cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review: chronic and persistent diarrhea with a focus in the returning traveler.

Travelers’ diarrhea is a common malady afflicting up to 50% of travelers after a 2-week travel period. An appreciable percentage of these cases will become persistent or chronic. We summarized the published literature reporting persistent/chronic diarrhea in travelers elucidating current understanding of disease incidence, etiology and regional variability. We searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and Cochrane database of clinical trials) from 1990 to 2015 using the following terms: “chronic or persistent diarrh* and (returning) travel* or enteropathogen, GeoSentinel, and travel-associated infection. Included studies published in the English language on adult returning travelers (duration < 3-months) reporting denominator data. Point estimates and standard 95% confidence intervals were calculated for incidence using a random-effects model. Study incidence heterogeneity rates were assessed using x 2 heterogeneity statistics, graphically represented with Forest plots. We identified 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria (all published after 1999). 18 studies reported upon the incidence of persistent/chronic diarrhea as a syndromic diagnosis in returning travelers; one study reported adequate denominator data from which to assess pathogen specific etiology. Giardiasis comprise an appreicaible percentage of infectious mediated persistent/chronic diarrhea in returning travelers. The overall estimate of persistent/chronic diarrhea incidence was 6% (0.05–0.07) in 321,454, travelers; with significant heterogeniety observed across regions. The total number of regional travelers, and point estimates for incidence (95% CI) for Latin American, African, and Asian travelers were [15816 (0.09 [0.07–0.11]), 42290 (0.06 [0.05–0.07]), and 27433 (0.07 [0.06–0.09])] respectively. We identified lower published rates of chronic diarrhea from Sub-Saharan Africa relative to [North Africa, South Central Asia, and Central America]. Persistent/chronic diarrhea ranked fourth as a syndromic diagnosis in all regions. Persistent/Chronic diarrhea is a leading syndromic diagnosis in returning travelers across all regions. The 6% incidence [proportionate morbidity (PM) of 60] observed in over >300,000 global travelers is comparable to prior estimates. We identified lower published rates of chronic diarrhea from Sub-Saharan Africa relative to [North Africa, South Central Asia, and Central America]. Giardiasis comprises an appreciabile percentatge of travel-associated infectious mediated persistent/chronic diarrhea. There’s a dearth of published data characterizing the incidence of specific enteropathogenic etiologies for persistent/chronic diarrhea in returning travelers.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Osseous Instability of the Shoulder.

BackgroundBony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid rim as a result of a dislocation can lead to recurrent glenohumeral instability. These lesions, traditionally treated by open techniques, are...
Functional role of glycosphingolipids in contact inhibition of growth in a human mammary epithelial cell line

We have demonstrated previously the involvement of certain glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in 'contact inhibition' (dependent on cell-to-cell contact) of cell growth. Here, we examined the roles of specific GSLs in contact inhibition of the human epithelial cell line MCF10A. Contact-inhibited cells show increased expression of the ganglioside GD3 and the globo-series GSL Gb3, and of the mRNAs for the corresponding sialyltransferases ST8SIA1 (GD3 synthase) and galactosyltransferase A4GALT (Gb3 synthase). siRNA knockdown (KD) of ST8SIA1 and/or A4GALT significantly suppresses contact inhibition. Exogenous addition of GD3 or Gb3 inhibits proliferation of low-density cells. Our findings suggest that GSLs play functional roles in contact inhibition of these cells and that Merlin/NF2, a tumor suppressor protein, is involved in the GSL function.
Ten-Year Changes in Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Time during Midlife

