cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Health Technology and Informatics in a Global Public Health Emergency: Practices and Implications From the COVID-19 Pandemic.

At present, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading around the world. It is a critical and important task to take thorough efforts to prevent and control the pandemic. Compared with severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, COVID-19 spreads more rapidly owing to increased globalization, a longer incubation period, and unobvious symptoms. As the coronavirus has the characteristics of strong transmission and weak lethality, and since the large-scale increase of infected people may overwhelm health care systems, efforts are needed to treat critical patients, track and manage the health status of residents, and isolate suspected patients. The application of emerging health technologies and digital practices in health care, such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine or telehealth, mobile health, big data, 5G, and the Internet of Things, have become powerful “weapons” to fight against the pandemic and provide strong support in pandemic prevention and control. Applications and evaluations of all of these technologies, practices, and health delivery services are highlighted in this study.
Role of AUUU sequences in stabilization of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor RNA in stimulated cells

RNAs for transiently expressed genes such as oncogenes and cytokines, including granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), have a short half-life (T1/2). A cluster of AUUU sequences identified in the 3′ untranslated (UT) region of these RNAs has been implicated in controlling stability of these transcripts. We examined the role of AUUU sequences in mRNA stability of GM-CSF after stimulation of cells. Human fibroblasts (W138) were stably transfected with chimeric constructs containing the beta-globin gene linked to a 52-bp tail of GM- CSF containing either eight ATTTT (pNEOR beta G-AT) or eight repeats in which the AT sequences have been changed to GC sequences (pNEOR beta G- GC). Data confirmed that AUUU sequences in 3′UT region of GM-CSF play a major role in GM-CSF RNA instability. Stimulators of protein kinase C (PKC), cycloheximide (CHX), sodium fluoride (NaF), and, to a more limited extent, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), appear to stabilize GM- CSF RNA through these AUUU sequences, but tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces stabilization of GM-CSF RNA through a mechanism independent of their AUUU sequences.
Thyroid Hormone Induces DNA Demethylation in Xenopus Tadpole Brain.

Thyroid hormone (T3) plays pivotal roles in vertebrate development, acting via nuclear T3 receptors (TRs) that regulate gene transcription by promoting post-translational modifications to histones. Methylation of cytosine residues in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) also modulates gene transcription, and our recent finding of predominant DNA demethylation in the brain of Xenopus tadpoles at metamorphosis, a T3-dependent developmental process, caused us to hypothesize that T3 induces these changes in vivo. Treatment of premetamorphic tadpoles with T3 for 24 or 48 hours increased immunoreactivity in several brain regions for the DNA demethylation intermediates 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) and 5-carboxylcytosine, and the methylcytosine dioxygenase ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3). Thyroid hormone treatment induced locus-specific DNA demethylation in proximity to known T3 response elements within the DNA methyltransferase 3a and Kruppel-like factor 9 genes, analyzed by 5-hmC immunoprecipitation and methylation sensitive restriction enzyme digest. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that T3 induced TET3 recruitment to these loci. Furthermore, the messenger ribonucleic acid for several genes encoding DNA demethylation enzymes were induced by T3 in a time-dependent manner in tadpole brain. A TR ChIP-sequencing experiment identified putative TR binding sites at several of these genes, and we provide multiple lines of evidence to support that tet2 contains a bona fide T3 response element. Our findings show that T3 can promote DNA demethylation in developing tadpole brain, in part by promoting TET3 recruitment to discrete genomic regions, and by inducing genes that encode DNA demethylation enzymes.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Serology persistence over time in COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Donors.

BackgroundCharacterizing the kinetics of the antibody response to SARS{square}CoV{square}2 is of critical importance to developing strategies that may mitigate the public health burden of COVID-19. We sought to determine how circulating antibody levels change over time following natural infection. Methods/MaterialsWe conducted a prospective, longitudinal analysis of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors at multiple time points over a 9-month period. At each study visit, subjects either donated plasma or only had study samples drawn. In all cases, anti-SARS-CoV-2 donor testing was performed using semi-quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassays (ChLIA) targeting subunit 1 (S1) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, and an in-house fluorescence reduction neutralization assay (FRNA). ResultsFrom April to November 2020 we enrolled 202 donors, mean age 47.3 {+/-}14.7 years, 55% female, 75% Caucasian. Most donors reported a mild clinical course (91%, n=171) without hospitalization. One hundred and five (105) (52%) donors presented for repeat visits with a median 42 (12-163) days between visits. The final visit occurred at a median 160 (53-273) days post-symptom resolution. Total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Ab), SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies were detected in 97.5%, 91.1%, and 74% of donors respectively at initial presentation. Neutralizing Ab titers based on FRNA50 were positively associated with mean IgG levels (p = <0.0001). Mean IgG levels and neutralizing titers were positively associated with COVID-19 severity, increased donor age and BMI (p=0.0006 and p=0.0028, p=0.0083 and p=0.0363, (p=0.0008 and p=0.0018, respectively). Over the course of repeat visits, IgG decreased in 74.1% of donors; FRNA50 decreased in 44.4% and remained unchanged in 33.3% of repeat donors. A weak negative correlation was observed between total Ab levels and number of days post-symptom recovery (r = 0.09). ConclusionAnti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were identified in 97% of convalescent donors at initial presentation. In a cohort that largely did not require hospitalization. IgG and neutralizing antibodies were positively correlated with age, BMI and clinical severity, and persisted for up to 9 months post-recovery from natural infection. On repeat presentation, IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels decreased in 56% of repeat donors. Overall, these data suggest that CP donors possess a wide range of IgG and neutralizing antibody levels that are proportionally distributed across demographics, with the exception of age, BMI and clinical severity.
Incorporation of Chopping in Continuous Time K-Delta-1-Sigma Modulator

