with ssDNA or total histones; absorption with PA or PAHA had no significant effect. These findings suggest that sera from PA patients containing high titers of autoantibodies cross-react in vitro with unrelated antigens.
The relationship between post-traumatic symptom severity and object relations deficits in persons with schizophrenia

Objective The aim of this study was to determine if object relations deficits in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (i.e., schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder) are related to co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Design Cross-sectional and correlational. Method Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, and Bell Object Relations Inventory were administered to 60 people with schizophrenia in an outpatient setting. With four hierarchical regressions, we hypothesized that, controlling for schizophrenia symptoms, diagnosis type, and potential demographic features, PTSD symptoms would correlate with each of the four types of object relations deficits. Results All participants reported experiencing at least one traumatic experience. As predicted, PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of alienation, insecure attachment, and egocentricity controlling for schizophrenia symptoms, diagnosis type, and demographic features. Against prediction, PTSD was not associated with Social Incompetence. Conclusion If PTSD symptoms contribute to object relations deficits in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, then interventions such as psychotherapy need to be developed to address PTSD symptoms in the treatment of these interpersonal deficits. Practitioner points Clinical implications Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, rather than schizophrenia itself, may explain increased problems with schizophrenia patients' alienation, egocentricity, and insecure attachment. Interventions such as psychotherapy need to be further developed to address PTSD symptoms as well as schizophrenia symptoms in this patient population. Limitations Participants were primarily male and middle-aged, and many years had passed since the onset of their illness. Replication is needed with diverse settings and participants, including women and persons in earlier phases of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. One self-report measure was used to estimate object relations deficits, a complex construct that may be difficult to measure accurately. This research is correlational and causation cannot be presumed.
Titan's surface reviewed: the nature of bright and dark terrain

Abstract A number of recent observational results concerning Titan's surface are synthesized in order to constrain possible surface physical states and compositions. With the remote sensing data as a guide, the surface is divided into two types of terrain, “bright” (extending from 60–160 deg Titan longitude) and “dark” (encompassing the rest of the object). Although substantial discrepancies exist in published near-infrared albedo estimates, which may be at least in part explained by Titan's aspect and seasonally-varying haze, the bright region has a surface albedo consistently 0.1 higher than the dark region. Red (673 nm) albedos of 0.45 and 0.35 are deduced for the bright and dark regions. Recently-revised radar data are reviewed, which show Titan to be very different from the Galilean satellites, in emissivity, backscatter cross section, and polarization. The data rule out “clean” water ice, and thick and widespread organic deposits. Titan's terrains exhibit radar properties resembling silicate-rich surfaces, with the “bright” terrain more “icy”, but other surfaces are possible, and we note the likelihood of small-scale surface heterogeneity. Evidence for a bright north pole is also reviewed, and it is speculated that the poles may have more surface liquids than lower latitudes. Although remote sensing data sets will increase in quantity and quality over the coming five years, it is argued that a final resolution of the nature of Titan's surface must await the completion of the Cassini/Huygens mission, set to arrive at Saturn in 2004.
Basolateral Amygdala-Driven Augmentation of Medial Prefrontal Cortex GABAergic Neurotransmission in Response to Environmental Stimuli Associated with Cocaine Administration

Basolateral amygdala (BLA) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) interactions have been implicated in cue-elicited craving and drug seeking. However, the neurochemical mechanisms underlying drug/environment associations are ill-defined. We used in vivo microdialysis and pharmacological inactivation techniques to identify alterations in mPFC glutamate (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission in response to cues previously associated with experimenter-administered cocaine (COC) and the BLA contribution to these effects. Rats received alternate day injections of COC and saline (SAL) paired with a distinct environment for 6 days. Behavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical studies were conducted, in drug-free animals, 24 h after the last conditioning session. Animals exposed to a COC-paired environment demonstrated an augmented locomotor activity (LMA) relative to those exposed to the SAL-paired environment. mPFC GABA neurotransmission in the COC-paired environment was significantly increased, whereas GLU overflow was unaltered. Dual labeling of cFos and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 immunoreactivity in mPFC neurons revealed significantly greater colocalization of these proteins following exposure to the COC-associated environment (CAE) relative to pseudo-conditioned rats or rats exposed to the SAL-associated environment indicating that the conditioned neurochemical response to the COC-paired environment is associated with activation of intrinsic mPFC GABA neurons. BLA inactivation prevented the increase in LMA and the augmentation of mPFC GABA transmission produced by cue exposure. Intra-mPFC application of the AMPA/KA receptor antagonist, NBQX, produced similar effects. These findings indicate that exposure to a CAE increases mPFC GABA transmission by enhancing excitatory drive from the BLA and activation of AMPA/KA receptors on mPFC GABA neurons.
Persistent Inflammatory Pain Decreases the Antinociceptive Effects of the Mu Opioid Receptor Agonist DAMGO in the Locus Coeruleus of Male Rats

Persistent inflammatory nociception increases levels of endogenous opioids with affinity for delta opioid receptors in the ventromedial medulla and enhances the antinociceptive effects of the mu opioid receptor (MOPr) agonist [D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) [Hurley, R.W., Hammond, D.L., 2001. Contribution of endogenous enkephalins to the enhanced analgesic effects of supraspinal mu opioid receptor agonists after inflammatory injury. J. Neurosci. 21, 2536-2545]. It also increases levels of endogenous opioids that act at MOPr elsewhere in the CNS [Zangen, A., Herzberg, U., Vogel, Z., Yadid, G., 1998. Nociceptive stimulus induces release of endogenous beta-endorphin in the rat brain. Neuroscience 85, 659-662]. This study tested the hypothesis that a sustained release of endogenous opioids leads to a downregulation of MOPr in the locus coeruleus (LC) and induces a state of endogenous opioid tolerance. Four days after injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the left hindpaw of the rat, both the magnitude and duration of the antinociception produced by microinjection of DAMGO in the right LC were reduced. Saturation isotherms demonstrated a 50% decrease in MOPr B(max) in homogenates of the LC from CFA-treated rats; K(d) was unchanged. Receptor autoradiography revealed that this decrease was bilateral. The decreased efficacy of DAMGO in CFA-treated rats most likely results from a decreased number of MOPr in the LC. Microinjection of the MOPr antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP) in the LC did not exacerbate hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral hindpaw or produce hyperalgesia in the contralateral hindpaw of CFA-treated rats. The downregulation in MOPr is therefore unlikely to result from the induction of endogenous opioid tolerance in the LC. These results indicate that persistent inflammatory nociception alters the antinociceptive actions of MOPr agonists in the CNS by diverse mechanisms that are nucleus specific and likely to have different physiological implications.