cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NURSE’S PERCEPTION AND COMPLIANCE ON IDENTIFICATION, SITUATION, BACKGROUND, ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION (ISBAR) TOOLS FOR HANDOFF COMMUNICATION IN TERTIARY HOSPITAL, DAMMAM

Background: The identification, situation, background, assessment and recommendation (ISBAR) is a handoff tool that plays an important role in transferring responsibility and accountability in patient care from outgoing shifts to incoming shifts. Many researchers believe that handoff is very important among nurses. Nurses had the responsibility to ensure patients’ correct information which were shared among themselves during handoff. It also delivers the best patient care by improving the transfer of clinical information globally and systematically. Purpose: The aim of the study is to determine nurse’s perception and compliance on ISBAR tool for handoff communication in tertiary hospital, Dammam. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in oncology unit at King Fahad Tertiary Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Total sample size was 70. Questionnaire was the instrument tool in the study to measure nurse’s perception and compliance on ISBAR tools. Result: The overall perception mean score achieved was 38.64±1.455 and compliance score was 7.73±0.588. This showed nurses had good perception and compliance on ISBAR tools and none of them had poor perception and compliance regarding the same. There was statistically significant relationship (P=0.000) between perception and compliance on ISBAR tools. Conclusion: ISBAR is reliable and effective handoff communication tools to promote patient safety. However, continuous education should be maintained to ensure all nurses competent in ISBAR tool. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate relationship between nurses’ perception and compliance on ISBAR tool.
Universal adaptive beamforming for moving interferers

Loud moving interferers challenge adaptive beamformers (ABFs) attempting attenuate these interferers while detecting quiet sources. Specifically, moving interferers create a dynamic tension in choosing the best window length for estimating the sample covariance matrix (SCM) from received snapshots. If the window is too short, the ABF does not accurately steer its nulls toward the interferers, diminishing its effectiveness in attenuating the interferers. If the window is too long, the interferers transit multiple beamwidths, splitting their power across multiple eigenvectors, also diminishing the ABF's effectiveness (Baggeroer and Cox, 1999). Previously proposed approaches to address this challenge include Multirate Adaptive Beamforming (Cox, 2000) and Null-Broadening (Song et al., 2003). This talk proposes a universal adaptive beamformer (UABF) exploiting online learning techniques to adapt the length of the SCM averaging window. The UABF's array weights blend the array weights of several competing ABFs. The recent performance of each fixed-window ABF determines its contribution to the UABF array weights. The UABF's performance provably converges to rival the best fixed-length window ABF for every finite power input sequence, without assuming a specific probability distribution. In nonstationary environments where interferers change speed, the UABF may outperform all of the competing fixed-window ABFs. [Supported by ONR 321US.]Loud moving interferers challenge adaptive beamformers (ABFs) attempting attenuate these interferers while detecting quiet sources. Specifically, moving interferers create a dynamic tension in choosing the best window length for estimating the sample covariance matrix (SCM) from received snapshots. If the window is too short, the ABF does not accurately steer its nulls toward the interferers, diminishing its effectiveness in attenuating the interferers. If the window is too long, the interferers transit multiple beamwidths, splitting their power across multiple eigenvectors, also diminishing the ABF's effectiveness (Baggeroer and Cox, 1999). Previously proposed approaches to address this challenge include Multirate Adaptive Beamforming (Cox, 2000) and Null-Broadening (Song et al., 2003). This talk proposes a universal adaptive beamformer (UABF) exploiting online learning techniques to adapt the length of the SCM averaging window. The UABF's array weights blend the array weights of several competing ABFs. ...
Variation in hospital admission of sickle cell patients from the emergency department using the Pediatric Health Information System.

Background Universal newborn screening and improved treatment options have led to increased survival in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, patients with SCD still rely heavily on acute care services. Objective To determine the variation seen in hospitalizations for the top complaints for ED visits for children with SCD nationally. Methods We performed a retrospective review of the Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) Database between October 2011 and September 2015. Emergency department (ED) encounters were selected by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for SCD with and without crisis, fever, and pain. Univariate analyses were performed, as well as index of dispersion (ID) to assess variation by day of the week and region. ANOVA and t-test were used to determine statistical significance. Results A total of 68 661 ED encounters at 36 hospitals met the criteria for inclusion. Of those encounters, 50.1% were admitted to the hospital. Pain and fever were the most common primary diagnoses among this population. Although variation in hospitalization was seen overall, as well as for a primary diagnosis of pain or fever, this variation was not explained by weekday/weekend designation. Conclusion The results of our study confirm pain and fever as the most common primary diagnoses for children with SCD who seek acute care, as well as demonstrate that while significant variation in hospitalization exists, it is not associated with day of the week. Further studies to elucidate patient- and hospital-level factors that influence admission variation are necessary.
Multimodal and Multifunctional Plasmonic Nanostructures and Techniques

