cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Housing and health inequities during COVID-19: findings from the national Household Pulse Survey.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has exploited the inequities within the US housing system. Examining the association between housing and health during the pandemic is imperative to reducing health inequities and improving population health. METHODS: We analysed 957 714 responses from the Household Pulse Survey Study, collected between April and July 2020. Using survey-weighted multivariable regression analyses, we assessed the relationships between housing tenure and health, both on average and over time, as well as how these relationships were moderated by COVID-19-related hardships including job loss, food insecurity and inability to afford housing-related costs. We controlled for a variety of potential socioeconomic and demographic confounding factors. RESULTS: We found that housing tenure was significantly associated with both self-rated health and mental distress. Compared with homeowners without mortgage debt, homeowners with mortgage debt reported worse self-rated health (s=-0.13; 95% CI -0.15 to -0.12, p<0.001) and greater mental distress (s=0.50; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.55, p<0.001). Renters also reported worse self-rated health (s=-0.18; 95% CI -0.20 to -0.16, p<0.001) and greater mental distress (s=0.76; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.83, p<0.001) than homeowners without mortgage debt. Across all tenure groups, self-rated health decreased (s=-0.007; 95% CI -0.011 to -0.004, p<0.001) and mental distress increased (s=0.05; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.06, p<0.001) over this period. Additionally, time and COVID-19-related hardships compounded differences in health status between homeowners and renters. CONCLUSIONS: These results add to a limited body of evidence suggesting that, during this period, housing instability and COVID-19-related hardships have contributed to an increase in health inequities in the USA.
A Scale-Free Gradient of Cognitive Resource Disruptions in Childhood Psychopathology

The Hurst exponent (H) isolated in fractal analyses of neuroimaging timeseries is implicated broadly in cognition. The connection between H and the mathematics of criticality makes it a candidate measure of individual differences in cognitive resource allocation. Relationships between H and multiple mental disorders have been detected, suggesting that H is transdiagnostically associated with psychopathology. Here, we demonstrate a gradient of decreased H with increased general psychopathology and attention deficit/hyperactivity extracted factor scores during a working memory task which predicts concurrent and future working memory performance in 1,839 children. This gradient defines psychological and functional axes which indicate that psychopathology is associated with an imbalance in resource allocation between fronto-parietal and sensory-motor regions, driven by reduced resource allocation to fonto-parietal regions. This suggests the hypothesis that impaired cognitive function associated with psychopathology follows from a reduced cognitive resource pool and a reduction in resources allocated to the task at hand.
Pragmatic Strategy for Fecal Specimen Storage and the Corresponding Test Methods for Clostridioides difficile Diagnosis

The quality of fecal specimens is one of the factors responsible for successful Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) diagnosis. The quality depends largely on the storage conditions, including the temperature and time period. In this study, we organized the outputs of previous studies, filled experimental gaps in the knowledge of storage conditions, and introduced a pragmatic strategy for fecal storage for CDI diagnosis. A 5-step pathway was adopted to develop the fecal specimen storage strategy as follows: step 1, bibliomic analysis; step 2, experimental gap-filling; step 3, comparative evaluation; step 4, strategy development; step 5, internal review. Step 1 identified eight articles providing experimental information on the effects of fecal specimen storage conditions on the effectiveness of C. difficile detection methods. Step 2 provided additional quantitative data on C. difficile vegetative and spore cell viability and DNA stability. All previous and current results were compared (step 3). In step 4, fir general and nine special strategies were developed, followed by an internal review of the overall approaches (step 5). It is recommended to separate fecal samples into aliquots before testing and storing them. It is particularly recommended that fecal specimen samples be stored for CDI diagnosis at 4 °C for up to 60 days for all test methods.
Respiratory Therapists as Teachers Increases Respiratory Therapist Attendance in Pediatric Outreach Education

Background: In 2016, our institution developed an outreach education program (OEP) that provides pediatric medical education to hospitals in the region (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland). The OEP goal was to increase pediatric critical thinking skills in a fully interdisciplinary, non-judgmental, hands-on fashion by providing pediatric education, pediatric mock codes, and debriefings. After noticing a growing need to include a respiratory-focused critical care scenario, respiratory therapists (RTs) were asked to join the OEP to perform respiratory education and pediatric mock codes. RTs began providing education as part of the OEP in 2017. We aimed to evaluate the impact of RT involvement on the program by reviewing number of RTs in attendance at OEP external pediatric mock codes and overall satisfaction of offerings. Methods: RTs began accompanying intensive care physicians to outside facilities for outreach education in 2017. In addition, RTs were involved in scenario planning, education, and debriefing in relation to all OEP activities. The OEP coordinator marketed RT involvement to partner facilities in 2017. The OEP began tracking attendance by discipline in 2018. In 2021, an IRB approved, retrospective review of surveys and data collected from the Nemours OEP was completed. Results: RTs provided mock code simulations with the OEP in 8 different facilities, with over 14 offerings from 2018-2020. Post OEP event survey responses (n = 2,916) indicated that all participants (RNs, RTs, MDs), felt the activity was appropriately challenging, was fit for their level of training, that they would participate in the program again and they plan to incorporate learnings into practice. RT attendance increased 900% from 2018-2019. All offsite, in person, OEP activities were halted as of March 31, 2020 secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: RT involvement in the OEP significantly increased RT attendance at educational offerings from 2018 to 2019. There was no statistically significance difference in OEP satisfaction. COVID-19 impacted the number of OEP offerings available in 2020. Virtual education was provided for lectures, but we were unable to successfully complete full pediatric mock-codes in a virtual atmosphere. Further research must be completed to fully understand RT impact in outreach education.
XBP1, a determinant of the eosinophil lineage.

