cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical care expenditures for diabetes, its chronic complications, and its comorbidities.

Abstract Background. Medical expenditures for diabetes are estimated, including expenditures for chronic complications of diabetes, unrelated conditions for which diabetics are at higher risk, and various comorbidities that raise the cost of medical care. Methods. A variety of national data sources are used to disaggregate the Health Care Financing Administration's national health expenditures in 1995 by sex, age, and diagnosis. Expenditures for chronic complications and other unrelated conditions for which diabetics have higher rates of utilization are determined by analysis of attributable risks. Additional expenditures generated by extra hospital inpatient days and higher charges for nursing home and home health care for comorbidities are estimated by regression analyses. Sensitivity analysis is used to calculate a range of estimated expenditures. Results. Total expenditures attributed to diabetes are $47.9 billion in 1995, including $18.8 billion for first listed diabetes, $18.7 billion for chronic complications, $8.5 billion for unrelated conditions, and $1.9 billion for comorbidities. The range of total expenditures is $34.3 to $63.7 billion. Conclusions. Comprehensive accounting of expenditures more accurately assesses the economic burden of diabetes and potential savings from prevention, especially of chronic complications. This analysis is illustrative for other chronic illnesses.
Glass transition. Hard knock for thermodynamics

An amorphous or ‘glass’ structure can be created when a liquid is cooled quickly. It has long been debated whether this transition involves an underlying thermodynamic or kinetic change. A model system of hard spheres supports the second view.
The Significance of the TAAS Test for Mexican Immigrant and Mexican American Adolescents: A Case Study

This article draws primarily from a 3-year qualitative case study to offer evidence that high-stakes testing is one among a number of alienating features of schooling. The focus is on low-achieving Mexican-origin students attending a segregated, urban high school located in Houston, Texas. The data show that the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills test often discourages regular- track, Mexican American and Mexican immigrant stu- dents from completing high school or considering a college education. The required, English-only nature of the exit test is also highlighted as a key reason why limited-Eng- lish-proficient, primarily Mexican immigrant, students fail to meet the passing require- ment at high rates. High-stakes testing is characterized herein as embedded within a larger logic that systematically negates Mexican youths' culture and language. Although proponents of the current system of accountability in Texas see it as a system that has brought attention to previously underserved children (e.g., Sklar & Scheurich, 2000), I submit that this system reflects yet another way in which children and their communities are objectified or treated as objects. The summaries captured in the current Special Issue help illustrate how this system of high-stakes testing—from its development to its imple- mentation—is something that has been done to rather than with minority youths and their communities. This treatment not only makes students feel as though they are not cared for, but such objectification is part of a very long history of cultural disparagement and dismissiveness in our public school system. Operating under the guise of technical rationality, high-stakes testing is thus party to a larger logic that fosters alienation toward schooling through a systematic negation of these students' Mexican culture and language. 1
Polymerization of olefins through heterogeneous catalysis. XVIII. A kinetic explanation for unusual effects

The development of a detailed kinetic model describing some of the unusual effects observed in catalyzed olefin polymerization is presented. Based on the method of moments, the model describes the rate effects of hydrogen and comonomers, as well as the ability of certain systems to incorporate long chain branches via internal and/or terminal double bond polymerization. Examples are provided demonstrating the model's ability to predict rates and degrees of polymerization with ethylene, propylene, and 1-hexene monomers. In the case of propylene, multiple insertion mechanisms are modeled and compared with experimental sequence length and end group data. In other examples the model is used to simulate an oscillating metallocene catalyst and a metallocene catalyst capable of branch addition via terminal double bond polymerization. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65:1053–1080, 1997
Deficient immunity in head and neck cancer due to excessive monocyte production of prostaglandins

Monocytes from patients with head and neck cancer produce excessive PGE2 which seems to be associated with decreased lymphoproliferation in vitro. This may be a pathological exaggeration of a normal homeostatic mechanism. It is speculated that a stimulus for excessive PGE2 production could be immune complexes. Although PGE2 suppresses many important immune processes relevant for neoplasia, it can also have complex and diverse effects on tumor cells. Caution should be exercised with human trials of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors such as indomethacin.
Evolutionary adaptation of the amino acid and codon usage of the mosquito sodium channel following insecticide selection in the field mosquitoes.