We review the science and technology of nanoporous gold disk array, which have high-density plasmonic “hot spots”, large surface area for plasmonmatter interaction, and robust structural integrity.
Improving User Experience for GENI-based Cybersecurity Labs

GENI (Global Environment for Network Innovations) has been used in network research and education for more than one decade. However, very few institutions utilize the virtual machines (VM) deployed on GENI for generalized computer education. One major reason is the limited user interface offered by GENI VMs. In this poster, we introduce the desktop environment to GENI VMs, thereby widening the student base in computer education. Specifically, as the demand of Cybersecurity education increases, we show that by introducing the desktop environment to the existing flexible network topology, GENI becomes more inclusive in offering cybersecurity education to a wide range of students, ranging from entry level students, who are unfamiliar with command line interface, to the advanced students, who are interested in sophisticated network attacks and preventions. The preliminary student survey result shows that most students have no problem using GUI lab environment.
Chapter 7 – Metastable Epialleles

Metastable epialleles (MEs) are mammalian genomic loci where epigenetic regulation is stochastically established in the early embryo followed by high fidelity maintenance of the epigenetic marks thereafter. Secondary to these characteristics, dramatic interindividual variation in locus-specific epigenetic regulation can occur at MEs between individuals of the same species. MEs drew scientific attention because those associated with easily observable phenotypic variation among genetically identical mice. Importantly, periconceptual nutritional influences have been observed to modulate the establishment of epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation at MEs. These findings implicated MEs in the developmental origins of mammalian disorders and possibly human disease. Recent studies provided evidence for the existence of human genomic loci behaving similarly to murine MEs. In the meantime, a recent murine study with very large number of animals failed to reproduce some of the earlier findings on environmental vulnerability of ME-related epiphenotypes. This chapter reviews the existing literature and highlights the debates concerning MEs, both in murine models and humans. The lack of evidence for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance at mammalian MEs is also discussed.
Assessment of the Effect of the Go Red for Women Campaign on Search Engine Queries for Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Background: The Go Red for Women (GoRedW) campaign aims to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in women. However, assessing the effects of social campaigns on information-seeking behaviors may be challenging. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of GoRedW using a large sample of unbiased real-world data from Google Trends (GTr) and evaluate the temporal correlation of online search queries for CVD and stroke in women with GoRedW. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using GTr, a public tool from the Google search engine to obtain relative search volumes (RSVs) related to CVD and stroke in women in the period January 2004 to April 2019 in the USA. In addition, trends of GoRedW were compared with those of the well-established Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign. Results: RSVs increased for queries of GoRedW and all searched terms for CVD but not for stroke in women during February compared to other months of the year without active campaign. The strong pattern with peaks of temporal increase was consistent over the 15-year study period. RSV of “Go Red for Women” in February increased on average 494% (range: 211% to 789%). The highest temporal increase on search queries for CVD was for the term “heart disease (in) women” with an average of 114% (24% to 182%). We found a positive correlation between RSVs of GoRedW and the term “heart disease (in) women” (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). RSVs for “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” had a higher increase during the active campaign month compared to GoRedW and showed a stronger positive correlation (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Search engines are a valuable resource to provide insights on information demand and to assess the effectiveness of social campaigns and interventions. Our study showed an increase in the RSVs for queries of GoRedW and all CVD terms which correlated with the active campaign months over a 15-year period. Cardiol Res. 2020;11(5):348-352 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr1107
The Effect of Pore Diameter on Neo-tissue Formation in Electrospun Biodegradable Tissue-Engineered Arterial Grafts in a Large Animal Model