Targeted deletion of the transcription factor XBP1 in hematopoietic stem cells selectively prevents eosinophil maturation in the bone marrow without affecting other lineages of the immune system.
Commercially managed road funds: managing roads like a business, not like a bureaucracy

Nearly all countries are seriously short of revenues for investment and maintenance of roads. Improving utilization of the existing road budget has helped to narrow, but not eliminate, this financing gap. Requests for additional resources from the government's budget have fallen on deaf ears, because the road sector has grown too large to be fully-financed through general tax revenues. Government tax systems were not designed to finance major economic sectors like roads. Faced with an acute shortage of funds, many road agencies have introduced tolls on high-volume roads and have invited the private sector to build and operate such roads under concession agreements. Although this has narrowed the financing gap, tolling is only economic on a small part of the road network. Tolls have thus had a relatively small impact on the financing gap. Against this background, and mindful of the fact that roads are now 'big business' on the scale of the Fortune Global 500, a growing number of countries have started to 'bring roads into the market place, put them on a fee-for-service basis and manage them like a business.' The fee-for-service concept, though superficially like the user-pay principle and the associated road funds which became popular during the 1950s, differs from user-pay in a number of important respects. The key differences are that: (i) only road user charges go into the road fund (i.e., there are no earmarked taxes); (ii) the fund is managed by a representative board with half or more members representing road users and the business community; (iii) members are nominated by the constituencies they represent and there is an independent chairperson; (iv) financing arrangements are designed to ensure that money is not diverted from other sectors; (v) funds are managed pro-actively by a small secretariat; (vi) there are published financial regulations governing the way funds are managed; (vii) charges are adjusted regularly to meet agreed expenditure targets; and (viii) there are regular technical and financial audits. Other important characteristics are that most commercially managed road funds are managed through a separate road fund administration, funds are channeled to all roads (sometimes even to unclassified roads) and they are introduced as part of a wider agenda to commercialize road management. Some of these road funds have been set up as road public utilities under a board with powers to set their own tariffs.
Scheduling and motion planning for autonomous grain carts

In this paper, we address the problem of motion planning for an autonomous grain cart. Contrary to prevailing practices in farming wherein one grain cart is allocated to each combine harvester, we envision a scenario in which one grain cart can serve multiple combine harvesters. This gives rise to challenging problems in scheduling and motion planning for the grain cart. In this work, we initially propose a scheduling scheme for a single grain cart to unload multiple combine harvesters without any interruption in the activity of the combines. The proposed algorithm can accommodate arbitrary number of combines. Based on the scheduling scheme, a planner is used to synthesize a feasible path for the grain cart. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the feasibility of the proposed technique.
Biological Studies with Arsenic76. I. Preparation of Arsenic76 by Pile Irradiation of Gacodylic Acid

SummaryA method of obtaining As76 of high specific activity by pile iradiation of cacodylic acid is described.The assistance of Dr. Willard McCorkle, Mr. John Rose. and Dr. Alexander Langsdorf is gratefully acknowledged.
Fatty Acid Composition of Spirochaeta stenostrepta

The fatty acid composition of Spirochaeta stenostrepta consists primarily of saturated, branch-chained fatty acids. Iso-C15, anteiso-C15, iso-C17, and anteiso-C17 represent 66% of the total fatty acids.
Defending against Attribute-Correlation Attacks in Privacy-Aware Information Brokering

Nowadays, increasing needs for information sharing arise due to extensive collaborations among organizations. Organizations desire to provide data access to their collaborators while preserving full control over the data and comprehensive privacy of their users. A number of information systems have been developed to provide efficient and secure information sharing. However, most of the solutions proposed so far are built atop of conventional data warehousing or distributed database technologies.
A structuration approach to online communities of practice

This paper argues that the concept of communities of practice can be usefully grounded in a structuration approach and used to guide investigation into the dynamics of these communities. Points of contact between structuration and communities of practice are explored; the concept of structuration informs processes of identity formation and maintenance in communities of practice, the duality of structure informs dualities of participation and reification in CoP and social practices play a fundamental role in both approaches. The resulting concept is based on an assumption that research on online communities should take into account social, technical, and contextual factors. It adds theoretical depth and richness to sociotechnical approaches to studying online communities of practice.
Europe and changing superpower relations