We describe 10-year changes in accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) and sedentary time in a midlife cohort of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, within and by race and sex groups. Participants (n = 962) wore the accelerometer with valid wear (≥4 of 7 days, ≥10 hours per day) at baseline (2005-2006; ages 38-50 years) and 10-year follow-up (2015-2016; ages 48-60 years). Data were calibrated to account for accelerometer model differences. Participants (mean age = 45.0 (standard deviation, 3.5) years at baseline) had reduced accelerometer counts overall (mean = -65.5 (standard error (SE), 10.2) counts per minute/day), and within race and sex groups (all P < 0.001). Sedentary time increased overall (mean = 37.9 (SE, 3.7) minutes/day) and within race and sex groups, whereas light-intensity PA (mean = -30.6 (SE, 2.7) minutes/day) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (mean = -7.5 (SE, 0.8) minutes/day) declined overall and within race and sex groups (all P < 0.001). Significant differences in 10-year change estimates were noted by race and sex groups for accelerometer counts, sedentary time, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA bouts; black men had the greatest reductions in PA compared with other groups. PA declines during midlife were characterized by reductions in light-intensity PA with increases in sedentary time, which may have important health consequences. Targeted efforts are needed to preserve PA, regardless of intensity level, across midlife.
The Excitement of Interdictory Ideas: A Response to Professor Anders Walker

This short piece on the teaching of criminal law responds to Anders Walker's recent article, "The Anti-Case Method: Herbert Wechsler and the Political History of the Criminal Law Course."
Aspiration thrombectomy: it's about time.

In an elegant meta-analysis published 5 years ago, Bavry et al. [(1)][1] reported that aspiration thrombectomy prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute ST segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can be beneficial. Using data from 30 studies of 6,415 patients, they found
Oxygen induced transformation of the NADH-nitrate oxidoreductase from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

The elusive character of the basis for heat stability of proteins in thermophilic organisms is universally acknowledged. Thermophiles appear to beat the high cost of faster metabolic rates by high turnover of many intracellular components including certain enzymes (2). A lower level of dissolved oxygen is also a fact of life at elevated temperatures. In many types of procaryotes, denitrification is a useful alternative to limited atmospheric oxygen. There may be appreciable selective pressure for retention of nitrate respiration among thermophilic microorganisms as a prime energetic expedient. The postulated mechanisms whereby bacteria continually adjust their enzymatic composition to cope with a variable environment are increasing in number and complexity. Among the most important of these is the manner in which the cell recognizes and responds to continually varying levels of available terminal oxidant whether it be oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, thiosulfate, sulfite or tetrathionate.
Effects of Methoxychlor on Directional and Fluctuating Asymmetry of Mandible Characters in Mice

Two kinds of asymmetries are common in bilateral characters: fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a type of nondirectional variation between left and right sides, and directional asymmetry (DA), in which one side is consistently larger than the other. FA has been extensively used as a measure of developmental instability and is presumed to increase as stress from toxins or other sources increases. In this paper we tested the hypothesis that exposure of pregnant female mice to two different dosage levels of methoxychlor (MXC), an insecticide derived from DDT, would increase FA in one or more of 10 mandible characters measured in the offspring of these females. The data showed that exposure of pregnant females to MXC produced no detectable effect on FA in their offspring, but at the higher dosage level (10 μg/g body weight), did change FA to DA in one of the characters. MXC also had a significant effect on the mean size of five of the mandible dimensions, all of which were located primarily in the anterior portion of the mandible.
Gender Differences Among Patients Hospitalized With Cirrhosis in the United States

Background and Aims:Gender disparities exist in outcomes among patients with cirrhosis. We sought to evaluate the role of gender on hospital course and in-hospital outcomes in patients with cirrhosis to help better understand these disparities.Study:We analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sampl
Enzymatic Production of L-Tryptophan from L- and DL-5-Indolyl-methylhydantoin by Newly Isolated Bacterium

Bacteria which can hydrolyze dl-5-indolylmethylhydantoin to l-tryptophan were isolated from various soils. The dl-5-indolylmethylhydantoin-hydrolyzing enzymes were found to be inducible and intracellular. With intact cells, 50 mg/ml as wet base, of newly isolated bacterial strain T-523, 10 mg/ml of dl-5-indolylmethylhydantoin dissapeared and 7.4 mg/ml of l-tryptophan in a molar yield of 82% was produced after 35 hr incubation. Tryptophan produced was confirmed to be l-form regardless of the stereoisomer of the substrates used. A mechanism of asymmetric hydrolysis of dl -5-indolyImethylhydantoin was discussed.
Pulmonary and Cardiac Pathology in Covid-19: The First Autopsy Series from New Orleans

