cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia Following Immunization with Heplisav-B.

Abstract Objective To delineate the rate and duration of transient hepatitis B surface antigenemia following Heplisav-B vaccination. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adult patients who received Heplisav-B vaccination at our institution from January 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020, and who had hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing within 30 days following immunization. Patients with laboratory evidence of prior hepatitis B virus infection or immunization were excluded. Results A total of 39 of 1933 patients were tested for HBsAg within 30 days after completing the Heplisav-B vaccination series; of these 39, only 6 (15.4 %) had a positive HBsAg result. Compared with the patients with negative HBsAg results, those with a positive HBsAg result had a significantly lower body mass index (24.8 kg/m2 [interquartile range (IQR), 23 to 26.4 kg/m2] vs 28.6 kg/m2 [IQR, 26.4 to 30.6 kg/m2]; P=.01) and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (2 of 6 [33.3%] vs 2 of 33 [6%]; P=.04). The timing of HBsAg testing after completing the vaccination series in the HBsAg-positive group was significantly earlier compared with that of the HBsAg-negative group (2 days [IQR, 0.43 to 2.25 days) vs 12 days [IQR, 10 to 15 days]; P=.0008). Active hepatitis B infection was excluded in all 6 patients. In the HBsAg-positive group, the median time from the date of Heplisav-B administration to a negative HBsAg test result was 17 days (IQR, 8 to 36 days). Conclusion As with all conventional hepatitis B vaccines, transient hepatitis B surface antigenemia can be observed with Heplisav-B vaccine, particularly in those with chronic kidney disease and low body mass index.
Stable isotope signatures in historic harbor seal bone link food web‐assimilated carbon and nitrogen resources to a century of environmental change

Anthropogenic climate change will impact nutrient cycles, primary production, and ecosystem structure in the world's oceans, although considerable uncertainty exists regarding the magnitude and spatial variability of these changes. Understanding how regional-scale ocean conditions control nutrient availability and ultimately nutrient assimilation into food webs will inform how marine resources will change in response to climate. To evaluate how ocean conditions influence the assimilation of nitrogen and carbon into coastal marine food webs, we applied a novel dimension reduction analysis to a century of newly acquired molecular isotope data derived from historic harbor seal bone specimens. By measuring bulk δ13 C and δ15 N values of source amino acids of these top predators from 1928 to 2014, we derive indices of primary production and nitrogen resources that are assimilated into food webs. We determined coastal food webs responded to climate regimes, coastal upwelling, and freshwater discharge, yet the strength of responses to individual drivers varied across the northeast Pacific. Indices of primary production and nitrogen availability in the Gulf of Alaska were dependent on regional climate indices (i.e., North Pacific Gyre Oscillation) and upwelling. In contrast, the coastal Washington and Salish Sea food webs were associated with local indices of freshwater discharge. For some regions (eastern Bering Sea, northern Gulf of Alaska) food web-assimilated production was coupled with nitrogen sources; however, other regions demonstrated no production-nitrogen coupling (Salish Sea). Temporal patterns of environmental indices and isotopic data from Washington state varied about the long-term mean with no directional trend. Data from the Gulf of Alaska, however, showed below average harbor seal δ13 C values and above average ocean conditions since 1975, indicating a change in primary production in recent decades. Altogether, these findings demonstrate stable isotope data can provide useful indices of nitrogen resources and phytoplankton dynamics specific to what is assimilated by food webs.
A retrospective observational cohort study: Epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric unintentional falls in US emergency departments.

Abstract Introduction The objective is to determine how outcomes from unintentional falls differ for children with and without developmental disabilities, with a sensitivity analysis specifically examining those with ADHD. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective observational cohort study of 2010-2015 data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). The NEDS is a sampling of ED visits across 953 hospitals in 36 states. Unintentional falls for children with and without developmental disabilities were compared, adjusting for age, sex, payment source, income, mechanism, injury severity score (ISS). A sensitivity analysis was then performed for children with ADHD (n=139,642) and those without any developmental disabilities. A priori chosen outcomes included hospital admission, length of stay, intubation, and surgery. Logistic regression analysis estimated adjusted odds ratios for outcomes. Results Among children who presented to the ED with unintentional falls (n=13,217,237), there were 223,445 (1.7%) with developmental disabilities. The majority of those with developmental disabilities were male, ages 10-14 years. Compared to children without developmental disabilities, those with developmental disabilities were more likely to have an inpatient admission (aOR=2.27, 95% CI=2.10-2.44), length of stay more than 2 days (aOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.51-1.98), intubation (aOR=4.77, 95% CI=3.62-6.27) and surgery (aOR=2.11, 95% CI=1.93-2.32). A sensitivity analysis showed that 139,642 (1%) of children ages 5-17 years had ADHD. Of those with ADHD, the majority was also male, ages 10-14 years. Compared to children without ADHD, those with ADHD had a higher odds of inpatient admission (aOR=1.74, 95% CI=1.58-1.91), length of stay greater than 2 days (aOR=1.59, 95% CI=1.37-1.85), intubation (aOR=3.96, 95% CI=2.73-5.73), and surgery (aOR=1.82, 95% CI=1.60-2.06). Conclusions Children with developmental disabilities, in particular those with ADHD, who experience falls are often older and male. They had greater odds of poor outcomes. These children need additional anticipatory guidance and attention to adequate treatment to prevent injuries from unintentional falls.
Implementation of AI into Federal Agencies: Keeping an Eye on the Federal Workforce