A chopping technique in a continuous time K-delta-1-sigma modulator (KD1S) is reported in this paper. It is shown that the presence of the inherent path filter in the proposed technique can significantly improve the performance of the modulator by minimizing the aliased quantization noise. Also reported are how the selection of chopping frequency and its relation to sampling frequency and the trade-offs. To support the theory, a first order K-delta-1-sigma topology was designed in a 180nm CMOS process. Simulations are used to illustrate the validity of the results. The modulator works at a sampling frequency of 1 MHz with an oversampling ratio of 256. It consumes an average current of 61.18 µA from 1.8 V supply. The simulation result shows that there is more than 25dB improvement in the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the KD1S, when chopped at the right frequency.
A Fair Day's Pay for a Fair Day's Work: Time to Raise and Index the Minimum Wage

Millions of people are working for a living but not earning enough to raise their families. The value of the minimum wage continues to erode. It is in no one’s interest for people to work full-time and still remain in poverty. The minimum wage needs to be raised to at least the level it was in the 1960s and 1970s. Unlike social security and other anti-poverty programs, the minimum wage is not indexed for inflation and literally takes an act of congress to raise it. The minimum wage needs to be raised to a fair level and indexed to inflation.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Forensic Typologies: Getting Specific about Trauma among Institutionalized Youth

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to various conduct and behavior problems within juvenile delinquents, but fewer studies focused on these associations among specific forensic typologies of offending. Utilizing data from 3382 institutionalized delinquents in Texas, logistic regression models indicated multiple associations between ACEs and forensic typologies in both adjusted and unadjusted models, with sexual abuse and physical abuse emerging as the most consistent and robust predictors. Supplemental sensitivity models confirmed the associations between sexual abuse and physical abuse among youth who fit multiple forensic typologies. Models fared poorly at identifying youth who are engaged in fire setting. Implications for total and singular ACEs are discussed, along with how those relate to more clinically meaningful, forensic forms of juvenile delinquency.
Affine Group Schemes

If R is any ring (commutative with 1), the 2 × 2 matrices with entries in R and determinant 1 form a groupSL2(R) under matrix multiplication. This is a familiar process for constructing a group from a ring. Another such process is GL2, where GL2(R) is the group of all 2 × 2 matrices with invertible determinant. Similarly we can form SL n and GL n . In particular there is GL1, denoted by the special symbol G m ; this is the multiplicative group, with G m (R) the set of invertible elements of R. It suggests the still simpler example G a , the additive group: G a (R) is just R itself under addition. Orthogonal groups are another common type; we can, for instance, get a group by taking all 2 ×2 matrices M over R satisfying MM t = I. A little less familiar isµ n , the nth roots of unity: if we set µ n (R) = {x ∈ R|x n = 1 }, we get a group under multiplication. All these are examples of affinc group schcmcs.
Are Advanced Postcards or Letters Better? An Experiment with Advance Mailing Types