Target site insensitivity resulting from point mutations within the voltage-gated sodium channel of the insect nervous system is known to be of primary importance in the development of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. This study shifts current research paradigms by conducting, for the first time, a global analysis of all the naturally occurring mutations, both nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations, as well as mutation combinations in the entire mosquito sodium channel of Culex quinquefasciatus and analyzing their evolutionary and heritable feature and roles in insecticide resistance. Through a systematic analysis of comparing nucleotide polymorphisms in the entire sodium channel cDNAs of individuals between susceptible and resistant mosquito strains, between field parental mosquitoes and their permethrin selected offspring, and among different mosquito groups categorized by their levels of tolerance to specific permethrin concentrations within and among the mosquito strains of the field parental strains and their permethrin selected offspring, 3 nonsynonymous (A109S, L982F, and W1573R) and 6 synonymous (L852, G891, A1241, D1245, P1249, and G1733) mutations were identified. The co-existence of all 9 mutations, both nonsynonymous and synonymous, and their homozygousity were found to be important factors for high levels of resistance. Our study, for the first time, provide a strong case demonstrating the co-existence of both nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations in the sodium channel of resistant mosquitoes in response to insecticide resistance and the inheritance of these mutations in the offspring of field mosquito strains following insecticide selection.
Freeform micromachining of an infrared Alvarez lens

In 1967, Luis Alvarez introduced a novel concept for a focusing lens whereby two transmitting elements with cubic polynomial surfaces yield a composite lens of variable focal length with small lateral shifts. Computer simulations have demonstrated the behavior of these devices, but fabricating the refractive cubic surfaces of the types needed with adequate precision and depth modulation has proven to be challenging using standard methods, and, to the authors' knowledge, Alvarez lens elements have not been previously machined in infrared materials. Recent developments in freeform diamond machining capability have enabled the fabrication of such devices. In this paper, we discuss the fabrication of freeform refractive Alvarez elements in germanium using diamond micro-milling on a five-axis Moore Nanotech® 350FG Freeform Generator. Machining approaches are discussed, and measurements of surface figure and finish are presented. Initial experimental tests of optical performance are also discussed.
Decisional capacity to consent to research among patients with bipolar disorder: comparison with schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects.

Objective: Although clinical trials are needed to advance treatments for bipolar disorder, there has been little empirical research on the capacity of bipolar patients to consent to research. The aim of the present study was to evaluate levels of decisional capacity of bipolar patients compared with those of schizophrenia patients and healthy comparison subjects, as well as to examine whether symptom and neurocognitive deficits correlate with patients' decisional abilities. Method: Participants were 31 outpatients with bipolar disorder, 31 outpatients with schizophrenia, and 28 healthy comparison subjects; each participant's decisional capacity was evaluated with the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research. Patient participants were also evaluated with standardized clinical rating scales and neurocognitive tests. Data were collected from April 2002 through November 2005. Results: Bipolar patients had worse understanding than healthy comparison subjects, and their level of decisional capacity did not differ from that of schizophrenia patients. Within the combined patient sample, neurocognitive deficits and negative symptoms were significantly correlated (p <.05) with the level of decisional capacity (particularly, understanding of disclosed information). Repeating the missed information improved the level of understanding in all groups. Conclusions: The presence of bipolar disorder appears to be a risk factor for impaired understanding of information disclosed under standard consent procedures but should not be equated with a lack of competence to consent. The observed improvement in understanding with redisclosure of information suggests that enhanced consent procedures may be useful during enrollment of bipolar patients in research.
Neuromuscular function at low temperatures in frogs from cold and warm climates.

Abstract 1. 1. Nerve-muscle function was studied at a variety of temperatures in the most northerly American frog, Rana sylvatica , and in a southern (west-central Mexico) population of Rana pipiens . 2. 2. Maximal twitch tension in isolated gastrocnemius muscles increased with decreasing temperature in R. sylvatica but decreased with decreasing temperature in R. pipiens . 3. 3. R. sylvatica muscles excitable to sciatic nerve stimulation until the freezing point (−3 to −5°C) was reached. Muscles from R. pipiens became inexcitable to either nerve or direct stimulation at about 0°C. 4. 4. No temperature-related differences in nerve function were seen between the two species.
What Report Card Grades Should and Do Communicate Perceptions of Parents of secondary Students With and Without Disabilities

Outcomes research for included students with disabilities indicates that many students are receiving low or failing grades, resulting in increased interest in using grading adaptations for these students. However, successful use of a grading adaptation may hinge on what purpose the student, parent, and teacher perceive the grade to serve or on what information they think it should convey. The purpose of this study was to determine which of 10 potential purposes for report card grades parents of general education and special education students perceive as being most important and to find out how effectively these parents perceive report card grades to be in meeting each of the purposes. Results indicated that the combined sample of parents thought some purposes were more important than others; however, they did not believe that report card grades were very effective in meeting these purposes. Significant differences were also found between the perceptions of the parents of high-achieving students without d...
The minimum-mass extrasolar nebula: in situ formation of close-in super-Earths