In just over two decades technology has fundamentally changed our society and will continue to do so. The increased reliance on automation due to the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the nation to the era of artificial intelligence. Between the signing of the National AI Initiative Act in 2020 and the tremendous amount of AI planning among countries around the world, it is time the United States takes the necessary actions to prepare for the implementation of AI into federal agencies. The United States government is currently far behind the private sector in AI funding, research and development, and implementation. If reforms are not implemented soon, the public sector will struggle to keep up with the rapid advancement of technology in years to come. Recent political discourse about AI has been slow and advising reports fail to address important factors in the implementation of AI such as logistics surrounding the federal workforce. People must be at the forefront of the federal agenda in order to create and maintain effective AI systems within the government. There must be changes made to contracting and hiring practices, worker incentives, and training programs. Decisions about AI implementation must account for worker diversity, ethics training, and inequality. As our country makes the transition towards the implementation of this powerful technology it is imperative that the federal workforce is prepared for the obstacles ahead and that AI is seen as an opportunity for the government to improve the lives of civilians and the functioning of bureaucracy.
Microglial Phagocytosis of Fibrillar β-Amyloid through a β1 Integrin-Dependent Mechanism

Microglia are the principle immune effector and phagocytic cells in the CNS. These cells are associated with fibrillar beta-amyloid (fAbeta)-containing plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The plaque-associated microglia undergo a phenotypic conversion into an activated phenotype and are responsible for the development of a focal inflammatory response that exacerbates and accelerates the disease process. Paradoxically, despite the presence of abundant activated microglia in the brain of AD patients, these cells fail to mount a phagocytic response to Abeta deposits but can efficiently phagocytose Abeta fibrils and plaques in vitro. We report that exposure of microglia to fAbeta in vitro induces phagocytosis through mechanisms distinct from those used by the classical phagocytic receptors, the Ig receptors (FcRgammaI and FcgammaRIII) or complement receptors. Microglia interact with fAbeta through a recently characterized Abeta cell surface receptor complex comprising the B-class scavenger receptor CD36, alpha6beta1 integrin, and CD47 (integrin-associated protein). Antagonists specific for each component of the receptor complex blocks fAbeta-stimulated phagocytosis. These data demonstrated that engagement of this ensemble of receptors is required for induction of phagocytosis. The phagocytic response stimulated by this receptor complex is driven principally by a beta(1) integrin-linked process that is morphologically and mechanistically distinct from the classical type I and type II phagocytic mechanisms. These data provide evidence for phagocytic uptake of fAbeta through a receptor-mediated, nonclassical phagocytic mechanism.
Significance of Algal Excretory Products for Growth of Epilimnetic Bacteria

Abstract Light-stimulated uptake of 14CO2 and differential filtration through Nucleopore filters were used to estimate the significance of phytoplankton excretion as a source of bacterial carbon in water samples collected at different seasons of the year in Lake Mendota, Wis. On an annual basis, about 14% of the estimated bacterial production was accounted for by algal excretion, although at certain times of year the fraction of bacterial carbon derived from algal excretion was considerably higher. About 20% of the annual primary production was estimated to pass through the bacterial component.
Ultra-thin body PMOSFETs with selectively deposited Ge source/drain

Ultra-thin body (UTB) MOSFETs with body thickness down to 4 nm and LPCVD selectively deposited Ge raised source and drain (S/D) are demonstrated for the first time. Devices with gate length down to 30 nm show excellent short-channel behavior. Mobility enhancement and threshold-voltage shift due to the quantum confinement of inversion charge by the ultra-thin body are investigated.
Supraclavicular nodal relapse of breast cancer: prevalence, palliation, and prognosis.