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread across the United States, causing extensive morbidity and mortality, though the histopathologic basis of severe disease cases has yet to be studied in detail. Over the past century, autopsy has contributed significantly to our understanding of numerous disease processes, but for several reasons, autopsy reports following deaths related to SARS- CoV-2 have thus far been limited across the globe. We report on the relevant cardiopulmonary findings in the first series of autopsies in the United States, with the cause of death being due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cases identify key pathologic states potentially contributing to severe disease and decompensation in these patients.
Attachment Security and Continuing Bonds: The Mediating Role of Meaning-Made in Bereavement

Attachment security plays an important function in the grieving process. This study aimed to explore how individual differences in attachment security and meaning-made predict continuing bonds expr...
Driver reliability requirements for traffic advisory information

This paper describes the results of experiments focusing on the impact of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) on drivers. It looks at issues focusing on reliability of the information and familiarity of the setting, and how these issues influence the trust of use of the traffic information.
A quantitative analysis of intensification in the ethnographic record.

The intensification of food production plays a central role in the evolution of complex human societies. However, it is unclear whether the standard model of intensification is theoretically or empirically justified. This leaves social scientists unable to make reasonable inferences about the relationship between intensification and the evolution of social complexity in past societies. To remedy this problem, I derive a model of intensification from human macroecology, settlement scaling theory, human behavioural ecology, cultural evolutionary theory and niche construction theory. The standard and cultural niche construction models are formalized and their predictions are tested using a comprehensive ethnographic dataset that describes food production in 40 human societies, ranging in complexity from foraging bands to agricultural states. Analysis of the ethnographic record suggests that we reject the standard model and tentatively accept the cultural niche construction model. I attempt to demonstrate the broader utility of the cultural niche construction model as a framework that may help explain the transition from small-scale to large-scale complex societies. Sandeford challenges the standard model of intensification using an ethnographic dataset that describes food production in 40 human societies ranging in complexity from small-scale foraging bands to large-scale agricultural states.
Revisiting an RCT study of a parent education program for Latinx parents in the United States: Are treatment effects maintained over time?

This study examined maintenance of treatment effects in a culturally tailored parent education program for Latinx families of children with autism spectrum disorder using a behavior maintenance fra...
A Constructional Approach to the Use of Behavior Change Projects in Undergraduate Behavior Analysis Courses

One of the key challenges facing instructors of undergraduate introduction to behavior analysis courses is helping students learn to identify the environmental variables that control behavior. Goldiamond frequently employed exploratory and targeted logs to help his clients understand the environmental controlling variables that supported their behavior. We describe a preliminary analysis of the use of adaptations of Goldiamond’s exploratory logs in the context of a behavior change project incorporated in several undergraduate introductory behavior analysis courses across three semesters. Three “levels” of exploratory logs were created in which students were asked to record an increasing number of the components of the three-term contingency. Students were also asked to answer the question, “why did this behavior occur” for each behavior reported. In the first semester, students received feedback on their exploratory logs through an online course management system and in the subsequent two semesters students received feedback on their exploratory logs during class periods. Each level of the students’ exploratory logs was scored according to the type of explanation (e.g., explanatory fiction, behavioral) students provided for the behavior. The results show that the combination of the behavior change project and in-class feedback promoted more behavioral explanations for the behaviors recorded than the combination of the behavior change project and feedback provided through the online, course management system.
Bias in estimated breeding-bird abundance from closure-assumption violations

Abstract The closure assumption of many abundance models, that individual animals are present throughout the survey season, often is inconsistent with field data. The effects of closure-assumption violations on estimators of abundance and associations between abundance and covariates are not fully understood. Furthermore, one’s definition of abundance affects these estimates. We used simulated data on breeding birds to explore how permanent, non-random immigration and emigration that violate the closure assumption affect estimates from N-mixture abundance models and naive models (models that do not account for imperfect detection). This is the first work to evaluate the effect of permanent immigration and emigration on estimates from N-mixture models, and to compare these effects among definitions of abundance (initial, season-long, and superpopulation). We also collected and analyzed point-count data on breeding bird species in the Great Basin (USA) to evaluate the frequency of within-season movement. When detection probability was high (ρ ≥ 0.65), estimators of superpopulation abundance from N-mixture and naive models were relatively unbiased. By comparison, in many cases, even relatively small violations of the closure assumption biased estimates of initial and season-long abundance by > 20%. Naive abundance models generally were less biased than N-mixture models when ρ ≥ 0.65, but highly biased when ρ ≤ 0.4. In both model types, estimators of the association between abundance and an environmental covariate were minimally biased. The magnitudes of assumption violations tested in our simulations were consistent with those in our field data. Movement of individuals (availability) strongly affected detection probability of nearly all species and, in 7 of 34 species-region combinations, was temporally heterogeneous, suggesting that closure-assumption violations are common in our study system. Our results highlight that permanent movement of individuals within a season may be a substantial source of bias in studies of breeding birds that are based on count data, and that the definition of abundance affects the magnitude of these biases.
Engineering T Cell Receptors for Optimal Affinities and Desired Specificities