Abstract To date, there has been little investigation of biodegradable tissue engineered arterial grafts (TEAG) using clinically relevant large animal models. The purpose of this study is to explore how pore size of electrospun scaffolds can be used to balance neoarterial tissue formation with graft structural integrity under arterial environmental conditions throughout the remodeling process. TEAGs were created with an outer poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) electrospun layer and an inner sponge layer composed of heparin conjugated 50:50 poly (l-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) copolymer (PLCL). Outer electrospun layers were created with four different pore diameters (4, 7, 10, and 15 µm). Fourteen adult female sheep underwent bilateral carotid artery interposition grafting (n = 3–4 /group). Our heparin-eluting TEAG was implanted on one side (n = 14) and ePTFE graft (n = 3) or non-heparin-eluting TEAG (n = 5) on the other side. Twelve of the fourteen animals survived to the designated endpoint at 8 weeks, and one animal with 4 µm pore diameter graft was followed to 1 year. All heparin-eluting TEAGs were patent, but those with pore diameters larger than 4 µm began to dilate at week 4. Only scaffolds with a pore diameter of 4 µm resisted dilation and could do so for up to 1 year. At 8 weeks, the 10 µm pore graft had the highest density of cells in the electrospun layer and macrophages were the primary cell type present. This study highlights challenges in designing bioabsorbable TEAGs for the arterial environment in a large animal model. While larger pore diameter TEAGs promoted cell infiltration, neotissue could not regenerate rapidly enough to provide sufficient mechanical strength required to resist dilation. Future studies will be focused on evaluating a smaller pore design to better understand long-term remodeling and determine feasibility for clinical use. Statement of Significance In situ vascular tissue engineering relies on a biodegradable scaffold that encourages tissue regeneration and maintains mechanical integrity until the neotissue can bear the load. Species-specific differences in tissue regeneration and larger mechanical forces often result in graft failure when scaling up from small to large animal models. This study utilizes a slow-degrading electrospun PCL sheath to reinforce a tissue engineered arterials graft. Pore size, a property critical to tissue regeneration, was controlled by changing PCL fiber diameter and the resulting effects of these properties on neotissue formation and graft durability was evaluated. This study is among few to report the effect of pore size on vascular neotissue formation in a large animal arterial model and also demonstrate robust neotissue formation.
Are networked legislators better at their jobs

The United States Congress has been on a steady path of deepening partisan polarization for several decades, and many have questioned Congress’s ability to perform its basic functions with integrity, such as lawmaking, budgeting, and approving presidential nominations. Some observers have questioned whether some gridlock can be overcome on Capitol Hill by deepening relationships among legislators, encouraging norms of civil behavior, and helping members to make connections with cross-partisans. In this paper I examine the extent to which voluntary legislative organizations, or House caucuses, perform that function. I conceptualize participation in voluntary legislative organizations as way for members to access a network of bipartisan legislators and examine whether those connections affect legislators’ individual effectiveness as lawmakers. Using congressional data from 1993 – 2016 (103rd to 114th Congresses), I find that eigenvector centrality in the House caucus network positively predicts individual legislative effectiveness.
Gastrointestinal pathophysiology of SARS-CoV2 – a literature review

SARS-CoV2 is a novel coronavirus responsible for causing COVID-19, first identified in the city of Wuhan, China and officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. SARS-CoV2 expresses high affinity to human ACE2 receptors, including within the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with COVID-19 exhibit a wide spectrum of GI symptoms including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and abnormal liver function tests. Pathogenesis behind gastrointestinal symptoms caused by SARS-CoV2 has been postulated to be multifactorial including disruption of the intestinal mechanical barrier integrity, alteration of the gut microbiome and systemic inflammatory response to the virus. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been found in stool samples of infected patients for a significantly longer period than in nasopharyngeal samples, though the implication of this finding is unclear at this time. Liver injury in patients with COVID-19 is usually mild, stemming from immune-mediated damage, drug induced hepatotoxicity, or ischemia from sepsis. Patients with pre-existing liver disease may be at a higher risk for hospitalization and mortality. Given the high degree of infectivity of this disease, healthcare providers will need to remain watchful for resurgence of this virus. Strict protocols should be implemented regarding hand hygiene, isolation, personal protective equipment, and appropriate disposal of waste. It is also imperative to identify patients with gastrointestinal symptoms at an early stage as these patients may have a prolonged course between symptom onset and viral clearance.
First Extensor Compartment Tendon Rupture in the Setting of a Radial Styloid and Both-Bone Forearm Fracture: A Case Report.

Case We report on the rare occurrence of first extensor compartment tendon injury at the myotendinous junction after fractures of the radial styloid and both-bone forearm in a healthy 59-year-old man. Here, a novel technique for repair of this unique injury and an additional proposed mechanism of tendon rupture are discussed. Conclusion We advocate for the suspicion of tendon rupture in the first dorsal compartment with fractures of the radial styloid and both-bone forearm. Tubularization and transfer of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons to the brachioradialis muscle may be of benefit in these patients.
COVID-19 vaccination in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, December 2020-April 2021.