Purpose: To determine the frequency, palliative effects of radiotherapy (RT) and survival of patients developing supraclavicular nodal relapse (SNR) after definitive surgery for non-disseminated breast cancer (BCa). Methods: A retrospective study of individuals treated by breast conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy for Stage I to III BCa at a single institution during a 17-year period (1980-96) was undertaken. Results: Of the 536 patients studied, 22 (4%) developed SNR. Among the seven symptomatic women, the complete subjective response rate after RT was 71%. Of the 18 evaluable patients with manifest SNRs, tumor regression was complete in 12 (66.6%), partial in one (5.6%), and absent in five (27.8%). The overall median survival was 11.5 months; five patients (23%) survived for at least two years. Conclusion: Supraclavicular nodal relapse in breast cancer patients occurs infrequently. The application of radiotherapy for palliation of SNR was fully justified by the perceived results even though long-term survival was not often observed.
Combating Impervious Bugs

Host and bacterial proteins essential for bacterial survival offer new avenues for developing nonantibiotic-based treatments for infections.
A Model of Lottery Participation. Demographics, Context, and Attitudes

With the spread of state–sponsored lotteries to all but 17 states, it is important to understand the circumstances and perspectives of those who contribute to lottery revenues. A multivariate model of percent of income spent on lottery tickets indicates that participation is a declining function of income and education, and that it is higher among black, male, and older respondents. In addition, participation is affected by the social context of the respondent and the respondent's attitudes regarding the lottery as enjoyable and an escape. Attitudes favorable to lottery play are concentrated disproportionately among less advantaged groups, particularly the least educated.
Genesis of the West Siberian Basin and its petroleum geology: a recent interpretation

A prominent Western specialist on the geology of the oil and gas deposits of Russia provides an interpretation of the genesis of the West Siberian basin, relying, in part, on most recent Russian studies as well as information made available in 1994 evaluating the reserves of Russia's most important producing province. From Late Carboniferous through Middle Jurassic time, the region of West Siberia passed through orogenic, rift, and early platform stages. A domal high was present in the region during the orogenic stage, arising from cratonization of the Ural-Mongolian fold belt. Early Triassic rifting was part of a global rifting event and was a precursor to the subsequent crustal sagging that produced the West Siberian basin. The Early-Middle Jurassic was a time of cyclical marine and continental deposition, the sea moving back and forth from the north. The Talinskoye oil field occurs in Lower-Middle Jurassic sandstones that have the form of a river channel that extends more than 200 km. The Priobskoye fi...
Calcium and the aging immune system.

Changes in transmembrane Ca2+ flux may be responsible for age-associated decline in cell-mediated immune function.
Performance of a superconducting, high field subcentimeter undulator

Abstract A superconducting 8.80 mm wavelength undulator is under construction for the 500 nm free electron laser at the Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. We present results on the design, construction and performance of this novel undulator structure. A field on axis of 0.51 T has been measured for a 4.40 mm gap, with a current 15% below the quench current. Our simple design focuses on minimizing the accumulation of errors by minimizing the numbers of parts and by using a ferromagnetic yoke. The magnetic field error is less than 0.30% rms as manufactured (without shimming). The third harmonic content is less than 0.1% of the fundamental.
Prospective patients rate practice factors: Development of a questionnaire

Introduction The importance that prospective patients place on practice characteristics when choosing an orthodontic practice has not been extensively reported. The objective of this research was to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire to address the relative importance of orthodontic office and doctor characteristics for prospective patients or parents of child patients during the initial orthodontic office consultation. Methods An initial questionnaire, based on published literature, was field-tested on 16 subjects to assess its validity. Based on the field test, the questionnaire was modified and tested for reliability by using a test-retest method. The questionnaire covered the following areas: doctor, office, staff, and finances. The reliability study included 2 groups of subjects: 12 consecutive prospective adult patients and 41 consecutive parents of prospective child patients. The questionnaires consisted of 43 and 50 questions for the adult patients and the parents of patients, respectively. The subjects rated the importance of practice characteristics in their selection of an orthodontic practice using a 100-mm visual analog scale anchored at "not important at all" and "most important." Results Reliability was analyzed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Summary scores of all 53 subjects showed excellent reliability (ICC, 0.88; range, 0.61-1.0). Summary scores of all 50 questions showed acceptable reliability (ICC, 0.70; range, 0.45-0.88). Twenty-one questions had excellent reliability (ICC, >.75), and 29 questions had fair-to-good reliability (ICC, 0.41-0.75). No questions showed poor reliability (ICC, Conclusions The pilot study data indicated that the overall reliability of the questionnaire is acceptable.
Large multidimensional data visualization for materials science

Materials scientists use scientific visualization to explore very large multidimensional data sets. The Atomsviewer visualization system enables telepresence and provides multimodal views of simulation data.
Programming board game strategies in CS2

This workshop presents freshman-level projects based on designing and programming player strategies for well-established board games. Unlike modern computerized games, board games are typically discrete, where the game state can be stored in basic data structures, and a variety of search techniques can be used to evaluate possible player moves. Such board games provide a natural context for many introductory Computer Science topics. The strategy component makes the project open-ended, motivating the students to keep improving their code. After appropriate background information is presented, to better understand how the project works from the students' perspective, participants will act as students, brainstorm through a variety of data structures, and develop a small part of a player module.
Energy-efficient E-puting everywhere