(1971). Europe and changing superpower relations. The Round Table: Vol. 61, No. 244, pp. 577-584.
Alterations in Kv1.3 channels in tumor infiltrated lymphocytes of patients with head and neck tumors. (TUM2P.913)

The progression of solid tumors, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), is strongly dependent on the host immune system. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are potent mediators of an anti-tumor response; however their function is attenuated in solid tumors. T cell effector functions like cytokine production and cytotoxicity are dependent on cytoplasmic Ca 2+ which is regulated by ion channels. In human T cells, Kv1.3 channels are responsible for membrane hyperpolarization that allows the sustained Ca 2+ influx necessary for effector functions, but their role in TILs is not understood. We hypothesize that Kv1.3 activity is decreased in TILs thereby contributing to their decreased functionality. We obtained tumor samples and matched peripheral blood (PB) from 6 patients with HNSCC. CD3 + TILs were separated by mechanical dissociation of tumors and negative selection. TILs were 99% viable and comprised of 57% CD4 + (85% T EM and 10% T reg ) and 36% CD8 + cells. Electrophysiology revealed a 70% reduction in functional Kv1.3 channels in TILs as compared to PB CD3 + cells from paired patients. The Kv1.3 currents in the PBTs of cancer patients were similar to those of healthy donors. Furthermore, we observed a 40% reduction in the ion channel-dependent component of Ca 2+ influx (measured bypassing the T cell receptor) in TILs. Overall, these data indicate that defective Kv1.3 and Ca 2+ fluxes in TILs could contribute to reduced immune surveillance in cancer.
3D shape from unorganized 3d point clouds

We present a framework to automatically infer topology and geometry from an unorganized 3D point cloud obtained from a 3D scene. If the cloud is not oriented, we use existing methods to orient it prior to recovering the topology. We develop a quality measure for scoring a chosen topology/orientation. The topology is used to segment the cloud into manifold components and later in the computation of shape descriptors.
Collective problem solving through coordinated reaction

We present a methodology, called Constraint Partition and Coordinated Reaction (CP&CR), for collective, evolutionary problem solving. Problem solving is viewed as an emergent functionality from the evolving process of a group of diverse, interacting, and well-coordinated reactive agents. Cheap and effective search knowledge is extracted from local interactions and embedded in the coordination mechanism. Our domain of problem solving is constraint satisfaction problems. We have applied the methodology to job shop scheduling, an NP-complete constraint satisfaction problem. Experimental results on a benchmark suite of problems show that CP&CR outperformed three other state-of-the-art direct search scheduling techniques, in both efficiency and number of problems solved. In addition, CP&CR was experimentally tested on problems of larger sizes and showed favorable scaling-up characteristics. >
The initial establishment and epithelial morphogenesis of the esophagus: a new model of tracheal–esophageal separation and transition of simple columnar into stratified squamous epithelium in the developing esophagus

The esophagus and trachea are tubular organs that initially share a single common lumen in the anterior foregut. Several models have been proposed to explain how this single-lumen developmental intermediate generates two tubular organs. However, new evidence suggests that these models are not comprehensive. I will first briefly review these models and then propose a novel 'splitting and extension' model based on our in vitro modeling of the foregut separation process. Signaling molecules (e.g., SHHs, WNTs, BMPs) and transcription factors (e.g., NKX2.1 and SOX2) are critical for the separation of the foregut. Intriguingly, some of these molecules continue to play essential roles during the transition of simple columnar into stratified squamous epithelium in the developing esophagus, and they are also closely involved in epithelial maintenance in the adults. Alterations in the levels of these molecules have been associated with the initiation and progression of several esophageal diseases and cancer in adults.
Programs and Practices That Retain Students From the First to Second Year: Results From a National Study

In this chapter findings from a nationally representative longitudinal study offer insights into how the experiences students have during their first college year affect their intention to be retained at their initial college for the second year.
Long-term adaptive responses to dietary protein restriction in chronic renal failure

Six patients with chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate 18 +/- 2 ml/min) underwent two 10-day admissions separated by at least 1 yr of outpatient therapy with a very low-protein diet (VLPD) providing 0.28 g protein.kg-1.day-1 plus an amino acid-ketoacid supplement. During each Clinical Research Center admission, subjects completed a 5-day nitrogen balance (BN), and whole body protein turnover was measured during fasting and feeding using intravenous [1-13C]leucine and intragastric [5,5,5-2H3]leucine. Outpatient dietary protein compliance was very good (25 vs. 20 g protein/day or 125% goal), whereas energy intake was only 69% of goal (24 vs. 35 kcal.kg-1.day-1). During the 16 +/- 2 mo of dietary therapy, there were no changes in serum proteins or anthropometrics. BN after > or = 1 yr of dietary therapy was neutral and did not differ from initial values (+0.46 +/- 0.20 vs. +0.55 +/- 0.19 g N/day). Similarly, rates of whole body protein synthesis, degradation, and leucine oxidation after long-term therapy with the VLPD regimen did not differ from baseline values, and neutral BN was maintained by a marked suppression of amino acid oxidation and postprandial inhibition of protein degradation. This is the first evidence that the compensatory changes in whole body protein turnover activated in response to dietary protein restriction are sustained during long-term therapy.
The Role Conundrums of Co-Inquiry Action Research: Lessons from the Field