Busy survey shops struggle daily to figure out the most methodologically sound approach that fits within clients’ (often limited) budgets. Many projects require innovative techniques even with basic practices, such as advance notification. Sending advance (or prenotification) letters prior to a call or survey helps to increase response rates (De Leeuw et al. 2007; Dillman et al. 1976), but does the type of mailing matter as well? In this article, I compare the results of an advance postcard versus an advance letter, and find that overall letters are the more cost-effective option. Hembroff et al. (2005) established that the format of advance notification (letter versus postcard) matters insofar as advance letters tend to increase response rates more than advance postcards, which in turn reduces the overall survey costs. Obtaining a higher response rate is a desired outcome of most survey research projects because of concern with nonresponse (Groves 2006). Even if both types of advance mailings increase the overall response rate, if there is differential response by subgroups, then this raises concerns about nonresponse bias. To evaluate differential response by mail type, I examined responses to key demographic variables by mailing type. In addition, Dillman et al. (2009) hypothesize that higher response rates achieved from an advance letter versus a postcard are due in part to respondent recall. Therefore, it is also important to determine if recall is different by advance mail type. Hembroff et al. (2005) provide a detailed account of costs by mailing type, but for some cost-incurring items the researchers relied on estimates rather than real costs. Accordingly, we still need a detailed understanding of actual costs incurred by each mailing type, relative to the response rate. Can clients save money and maintain sufficient response rates using postcards instead of letters?
A 122-150 GHz LNA with 30 dB gain and 6.2 dB noise figure in SiGe BiCMOS technology

This paper presents a D-Band Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) for imaging applications designed in an advanced 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS process. The LNA consists of 3 cascode stages and one common-emitter stage and achieves peak gain of 30 dB and 3 dB bandwidth at 122-150 GHz. The measured noise figure is maintained below 7.5 dB over the measurement band with minimum of 6.2 dB at 140 GHz. The amplifier consumes DC power of only 45 mW, and occupies area of 0.11 mm2 (without pads), which make it suitable for integration in large scale imaging arrays. To our knowledge, this work demonstrates the highest gain, highest bandwidth and lowest noise figure achieved so far at D-Band in any silicon-based technology.
A μ-TLP system realized in MEMS technology

This work reports on a fully integrated μ-TLP system realized in MEMS technology. The proposed solution shows exceptionally low parasitics, and generates very fast pulses with fast rise times and high repetition rate. This system can be used for the testing of very sensitive devices, like MR heads or MEMS/NEMS.
Development of Bacteriphage α: Requirement for the Integrity of One Strand of Parental Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Abstract Bacteriophage α-Bacillus megaterium complexes are as sensitive as free phage to the decay of 32P incorporated in parental phage deoxyribonucleic acid during the eclipse period.
Succinic Acid Turnover and Propionate Production in the Bovine Rumen

High velocity constants for conversion of added succinate to propionate, together with estimations of pool size, showed that extracellular succinate is the major precursor of the propionate formed in the rumen. Some bacteria give off succinate as a final fermentation product which is decarboxylated by others to propionate.
The effects of out-of-phase biaxial-strain cycling on low-cycle fatigue

The effects of out-of-phase or nonsychronous straining on low-cycle fatigue was investigated. Biaxial strains were imposed on thin-walled tubular 7075-T6 aluminum specimens by tension-compression and torsion. Phase angles of 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90 deg were applied between two strains. It was found that out-of-phase cycling has an effect on the failure mode in the low-cycle-fatigue range. An analysis based on the maximum total strain in three-dimensional strain is proposed for treating 'out-of-phase' straining conditions in low-cycle fatigue.
Bureaucratic discretion and deliberative democracy

Administrative discretion is both a strength and a weakness of contemporary political systems. Governments could not govern without the capacity to fill in legislation with detailed administrative regulations. Further, these regulations tend to reflect far more substantive information about the subjects being regulated than would most legislation coming from the legislature or decisions reached by the courts. The weakness of using discretion in rulemaking is the lack of legitimacy of these rules. Bureaucracies have a less than positive image in most industrialized democracies, and it is often assumed that their decisions are made to aggrandize their own institutional interests, or to serve "special interests" rather than the public. Thus, in order to make rulemaking more legitimate, effective means of oversight and participation for the public as a whole are required. We argue that many of the existing means of oversight are not as effective as they once may have been. This is true largely because of the volume and complexity of rulemaking activity. In addition, the demands of the public in most democracies for more opportunities for effective participation mean that rulemaking that is done without the opportunity for the public to involve itself is suspect. The deliberative turn in thinking about participation, especially within public administration, may provide the public with opportunities for greater direct oversight, and perhaps also greater legitimacy for the rules adopted.
Serotonin receptor modulators in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

The aim of this article is to review the pathophysiology and clinical role of serotonin receptor modulators used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Serotonin is an important monoamine neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the initiation of peristaltic and secretory refl exes, and in modulation of visceral sensations. Several serotonin receptor subtypes have been characterized, of which 5HT3, 5HT4, and 5HT1b are the most important for GI function. 5HT4 agonists (eg, tegaserod) potentiate peristalsis initiated by 5HT1 receptor stimulation. 5HT4 agonists are therefore useful in constipation predominant form of IBS and in chronic constipation. 5HT3 antagonists (Alosetron and Cilansetron) prevent the activation of 5HT3 receptors on extrinsic afferent neurons and can decrease the visceral pain associated with IBS. These agents also retard small intestinal and colonic transit, and are therefore useful in diarrhea-predominant IBS. Tegaserod has been demonstrated in several randomized, placebo controlled trials to relieve global IBS symptoms as well as individual symptoms of abdominal discomfort, number of bowel movements and stool consistency. Several randomized, con- trolled trials have shown that alosetron relieves pain, improves bowel function, and provides global symptom improvement in women with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. However, ischemic colitis and severe complications of constipation have been major concerns leading to voluntary withdrawal of Alosetron from the market followed by remarketing with a comprehensive risk management program.
Molecular changes in the equine follicle in relation to variations in antral follicle count and anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations

SummaryReasons for performing study The wide variation in circulating anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations between mares is attributed to differences in antral follicle count (AFC) which may reflect follicular function. There are few data regarding variations in AFC and associated regulatory factors for AMH in the equine follicle during follicular development. Objectives To examine molecular and hormonal differences in the equine follicle in relation to variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations during follicular development and to identify genes co-expressed with AMH in the equine follicle. Study design Observational study. Methods Plasma AMH concentrations and AFC were determined in 30 cyclic mares. Granulosa cells, theca cells and follicular fluid were recovered from growing (n = 17) or dominant follicles (n = 13). The expression of several genes, known to be involved in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, was examined using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Intrafollicular oestradiol and AMH concentrations were determined by immunoassay. Results Within growing follicles, the expression of AMH, AMHR2, ESR2 and INHA in granulosa cells was positively correlated with AFC and plasma AMH concentrations. In addition, the expression of ESR1 and FSHR was positively associated with plasma AMH concentrations. No significant associations were detected in dominant follicles. Furthermore, there was no association between AMH or oestradiol concentrations in follicular fluid and variations in AFC. Finally, the expression of AMH and genes co-expressed with AMH (AMHR2, ESR2 and FSHR) in granulosa cells as well as intrafollicular AMH concentrations decreased during follicular development while intrafollicular oestradiol concentrations increased and were inversely related to intrafollicular AMH concentrations. Conclusions This study indicates that variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations are associated with molecular changes in the growing equine follicle.
Diagnosis and Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Complicating Upper Extremity Recovery

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical syndrome of pain, autonomic dysfunction, trophic changes, and functional impairment. CRPS is common after hand trauma or surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention is critical for adequate recovery. The diagnosis of CRPS requires a careful history, physical examination, and supporting diagnostic testing. Optimal treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. A large spectrum of pharmacologic interventions is efficacious in treating CRPS. Surgery may be used to relieve nociceptive foci. Patient-specific hand therapy is very important in reducing swelling, decreasing pain, and improving range of motion.
Mutations in the Notch Pathway Alter the Patterning of Multifidus

Clinical studies have suggested that defects in the epaxial muscles, particularly multifidus, may contribute to the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. While the epaxial muscles and the vertebrae derive from the same embryonic segmentation process, the mechanisms that pattern the multisegmental back muscles are still unclear. The process of segmentation is regulated by the Notch signaling pathway, and mutations in the modulators delta-like 3 (Dll3) and lunatic fringe (Lfng) are genetic models for spinal disorders such as scoliosis. Osteological defects have been characterized in these genetic models, but myological phenotypes have not previously been studied. We analyzed the multifidus muscle in the mouse (Mus musculus) and observed intriguing changes in the cranio-caudal borders of multifidus in Dll3 and Lfng models. Statistical analysis did not find a significant association between the majority of the multifidus anomalies and the vertebral defects, suggesting a previously unappreciated role for Notch signaling in patterning epaxial muscle groups. These findings indicate an additional mechanism by which DLL3 and LFNG may play a role in the etiology of human idiopathic scoliosis. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic breakdown in very dilute aluminum-silver alloys

Abstract The temperature and magnetic field dependences of the electrical magnetoresistance of very dilute (1 300 ⩽ RRR ⩽ 10 000) AlAg alloys have been measured for H ⧹ [110]. Although no oscillations were observed, there is evidence in the temperature dependence of the magnetoresistance for the existence of magnetic breakdown.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Electrophysiological study

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a rare compression neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve. Typical symptoms are burning pain and paresthesia in the toes and along the sole of the foot. The presence of Tinel's sign and objective sensory loss in the territory of any of the terminal branches of the posterior tibial nerve are diagnostically helpful. The terminal latency and sensory nerve conduction velocity in medial and lateral plantar nerves were studied in 20 normal controls and 21 cases of TTS in 17 patients. Prolonged terminal latency was observed in 11 cases, with TTS, while sensory nerve conduction abnormality (either absent nerve potential or slow sensory nerve conduction velocity) was found in 19. The sensory nerve conduction velocity in the lateral and medial plantar nerves is a superior objective diagnostic index of TTS.
The anesthesia team of the future.