T cells, via their T-cell receptors (TCRs), evolved to target intracellular antigenic peptides, as cell-surface complexes with MHC products. While the structural and biochemical characteristics of ...
The Euro Area and World Interest Rates

We analyze the behavior of world interest rates, focusing on the ramifications of European Monetary Union. Our analysis indicates that nominal US interest rates tend to drive European rates at both the short and long horizons. There is some evidence that US rates are becoming increasingly influenced by European rates, but the relationship is still far from symmetric, despite EMU. We also investigate the empirical determinants of real interest rates over the past decade and a half. Real US interest rates also have an influence upon European rates, although German rates do not appear to have a similar effect upon US rates. Conditioning on foreign interest rates, we find that real interest rates on government debt depend significantly upon current and expected levels of debt, in Europe as in the US.
Formation of Nanometer-Scale Contacts to Viscoelastic Materials

The making and breaking of nanometer-scale contacts is an essential operation in MEMS devices with moving parts. The behavior of contacts in this size range is not well understood, especially if viscoelastic materials are involved. This article describes shear modulation spectroscopy, a new scanning force microscope technique especially well suited for quantitative studies of nanometer-scale contacts to viscoelastic materials such as lubricants and some polymers. The technique is illustrated by measurements and analysis of contacts to poly(vinylethylene).
Concealed Carry in the Show-Me State: Do Voters Who Favor Right-to-Carry Legislation End Up Packing Heat?

Objectives The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between a public vote on the right to carry (RTC) concealed weapons in the state of Missouri and the subsequent demand for concealed-carry permits. Methods Weighted logit analysis of the referendum vote and the proportion of the population holding concealed-carry permits was performed to investigate the factors that influence them. Results We find vast differences in the factors that significantly influenced the vote and the decision to hold a concealed-carry permit. Crime rates are positively related to the vote, but have no influence on the decision to carry. Conclusions Our analysis shows that most voters do not appear to vote for the RTC based on a latent desire to carry concealed weapons. Instead, our evidence suggests that voters in favor of concealed carry may be voting for moral or philosophical reasons, and that they may be hoping to free ride on the concealed carry of others.
AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG)

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is the largest Network conducting therapeutic clinical trials in AIDS and HIV, with active clinical sites in the United States, South America, Haiti, Africa, India, and Thailand. The ultimate goal of the ACTG is to identify drugs and other treatment modalities that will result in the successful control of HIV in infected persons. Keywords: AIDS; ACTG; HIV; immune system; drug resistance; translational research; drug development; pharmacokinetics; pharmacogenomics
Dual Role of the Leukocyte Integrin αMβ2 in Angiogenesis