Close-in super-Earths, with radii R = 2-5 R_Earth and orbital periods P < 100 days, orbit more than half, and perhaps nearly all Sun-like stars in the universe. We use this omnipresent population to construct the minimum-mass extrasolar nebula (MMEN), the circumstellar disk of solar-composition solids and gas from which such planets formed, if they formed near their current locations and did not migrate. In a series of back-of-the-envelope calculations, we demonstrate how in-situ formation in the MMEN is fast, efficient, and can reproduce many of the observed properties of close-in super-Earths, including their gas-to-rock fractions. Testable predictions are discussed.
Shifting Health Insurance Coverage, 1997-1999

Data from the 1997 and 1999 NSAF indicate that health insurance coverage remained fairly stable during this period. Thirty-six million nonelderly Americans lacked health insurance in 1999. Low-income adults and children remained about 4 times more likely to lack insurance coverage than those with higher incomes. The percentage of low-income adults with coverage through their jobs increased significantly from 39 to 42 percent. Among the group of children targeted by SHCIP, public coverage increased from 18 to 22 percent. Of the 13 states studied, only AL, CO, and MA experienced significant declines in uninsurance rates for all children and adults as well as those in low-income families. (Health Affairs 2001 January/February; 20(1):169-177)
The lifetime history of traumatic Brain injury and associated outcomes: a state-wide population-based survey

Background The number of non-hospitalised cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exceeds hospitalised cases, and the extent of disability following non-hospitalised TBI is unknown. Aims/Objectives/Purpose Document the lifetime history of TBI in a general population survey and assess the relationship of lifetime TBI severity to outcomes. Methods A total of 2701 Coloradoans participated in a random-digit-dialed computer assisted telephone interview. Using an adaptation of the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method, a lifetime history of injury was collected with details about the severity and place of treatment; brief standardised measures assessed current health status, disability, and related outcomes. Results/Outcomes Respondents were categorised into four injury groups: 24% reported no lifetime injuries, 37% reported injuries but none including TBI, 14% reported one or more TBIs but none with loss of consciousness, and 24% reported one or more TBIs with loss of consciousness. Among those reporting TBI, 24% reported their most severe TBI was treated in a hospital, 38% reported emergency department treatment, 12% were seen in a physician9s office or clinic, and 25% stated they did not seek medical attention. After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and place of treatment, the four injury groups were significant predictors of cognitive impairment, post concussive symptoms, health status, and life satisfaction. Significance/Contribution to the Field Substantial numbers of the general population (38%) report having one or more TBIs during their lifetime, but only 24% report being hospitalised. Prior estimates of disability after TBI based on hospitalised cases are likely underestimates.
Design potential of insertion device storage rings

The design potential and limitations of storage rings optimized for high brilliance synchrotron radiation production are discussed. Specifically the performance expectations for insertion device radiation is emphasized. Also prospects for a spatially coherent radiation source are evaluated.
The Design of Small- and Medium-sized Focused Combinatorial Libraries

The use of focused combinatorial libraries is becoming an important weapon in lead exploration and optimisation. The challenge for the modelling community is to harness the experience and knowledge we have in generating structure-activity relationships (SARs) for use in library design. This paper describes the different methods of calculating similarity and diversity from an SAR, several strategies for library design, the interplay between the descriptors in the design process, and some practical examples of focused library design.
The effect of Gaussian error in selection diversity combiners

Selection diversity combining (SDC) is one of the simplest and most commonly implemented diversity mechanism for mitigating the detrimental effects of deep fades experienced on wireless channels. While SDC improves the mean combined signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over that of a single branch with increasing diversity order, its main advantage is the reduction of the probability of deep fades. The effect of Gaussian errors in the branch gain estimates on the SDC receiver performance is investigated by deriving new closed-form expressions for the probability density function, cumulative distribution function and the moment generating function of the combiner output SNR statistic. Mathematical expressions for quantifying the degradation in the mean combined SNR, outage probability and the average symbol error rate of a broad class of binary and multilevel modulation schemes owing to imperfect branch SNR estimates in Rayleigh fading are also derived. It is shown that combiner errors affect the mean combined SNR negligibly in comparison to their effect on the deep fades. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The MiST2 database: a comprehensive genomics resource on microbial signal transduction