This paper focuses on the role conundrums that confront action researchers who are engaged in co-inquiry designs for purposes of generating knowledge that is both actionable and makes a robust contribution to a more generalized body of knowledge. Drawing on the lived experience of researchers in such a project in U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, this paper describes the conundrums that confronted the researchers, identifies the central dynamics around which they seem to be organized, and discusses the impact on the subsequent practice of the researchers. Practices that establish reflexivity in the research process are an important part of the role of the researchers. So too is establishing relationships that provide for sensemaking and integrating rigor and relevance.
An apparatus for quantitative fretting testing

The design and construction of an apparatus for performing quantitative fretting fatigue experiments is described. The device allows accurate ineasurement and control of normal contact force, tangential contact force, relative displacement between contacting surfaces and bulk fretting loads, as well as measurement of average friction coefficients. Its design is simple, and includes interchangeable fretting contact pads, allowing the use of various pad geometries without major adjustment. The device incorporates many points of adjustment for alignment and compliance, making it a robust frame for a wide variety of fretting fatigue conditions involving different materials. The capabilities of this device are also verified by results of fretting fatigue experiments conducted on a 7075-T6 aluminium alloy.
Introducing GeoVISTA Studio: an integrated suite of visualization and computational methods for exploration and knowledge construction in geography

One barrier to the uptake of geocomputation is that, unlike GIS, it has no system or toolbox that provides easy access to useful functionality. This paper describes an experimental environment, GeoVISTA Studio, that attempts to address this shortcoming. Studio is a Java-based, visual programming environment that allows for the rapid development of complex data exploration and knowledge construction applications to support geographic analysis. It achieves this by leveraging advances in geocomputation, software engineering, visualization and machine learning. At the time of writing, Studio contains full 3D rendering capability and has the following functionality: interactive parallel coordinate plots, scatterplot, visual classifier, 2D map and image viewer, sophisticated colour selection (including Munsell colour-space), spreadsheet, statistics package, and supervised and unsupervised neural networks. Through examples of Studio at work, this paper demonstrates the roles that geocomputation and visualization can play throughout the scientific cycle of knowledge creation, emphasising their supportive and mutually beneficial relationship. A brief overview of different types of inference used in such knowledge creation activities is given, and related to the exploratory analysis tools described. By way of results, a detailed account of the use of these tools is presented, and various findings and insights generated are pointed out. The domain of application is the process of uncovering useful categories by which a taxonomy of landuse/landcover can be created. The proposed categories are then evaluated using a combination of neural and visual methods, to ensure their viability.
ACCUMULATION OF MONOTERPENES AND ASSOCIATED VOLATILES FOLLOWING INOCULATION OF GRAND FIR WITH A FUNGUS TRANSMITTED BY THE FIR ENGRAVER, SCOLYTUS VENTRALIS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE)

The accumulation of monoterpenes during the defensive response by grand fir was quantified over a 28-day period. Monoterpene content increased exponentially with time and varied greatly among trees. Following analysis, sampled trees were observed for 4 years. Those trees which showed an extensive accumulation of monoterpenes in response to artificial inoculation with fungi transmitted by the fir engraver were less likely to be killed during this period than trees which exhibited low levels of secondary monoterpene accumulation. The extent of the defensive response was influenced by host age, disease, crown class, and artificial stress. Following inoculation with fungi transmitted by the fir engraver, the proportions of limonene, myrcene, and Δ-3-carene, present in the monoterpene fraction increased. In previously reported laboratory bioassays, each of these compounds has demonstrated higher toxic or repellent properties, or both, than have the other monoterpenes present in grand fir. Mechanical injury resulted in less pronounced reactions than did fungal inoculation. Necrotic lesion formation is accompanied by an increased concentration of short-chain hydrocarbons, followed by a decline to normal levels. Necrotic lesion formation and monoterpene synthesis represent at least two independent activities during the wound response.
The Part-Through Surface Crack in an Elastic Plate

Elastic plate with part-through surface crack, determining stress intensity factor for remote tensile and bending loads
Fiberoptic microneedles: novel optical diffusers for interstitial delivery of therapeutic light.