Abstract Objectives To describe COVID-19 vaccine distribution operations in United States Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) institutions and offices from December 16, 2020—April 14, 2021, report vaccination coverage among staff and incarcerated people, and identify factors associated with vaccination acceptance among incarcerated people. Methods The BOP COVID-19 vaccination plan and implementation timeline are described. Descriptive statistics and vaccination coverage were calculated for the BOP incarcerated population using data from the BOP electronic medical record. Coverage among staff was calculated using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccination Administration Management System. Vaccination coverage in the BOP versus the overall United States adult population was compared by state/territory. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify demographic, health-related, and institution-level factors associated with vaccination acceptance among incarcerated people, using hierarchical linear modeling to account for institution-level clustering. Results By April 14, 2021, BOP had offered COVID-19 vaccination to 37,870 (100%) staff and 88,173/126,413 (69.8%) incarcerated people, with acceptance rates of 50.2% and 64.2%, respectively. At the time of analysis, vaccination coverage in BOP was comparable to coverage in the overall adult population in the states and territories where BOP institutions and offices are located. Among incarcerated people, factors associated with lower vaccination acceptance included younger age, female sex, non-Hispanic Black and Asian race/ethnicity, and having few underlying medical conditions; factors associated with higher acceptance included having a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, being born outside the United States, and being assigned to a Federal Detention Center. Conclusions Early COVID-19 vaccination efforts in BOP have achieved levels of coverage similar to the general population. To build on this initial success, BOP can consider strategies including re-offering vaccination to people who initially refused and tailoring communication strategies to groups with lower acceptance rates.
Incidental Adrenal Masses: Adherence to Guidelines and Methods to Improve Initial Follow-Up, A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective Incidental adrenal masses (IAMs) are detected in approximately 1%-2% of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Recent estimates suggest that more than 70-million relevant CT scans are performed annually in the United States; thus, IAMs represent a significant clinical entity. Most clinical guidelines recommend an initial follow-up evaluation that includes imaging and biochemical testing after index IAM detection. Methods Systematic review of literature in the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases to determine whether guidelines regarding IAM evaluation are followed and to identify effective management strategies. Our initial search was in January 2018 and updated in November, 2019. Results 31 studies met inclusion criteria. In most institutions, only a minority of patients with IAMs undergo initial follow-up imaging (median 34%, IQR 20%-50%) or biochemical testing (median 18%, IQR 15%-28%). 2 interventions shown to improve IAM evaluation are IAM-specific recommendations in radiology reports and dedicated multi-disciplinary teams. Interventions focused solely on alerting the ordering clinician or primary care provider to the presence of an IAM have not demonstrated effectiveness. Patients who are referred to an endocrinologist are more likely to have a complete IAM evaluation, but few are referred. Discussion Most patients with an IAM do not have an initial evaluation. The radiology report has been identified as a key component in determining whether IAMs are evaluated appropriately. Care teams dedicated to management of incidental radiographic findings also improve IAM follow-up. Although the evidence base is sparse, these interventions may be a starting point for further inquiry into optimizing care in this common clinical scenario.
Impaired Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation is a Predictor of Worsening Hepatic Encephalopathy Severity (P4.295)

Objective: We investigated dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA) as a physiologic biomarker of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) severity. Background: While encephalopathy is associated with significant long-term morbidity and mortality, there are few biomarkers available to evaluate the severity of encephalopathy episodes and probe the underlying pathophysiology. HE is the prototypical toxic-metabolic encephalopathy. We hypothesized that degree of DCA disruption during HE predicts HE severity. Design/Methods: We prospectively enrolled hospitalized patients with overt HE. DCA was assessed using transfer function analysis (phase and gain) of spontaneous arterial blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity waveform oscillations recorded by simultaneous photoplethysmography and transcranial Doppler ultrasound, respectively. Increased gain and decreased phase represent impaired DCA. Clinical encephalopathy severity was quantified concurrently with and 24 hours after DCA assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Systemic illness severity was quantified using the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). Associations between phase, gain, and GCS were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Consistency of associations between DCA and GCS with repeated assessments was evaluated using generalized estimating equations. Results: Twenty-one patients (age 50.0±13.1 years, median enrollment GCS 13 [IQR 7–14], median SOFA 8 [IQR 6–11]) were studied. GCS at the time of DCA assessment was not significantly associated with either low or high frequency gain (r=−0.41, p=0.068 and r=−0.38, p=0.086). However, both low and high frequency gain were associated with GCS 24 hours later (r=−0.62, p=0.003 and r=−0.59, p=0.005). Phase was not associated with GCS at either time point. Associations between gain and GCS 24 hours later remained significant in generalized estimating equations (low frequency β=−0.83, p=0.001; high frequency β=−1.10, p Conclusions: Impaired cerebral autoregulation may be a predictive biomarker of worsening HE severity. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Study Supported by: Research was supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Grant Number KL2TR001424, and the National Institutes of Health, Grant Number L30 NS098427. Disclosure: Dr. Liotta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thomas has nothing to disclose. Dr. LaHaye has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prabhakaran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sorond has nothing to disclose.
Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on home range size and shape of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa).