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and macrophages are crucial contributors to neovascularization, serving as a source of chemokines, growth factors, and proteases. α(M)β(2)(CD11b/CD18) and α(L)β(2)(CD11a/CD18) are expressed prominently and have been implicated in various responses of these cell types. Thus, we investigated the role of these β2 integrins in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis was analyzed in wild-type (WT), α(M)-knockout (α(M)(-/-)), and α(L)-deficient (α(L)(-/-)) mice using B16F10 melanoma, RM1 prostate cancer, and Matrigel implants. In all models, vascular area was decreased by 50-70% in α(M)(-/-) mice, resulting in stunted tumor growth as compared with WT mice. In contrast, α(L) deficiency did not impair angiogenesis and tumor growth. The neovessels in α(M)(-/-) mice were leaky and immature because they lacked smooth muscle cell and pericytes. Defective angiogenesis in the α(M)(-/-) mice was associated with attenuated PMN and macrophage recruitment into tumors. In contrast to WT or the α(L)(-/-) leukocytes, the α(M)(-/-) myeloid cells showed impaired plasmin (Plm)-dependent extracellular matrix invasion, resulting from 50-75% decrease in plasminogen (Plg) binding and pericellular Plm activity. Surface plasmon resonance verified direct interaction of the α(M)I-domain, the major ligand binding site in the β(2) integrins, with Plg. However, the α(L)I-domain failed to bind Plg. In addition, endothelial cells failed to form tubes in the presence of conditioned medium collected from TNF-α-stimulated PMNs derived from the α(M)(-/-) mice because of severely impaired degranulation and secretion of VEGF. Thus, α(M)β(2) plays a dual role in angiogenesis, supporting not only Plm-dependent recruitment of myeloid cells to angiogenic niches, but also secretion of VEGF by these cells.
Instantaneous strain measurements during high-temperature stress cycling of a dispersion-strengthened niobium alloy

Experimental results obtained from stress cycling tests performed during high-temperature creep of a dispersion strengthened niobium alloy indicate that the instantaneous strain following the stress change decreases with accumulated strain. The true work-hardening rate was shown to be a small fraction of the elastic modulus which remained fairly constant throughout the strain history. The instantaneous strain change from a stress addition was typically greater than the strain from the corresponding stress reduction. This effect is quite pronounced for small stress changes and diminishes as the magnitude of the stress change increases. This implies that the mobility of dislocations is impeded in the reverse direction unless the magnitude of stress reduction exceeds the value of the internal stress.
Parallel finite element computation with separate substructures

Abstract An approach for the parallel computation of finite elements with a small number of processors is presented. The basic concept is to divide the analyzed structure into substructures. Each substructure is analyzed on a separate processor concurrently. The necessary information between the processors is communicated only once during the analysis. To demonstrate the approach an algorithm for the linear static finite element analysis of two substructures is developed. The formulation of the necessary information to be communicated and the numerical solution steps for the parallel computation are discussed. The general speedups and efficiencies for some test cases on the Cray X-MP are presented.
An age for the Korath Range, Ethiopia and the viability of 40Ar/39Ar dating of kaersutite in Late Pleistocene volcanics

Abstract The Korath Range is the northernmost of five Quaternary volcanic fields along the axis of the Turkana rift of northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. It is located within the Omo River valley of Ethiopia, a culturally diverse region that contains abundant Plio-Pleistocene human remains, which have been essential to refining our understanding of hominid evolution. Yet, very little geochronologic information is available for the Korath Range. We have undertaken 40 Ar/ 39 Ar incremental heating experiments, using two techniques, on kaersutite phenocrysts from a pyroclastic flow and obtained a weighted mean age of 91 ± 15 ka (2σ). The results, although imprecise, suggest that 40 Ar/ 39 Ar geochronology of these Ti-rich amphiboles can yield useful age information.
Theory of the Forward Peak in the Angular Distribution of Electrons Ejecteed by Fast Protons

The cross section for ejecting electrons by 300-keV protons is calculated using the first term in the Neuman expansion of Faddeev's equation for the final state of the electron-proton-residual ion system. This approximation predicts a peak at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the angular distribution of electrons ejected with a velocity approximately equal to the velocity of outgoing protons. Numerical results for He and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ target gases are given and compared with the experiments of Rudd and co-workers. The qualitative behavior of the forward peak in the experimental angular distributions is well accounted for.
A phenomenology of Christian religious maturity

One branch of adult development which needs further study is adult religious development. In this article, the author describes a phenomenological theory of adult development in Christian religious experience. This three-stage theory was derived from interviews with seven religious professionals and employs language which individuals might use in describing their ongoing relationship with God as Person. Progression through these stages requires conscious decision on the part of a believing individual and presumed interaction with God. It is not a natural chronological process. The relationship with God influences attitudes and values about self, others, and God. Some of the progression is measurable.
Application of an integrated 30-kw electrothermal engine system