Background and Objectives Photothermal therapies have limited efficacy and application due to the poor penetration depth of light inside tissue. In earlier work, we described the development of novel fiberoptic microneedles to provide a means to mechanically penetrate dermal tissue and deliver light directly into a localized target area. This paper presents an alternate fiberoptic microneedle design with the capability of delivering more diffuse, but therapeutically useful photothermal energy. Laser lipolysis is envisioned as a future clinical application for this design. Materials and Methods A novel fiberoptic microneedle was developed using hydrofluoric acid etching of optical fiber to permit diffuse optical delivery. Microneedles etched for 10, 30, and 50 minutes, and an optical fiber control were compared with three techniques. First, red light delivery from the microneedles was evaluated by imaging the reflectance of the light from a white paper. Second, spatial temperature distribution of the paper in response to near-IR light (1,064 nm, 1 W CW) was recorded using infrared thermography. Third, ex vivo adipose tissue response during 1,064 nm, (5 W CW) irradiation was recorded with bright field microscopy. Results Acid etching exposed a 3 mm length of the fiber core, allowing circumferential delivery of light along this length. Increasing etching time decreased microneedle diameter, resulting in increased uniformity of red and 1,064 nm light delivery along the microneedle axis. For equivalent total energy delivery, thinner microneedles reduced carbonization in the adipose tissue experiments. Conclusions We developed novel microscale optical diffusers that provided a more homogeneous light distribution from their surfaces, and compared performance to a flat-cleaved fiber, a device currently utilized in clinical practice. These fiberoptic microneedles can potentially enhance clinical laser procedures by providing direct delivery of diffuse light to target chromophores, while minimizing undesirable photothermal damage in adjacent, non-target tissue. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:914-920, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple carbon isotope model for reconstructing prehistoric human diet

A compilation of experimental animal data shows that neither delta13C(collagen) nor delta13C(apatite) nor Delta13C(CO-AP) indicate diagnostic reconstructions of diet, diet energy and diet protein. In contrast, plots of delta13C(collagen) against delta13C(apatite) provide a model of three regression lines (C3, C4, and marine diet protein) where position on each line indicates the energy source (C3, C4, or mixed). Neither body size nor trophic position appears to affect these relationships. Modern free-ranging, terrestrial fauna do not fit the model perhaps because they, unlike the experimental fauna, mainly use fermentation rather than digestion during energy metabolism. Archaeological humans fall as expected based on associated floral and faunal evidence. Foraging people plot at positions expected from associated C3 fauna and plants. Those from Cahokia plot, as expected, from associated deer, nuts, and maize whereas people from nearby smaller sites plot in positions consistent with eating more fish. Agriculturists from Ontario and Grasshopper Pueblo plot consistent with dependence on fish by the former and on turkeys by the latter. In Tierra del Fuego, people from interior regions ate more terrestrial fauna, as suggested by ethnohistoric reports, than did people from the coast. In the Southwestern Cape in South Africa individuals late in the sequence have pure C3 diets whereas ones early in the sequence ate marine protein as suggested by independent archaeological evidence. People on San Nicolas Island depended on C4 plants in contrast to other islands off California's coast. This simple model provides more detailed and precise dietary information than do individual isotopic measures.
Oceanic-atmospheric variability and western U.S. snowfall

[1] A study of the influences of interdecadal and interannual oceanic-atmospheric influences on April 1 Snow-Water Equivalent (SWE) in the western U.S. is presented. SWE data was identified at 323 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SNOTEL (SNOwpack TELemetrysites) stations for the period of 1961 to 2004 and for 121 SNOTEL stations for the period 1941 to 2004. The phases (cold/negative or warm/positive) of Pacific Ocean [El Nino -Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)] and Atlantic Ocean [Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)] oceanic-atmospheric influences were identified for the year prior to the SWE data set. Statistical significance testing of SWE data set, based on the interdecadal and interannual oceanic-atmospheric phase (warm/positive or cold/negative) was performed by applying the nonparametric rank-sum test. The results show that in addition to the well established ENSO signal in the northwest, the PDO and AMO influence SWE variability. Additionally, the coupled effects of the oceanic-atmospheric influences were evaluated on the basis of the long-term phase (cold/negative or warm/positive) of the interdecadal (PDO, AMO, NAO) influences and the interannual ENSO. Finally, the coupled effects of the oceanic-atmospheric influences were evaluated on the basis of the long-term phase (cold/negative or warm/positive) of the interdecadal (AMO, PDO, NAO) phenomena. Regions in the west were identified that responded to the interdecadal/decadal climatic coupling. By utilizing the April 1 SWE and the long lead-time approach for the oceanic-atmospheric variables, useful information can be provided to snow forecasters and water managers.
Clostridium difficile infection in 2010: Advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of CDI

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) publications have advanced in 2010 at a pace paralleling the increased frequency and severity of clinical infection. Both toxins A and B are essential virulence factors, PCR diagnostic testing is rapid, sensitive and specific, and recurrent CDI can be prevented using monoclonal antibodies to toxins A and B.
The secular trend in the biological standard of living in the United Kingdom, 1730-1860

Corrects some of the statistical mistakes of previous studies of the trend in the height of British soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Finds that heights decreased substantially in the late-18th century in keeping with many other findings. The inference is that an incipient Malthusian crisis was threatening the United Kingdom, as it did Continental Europe on the eve of the Industrial Revolution.(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Effect of glucose on threshold of intracranial reinforcement.