BACKGROUND Determining factors influencing animal movements at a temporal scale that is similar to that at which management actions are conducted (e.g. weekly) is crucial for identifying efficient methods of wildlife conservation and management. Using global positioning system (GPS) data from 49 wild pigs in the southeast United States, we constructed weekly 50% and 95% utilization distributions to quantify the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on weekly core area and home range size, as well as home range shape. RESULTS We found vegetative composition (i.e. proportion of bottomland hardwoods), season (based on forage availability), meteorological conditions (i.e. temperature and pressure), and sex influenced wild pig weekly home range and core area size, while vegetative composition (i.e. proportion of upland pines) and landscape features (i.e. distance to streams) also were important factors influencing home range shape. At close distances to streams, wild pigs had more elongate home ranges when their home ranges comprised less upland pine habitat; however, farther from streams, there was no change in home range shape across fluctuating proportions of upland pines. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that fine-scale wild pig home ranges and movements are pliable from week to week and influenced by several habitat, landscape, and meteorological attributes that can easily be quantified from available land use and meteorological databases. These findings are important for designing monitoring studies, identifying high risk zones for disease transmission, planning response to disease emergence events, and allowing more effective and efficient short-term management planning.
APPLICATION OF ORDER STATISTICS FILTERS TO CARDIAC BOUNDARY DETERMINATION IN ULTRASOUND IMAGES

Nonlinear order statistics filters are useful for impulsive noise removal and edge preservation. Speckle is a source of impulsive noise in ultrasound images. Edge preservation is important for determination of cardiac boundaries in echocardiographic images. Additionally, order statistics filters also suppress Gaussian noise which is often present in echocardiograms. Pitas and Venetsanopoulos reviewed order statistics filters2 and described a class of edge detectors1 based on nonlinear means and medians. They showed that a linear combination of these filters, resulting in a ranked-order filter (that operates with a selected range of ordered maximum and minimum gray level values), will further improve the noise removal capabilities.
Structure of Botulinum Neurotoxin Channels in Phospholipid Vesicles

Botulinum neurotoxins comprise a class of potent inhibitors of neurotransmitter release, thus acting presynaptically. Their function has been biochemically dissected into distinct stages: i) cell surface attachment; ii) internalization via the endocytotic/lysosomal vesicle pathway; iii) penetration into the cytoplasm from these vesicles through a pH-dependent conformational change; and iv) intracellular poisoning.1 There are seven distinct serotypes, some of which have been sequenced.2
Women, Cooperatives and Economic Recovery in Nigeria

Les femmes du Nigeria jouent un role fondamental pour le developpement economique, commercial et agricole de leur pays. Un appui plus prononce de leurs activites de production et de gestion des produits alimentaires permettrait de restreindre les demandes d'aides internationales, de renforcer l'autosuffisance alimentaire et d'accroitre la qualite de la vie. Dans cet article, l'A. analyse les strategies des cooperatives en tant qu'outils d'affirmation sociale pour les femmes. L'approche en anthropologie des sexes permet d'expliquer les inconvenients et la marginalisation des experiences feminines dans les cooperatives ainsi que leurs causes structurales. L'objectif est de montrer en quoi le role des femmes dans les cooperatives peut avoir des incidences sur la precarite economique en milieu rural ; l'organisation des cooperatives est fondee sur les principes de la libre volonte de ses membres, sur les benefices des efforts collectifs, sur la distribution equitable des benefices et des risques quant a l'usage de ses services et sur l'autonomie economique au sein des lois nationales. L'A. cherche a montrer si les femmes rejoignent volontairement le systeme cooperatif, si elles participent de facon democratique a son organisation et si elles ont un reel role de partenaires, tout comme les hommes, dans le developpement durable local.
Characterization of murine peritoneal macrophage receptors for fibrin(ogen) degradation products

The binding of human fibrinogen degradation fragments D1, E, X, and Y, as well as fibrin fragment D1 dimer, to mouse peritoneal macrophages was examined. A Scatchard plot of fragment D1 binding was biphasic, suggesting two classes of receptors. Fragments D1, D1 dimer, X, and Y in low concentrations bound to macrophages with high affinity (Kd = 23 to 73 X 10(-11) mol/L). Fragment E bound specifically but at a much lower level than the other fragments. Fragment D1 was able to compete for the binding of radiolabeled fragments X and Y but not radiolabeled fragment E. These studies indicate that fragments D and E are recognized by separate receptor systems but that all of the fibrinogen degradation products that contain the D domain are recognized by the same receptor system.
SERS spectrum of the peptide thymosin‐β4 obtained with Ag nanorod substrate

Thymosin-β4 is a peptide found at high concentrations in a wide range of mammalian cells. It has been shown to be elevated in metastatic cells. In this study, the surface-enhanced Raman spectrum of thymosin-β4 was obtained using a silver nanorod array surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate. Significant Raman peaks were found, and the corresponding vibrational modes were assigned based on previously published literature, with amide A–B, amide I, and amide III modes all identified. The majority of the remaining peaks were assigned modes based on the spectra of lysine and glutamic acid, the two most abundant amino acids in the thymosin-β4 sequence. A standard Raman spectrum of thymosin-β4 was also obtained and analyzed for comparison. Because thymosin-β4 plays a significant role in regulating the formation of cellular cytoskeleton and other several biological processes, its Raman spectrum will be of use to researchers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of concanavalin A-induced agglutination of Novikoff tumor cells by cytochalasins and metabolic inhibitors. Role of cell-surface morphology and the distribution of concanavalin A receptors.