Of three types of electric propulsion devices under investigation, the arc jet is the closest to practical application. The basic requirements of an arc-jet integrated electric propulsion system are presented; various approaches are pointed out and potential applications of such systems in space are discussed
Decision Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Extrahepatic Billiary Atresia from Other Causes of Neonatal Liver Diseases. 500

Extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) is a devastating disorder in which there is complete obstruction to bile flow and progressive liver injury during infancy. Because hepatic portoenterostomy only alleviates biliary obstruction enough to improve function 30% of the time, biliary atresia is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Early diagnosis is thought to improve the response to portoenterostomy. The clinical manifestations of EHBA are difficult to distinguish from other causes of liver injury; physicians must make a timely decision about the need for definitive intraoperative diagnosis on the basis of a complex, often expensive, diagnostic evaluation. In this study, we applied decision analysis methodology to previously published data on cholestatic infants to provide quantitative information about the contribution of liver biopsy to this decision. The results show that evaluation including percutaneous liver biopsy had higher expected utility than evaluation not including biopsy. Since the literature contains a wide range of probability values for correct diagnosis via hepatobiliary scan and liver biopsy, sensitivity analysis was performed; the decision was robust unless the probability of incorrect pathologic diagnosis was greater than 0.2. The results show that decision analysis methodology can be used to give the clinician quantitative information regarding effective evaluation of infants with neonatal liver disease.
The influence of polyphenols on potato phosphorylase

Abstract The effects of a number of naturally occurring polyphenols on crude potato phosphorylase were reinvestigated in order to determine the mechanism of their action. While crystalline muscle phosphorylase is only weakly inhibited by 10 −3 M chlorogenic acid, crude potato phosphorylase is 5 to 6 times more strongly inhibited. This difference in responses is due to the presence of o -diphenol oxidase in the potato preparation and most of the effective inhibitors are believed to be o -quinones. These probably attack sulfhydryl groups of the potato phosphorylase. The behavior of o -diphenols which contain primary amino groups in the side-chain is anomalous since they are either only weakly inhibitory or actually activate.
Shoot regeneration and ploidy variation in tissue culture of honeydew melon (Cucumis melo L. inodorus)

The Cucumis melo L. inodorus honeydew melon variant is one of the most consumed melons in the USA, and has important commercial and nutritional value. There is a need for improvement of several genetic traits in the US honeydew melon, such as nutrition, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. We investigated the existing regeneration media and optimized the medium composition for an elite honeydew diploid breeding line, “150”, using cotyledonary explants. Four combinations of three different plant growth regulators, 6-benzyladenine, abscisic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), were tested in the shoot regeneration media. The presence of IAA in the medium caused the cotyledon explants to curl away from the medium, which made antibiotic selection problematic in our previous study. Omission of IAA from the culture media eliminated this problem and did not impact the shoot regeneration capacity of the cotyledonary explants. We also estimated the ploidy of regenerated plants using flow cytometry, and 50–60% were found to be polyploid (tetraploid or mixoploid). However, contrary to other studies, these polyploid plants did not show major morphological differences compared to the diploid plants.
Phagocytosis of lectin-coated beads by dystrophic and normal retinal pigment epithelium

In the dystrophic pigmented Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has a diminished capacity to phagocytose shed photoreceptor outer segments (ROS). An alteration in phagocytic recognition or ligand-receptor interactions between the RPE and ROS's could contribute to this defect. To this end, we have examined whether or not RPE lectin receptors are implicated in phagocytosis in the normal and dystrophic rat RPE by comparing differences in phagocytic uptake of lectin-coated beads. To test this, the following lectins were bound either indirectly to sugar-coated latex beads or directly to activated beads: Concanavalin A (conA), specific for mannose; Ulex europeus (ULEX), specific for fucose; Lens culinaris (LcH), specific for mannose; and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), specific for N-acetyl glucosamine and sialic acid. The distribution of the lectin binding around beads was visualized and confirmed using lectin-Ferritin conjugates. Lectin-coated beads were fed to normal and dystrophic pigmented RPE tissue explants to determine differences in phagocytic uptake. We found that whether beads were directly or indirectly coated, similar results were obtained, but that there were differences in uptake of two types of lectin-coated beads by dystrophic as compared with normal animals. The dystrophic RPE phagocytosed greater numbers of conA-mannose beads (6.9/cell) than the normal RPE (3.6/cell). LcH-mannose beads were also phagocytosed by dystrophic (2.7/cell) but not by the normal (0/cell). A similar number of ULEX-fucose beads were taken up by dystrophic (3.8/cell) and normal (3.4/cell) RPE and neither took up WGA-N-acetyl glucosamine beads (0/cell). These results showing that the dystrophic RPE takes up greater numbers of conA and LcH-coated beads than the normal RPE suggest that a ligand-receptor interaction involving mannose may contribute to this difference in phagocytic uptake.
First AGU Climate Communication Prize awarded