Threshold of reinforcing hypothalamic stimulation in rats was shown to increase as a result of intragastric loading of 10 cm3 of 50% glucose. Thresholds increased steadily up to between 50 and 80 min after glucose injection before they began to decline. Intragastric water loads had no effect on thresholds. To measure thresholds of reinforcement, a new technique was used, which involved a baseline fixed-ratio schedule concurrent with a continuous reinforcement schedule. Increasing and decreasing the magnitude of the continuous reinforcement caused the fixed-ratio postreinforcement pauses to disappear and reappear, providing a method of limits criterion for threshold of reinforcement.
Selective-area regrowth of GaN field emission tips

Abstract Field emission current has been observed for the first time from GaN. Single-crystal GaN pyramids were grown in arrays by selective-area metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on GaN thin films using a dielectric mask. GaN does not deposit on the dielectric mask and growth of hexagonal pyramid structures occurs only in mask openings. The pyramids were biased negatively with respect to a metal anode and an emission current of 0.8 μA at 2000 V was observed.
Statistical guidance in symbolic learning

Concept learning methods of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are usefully guided by statistical measures of concept quality. We review the application of statistical measures intutored methods oflearning from examples, describe the recent application of these measures toconceptual clustering, and propose statistical applications inexplanation-based learning.
Alpha particle structure.

The structure of the alpha particle is examined through microscopic studies with a variety of interaction models. Variational calculations are presented for the Argonne, Bonn r space, Reid V8, and Nijmegen nucleon-nucleon interaction models, as well as results obtained with the Urbana model 7 three-nucleon interaction. Green's function Monte Carlo results are reported for the Reid V8 interaction and compared with variational results to illustrate the strengths and shortcomings of the variational method. In addition to ground-state energies, one- and two-body distribution functions are shown for the various models, as well as D-state probabilities. Information about the distribution can, in principle, be determined from electron scattering, while the D-state probability may be accessible through d+d..--> cap alpha..+..gamma.. experiments.
Cystic fibrosis, lung infections, and a human tracheal antimicrobial peptide (hTAP)

Abstract In order to understand how lungs of healthy people, unlike those of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, are protected against bacterial infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the following three key findings were made. First, P. aeruginosa do not multiply when planted onto tracheal epithelial cells from healthy humans but do so profusely on cells from ΔF508 CF patients. Second, some bacteria bind, and gain entrance into CF cells, even at a physiological salt concentration (104 mM). Third, human tracheal epithelial cells express an ∼4 kDa peptide (hTAP), which is known in its bovine form to exhibit bactericidal action against P. aeruginosa. A model is proposed depicting both how normal epithelial cells, in a first-line self defense mechanism, may be protected against bacterial infection and how this mechanism may fail during the initial stages of CF. © 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
RBS investigations of high-temperature reactions on graphite substrates

Abstract While graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) is one of the most powerful techniques for ultratrace analysis of Pb, it is often plagued by matrix interferences. These interferences are minimized by the addition of matrix modifiers which stabilize the analyte signal through unknown mechanisms. Using RBS, the high temperature reactions of nitrate salts of Pb were studied on pyrolytically coated graphite with and without matrix modifiers. The addition of an ammonium phosphate modifier was found to stabilize Pb through the formation of a metal oxy-phosphorus compound. Moreover, the depth profiles demonstrated that the pyrolytically coated graphite was not impervious as previously thought. Pre-treatment of the surface with O 2 is also known to cause a delay in the vaporization of Pb. While a surface effect had previously been postulated, the 3.04 MeV resonance 16 O(α, α) 16 O elastic scattering measurements show that it proceeds through the formation of surface bound lead-oxygen species as the number of oxygen atoms chemisorbed and the number of lead atoms, present on the surface prior to vaporization, are nearly equal.
Deformable mirrors for astronomy

We describe the motivations for building low-cost deformable mirrors constructed with the needs of astronomers in mind. We detail the design and manufacture of a 59 actuator continuous faceplate deformable mirror and its associated driving electronics and give a summary of the initial test results of this mirror.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dephosphorylation Enables the Recruitment of 53BP1 to Double-Strand DNA Breaks