Abstract Previous drug studies have suggested that concanavalin A (ConA)-induced cytoagglutination may be influenced by a system of contractile microfilaments. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of microfilament-active drugs (cytochalasins B and D) (CB and CD) and inhibitors of ATP formation (NaN 3 and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)) on ConA-induced agglutination of Novikoff cells and to investigate the mechanism(s) whereby these agents alter the surface properties of cells. The study described herein demonstrated that 1. 1. CB or CD inhibit cytoagglutination at concentrations above 1 or 0.1 μg/ml, respectively. 2. 2. NaN 3 and DNP both inhibit cytoagglutination, but DNP is more effective and specific. 3. 3. Combinations of metabolic inhibitors (NaN 3 or DNP) with CB lead to a greater reduction of cytoagglutination than with either agent alone. 4. 4. Maximal (>95%) cytoagglutination is still achieved in the presence of CB, CD, NaN 3 , DNP, or combinations of these drugs. 5. 5. None of the drugs tested induced or allowed the redistribution of ConA receptors as measured by ferritin-ConA labeling. 6. 6. Both CB and CD induced the appearance of numerous blebs (zeioses) at the cell periphery, whereas metabolic inhibitors did not. 7. 7. The concentration of either CB or CD required to alter cell-surface morphology paralleled the concentration necessary to inhibit cytoagglutination. These results suggest that the cytochalasins inhibit ConA-induced agglutination of Novikoff cells by their effect on cell-surface morphology, rather than by their effects on the topographical distribution of cell-surface lectin receptors, and that metabolic inhibitors reduce agglutinability by a different mechanism than the cytochalasins.
A comparison of the flavor and compositional quality of peanuts from several origins

Abstract The flavor and biochemical quality of peanuts obtained from Argentina, China, and USA for the crop years 1986, 1987, and 1988 were evaluated for composition, descriptive sensory properties and gas chromatographic volatiles. Roasted peanutty flavor was more intense in USA-grown peanuts, and fruity/fermented, an undesirable flavor, was less intense in USA-grown peanuts than peanuts than peanuts from the other two origins. Flavor attributes in Argentina-grown peanuts varied more among crop years than the others. Similar patterns occurred for the corresponding volatile compounds. Sugar content was greater, while lipid and Kjeldahl nitrogen contents were less in the Argentina-grown peanuts than peanuts from the other two origins.
α, β-Unsaturated aldehydes accelerate oxymyoglobin oxidation

This study investigates the potential basis for enhancement of oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) oxidation by lipid oxidation products. Aldehydes known to be formed as secondary lipid oxidation products were combined with OxyMb in aqueous solution at 37 °C and pH 7.4. Metmyoglobin (MetMb) formation was greater in the presence of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes than their saturated counterparts of equivalent carbon chain length. Additionally, increasing chain length from hexenal through nonenal resulted in increased MetMb formation (P < 0.05). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) revealed that OxyMb incubated with 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) at pH 7.4 at 37 °C yielded myoglobin molecules adducted with one to three molecules of HNE from 0.5 to 2 h of incubation, respectively. A prooxidant effect of HNE was noted at pH 7.4 but was not apparent at pH 5.6 when compared to the control (P < 0.05). This appeared to be due to rapid OxyMb autoxidation at this pH compared to pH 7.4. ESI-MS demonstrated that adduction of HNE t...
Nutrient Fluxes from Sediments in the San Francisco Bay Delta

In September 2011 and March 2012, benthic nutrient fluxes were measured in the San Francisco Bay Delta, across a gradient from above the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers to Suisun Bay. Dark and illuminated core incubation techniques were used to measure rates of denitrification, nutrient fluxes (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate), and oxygen fluxes. While benthic nutrient fluxes have been assessed at several sites in northern San Francisco Bay, such data across a Delta–Bay transect have not previously been determined. Average September rates of DIN (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium) flux were net positive across all sites, while March DIN flux indicated net uptake of DIN at some sites. Denitrification rates based on the N2/Ar ratio approach were between 0.6 and 1.0 mmol m−2 day−1, similar to other mesotrophic estuarine sediments. Coupled nitrification–denitrification was the dominant denitrification pathway in September, with higher overlying water nitrate concentrations in March resulting in denitrification driven by nitrate flux into the sediments. Estimated benthic microalgal productivity was variable and surprisingly high in Delta sediments and may represent a major source of labile carbon to this ecosystem. Variable N/P stoichiometry was observed in these sediments, with deviations from Redfield driven by processes such as denitrification, variable light/dark uptake of nutrients by microalgae, and adsorption of soluble reactive phosphorus.
Model for dielectric breakdown in metal-insulator composites.