The MiST2 database (http://mistdb.com) identifies and catalogs the repertoire of signal transduction proteins in microbial genomes. Signal transduction systems regulate the majority of cellular activities including the metabolism, development, host-recognition, biofilm production, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of human pathogens. Thus, knowledge of the proteins and interactions that comprise these communication networks is an essential component to furthering biomedical discovery. These are identified by searching protein sequences for specific domain profiles that implicate a protein in signal transduction. Compared to the previous version of the database, MiST2 contains a host of new features and improvements including the following: draft genomes; extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor protein identification; enhanced classification of signaling proteins; novel, high-quality domain models for identifying histidine kinases and response regulators; neighboring two-component genes; gene cart; better search capabilities; enhanced taxonomy browser; advanced genome browser; and a modern, biologist-friendly web interface. MiST2 currently contains 966 complete and 157 draft bacterial and archaeal genomes, which collectively contain more than 245 000 signal transduction proteins. The majority (66%) of these are one-component systems, followed by two-component proteins (26%), chemotaxis (6%), and finally ECF factors (2%).
Fermion-monopole system reexamined. III

The chiral properties of the fermion-monopole system are investigated in detail. For one species of massless Dirac fermions, we show that the chiral symmetry is spontaneously broken, even in the presence of anomalies. The symmetry breaking is accompanied by a Nambu-Goldstone mode in the physical sector, which essentially coincides with the bosonic fields employed by Rubakov and Callan. A discrepancy noted previously for a Higgs-boson mass is also resolved. For the case of two species, we find two classes of degenerate solutions corresponding to whether or not the non-anomalous chiral symmetry is broken. A comparison of the two solutions in the presence of a mass term indicates that monopoles are unlikely to catalyze proton decay at strong-interaction rates.
Full-phase photon-counting double-random-phase encryption

We investigate a full-phase-based photon-counting double-random-phase encryption (PC-DRPE) method. A PC technique is applied during the encryption process, creating sparse images. The statistical distribution of the PC decrypted data for full-phase encoding and amplitude-phase encoding are derived, and their statistical parameters are used for authentication. The performance of the full-phase PC-DRPE is compared with the amplitude-based PC-DRPE method. The PC decrypted images make it difficult to visually authenticate the input image; however, advanced correlation filters can be used to authenticate the decrypted images given the correct keys. Initial computational simulations show that the full-phase PC-DRPE has the potential to require fewer photons for authentication than the amplitude-based PC-DRPE.
Cytoskeletal polarization of T cells is regulated by an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-dependent mechanism.

Abstract. Binding of a T cell to an appropriate antigen-presenting cell (APC) induces the rapid reorientation of the T cell cytoskeleton and secretory apparatus towards the cell–cell contact site in a T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and peptide/major histocompatibility complex–dependent process. Such T cell polarization directs the delivery of cytokines and cytotoxic mediators towards the APC and contributes to the highly selective and specific action of effector T cells. To study the signaling pathways that regulate cytoskeletal rearrangements in T lymphocytes, we set up a conjugate formation assay using Jurkat T cells as effectors and cell-sized latex beads coated with various antibodies as artificial APCs. Here, we report that beads coated with antibodies specific for the TCR-CD3 complex were sufficient to induce T cell polarization towards the bead attachment site, as judged by reorientation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and localized actin polymerization. Thus, these cytoskeletal changes did not depend on activation of additional coreceptors. Moreover, single subunits of the TCR complex, namely TCR-ζ and CD3e, were equally effective in inducing cytoskeletal polarization. However, mutagenesis of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), present three times in TCR-ζ and once in CD3e, revealed that the induction of cytoskeletal rearrangements required the presence of at least one intact ITAM. In agreement with this result, lack of functional Lck, the protein tyrosine kinase responsible for ITAM phosphorylation, abolished both MTOC reorientation and polarized actin polymerization. Both inhibitor and transient overexpression studies demonstrated that MTOC reorientation could occur in the absence of Ras activation. Our results suggest that APC-induced T cell polarization is a TCR-mediated event that is coupled to the TCR by the same signaling motif as TCR-induced gene activation, but diverges in its distal signaling requirements.
Computational simulations of hydrolysis of phosphazene oligomer utilizing atom‐centered density matrix propagation

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, including the ab initio molecular dynamics method, atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP), were used to investigate the hydrolysis reaction of a dichlorophosphazene trimer. The model trimer, intermediate structures and the product of the first step of hydrolysis, were optimized using DFT with the B3LYP density functional, followed by a 600 fs ADMP simulation. Natural bond order analysis (NBO) was used to determine atomic charges and occupancy of the bond orbitals and the lone pair orbitals of the molecule at various points along the simulation pathway. The simulation successfully shows dissociation of the trimer backbone into two distinct product molecules, shown through both increasing separation of the product units and through the more thorough NBO analysis of the bond orbitals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intra-articular changes precede extra-articular changes in the biceps tendon after rotator cuff tears in a rat model.