Throughout the 1990s and much of the 2000s, the halls of high-performance computing (HPC) echoed with sentiments like the following: "In HPC, no one cares about energy efficiency or power consumption, and no one ever will." While such extreme talk has subsided, computational performance (or speed) via parallelism still rule the roost. Conversely, one could argue that the consumer electronics space has taken a complementary approach, where energy efficiency and power consumption have been first-order design constraints, with speed only needing to be "good enough" for ordinary daily tasks. However, the increasing computational demands that end users will place on (consumer) electronics, such as computations for personalized medicine, point to the need for "supercomputing in small spaces" (http://sss.cs.vt.edu/). This trend, in turn, will elevate performance to be a first-order design constraint in consumer electronics, on par with energy efficiency and power consumption. This talk will discuss how a "trickle-up" approach will deliver supercomputing in small spaces via an increasingly converged world of energy-efficient (consumer) electronics and computing, or e-puting.
Ants as a powerful biotic agent of olivine and plagioclase dissolution

The biotic enhancement of Ca-Mg silicate weathering has helped maintain Earth's habit- ability over geological time scales by assisting in the gradual drawdown of atmospheric CO 2 . 25 years of in-situ measurements of Ca-Mg silicate mineral dissolution by ants, termites, root mats, bare ground, and a control reveals ants to be one of the most powerful biotic weathering agents yet recognized. Six sites in Arizona and Texas (USA) indicate that eight different ant species enhance mineral dissolution by ~50×-300× over controls. A comparison of extracted soil at a 50 cm depth in ant colonies and adjacent bare ground shows a gradual accumulation of CaCO 3 content for all eight ant species over 25 yr. Ants, thus, have potential to provide clues on how to enhance contemporary carbon sequestration efforts to transform Ca-Mg sili- cates and CO 2 into carbonate. Given that ants underwent a great diversification and biomass expansion over the Cenozoic, a speculative implication of this research is that ant enhance- ment of Ca-Mg silicate dissolution might have been an influence on Cenozoic cooling.
Design of command, data and telemetry handling system for a distributed computing architecture CubeSat

Among the size, weight and power constraints imposed by the CubeSat specification, the limitation associated with power can be addressed through a distributed computing architecture. This paper describes such a distributed computing architecture and its operational design in the form of command and data handling system and telemetry formulation, adapted for a CubeSat whose power requirements for proving the mission are significantly larger than the on-orbit average power generated. The 1U CubeSat with the mission objective of precision three axes attitude control is composed of a low power flight computer and a high power, high speed auxiliary processor (CMG controller), along with a high capacity battery. The precision sensors, actuators and complex computing algorithms, are interfaced and implemented on the high speed auxiliary processor, which is operated intermittently. Health monitoring sensors, transceiver and other housekeeping tasks are interfaced and implemented on the flight computer, which is in continuous operation. To facilitate effective operation and telemetry packaging, each computing unit is designed to host a storage device. The flight software, designed as operating modes, is distributed across the two computing platforms. Distributed operations are initiated through the flight computer and executed on the auxiliary processor. The paper describes in detail the distributed design of these operating modes as flowcharts and the associated telemetry budget as tables.
Conflicts in Chemistry: The Case of Plastics, A Role-Playing Game for High School Chemistry Students

Conflicts in Chemistry: The Case of Plastics, an innovative role-playing activity for high school students, was developed by the Chemical Heritage Foundation to promote increased public understanding of chemistry. The pilot program included three high school teachers and their students at three different schools and documented implementation and participants’ experiences using a third-party evaluator. The activity allows students to engage in debate regarding current science policy issues linked to competing values and interests. Developers crafted the activity so that students could learn about the chemistry of plastics, formulate arguments regarding issues affecting their daily lives and learn to relate those arguments to public policy, think critically about how the history of science and technology provides perspectives on contemporary life, and cultivate their ability to question simple narratives and consider multiple viewpoints. Analysis of students’ written products and survey responses suggest th...
Thermal insight of mechanically activated bile acid powders

Mechanical activation of pharmaceutical materials presents an important but poorly understood phenomenon of milled molecular crystals. In this work, a strategy was followed in an effort to understand this phenomenon, cryo-milled of both crystalline and amorphous counterpart of bile acids materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The XRPD results for the 30-min milled crystalline powders displayed a characteristic amorphous halo patterns for all compounds tested. The DSC thermograms exhibited the typical glass transition temperatures (T(g)) associated with amorphous but only for two materials. For the remaining four milled compounds, a rather interesting behavior was manifested through a characteristic exothermal bimodal peak. The findings seemed to suggest that the occurrence of this event was not related to the (T(g)), but likely to the melting temperature (T(m)). The DSC results for the melt-quenched (amorphous) ursodeoxycholic acid after cryo-milling revealed that the material crystallized after the influence of the mechanical stress, and a bimodal peak was also observed similar to that of the cryo-milled crystalline material. It is contemplated that the response of the physical instability of the disordered phase could be explained either by the result of surface crystallization kinetics which is different from that of the bulk crystallization, or by the creation of supersaturated dislocated crystal prior to amorphization.
In Vitro Induced Regulatory T Cells Are Unique from Endogenous Regulatory T Cells and Effective at Suppressing Late Stages of Ongoing Autoimmunity