Excluding 53BP1 from chromatin is required to attenuate the DNA damage response during mitosis, yet the functional relevance and regulation of this exclusion are unclear. Here we show that 53BP1 is phosphorylated during mitosis on two residues, T1609 and S1618, located in its well-conserved ubiquitination-dependent recruitment (UDR) motif. Phosphorylating these sites blocks the interaction of the UDR motif with mononuclesomes containing ubiquitinated histone H2A and impedes binding of 53BP1 to mitotic chromatin. Ectopic recruitment of 53BP1-T1609A/S1618A to mitotic DNA lesions was associated with significant mitotic defects that could be reversed by inhibiting nonhomologous end-joining. We also reveal that protein phosphatase complex PP4C/R3β dephosphorylates T1609 and S1618 to allow the recruitment of 53BP1 to chromatin in G1 phase. Our results identify key sites of 53BP1 phosphorylation during mitosis, identify the counteracting phosphatase complex that restores the potential for DDR during interphase, and establish the physiological importance of this regulation.
Exploration of the endogenous agonist mechanism for activation of secretin and VPAC1 receptors using synthetic glycosylated peptides.

Current understanding of the molecular basis of activation of class II G protein-coupled receptors remains limited, despite recent solution of NMR and crystal structures of amino-terminal domains of several family members. One mechanism proposed for the activation of these receptors involves an agonist-stimulated change in conformation of the receptor amino terminus. This results in the exposure of a “hidden endogenous agonist” (WDN sequence in secretin and VPAC1 receptors) within the receptor amino terminus that interacts with the receptor core, thereby changing its conformation and exposing its G protein-binding region. The Asn in this WDN sequence is known to be glycosylated in both secretin and VPAC1 receptors, raising concern about whether this posttranslational modification might interfere with the proposed mechanism. Therefore, we prepared glycosylated forms of cyclic WDN and the longer cyclic peptide, LWDNM, and tested them for agonist activity at secretin and VPAC1 receptor-bearing cell lines. Both glycosylated peptides stimulated full cAMP responses in the cell lines. Clearly, glycosylation did not interfere with this mechanism and may actually facilitate the correct orientation of the pharmacophore of the endogenous agonist ligand. These data provide further evidence for this proposed mechanism for the activation of this family of receptors.
Seat cushion optimization: A comparison of interface pressure and tissue stiffness characteristics for spinal cord injured and elderly patients☆☆☆

Abstract Objective: A method for designing tissue deformation minimizing seat surfaces was evaluated. Pressure and stiffness criteria were used to optimize surface shape. The method's efficacy for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and a comparison of cushion performance and interface characteristics with a group of 30 elderly patients are presented. Design: Repeated measures, prospective study. Setting: University medical center. Patients: SCI( n = 12), elderly (age 65+ years) ( n = 30). Interventions: One flat and two custom foam seat cushions. Main Outcome Measures: Interface pressure measured using a pressure sensing pad; tissue stiffness and pressure recorded on a rigid programmable seat surface. Results: Pressure distributions on contoured cushions for the SCI group contained lower values than distributions on flat cushions. A comparison of the pressure data between the elderly and SCI showed that significant differences exist between interface characteristics. The SCI group had higher peak interface pressures for all cushions tested. Tissue stiffness measurements were similar for each group. Conclusions: Results showed improved effectiveness of custom contoured foam seat cushions versus flat foam cushions. The results suggest that pressure distributions for SCI are more sensitive to support cushion characteristics than for the elderly. Further research is needed to determine the extent of the difference between the populations represented by these groups.
Habituation of Mealworm Pupae, Tenebrio molitor,

In holometabolous insects, information acquired at the larval stage can persist through the intervening pupal stage and influence adult behavior (Thorpe and Jones 1937, Thorpe 1939, Borell du Vernay 1942, Borsellino et al. 1970, Somberg et al. 1970, Dethier and Goldrich 1971, Alloway 1972). To account for this relatively permanent storage of information, one must assume that those neural elements which hold this information endure through metamorphosis. The question remains: Can new information be acquired and can behavior be modified during the extensive neural reorganization that accompanies metamorphosis (Edwards 1969, Satija and Luthra 1969)? The present study indicates that a simple kind of behavior modification, namely habituation, can occur at the pupal stage during the transformation from larva to adult in Tenebrio molitor L.
Left ventricular remodeling in the post-infarction heart: a review of cellular, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic modalities.

As more patients survive myocardial infarctions, the incidence of heart failure increases. After an infarction, the human heart undergoes a series of structural changes, which are governed by cellular and molecular mechanisms in a pathological metamorphosis termed “remodeling.” This review will discuss the current developments in our understanding of these molecular and cellular events in remodeling and the various pharmacological, cellular and device therapies used to treat, and potentially retard, this condition. Specifically, this paper will examine the neurohormonal activity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis and its molecular effects on the heart. The emerging understanding of the extra-cellular matrix and the various active molecules within it, such as the matrix metalloproteinases, elicits new appreciation for their role in cardiac remodeling and as possible future therapeutic targets. Cell therapy with stem cells is another recent therapy with great potential in improving post-infarcted hearts. Lastly, the cellular and molecular effects of left ventricular assist devices on remodeling will be reviewed. Our increasing knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac remodeling enables us not only to better understand how our more successful therapies, like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, work, but also to explore new therapies of the future.
Radical externalism concerning experience