Purpose of review This review is aimed at highlighting the recent developments and opportunities that are likely to impact the anesthesia team of the future. Recent findings The anesthesia team of the future aims to provide well tolerated, efficient, and cost-effective perioperative care. Certified and subspecialty trained anesthesiologists lead a diverse team of care providers in increasingly dissimilar environments. The spread of electronic health record systems has been the basis for the development of clinical decision support applications that promise to integrate quality control, enhanced efficiency, research opportunities, and improved patient care in the perioperative period. Perioperative epidemiology is a likely area of growth within the field of anesthesiology ultimately enabling the anesthesia team to translate precise real-time information into improved outcome. Summary The anesthesia team of the future will require the anesthesiologist to provide expertise across the entire domain of perioperative medicine. Meaningful decision support systems rely on accurate data analysis and incorporation of current clinical guidelines and recommendations.
Estrone and 17β-estradiol concentrations in pasteurized-homogenized milk and commercial dairy products

Some individuals fear that estrogens in dairy products may stimulate growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers in humans. The presence of estrone (E(1)) and 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) in raw whole cow's milk has been demonstrated. The objectives of this study were to determine if pasteurization-homogenization affects E(2) concentration in milk and to quantify E(1) and E(2) concentrations in commercially available dairy products. The effects of pasteurization-homogenization were tested by collecting fresh raw milk, followed by pasteurization and homogenization at 1 of 2 homogenization pressures. All treated milks were tested for milk fat globule size, percentages of milk fat and solids, and E(2) concentrations. Estrone and E(2) were quantified from organic or conventional skim, 1%, 2%, and whole milks, as well as half-and-half, cream, and butter samples. Estrone and E(2) were quantified by RIA after organic solvent extractions and chromatography. Pasteurization-homogenization reduced fat globule size, but did not significantly affect E(2), milk fat, or milk solids concentrations. Estrone concentrations averaged 2.9, 4.2, 5.7, 7.9, 20.4, 54.1 pg/mL, and 118.9 pg/g in skim, 1%, 2%, and whole milks, half-and-half, cream, and butter samples, respectively. 17Beta-estradiol concentrations averaged 0.4, 0.6, 0.9, 1.1, 1.9, 6.0 pg/mL, and 15.8 pg/g in skim, 1%, 2%, whole milks, half-and-half, cream, and butter samples, respectively. The amount of fat in milk significantly affected E(1) and E(2) concentrations in milk. Organic and conventional dairy products did not have substantially different concentrations of E(1) and E(2). Compared with information cited in the literature, concentrations of E(1) and E(2) in bovine milk are small relative to endogenous production rates of E(1) and E(2) in humans.
Cost-effective models for flutamide for prostate carcinoma patients: Are they helpful to policy makers?

BACKGROUND More than 50,000 male patients received hormonal therapy for metastatic prostate carcinoma in 1995. Nonsteroidal antiandrogens, such as flutamide, when used in conjunction with castration, are effective in prolonging the time to progression of disease and survival. Only one-third of newly diagnosed patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma receive flutamide. Physicians may be reluctant to prescribe flutamide because of quality of life, toxicity, and cost considerations. METHODS Physician focus groups evaluated quality of life factors for metastatic prostate cancer. RESULTS Using quality of life estimates with the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) 0036 clinical trial results, our revised model of flutamide use predicted that, for minimal disease, survival increased by 4.33 quality adjusted months (QAMs) at an incremental cost of $25,000 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) saved and for severe disease, survival increased by 4.11 QAM at a cost of $18,000 per QALY saved. However, if quality of life estimates are used in conjunction with the Prostate Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (PCTCG) meta-analysis estimates, survival increased by 2.1 QAM at an incremental cost of $41,000 per QALY saved for persons with severe disease and increased by 2.6 QAM at an incremental cost of $53,700 per QALY saved for persons with minimal disease. CONCLUSIONS Using NCI 0036 trial data, flutamide has an incremental cost-effectiveness more favorable than most therapies, while estimates based on the PCTCG found a less favorable outcome for the drug. Concerns about out-of-pocket expenditures and efficacy limit flutamide utilization; quality of life considerations are less cogent. Cancer 1996;77:1854-61.
AIDS: cardiac findings from 115 autopsies.