Strategies to boost the numbers and functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are currently being tested as means to treat autoimmunity. While Tregs have been shown to be effective in this role, strategies to manipulate Tregs to effectively suppress later stages of ongoing diseases need to be established. In this study, we evaluated the ability of TGF-β-induced Tregs (iTregs) specific for the major self-antigen in autoimmune gastritis to suppress established autoimmune gastritis in mice. When transferred into mice during later stages of disease, iTregs demethylated the Foxp3 promoter, maintained Foxp3 expression, and suppressed effector T cell proliferation. More importantly, these iTregs were effective at stopping disease progression. Untreated mice had high numbers of endogenous Tregs (enTregs) but these were unable to stop disease progression. In contrast, iTregs, were found in relatively low numbers in treated mice, yet were effective at stopping disease progression, suggesting qualitative differences in suppressor functions. We identified several inhibitory receptors (LAG-3, PD-1, GARP, and TNFR2), cytokines (TGF-β1 and IL12p35), and transcription factors (IRF4 and Tbet) expressed at higher levels by iTregs compared to enTregs isolated form mice with ongoing disease, which likely accounts for superior suppressor ability in this disease model. These data support efforts to use iTregs in therapies to treat establish autoimmunity, and show that iTregs are more effective than enTregs at suppressing inflammation in this disease model.
PHARMACOLOGIC SUPPRESSION OF OXIDATIVE DAMAGE AND DENDRITIC DEGENERATION FOLLOWING KAINIC ACID-INDUCED EXCITOTOXICITY IN MOUSE CEREBRUM

Intense seizure activity associated with status epilepticus and excitatory amino acid (EAA) imbalance initiates oxidative damage and neuronal injury in CA1 of the ventral hippocampus. We tested the hypothesis that dendritic degeneration of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 hippocampal area resulting from seizure-induced neurotoxicity is modulated by cerebral oxidative damage. Kainic acid (KA, 1 nmol/5 microl) was injected intracerebroventricularly to C57Bl/6 mice. F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs) were used as surrogate measures of in vivo oxidative stress and biomarkers of lipid peroxidation. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was quantified by evaluating citrulline level and pyramidal neuron dendrites and spines were evaluated using rapid Golgi stains and a Neurolucida system. KA produced severe seizures in mice immediately after its administration and a significant (p<0.001) increase in F2-IsoPs, F4-NeuroPs and citrulline levels were seen 30 min following treatment. At the same time, hippocampal pyramidal neurons showed significant (p<0.001) reduction in dendritic length and spine density. In contrast, no significant change in neuronal dendrite and spine density or F2-IsoP, F4-NeuroPs and citrulline levels were found in mice pretreated with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, 100mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days, or with N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN, 200mg/kg, i.p.) or ibuprofen (inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, COX, 14 microg/ml of drinking water) for 2 weeks prior to KA treatment. These findings indicate novel interactions among free radical-induced generation of F2-IsoPs and F4-NeuroPs, nitric oxide and dendritic degeneration, closely associate oxidative damage to neuronal membranes with degeneration of the dendritic system, and point to possible interventions to limit severe damage in acute neurological disorders.
Long-Term Impact of Equipment Technology on Labor Productivity in the U.S. Construction Industry at the Activity Level

In general, U.S. industries have witnessed dramatic changes in core processes over the past 25 years. Well understood technological and managerial advances have allowed the manufacturing sector, for example, to steadily increase its productivity and its profit margins. Similar changes are far less well understood in construction. This research examines 200 construction activities for the effect of technology, specifically equipment technology, on their labor productivity from 1976 to 1998. During that time period, changes in equipment technology are measured using a technology index consisting of five technology change factors. Through analysis of variance and regression analyses, it is found that activities experiencing significant changes in equipment technology have witnessed substantially greater long-term improvements in labor productivity than those that have not experienced a change in equipment technology. This research also reveals that changes in (1) energy, (2) control, and (3) functional range are significantly and positively correlated with improvements in labor productivity.
Silica dissolution as a route to octaanionic silsesquioxanes

The octaanion, [OSiO1.5]88− (OA) is a low cost, discrete nano silica particle that can be made directly from high surface area, amorphous silica reacted with Me4NOH in water alcohol mixtures. It would be ideal if Me4NOH could be formed in situ from, for example, Me4NCl and NaOH, as long known in the literature. This process would reduce costs and enable recycling of Me4NCl produced in the functionalization of OA with chlorosilanes, RMe2SiCl, to form [RMe2SiOSiO1.5]8 organic/inorganic hybrid nanobuilding blocks. Kinetic studies were conducted to assess base-promoted dissolution of fumed silica (25 m2/g) as a function of concentrations, times, etc., to form the octaanion [OSiO1.5]88− using Me4NOH, NaOH and mixtures of NaOH/Me4NCl. Surprisingly, we find that small amounts of Me4NCl greatly inhibit the dissolution reaction for reasons that are as yet unknown. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation of Dietary Change in the United States: Fat as an Indicator