L'A. propose une alternative a l'internalisme de l'experience veridique, souvent associe au fondationnalisme epistemologique, selon lequel notre experience du monde est interne au sujet percevant. L'A. developpe un externalisme radical qui rend impossible la deduction de la realite a partir d'un phenomene interne a l'individu qui percoit un objet externe
Quantification of riboflavin, riboflavin 5'-phosphate and flavin adenine dinucleotide in plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorimetric detection for the quantification of riboflavin (RB), riboflavin 5′-phosphate (FMN), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in plasma, whole blood, and urine is described. Under isocratic conditions with a reversed-phase column, the compounds are completely resolved and eluted within 9 min. Plasma proteins are precipitated with acetonitrile followed by shaking the aqueous phase with chloroform. Urine samples are diluted and injected directly. The reproducibility of this method for the quantification of RB in plasma has a between-day coefficient of variation of 6%. The application of this method is illustrated by analyzing plasma and urine samples from a human subject who received an intravenous dose of FMN equivalent to 25 mg of RB.
Noncasein nitrogen analysis of ultrafiltration and microfiltration retentate

Previous research has suggested that the standard noncasein nitrogen (NCN) measurement method for milk overestimates the NCN content of microfiltration (MF) retentate. The objective of this study was to develop a modified method to more accurately measure the NCN content of ultrafiltration and MF retentate products. The standard method is based on precipitation of casein micelles at their isoelectric point (4.6) with acetic acid. In the standard method, a 10-mL milk sample and 75 mL of 38°C water are placed in a 100-mL volumetric flask. One milliliter of 10% acetic acid solution is added and the flask is incubated at 38°C for 10 min. Subsequently, 1 mL of 1N sodium acetate solution is added and mixed. After cooling the contents to 20°C, the flask is made up to 100 mL with water, mixed, and then filtered (Whatman No. 1 filter paper). The N content of the filtrate is then determined by Kjeldahl analysis and referred to as NCN. A method was developed that used a 50-mL centrifugal tube instead of a volumetric flask. This modification facilitated measurement of the pH after addition of acetic acid. Subsequently, the sample was centrifuged (800 × g at 25°C) for 10 min to facilitate filtration with a smaller pore size filter paper (Whatman no. 6). In this study, we evaluated the effect of pH after addition of 1% acetic acid and pH of the final filtrate on NCN analysis. Four pH levels after acetic acid addition (4.0, 4.2, 4.4, and 4.6) and 2 pH levels after sodium acetate addition (4.6 and 4.8) were evaluated. As the pH after acetic acid addition was increased from 4.0 to 4.6, the NCN content significantly decreased. Sodium dodecyl sulfate PAGE results also indicated that the casein fractions present in the filtrate were significantly decreased when the pH was increased from 4.0 to 4.6. The NCN content slightly decreased but the difference was not significant when the final pH of the filtrate was increased from 4.6 to 4.8. Subsequently, the NCN contents of several ultrafiltration and MF samples were determined using the standard method and modified method. The modified method gave significantly lower NCN values for most samples as compared with the standard method.
Transcriptional regulation of the human chromogranin A gene by its 5′ distal regulatory element: novel effects of orientation, structure, flanking sequences, and position on expression

Abstract In previous studies of human chromogranin A (hCgA) gene expression, we had identified a 27 bp distal regulatory element (DRE) located between −576 and −550 bp that interacts with a CRE-containing promoter to enhance gene transcription specifically in neuroendocrine (NE) cells. To characterize the DRE we have now mutated its various parts and assessed the effects on protein binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and hCgA transcription within BEN cells. We found that the sequence TGACTAA, an AP-1 binding site that we refer to as DRE-AP-1, was necessary but not sufficient to produce the DRE's enhancer effect. Moreover, while AP-1 (Jun/Fos) bound this site, binding was not correlated with transcriptional effects. Protein binding by the DRE-AP-1 could be attenuated by mutations of its flanking sequences, and transcriptional enhancement by the DRE was dependent on its orientation and spatial relationship to the hCgA proximal promoter. Mutation of the DRE-AP-1 to a consensus AP-1 did not produce greater transcriptional activity, even though it increased binding of nuclear factors. Co-transfection with c- jun and/or c- fos expression plasmids showed that the DRE was unresponsive to the over-expressed AP-1 proteins. Co-transfection with wild-type DRE oligonucleotides competitively inhibited DRE-mediated transcription, while co-transfection with mutant DRE oligonucleotides had a lesser effect. Our studies indicate that transcriptional enhancement of hCgA by the DRE is dependent on a unique NE-specific DRE-binding factor, which we refer to as DBF, that specifically and directionally binds the DRE to assemble and synergize a functional transcription complex.