T HE ACQUIRED Immune Deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is responsible for significant morbidity and increasing mortality in the United States and in other countries.’ Although AIDS patients characteristically suffer from opportunistic infections and disseminated Kaposi’s sarcoma, cardiac lesions referable to AIDS have been reported over the last few years (summarized in Table l).2-23 In the previous study and case report by Cammarosano and Lewis,‘*” a total of 44 AIDS cases were reviewed. In all, 11 patients had major cardiac findings discovered or verified at postmortem examination, including fibrinous pericarditis, Kaposi’s sarcoma (involving the epicardium, myocardium, and coronary arteries), nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, and disseminated cryptococcus infection which involved the heart. Since the time of the reports, AIDS has undergone epidemiologic change. Reports of lesions referable to the heart have increased. Many are reports from smaller series, are case reports, or are without autopsy information. The present study evaluates the autopsy experience and findings at UCLA Medical Center with attention focused on cardiac lesions in AIDS patients. The initial 44 autopsies have been included in this study with 71 new autopsies that were performed since that study was completed.
THE ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DNA ASSOCIATED WITH CHLOROPLAST PREPARATIONS.

DNA has been isolated from spinach and beet leaves, and then subjected to density gradient ultracentrifugation. In addition to the major component of density 1·695 g/cm 3 , there are two minor components of density 1·705 and 1·719 g/cm 3 . The leaves have been separated into a nuclear fraction and a chloroplast fraction. The nuclear fraction contains only the major DNA component, but the chloroplast fraction shows a considerable enrichment (ten- to thirtyfold) of the minor DNA components. It is known that chloroplasts have non-chromosomal inheritance, and it is suggested that the minor DNA components may provide the physical basis for this inheritance. Minor DNA components have also been isolated from the photosynthetic green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardi and Chlorella ellipsoidea . By denaturation studies, it is concluded that the minor as well as the major DNA components are all two-stranded.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS AND THE ADDITIVE VALUE FUNCTION

The relationship between the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple-criteria decision method based on the properties of the eigenvalues of positive reciprocal matrices, and the additive value function is studied. The AHP is compared with the standard method of building an additive value function. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed and a new method that uses elements of both is proposed. The proposed method relies on the AHP for building the unidimensional value functions and incorporates the systematic use of pairwise comparisons into the standard method of estimating the weights of the additive value function. Subject Area: Decision Processes.
Millisecond FT-IR Spectroscopy of Surface Intermediates of C2H4 Hydrogenation over Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst under Reaction Conditions

Time-resolved rapid-scan FT-IR spectra of ethylene hydrogenation over alumina-supported Pt catalyst at 473 K were recorded under continuous H2/N2 flow (1 atm) and pulsed release of C2H4 (30 millisecond duration). Two surface species were observed, namely ethylidyne (CH3CPt3) with peaks at 2880 and 1339 cm-1 (lifetime 300 ± 50 ms), and a substantially shorter-lived intermediate with an intense band at 1200 cm-1 and weak absorptions in the 2875−2860 cm-1 region (lifetime around 100 ms). Comparison of the C2H4 + H2 results with those of experiments using D2 or C2D4 suggests that the 1200 cm-1 species is a surface ethyl intermediate (CH3CH2Pt). This is the first observation on the lifetime of surface ethyl species under reaction conditions. The rise of the final ethane product, monitored by the ν(CH) absorption at 2893 cm-1 was found to reach a maximum already in the first recorded time slice. This suggests that the observed CH3CH2Pt species is a surface-trapped form of the kinetically relevant, only weakly i...
Factor Analytic Study of Something about Myself

A factor analysis of 662 responses to Something About Myself, a 50-item inventory of self-reports of creativity, yielded six orthogonal factors: Environmental sensitivity, Initiative, Self-strength, Intellectuality, Individuality, and Artistry. The analysis further supports the construct validity of the measure and provides a means for more sensitive appraisal of the creative individual and comparisons among various subgroups.
Administrative reform of Japanese Space Policy Structures in 2012

Abstract In Japan, there are several government ministries and agencies with important roles in the development and use of space. In 2012, Japan restructured its administrative organs related to the development and use of space through legal amendments to the original acts that established these organs. Although this was an important administrative reform that took four years of planning and discussion to accomplish, this restructuring has not been communicated well outside of Japan. This study provides the first comprehensive overview of the recent legal changes in Japanese space policy. In contrast to some reports, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) still has primary responsibility for the finances and personnel of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This continues to be true even after the Cabinet Office begins its new role as the focal point for formulating Japanese space policy. It remains to be seen how the policy direction of the Cabinet Office will interact with the operational, financial, and personnel responsibilities of MEXT. I argue that knowledge of the roles of MEXT and the Cabinet Office in space policy, and the tension between the two organizations, is key to understanding Japan's future space policy decision-making process. By tracing the history of Japanese space policy since 2001, I also suggest that if bureaucrats had thought more deeply before making major reforms to space policy and its administration, there would have been less confusion over the development of national space policy this past decade. This paper concludes by identifying some key elements to monitor in the coming years of Japan's space policy.
Tourism at Khajuraho an Indian enigma