Measurement of dietary trends poses methodologic issues of great complexity and intellectural challenge. Confidence in the ability to draw inferences about trends increases when the results of various measurement methods point in the same direction, are of comparable magnitude and are consistent with one another as well as with external sources of related data. This paper illustrates these issues by reviewing inconsistencies in available data sources since the early 1970s on intake of fat in the United States.
The initial stage of program comprehension

Beacons are stereotypical segments of code which serve as typical indicators of the presence of a particular programming structure or operation. Four experiments were carried out to study the role of beacons in programmers' initial formation of knowledge of program function. It was found that the presence of a beacon made a program easier for experienced programmers to comprehend on initial study. This was found to be true even when the specific program containing the beacon was previously unfamiliar to the programmer. Also, beacons which were inappropriately placed in a program where they did not belong lead to “false comprehension” of the program's function. If a strong beacon for some operation was present, programmers tended to use it to form their initial idea of a program's function and to largely ignore other information which contradicted it. As a whole, the results of the experiments suggest that beacons may play an important role in the initial high-level comprehension of programs.
Conflict and Divided Loyalty: A Fundamental Leadership Dilemma

Conflict is inherent and unavoidable in any organization, because the individuals who comprise its leadership face divided loyalties. They must make decisions for the organization, for themselves, and often for departments, groups, or other organizations as well. Additionally, decision making at any level may be divided and shared among two or more individuals or groups. Conflict is generated within leaders because (1) they must represent the sometimes incompatible interests of two or more systems, (2) they must often share leadership, and (3) they frequently receive incompatible commands from two or more levels of the hierarchy. Such conflicts may be managed by compartmentalizing decisions, setting priorities, homogenizing the interests of the organization and its leaders, and setting up a system of checks and balances. Analysis suggests that the best strategy for the organization is to encourage a moderate amount of pluralism in the values of the leaders, coupled with a set of checks and balances to assure that all interests are adequately represented, even though this strategy may sometimes stifle creative leaders.
Repeated alcohol: behavioral sensitization and alcohol-heightened aggression in mice.

Rationale: Repeated administration of psychomotor stimulants or opiates can induce behavioral sensitization, typically detected as progressive and long-lasting increases in the motor-activating effects of these drugs. This phenomenon may be relevant to seizure susceptibility, drug self-administration, and sexual behavior. Repeated administration of alcohol can also induce behavioral sensitization and may have consequences on how alcohol affects aggressive behavior. Objectives: To (1) determine the enduring nature of locomotor sensitization to alcohol; (2) examine subsequent changes to morphine and amphetamine effects on locomotor behavior; and (3) test whether behavioral sensitization to alcohol or morphine is relevant to alcohol-heightened aggression. Methods and results: In the first experiment, male CFW mice were given ten injections of alcohol (2.4 g/kg/day), morphine (30.0 mg/kg/day), or saline. Video tracking confirmed locomotor sensitization – an approximate 200% increase in the motor-stimulating effects of these drugs. Challenges with 2.0 g/kg alcohol revealed that locomotor sensitization to alcohol persisted for at least 2 months. Alcohol-sensitized mice showed evidence of cross-tolerance to the sedative effects of morphine (5 mg/kg) but showed no evidence of cross-sensitization to the stimulant effects of 30.0 mg/kg morphine or 1.0 mg/kg amphetamine. In the second experiment, under conditions resulting in species-typical aggressive behavior against a male intruder, there were no differences in the aggressive behavior relative to saline control mice following alcohol or morphine sensitization. However, in the mice sensitized to alcohol, but not to morphine, there was a vertical shift in the dose–effect curve for moderate doses of alcohol (0.6–1.7 g/kg, p.o.). In addition, twice as many alcohol-sensitized mice consistently showed alcohol-heightened aggression when compared with the saline control mice (74% vs 37%, respectively). Conclusions: Repeated administration of alcohol can sensitize locomotor stimulation and may also render mice more vulnerable to increased aggression after alcohol. Moreover, the results suggest that at least some of the neuroadaptations caused by repeated administration of alcohol are relevant to alcohol-heightened aggression.
Regulation of cytochrome P450 expression by sphingolipids.