We consider continuum and lattice models for dielectric breakdown in random metal-insulator composites. The continuum model consists of a random composite below the metallic percolation threshold ${p}_{c}$. The dielectric is assumed to break down and become metallic when the local electric field exceeds a certain critical value. For fixed external boundary conditions and sample size, if the initial breakdown field ${E}_{b}$ varies as ${E}_{b}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}(${p}_{c}$-p${)}^{y}$, we prove the inequality ygs/2, where s is the exponent governing the divergence of the dielectric constant in a metal-insulator composite, in both two and three dimensions. The lattice model we consider involves a random mixture of insulating and metallic bonds. The model has two main features: (i) an insulating bond breaks down and becomes metallic once the local electric field across it exceeds a critical value, ${E}_{c}$; and (ii) once broken down, the bond stays conducting. For fixed size, we find that ${E}_{b}$ varies roughly as (${p}_{c}$-p${)}^{y}$, with y\ensuremath{\approxeq}1.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 in d=2, y\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 in d=3, for both site and bond percolation. The initial breakdown field appears to vary with sample size in a manner consistent with the logarithmic dependence proposed by Duxbury et al. Once breakdown starts, it generally cascades to completion, i.e., a completed conducting path, without further increase in the external potential difference.
Dual alkali-metal-ion channel structures in poly(p-phenylenevinylene).

X-ray-diffraction data from alkali-metal-doped poly($p$-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) have been compared with various candidate structures ascertained by Harris [A. B. Harris, Phys. Rev. B 50, 12 441 (1994)] in a mean-field study of a model Hamiltonian which includes polymer-polymer and guest-host (i.e., alkali-metal-ion to polymer chain) interactions. At least one of these recently identified phases is found to have a local ordering motif that is consistent with data from K- and Rb-doped PPV samples at the highest alkali-metal concentrations. A closely related structure is found to be consistent with data from Na-doped PPV. These two structures form a class of channel structures whereby the well-known single alkali-metal-ion array/threefold polymer chain structure is replaced by a lower symmetry structure characterized by a staggered pair of parallel quasi-one-dimensional alkali-metal-ion arrays surrounded by four polymer chains.
TRADITION, INNOVATION AND THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE MEDIEVAL ISLAMIC NEAR EAST

Au Moyen Age, le Caire avait la reputation d'etre un centre d'apprentissage comparable a Paris, Oxford ou Bologne. L'A. presente les resultats d'une etude historique sur la diffusion des connaissances sociales, morales, juridiques et scientifiques au Proche Orient
The Critical Potentials of Molecular Hydrogen.

Out of a number of experiments in recent years on the impact of electrons with hydrogen molecules, there come certain results which at first sight appear discordant. On the one hand the experiments on ionization show that an electron, when it ionizes a hydrogen molecule, does so without causing dissociation. That is, the production of atomic ions as the primary result of impact of moderate speed electrons with hydrogen molecules is a process which occurs rarely if at all. On the other hand, dissociation into uncharged atoms by electrons with velocities both below and above the ionizing potential, does occur frequently. There is therefore an apparent inconsistency, but the writers believe it is explained by theoretical considerations similar to those advanced by Winans and Stueckelberg1 in the preceding paper. In fact almost all the critical potential data on hydrogen now seem to fit in the theoretical scheme. However, before presenting the theory, a more precise summary of the experimental results will be given.
Associations of religious behavior and experiences with extent of regional atrophy in the orbitofrontal cortex during older adulthood

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a region of the brain that has been empirically linked with religious or spiritual activity, and atrophy in this region has been shown to contribute to serious mental illness in late life. This study used structural magnetic resonance imaging to examine the association between religious or spiritual factors and volume of the orbitalfrontal cortex (OFC). Change in the volume of participants' left and right OFC was measured longitudinally over a period of two to eight years. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that religious or spiritual factors were related to extent of atrophy in the left OFC. Significantly less atrophy of the left OFC was observed in participants who reported a life-changing religious or spiritual experience during the course of the study, and in members of Protestant religious groups who reported being born-again when entering the study. Significantly greater atrophy of the left OFC was also associated with more frequent participation in public religious worship. No significant relationship was observed between religious or spiritual factors and extent of atrophy in the right OFC. These results support the presence of a long-term relationship between religious or spiritual experience and brain structure, which may have clinical implications.
Free Movement for Some: The Treatment of the Roma after the European Union’s Eastern Expansion