Hypothesis Biceps tendon pathology is common with rotator cuff tears. The mechanisms for biceps changes, and therefore its optimal treatment, are unknown. Our objective was to determine the effect of rotator cuff tears on regional biceps tendon pathology. We hypothesized that histologic and compositional changes would appear before organizational changes, both would appear before mechanical changes, and changes would begin at the tendon's insertion site. Materials and methods Detachment of supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons or sham surgery was done in 65 Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were euthanized at 1, 4, or 8 weeks for regional measurements of histologic, compositional, organizational (1, 4 and 8 weeks), or mechanical properties (4 and 8 weeks only). Results One week after tendon detachments, decreased organization and more rounded cell shape were found in the intra-articular space of the biceps tendon. Aggrecan expression was increased along the entire length of the tendon, whereas all other compositional changes were only at the tendon's proximal insertion into bone. With time, this disorganization and more rounded cell shape extended the length of the tendon. Organizational and cell shape changes also preceded detrimental mechanical changes: decreased modulus in the intra-articular space was found after 8 weeks. Conclusions Results support a degenerative component to pathology in the biceps tendon. In addition, changes resembling a tendon exposed to compressive loading occurring first in the intra-articular space indicate that the biceps tendon plays an increased role as a load-bearing structure against the humeral head in the presence of rotator cuff tears.
Preliminary observations on germination of Pluteus basidiospores.

Basidiospore germination is a critical first step in carrying out mating behavior studies (Watling, 1971), yet some basidiospores, particularly spores of mycorrhizal organisms, do not easily germinate in vitro (Fries, 1977, 1978). Numerous experimental procedures have been employed to accomplish spore germination (e.g., Fries, 1977, 1978,1983,1990; Fries and Mueller, 1984). Fries (1990) has shown the effects of tree roots on spore germination of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Fries (1983) and Fries and Mueller (1984) among other workers improvised nutritive media to obtain basidiospore germination of Laccaria, an ecto? mycorrhizal fungus. Short-term cold storage has been found beneficial in spore germination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Safir et al., 1990). Even though Pluteus (Pluteaceae, Agaricales) is presumably nonmycorrhizal, attempts to germinate its basidiospores have been unsuccessful (Smith, 1971; Watling, 1971). The following experiments were performed, there? fore, to test the effects of some environmental parameters on germination of Pluteus basidio? spores and germ tube growth under laboratory conditions.
MIXTURES OF ERYTHROCYTES AND ACELLULAR FLUIDS: AN IN VITRO EVALUATION

To evaluate the biophysical properties of two acellular resuscitative fluids, experiments were performed using mixtures of these with suspensions of red blood cells.Two acellular resuscitative fluids were synthesized using a diacid to tetramerically stabilized hemoglobin and then complexing it with either a hydroxyethyl starch or a Tetronic Polyol. The new polymers were characterized with respect to the molecular weight, second virial coefficient and intrinsic viscosity. These fluids were then combined with red cells and the following measurements were made: non-Newtonian flow properties, malonamide induced hemolytic kinetics, sedimentation rates and oxygen transport.The in vitro evaluation indicates that these compounds are effective hemodiluents, offer protection to the red cell membrane and do not cause erythrocyte aggregation. The oxygen transport was satisfactory.
A culturally responsive, family-enhanced intervention model

The Multicultural Interventions for Adolescent Substance Use, referred to as The Shadow Project, was a 3-year, NIAAA-funded pilot study involving 60 American Indian families who had a youth entering alcohol and drug inpatient treatment. Participation was voluntary and involved comparison of two different treatment modalities: treatment as usual and a brief family-enhanced intervention. In adapting this family-based intervention specifically for American Indian families, a cultural approach to assessment and intervention was integrated into the process, with the intervention focusing on building support around the youth to attain abstinence and assuring the youth that their family, community, and substance abuse counselor were motivating influences. Five areas were assessed in the family observation tasks: relationship building, positive reinforcement, limit setting, monitoring, problem solving, and communication. Cultural adaptation was made for two of the five tasks. Two legends were used to assess the families' skill level in relationship building, problem solving, and communication as a family unit. By incorporating Indian stories, families were encouraged to respond in a culturally appropriate manner. Preliminary findings show that these stories were linked to child prosocial behavior and the percentage of days abstinent from individual drug use. This pilot project also adapted culturally responsive instruments, tasks, and validity to this population. The first year required adaptation of recruitment methods, tribal and treatment center agreements, referral contacts, and implementation of intervention and follow-up with adolescents and their families. The second year was composed of intervention implementation and follow-up assessments. To determine the intervention program's long-term effect on reducing adolescent alcohol and other drug use, all families were followed up and assessed 11 months after they left treatment. The third and final year of the study included follow-up, data entry, and data analysis.
Mechanics of neutrophil phagocytosis: experiments and quantitative models