Abstract Sphingolipids modulate many aspects of cell function, including the expression of cytochrome P450, a superfamily of heme proteins that participate in the oxidation of a wide range of compounds of both endogenous (steroid hormones and other lipids) and exogenous (e.g. alcohol, drugs and environmental pollutants) origin. Cytochrome P450-2C11 (CYP 2C11) is down-regulated in response to interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and this response involves the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide as well as ceramide to sphingosine, and phosphorylation of sphingosine to sphingosine 1-phosphate. Activation of ceramidase(s) are a key determinant of which bioactive sphingolipid metabolites are formed in response to IL-1β. Ceramidase activation also appears to account for the loss of expression of CYP 2C11 when hepatocytes are placed in cell culture, and the restoration of expression when they are plated on Matrigel; hence, this pathway is influenced by, and may mediate, interactions between hepatocytes and the extracellular matrix. Recent studies using inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism have discovered that sphingolipids are also required for the induction of CYP 1A1 by 3-methylcholanthrene, however, in this case, the requirement is for de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis rather than the turnover of complex sphingolipids. These findings illustrate how changes in sphingolipid metabolism can influence the regulation of at least severa1 isoforms of cytochrome P450.
Study of the reaction 34S(d,p)35S with vector-polarized deuterons

Abstract Angular distributions of vector analyzing power and cross section for the reaction 34S ( d , p)35S have been measured at a deuteron energy of 11.8 MeV. The data are compared to DWBA calculations. The optical-potential parameters for the deuteron channel were obtained (i) by fitting elastic deuteron scattering, and (ii) by using the adiabatic model approach by Johnson and Soper. The parameters for the proton channel were calculated from the empirical formulae of Becchetti and Greenlees and of Perey and Perey. Angular distributions of vector analyzing power and cross section result in unambiguous ln and jπ assignments for 12 states in 35S up to 5.058 MeV excitation energy. Previously known ln and jπ-values are confirmed by our assignments. Effects of the deuteron d-state and compound nuclear contributions to cross section and analyzing power are discussed. Spectroscopic factors for the states in 35S have been extracted and are compared to those obtained by other workers.
An expert system for debugging novice programmers' pascal programs

To better understand the analysis process used in developing expert systems, i.e. knowledge engineering, we have undertaken the creation of a relatively large expert system. This expert system will aid students in locating and correcting errors in their Pascal programs. The system is targeted at novice programmers and should assist them in developing good debugging skills, in addition aiding more efficient debugging of their programs by determining possible causes for compiler, runtime, and logic errors.
The purification and properties of trehalase isolated from Phormia regina Meig.

Abstract An enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of α,ga-trehalose has been isolated from Phormia regina , Meig. and purified approximately 1000 times using a diethylaminoethylcellulose column. The properties of the enzyme are described and its possible role in the blood of the insect discussed. Through use of the enzyme a sensitive, specific method for the assay of trehalose has been effected.
What is “Usual Care” in Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Survey of USA Dysphagia Practice Patterns

The scope of dysphagia rehabilitation has been expanding. Therapeutic approaches have begun to move away from the use of behavioral compensations and maneuvers only, toward a greater emphasis on research-supported exercise-based therapies. Given the change in focus and demand for evidence-based practice, this study surveyed licensed speech language pathologists who treat dysphagic adults to ascertain the utilization of exercise-based techniques and supportive research in treatment decision-making. A web-based survey was created using Qualtrics online software. The survey consisted of 29 questions on demographics and treatment options for a deidentified patient in a video-supported fictional scenario. Initially, a field test was conducted by sending the survey to a sample population of 12 local speech pathologists working in adult dysphagia rehabilitation. Responses were collated and analyzed for item agreement and internal consistency. A blast e-mail containing a link to the modified survey was then sent out to members of the American Speech Language Hearing Association Special Interest Group 13. Participants were given 2 months to complete the survey. A total of 254 responses were analyzed using descriptive, correlative, and associative methods. Respondents were experienced speech-language pathologists (SLP) working in primarily acute and rehabilitation settings and treating more than 50 dysphagic cases in a 6-month period. They reported treating dysphagic patients daily for an average of 30 min a session. Follow-up of treated patients was infrequent. Most respondents reported using self-developed assessment techniques, and as a group they recommended 47 different treatment techniques and more than 90 different treatment combinations for the same hypothetical patient case. The majority of respondents also described the common outcome of dysphagia treatment as returning a patient to a safe and functional oral diet, but not preinjury status. Results demonstrate a lack of uniformity in the treatment schemes and strategies used by SLP to treat dysphagic patients. The concept of “usual care practice” for dysphagia is not supported. Utilization of research-supported assessment techniques and exercise-based approaches was also sparse. These data clearly highlight ongoing challenges to professional education and growth in the area of dysphagia management.
Determination of Organochlorine and Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Eggs Using a Solid Phase Extraction Cleanup