Abstract Securing the free movement of people has been one of the most difficult challenges for the European Union. The migration of Roma to ‘old’ Member States has been met with hostility and deportation, sometimes voluntary, other times forced. The states that have engaged in deportation have faced minimal sanction from the European Union. This article explores the European Union’s faltering enforcement of the right to free movement. Does the right to free movement exist only for a subset of EU citizens?
Pharmacological aspects of successful long-term analgesia

Persistent pain represents a major quality-of-life burden for patients and a challenge for their physician. Chronic pain often arises from multiple tissue sources and involves multiple chemical mediators and pain transmission pathways. Successful long-term pain management requires analgesic regimens that can treat pains of multiple origin and type. Safety and tolerability are also a high priority when prescribing chronic therapy. Recent publications and regulatory developments affecting anti-inflammatory drugs have limited the options available for the management of chronic pain. Major concerns in long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs include renal toxicity, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding and cardiovascular events, which can be of particular concern for elderly patients. Opioid agents avoid the end-organ toxicity seen with anti-inflammatory drugs, but their use may be limited, especially in the long term, by side effects such as constipation or sedation and by concerns about the potential for physical or psychological dependence. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has a favourable safety and tolerability profile, although exceeding the recommended dose (up to 4 g/day) carries a risk of liver damage. It exerts simultaneous anti-nociception at both spinal and supra-spinal sites, and has shown self-synergy between these two routes of activity. Tramadol, an atypical weak opioid with a multi-modal mechanism of action, inhibits re-uptake of multiple neurotransmitters and has an improved safety and tolerability profile compared with traditional opioids. Rational combinations of analgesic drugs offer a viable approach to managing persistent pain that involves multiple sites or pathways. The combination of paracetamol plus tramadol brings together two well-known analgesics that have different but complementary mechanisms of analgesic action. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that these agents interact to produce synergistic analgesia with a desirable safety/efficacy profile.
The demand for urban water by customer class

(1986). The demand for urban water by customer class. Applied Economics: Vol. 18, No. 12, pp. 1275-1289.
A year of ultra‐violet measured with a dosimeter at Blue Hill

The ultra-violet dosimeter has already received much attention in Europe since it was first described by Frankenburger [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] and Weyde [2], and extended series of observations have been taken for some years by Pollak and Fuchs [3], Israel-Kohler [4], and others. Thus far the only American reports have been those of Landsberg [5,6] in Pennsylvania. As the instrument has various advantages in climatological work, a study of the problem of ultra-violet radiation was undertaken with this apparatus at Blue Hill Observatory from February, 1937, and is being continued. Substantial agreement was found with previous reports, the results of which will be briefly summarized.
Diagnosis, self-help, and maintenance care as key constructs in treatment research for "alcohol use disorders" (AUD).

Objective: This study examines a sample of alcohol user treatment outcome studies to determine the amount of attention given to three areas of concern and cost-effectiveness in treatment research: patient diagnosis, use of self-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous [AA]), and use of maintenance care services (also known as a “aftercare”). Method: A preliminary sample of 40 studies was coded for the degree of specific information provided to each of the three areas of interest. Results: Eight studies in the sample did not mention the diagnostic criteria used to determine patient addiction, 18 did not mention use, referral, or recommendation of AA, and 20 did not mention use, referral, or recommendation of maintenance care services. Conclusions: As cost-effective additions to primary treatment, AA and maintenance care services deserve greater attention in the treatment of “substance abuse disorders.” Researchers should also pay greater attention to patient diagnosis as an integral part of patient care. Fi...
Anhydrobiosis in nematodes: Inhibition of the browning reaction of reducing sugars with dry proteins

Decay of primary amines associated with proteins of anhydrobiotic and lyophilized, fresh nematodes (Aphelenchus avenae) occurs more readily in the lyophilized, fresh worms than in the anhydrobiotic ones. Addition of glucose accelerates the rate of decay, while addition of trehalose along with the glucose inhibits the effect of the glucose. Similar results were obtained with bovine serum albumin stored in the presence of glucose, glucose and rehalose, or trehalose. The data are interpreted to mean that not only does trehalose not participate in a browning reaction with dry proteins, but that it also inhibits browning reactions between dry proteins and reducing sugars.
Hamsters remember spatial information derived from olfactory cues

A dishabituation paradigm was used to study hamsters’ memory for the spatial arrangement of olfactory cues. In Experiment 1, the animals dishabituated to a change in the positions of two different olfactory cues, but this experience did not reveal whether the response was based on egocentric (body-centered) or allocentric (body-independent) spatial information. In Experiment 2, the same dishabituation resulted when the experimental procedure required the animals to use spatial information that was independent of body position. Thus, hamsters remember the locations of olfactory cues with reference to a stable spatial framework. The dishabituation paradigm used here is a valuable tool for the study of animal spatial cognition, since it requires no explicit training and allows each animal to be tested in a relatively short experimental session.