To quantitatively characterize the mechanical processes that drive phagocytosis, we observed the FcγR-driven engulfment of antibody-coated beads of diameters 3 μm to 11 μm by initially spherical neutrophils. In particular, the time course of cell morphology, of bead motion and of cortical tension were determined. Here, we introduce a number of mechanistic models for phagocytosis and test their validity by comparing the experimental data with finite element computations for multiple bead sizes. We find that the optimal models involve two key mechanical interactions: a repulsion or pressure between cytoskeleton and free membrane that drives protrusion, and an attraction between cytoskeleton and membrane newly adherent to the bead that flattens the cell into a thin lamella. Other models such as cytoskeletal expansion or swelling appear to be ruled out as main drivers of phagocytosis because of the characteristics of bead motion during engulfment. We finally show that the protrusive force necessary for the engulfment of large beads points towards storage of strain energy in the cytoskeleton over a large distance from the leading edge (∼0.5 μm), and that the flattening force can plausibly be generated by the known concentrations of unconventional myosins at the leading edge.
The AlgT-Dependent Transcriptional Regulator AmrZ (AlgZ) Inhibits Flagellum Biosynthesis in Mucoid, Nonmotile Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cystic Fibrosis Isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a microorganism associated with the disease cystic fibrosis. While environmental P. aeruginosa strains are generally nonmucoid and motile, isolates recovered from the cystic fibrosis lung frequently display a mucoid, nonmotile phenotype. This phenotypic conversion is mediated by the alternative sigma factor AlgT. Previous work has shown that repression of fleQ by AlgT accounts for the loss of flagellum biosynthesis in these strains. Here, we elucidate the mechanism involved in the AlgT-mediated control of fleQ. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using purified AlgT and extracts derived from isogenic AlgT+ and AlgT− strains revealed that AlgT inhibits fleQ indirectly. We observed that the AlgT-dependent transcriptional regulator AmrZ interacts directly with the fleQ promoter. To determine whether AmrZ functions as a repressor of fleQ, we mutated amrZ in the mucoid, nonmotile P. aeruginosa strain FRD1. Unlike the parental strain, the amrZ mutant was nonmucoid and motile. Complementation of the mutant with amrZ restored the mucoid, nonmotile phenotype. Thus, our data show that AlgT inhibits flagellum biosynthesis in mucoid, nonmotile P. aeruginosa cystic fibrosis isolates by promoting expression of AmrZ, which subsequently represses fleQ. Since fleQ directly or indirectly controls the expression of almost all flagellar genes, its repression ultimately leads to the loss of flagellum biosynthesis.
The Search for Fundamentals in Global Perspective

The suggestion that people are widely “in search of fundamentals” raises issues which can be situated at the center of contemporary social science, as well as those areas of the humanities which have in recent years coalesced into the “transdiscipline” of cultural studies.’ To consider the question whether or not and if so to what degree “people” are widely engaged individually and/or collectively in “a search” for “fundamentals” raises both a “positivistic” question and an interpretive, indeed a critical, one.’ We can investigate via a positivistic definition of “fundamentals” the degree to which there is and the causes of extensive concern with “ultimate values.” Or we can, at the other extreme, explore — indeed “deconstruct” — the discourse of “fundamentalism.” Moreover, in the terms of the “stronger” versions of cultural studies (Robertson, 1992a:47-8) we can consider the basis of the interest in the problematic of “the search for fundamentals” from the perspective of a presuppositional commitment to “liberation,” “emancipation,” “empowerment,” “resistance,” or whatever.
MEP Pathway: A Novel Pathway for New Antibiotics

In recent times the World Health Organization estimated that around 1/3rd of human population has latent Mycobacterial tuberculosis (TB). Among them 8 million develop active disease and 3 million expire every year. Out of that, around 20% of cases are multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), resistant to the main firstline drugs like isoniazid and rifampin, and 2% are extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), resistant to isoniazid, rifampin, fluoroquinolones and at least one of three second-line drugs (amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin). However, no new classes of anti-TB drugs or drug formulations have been introduced clinically since the 1980’s and it is very important to explore new opportunity [1].
IMPROVED BIOMATERIALS FOR ARTIFICIAL LUNG MEMBRANES