A multiresidue solid phase extraction (SPE) method for the isolation and subsequent gas chromatographic determination of nonpolar organochlorine and polar organophosphorus pesticide residues in eggs is described. The method uses an acetonitrile extraction followed by an SPE cleanup using graphitized carbon black and aminopropyl SPE columns. Organophosphorus pesticides are determined by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. After further cleanup of the extract using Florisil SPE columns, organochlorine pesticides are determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Studies were performed using eggs containing both fortified and incurred pesticide residues. The average recoveries were 86-108% for 8 fortified organochlorine pesticide residues and 61-149% for 28 fortified organophosphorus pesticide residues.
Analysis of high-strain-rate elastic-plastic crack growth

Abstract For crack-tip speeds which are even a modest fraction of the lowest elastic wave speed of a material, the strain rates that are induced at material points close to the crack tip are enormous. Experimental evidence is available which suggests that the flow stress is a fairly strong function of plastic strain rate at the rates anticipated. An approximate analysis of the high-strain-rate crack-growth process has been developed on the basis of this observation, which is interpreted as implying that the elastic strain rates dominate the plastic strain rates. The features of the approximate analysis are reviewed, and the results of more recent complete numerical analysis of the same crack-growth model are described. Using the growth of a macroscopic cleavage crack in mild steel as a vehicle for discussing the model, it is found that the approximate model appears to capture the essence of the process for those temperatures at which cleavage crack growth is supported. The numerical results indicate deficiencies in the approximate analysis for higher temperatures.
Mesh adaptation in fluid mechanics

Abstract The development, application and impact of mesh adaptation procedures in the field of computational fluid mechanics (CFD) are reviewed. The discussion is restricted to unstructured (i.e. unordered) grids, such as those commonly encountered in finite element applications.
The microRNA (miRNA): overview of the RNA genes that modulate gene function.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), widely distributed, small regulatory RNA genes, target both messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation and suppression of protein translation based on sequence complementarity between the miRNA and its targeted mRNA. Different names have been used to describe various types of miRNA. During evolution, RNA retroviruses or transgenes invaded the eukaryotic genome and inserted in the non-coding regions of DNA, conceivably acting as transposon-like jumping genes, providing defense from viral invasion and fine-funing of gene expression as a secondary level of gene modulation in eukaryotes. When a transposon is inserted in the intron, it becomes an intronic miRNA, taking advantage of the protein synthesis machinery, i.e., mRNA transcription and splicing, as a means for processing and maturation. Recently, miRNAs have been found to play an important, but not life-threatening, role in embryonic development. They might play a pivotal role in diverse biological systems in various organisms, facilitating a quick response and accurate plotting of body physiology and structures. Based on these unique properties, man-made intronic miRNAs have been developed for in vitro evaluation of gene function, in vivo gene therapy and generation of transgenic animal models. The biogenesis and identification of miRNAs, potential applications, and future directions for research are presented, hopefully providing a guideline for further miRNA and gene function studies.
Collection of blood in heparinized tubes does not alter the molecular distribution or forms of IGFBP-3 and IGF.

The major serum carrier of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) is IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) that exists in the circulation associated with IGF and an acid labile subunit to form a ternary (158-kDa) complex. It has been reported that heparin disrupts the IGF carrying capacity of the ternary complex and is a potent inhibitor of ternary complex reformation (Clemmons et al., 1983; Baxter, 1990). Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if, in a clinical setting where blood may be collected in both nonheparinized and heparinized tubes, heparin alters the molecular distribution or immunoreactive measurement of IGFBP-3 and IGF-I. Two different collection modalities were examined: protocol 1, blood was drawn and immediately centrifuged and aliquotted; and protocol 2, blood was drawn, left at room temperature for 2 h and then at 4°C overnight prior to centrifugation. Samples were drawn from a normal adult and from a growth hormone-deficient (GHD) child and subjected to neutral size-exclusion chromatography to separate the ternary 158-kDa complex from the binary IGFBP-3-IGF (approx 50 kDa) complex. Fractions were then subjected to Western ligand blot (WLB), western immunoblot (WIB), and measurement of IGFBP-3 by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), while the IGF distribution was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) following acidic size-exclusion chromatography. In both serum and plasma of a normal adult, WLB detected a 45–40-kDa IGFBP-3 doublet eluting primarily within the 158-kDa IGFBP region (i.e., ternary complex). Similarly, assessment of immunoreactive IGFBP-3 by WIB showed a 45–40-kDa IGFBP-3 doublet, as well as a 29 kDa immunoreactive form primarily eluting in the 158-kDa IGFBP region of the chromatography. Measurement of IGFBP-3 by IRMA confirmed these findings. No difference between serum and plasma was detected in either collection protocol. RIA of IGF-I revealed that the ternary complex carried the majority of the circulating IGF-I and that there was no difference between serum and plasma. Assessment of serum and plasma of a GHD child showed reduced serum concentrations of IGFBP-3 but no difference in the IGFBP profiles between serum and plasma. These data demonstrate that the collection of blood in heparinized tubes does not alter the molecular distribution or forms of IGFBP-3 and IGF-I.