Abstract The Hindu temple complex at Khajuraho in central India has become a major tourist site for Indians and international tourists only in the past twenty years. Built as a court nearly a thousand years ago, but abandoned two centuries later, Khajuraho remained a minor pilgrimage site into the present century. The distinctive features of Khajuraho include thousands of explicitly sexual relief carvings, much publicized throughout India. Westerners are direct in their examination of these features, which remain problematic to the majority of Indian tourists. In contemporary puritanical India, where journals and movies are highly censored, Khajuraho offers an opportunity for the loosening of such rules with highly philosophical efforts to “explain away” such “obscenities.” Yet communitas is incomplete: women are discouraged from close examination of the depictions, and men fail to communicate with their families about their content.
A study of real-time identification and monitoring of barge-carried hazardous commodities

In response to increased terrorist threats related to hazardous material movements on the U.S. inland waterway system, towing vessel operators and fleet area managers, at specified reporting points, are required to notify the U.S. Coast Guard's Inland River Vessel Movement Center (IRVMC) of the movement of barges loaded with Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC). The objective of this study is to develop and field test a prototype system that provides more accurate, uniform, and timely data on hazardous movements by barges, especially those certified as CDC, and to identify and report barges with potential security threats. The system being developed, namely TRACC, is expected to automatically track and monitor barges with CDC and communicate the real-time information to a data server. The event prediction and anomaly detection modules of the system will analyze the collected real-time data and other information to identify any potential security threats, and visually display locations and routes of suspicious barges. It will benefit homeland security community, first responders, local law enforcement personnel and business by providing timely and accurate barge information to make quick and right decisions in disasters involving CDC movement on the inland waterway.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Membrane Binding by Annexin 5

Protein-membrane interactions are a vital mechanism of propagating signals both across the membrane and between cells. To control the magnitude and specificity of this type of cell signaling at the membrane, clustering of similar lipids and proteins has been observed in the cell via the formation of lipid microdomains. To address the thermodynamic basis of this type of signal propagation, we investigated how lipid microdomains form in response to annexin a5 binding to model membranes using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). Annexins are known to bind to negatively charged (e.g., phosphatidylserine [PS]) membranes in a Ca2+ dependent manner that lead to the formation of PS-enriched microdomains. Based on Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results, we suggest that that annexin functions to order lipid acyl chains upon binding and that the ordering of phospholipids can lead to the formation of these microdomains. Using ITC, we have analyzed the membrane binding affinity of annexin for both gel and fluid state mixtures. Binding analysis of these isotherms show that annexin binds fluid state mixtures with a significantly lower Kd than gel state lipids, which would be consistent with the hypothesis that the ordered nature of gel state lipids reduces the binding affinity of annexin for that lipid. In addition, because the binding is entropically dominated but exhibits greater affinity for fluid compared to gel state lipids, we suggest that annexin binding is driven by the release of water molecules as fluid lipids have more water of hydration. Interestingly, the enthalpy associated with the binding process for both gel and fluid state lipid mixtures is weak, which is indicative of a similar binding mechanism for the mixtures, albeit that binding of lipid is exothermic for fluid state and endothermic for gel state.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals in developing rat dorsal root ganglion neurons studied in excised tissue.

Abstract Confocal microscopy and the Ca 2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye fluo-3 were used to study subcellular Ca 2+ signals in embryonic, neonatal, and adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in excised dorsal rooot ganglia. Optical images obtained from isolated' whole embryonic and neonatal ganglia revealed a marked variability in the resting Ca 2+ signals of different neurons as compared to signals in adult neurons which were uniformly faint. Many of the embryonic and neonatal neurons displayed nuclear Ca 2+ signals at rest which were larger than those in the cytoplasm. Embryonic DRG neurons showed a significant increase in nuclear and cytoplasmic fluorescence in response to depolarization with elevated extracellular potassium or electrical stimulation. A single brief electrical stimulus was sufficient to elicit nuclear Ca 2+ signals in a subset of the embryonic neurons. The depolarization-induced Ca 2+ signals were blocked by removal of extracellular Ca 2+ , but not by treatment with 2,5-di ( tert -butyl)- 1,4 benzohydroquinone (DTBHQ), a compound which depletes intracellular Ca 2+ stores. The intensity of the depolarization-induced Ca 2+ signals declined significantly between the late embryonic (E18–E20) and early postnatal time periods (P0–P1). The nuclear and cytoplasmic Ca 2+ signals of the embryonic DRG neurons in the excised tissue preparation occur at a time of intense target innervation, suggesting a role for Ca 2+ signals in the development and maturation of rat DRG neurons.
A Study in Morphology by Electron Diffraction