The membrane lung is a prosthetic device presently used in an extracorporeal blood circuit to partially exchange respiratory gases when the function of the natural lung is severely compromised, or for total gas exchange during cardiac surgery. When used for respiratory insufficiency, the membrane lung avoids the complications of conventional ventilator therapy which arise from high airway pressures and inspired oxygen concentrations. By preventing both hypoxia and hypercapnea, the membrane lung can maintain life while otherwise fatal pulmonary damage receives therapy and heals [1, 2].
Fortification of CdSe Quantum Dots with Graphene Oxide. Excited State Interactions and Light Energy Conversion

Graphene based 2-D carbon nanostructures provide new opportunities to fortify semiconductor based light harvesting assemblies. Electron and energy transfer rates from photoexcited CdSe colloidal quantum dots (QDs) to graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were isolated by analysis of excited state deactivation lifetimes as a function of degree of oxidation and charging in (R)GO. Apparent rate constants for energy and electron transfer determined for CdSe–GO composites were 5.5 × 108 and 6.7 × 108 s–1, respectively. Additionally, incorporation of GO in colloidal CdSe QD films deposited on conducting glass electrodes was found to enhance the charge separation and electron conduction through the QD film, thus allowing three-dimensional sensitization. Photoanodes assembled from CdSe–graphene composites in quantum dot sensitized solar cells display improved photocurrent response (∼150%) over those prepared without GO.
A Check List of Poultry Bulletins

Abstract THIS list is intended to contain all publications relating to poultry and eggs, in the regular bulletin series, as well as research or technical bulletins, issued by the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the United States. Station circulars, extension bulletins, extension circulars, and miscellaneous popular bulletins are not included, nor has any attempt been made to include annual reports of the stations even though they may have been issued as numbered bulletins. Several bulletins dealing with prices of farm products, and making brief or incidental mention of poultry and eggs, have been omitted. The number of titles listed is 496, and the period covered is from the establishment of the stations to the end of 1930. The directors of the several stations were given the opportunity of checking the list for completeness and accuracy, and it is hoped that no serious errors have occurred. Specific attention is called to the fact . . .
Vaginal fine-needle aspiration: A useful alternative to biopsy.

Background Vaginal fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is infrequently performed to assess palpable lesions. We perform the first multi-institutional study to evaluate this procedure. Methods We retrospectively reviewed vaginal FNAs performed at two institutions for the past 27 years. Clinical, cytological and histological data were reviewed and tabulated. Results We identified 43 specimens from 39 patients (mean age 56 years, range 18-86 years). Twenty four patients (62%) had prior malignancies from the following sites: gynecologic tract (22), bladder (1), and breast (1). Twenty four specimens were malignant, 18 were benign (including eight cases from patients with prior malignancy) and one was unsatisfactory. Of 28 FNA specimens from patients with a malignant history, 18 (64%) were positive for malignancy. The most common malignancies were metastatic ovarian carcinoma (50%), squamous cell carcinoma (25%), and uterine cancer (17%). Mean time to metastasis/recurrence was 16 months and was longest in patients with ovarian metastasis (26 months) compared to other malignancies (P = 0.002). The most common benign diagnoses were cysts (33%) and inflammation (22%). In 27 cases with histological correlation, there were 20 true positives, six true negatives and one false negative (sensitivity =95%, specificity =100%). Seven patients had a recent Pap test with two true positives, two true negatives, and three false negatives (sensitivity = 40%, specificity = 100%). Conclusion Vaginal FNA is usually performed to rule out a secondary malignancy, often of ovarian origin. Vaginal metastases from extra-gynecologic sites are rare. FNA is both highly sensitive and specific and may be a safe and effective alternative to biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outpatient cervical ripening using a sustained-release prostaglandin E2 vaginal insert.

This clinical trial was undertaken to determine whether a sustained-release prostaglandin E 2 vaginal insert could be used for outpatient cervical ripening. A total of 111 patients, with primarily pregnancy-induced hypertension or postdatism, were administered the insert in a simulated outpatient setting. The high rates of regular contractions (23.4%) and of removal of the insert before < 12 hours (27.9%) make its use undesirable outside a hospital.
Aortic valvuloplasty for stenosis in adults. Late results.

Open aortic valvuloplasty was carried in 40 adult patients between June, 1956, and May, 1969. There were five postoperative deaths. Among 35 surviving patients, followed 3 to 14 years, 19 required additional aortic valve surgery and 10 died from congestive failure, arrhythmias, or cerebral vascular disease. Six surviving patients, followed for 45 patient years, have not required further aortic valve surgery.
Evolution of Unit Fraction Conceptions in Two Fifth-Graders with a Learning Disability: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACTThe literature seems limited in what is known about conceptual processes that underlie evolution of students with learning disabilities (SLD) conceptions of fractions. This exploratory study examines how a foundational scheme of unit fractions (1/n) may evolve through the mathematical activity of two fifth grade girls. We analyze data segments from episodes conducted during a teaching experiment grounded in the activity of iterating estimates of one person's equal share. Our findings include four distinct conceptual stages: (1) No Conception of the Nature of Adjustment to the Magnitude of a Unit Fraction, (2) Evolving Anticipation of the Nature of Adjustment but not of its Relative Amount, (3) Anticipation of the Nature of Adjustment with an Evolving Partial Amount, and (4) a Dual Anticipation of the Nature and Amount of Adjustment. Findings demonstrate each girl was able to use her constructed scheme to successfully solve and reason about novel problems. We discuss the need for more research to c...
Outdoor Exposure Testing

Publisher Summary The purposes of outdoor exposure testing (OET) include: (1) obtaining data on material durability and lifetimes at a number of representative locations; (2) understanding why materials degrade at different rates at different test sites; (3) correlating in-service measurements with accelerated life testing results and subsequently making quantitative predictions of material service lifetimes; and (4) validating damage function models derived from accelerated exposure tests. To allow validation, the detailed exposure conditions that candidate sample materials experience must be monitored. For this, test sites must be fully instrumented in terms of monitoring meteorological conditions and solar irradiance. Candidate materials are optically characterized before being subjected to exposure at OET sites. Optical durability is quantified by periodically remeasuring an appropriate response variable as a function of exposure time. By closely monitoring the site- and time-dependent environmental stress conditions experienced by the samples, the actual site dependent loss of performance is obtained. In addition, parallel accelerated exposure testing of these materials in laboratory-controlled conditions permits correlations to be made with in-service results and subsequent prediction of service lifetimes.
Hope and doubt in the promise of neuroimaging: The case of autism spectrum disorder.

Although neuroimaging is currently not a component of the diagnostic process for autism spectrum disorders, some scientists hail these technologies for their promise to one day replace behaviorally based psychiatric diagnostic techniques. This article examines how psychiatrists understand the potential use of neuroimaging technologies within the context of clinical practice. Drawing on 10 semi-structured interviews with child and adolescent psychiatrists, I describe the hope and doubt that comprise their discourse of ambivalence. This analysis demonstrates that the uses and meanings of neuroimaging technologies are rearticulated in ongoing debates in the field of psychiatry regarding the role of the biopsychiatric model in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. This study highlights issues surrounding the perceived biopsychiatric focus of neuroimaging technologies within clinical practice, concerns regarding misdirected research attention, and the ways in which understandings of future utility med...
Baseline health status and quality of life after alcohol treatment for women with alcohol dependence

Background Research suggests that women with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) experience more severe medical and social consequences from alcohol use compared to men, but little is known about health improvements following alcohol treatment.
Fluoxetine in Tourette Syndrome

An open label trial of fluoxetine (20-40 mg/d) was conducted in 32 Tourette syndrome patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder at the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, NY.
International Student Mental Health

This chapter describes the mental health status of international students in institutions of higher education, unique challenges these students face and their impact on mental health, and suggestions for ways to address these challenges.
CO2 emission of Real Time Monitoring in China

Real Time Monitoring ‚RTM’ is a new way to monitor the movements and activities of a vehicle. RTM is when data is being transmitted in real time from a car to a central database. In the Peoples Republic of China, New Energy Vehicles ‚NEVs’ must be equipped with technology that supports RTM in order to receive the right to be manufactured. This amount of data traffic at the currently planned NEVs (5 Million Units) in 2020 will result in 850.000 GBs a year. Based on the estimations, within four years 4.552,51 Tons of CO2 will be generated annually through the real time monitoring of NEVs. As long as most of China‘s energy supply is generated through coal factories, the expected benefits of NEVs cannot be realised. The CO2 emission problem will not be solved but only relocated from cities to suburban areas (location of coal factories).
Lung Transplantation in Interstitial Lung Disease

Advanced interstitial lung disease (ILD) that failed medical therapy is a common indication for lung transplantation. The first successful lung transplantation was performed in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. With the implementation of the lung allocation score in 2005, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has surpassed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as the most common indication of lung transplantation. In the context of lung transplantation, interstitial lung diseases can be broadly grouped into idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, interstitial lung disease due to connective tissue disease (CTD), and pulmonary sarcoidosis with or without pulmonary hypertension. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. The most common interstitial lung disease due to connective tissue disease that leads to lung transplantation is scleroderma-associated ILD. Others forms of ILD-CTD include rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, and dermatomyositis/polymyositis.