A stabilized halloysite-glycerol complex was studied by electron microscope and electron diffraction techniques. The basal reflection was found to be 10.7 A by both electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction analyses. Electron micrographs of the expanded lattice (halloysite-glycerol complex) were not different from those of the collapsed lattice (halloysite). On the basis of the tubes evident in the micrographs and the fact that the basal reflection was present in the transmission electron diffraction pattern, it was established that the halloysite-glycerol complex is tubular. Since this complex has an expanded lattice 0.6 A greater than hydrated halloysite, it is believed that hydrated halloysite (endellite) is tubular as postulated by Bates, Hildebrand and Swineford.
CANCOR: A general least-squares program for univariate and multivariate analysis of variance and covariance

Many psychologists conceive of canonical correlation as a statistical technique that relates two sets of continuous variables; whether one set is deemed the "predictor set" and the other the "criterion set" is often arbitrary. Psychologists are now aware of the applicability of least-squares or regression methods to conventional experimental designs, with the independent variables serving as predictors and the dependent measures as criteria. Cohen (1968), for example, points out that, if one constructs dummy variables (+1, 0, -1) representing each between-cell degree of freedom in an experimental design and regresses the dependent measure upon these predictors, then a multiple regression analog to univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) is achieved. If, in addition to the discrete design predictors, the researcher includes one or more continuous variables in the predictor set, then a univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) can be accomplished. Leastsquares techniques are also applicable to designs involving multiple dependent measures (Woodward & Overall, 1975). Just as multiple correlation is the least-squares analog to univariate ANOVA and ANCOVA, canonical correlation is the analog to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and covariance (MANCOVA) (Knapp, 1978). SinceANOVA is simplya special case of multiple regression (i.e., one which employs discrete design predictors), which in turn is a special case of canonical correlation (Le., one which has only one criterion), canonical correlation seems to be the most general of these techniques, the closest approximation to the general linear model. Insofar as a canonical correlation analysis is concerned, the only factors that distinguish the various techniques are the number of criteria and whether the predictors are continuous, discrete, or mixed. In sum, canonical correlation can be used to perform any univariate or multivariate analysis of variance, covariance, or regression. Although there are several canonical correlation programs available [e.g., SPSS's CANCORR (Nie, Hull,
Synthesis and characterization of birnessite and cryptomelane nanostructures in presence of Hoffmeister anions

The effect of Hoffmeister anions Cl-, SO42-, and ClO4- on the structure and morphology of birnessite and cryptomelane-type manganese dioxide nanostructures, produced by the reduction reaction of KMnO4 and MnSO4 in aqueous acidic media, was studied. The syntheses were based on the decomposition of aqueous KMnO4 in presence of HCl for birnessite-type and acidified MnSO4 for cryptomelane-type manganese dioxide under soft hydrothermal conditions. They were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. XRD patterns show the formation of birnessite for the first synthesis and a mixture of cryptomelane and birnessite-types MnO2 for the second synthesis. XRD data revealed that the Hoffmeister anions have a significant effect on the nanostructures of birnessite. The sulphate ion-treated birnessite has the smallest crystals, whereas the chloride ion-treated birnessite has the largest crystals. Their TEM and HRTEM studies revealed a transformation from nanoplatelet morphology for chloride-treated samples to nanofibrous morphology for sulphate-treated birnessite. For the cryptomelane nanostructures, Hoffmeister anions also show a profound effect on their crystalline structures as determined by XRD analyses revealing a transformation of the cryptomelane phase to birnessite phase of MnO2. This transformation is also supported by TEM and HRTEM studies.
A Short Sequence within Domain C of Duck Carboxypeptidase D Is Critical for Duck Hepatitis B Virus Binding and Determines Host Specificity

Virus-cell surface receptor interactions are of major interest. Hepadnaviruses are a family of partially double-stranded DNA viruses with liver tropism and a narrow host range of susceptibility to infection. At least in the case of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), host specificity seems controlled partly at the receptor level. The middle portion in the pre-S region of the viral large envelope protein binds specifically to duck carboxypeptidase D (DCPD) but not to its human or chicken homologue. Although domain C of DCPD is implicated in ligand binding, the exact pre-S contact site remains to be determined. We prepared and tested a panel of chimeric constructs consisting of DCPD and human carboxypeptidase D (HCPD). Our results indicate that a short region at the N terminus of domain C (residues 920 to 949) is critical to DHBV binding and is a major determinant for the host specificity of DHBV infection. Replacing this region of the DCPD molecule with its human homologue abolished the DHBV interaction, whereas introducing this DCPD sequence into HCPD conferred efficient DHBV binding. Extensive analysis of site-directed mutants revealed that both conserved and nonconserved residues were important for the pre-S interaction. There were primary sequence variations and secondary structural differences that contributed to the inability of HCPD to bind the DHBV pre-S domain.