Gavin Schmidt, a climate scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and cofounder of the RealClimate blog (http://www.realclimate.org/), received the first AGU Climate Communication Prize at the honors ceremony. The prize recognizes excellence in climate communication as well as the promotion of scientific literacy, clarity of messaging, and efforts to foster respect and understanding for science-based values related to climate change. Sponsored by Nature's Own—a Boulder, Colo.-based company specializing in the sale of minerals, fossils, and decorative stone specimens—the prize comes with a $25,000 cash award. “AGU created this award to raise the visibility of climate change as a critical issue facing the world today, to demonstrate our support for scientists who commit themselves to the effective communication of climate change science, and to encourage more scientists to engage with the public and policy makers on how climate research can contribute to the sustainability of our planet,” said AGU president Michael Mc Phaden. “That's why we are so pleased to recognize Gavin for his dedicated leadership and outstanding scientific achievements. We hope that his work will serve as an inspiration for others.”
Mathematical modelling of the effect of sole elasticity distribution on pronation

A coronal plane model of a distributed elastic sole has been proposed and analyzed with respect to the effects of different medial-lateral elasticity distribution on pronation under quasi-static conditions. The distributed model consists of an array of linear vertical line springs. Under minimum energy assumption, the behavior of the top surface of the interface under resultant force and moment loading was shown to be equivalent to that of a rigid-body mechanism under the same loading. The model was then combined with a rigid-link model of the lower limb. Expressions that describe the relationship of the interface aggregate parameters with pronation and the center of pressure were obtained. These expressions were confirmed by an experiment in which the elastic distribution in the interface was systematically varied and the pronation angle and the center of pressure measured. The model has the potential of being a useful analytical tool in the design of elastic soles in running shoes.
Policies for economic development

This paper looks at the economic policies and institutions needed to generate and sustain economic growth and development. It argues that policy and institutional reforms are needed in three broad areas. First, the need for a fiscal policy and overall macroeconomic framework that ensures stability is critical. Second, sectoral pricing and investments ought to address key constraints to growth while respecting the requirement for stability. Third, the domestic economy needs to be integrated with the global economy to increase competition and improve competitiveness. Policy and institutional reforms in these areas are necessary both for adjusting to exogenous changes and for ensuring long-term growth and development. To enable the appropriate policies to emerge in these areas, government must act competently in the spheres that are its proper concern. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of some of the major remaining uncertainties.
Straight and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids in Preorbital Glands of Sika Deer, Cervus nippon

Using GC-MS analysis, 11 major volatile compounds were found in the preorbital gland secretion from a female sika deer, Cervus nippon. These compounds are the C14 through C18 straight-chain fatty acids, (Z,Z)-9,12- octadecadienoic acid, 12-methyltridecanoic acid, 13-methyltetradecanoic acid, 14-methylpentadecanoic acid, 14-methylhexadecanoic acid, and 15- methylhexadecanoic acid. The five branched-chain acids make up over 29% of the volatiles in the gland. This is the first time branched-chain carboxylic acids have been reported from ungulate preorbital glands.
PS04 DELAYED DIAGNOSIS OF ANORECTAL MALFORMATION: THE NEED FOR CAREFUL NEONATAL EXAMINATION

Purpose To determine the frequency of delayed diagnosis of anorectal malformation in infants admitted to our institution and determine the resulting morbidity and mortality. Methodology A retrospective review was performed of all anorectal malformations treated at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead between November 1995 and November 2006. A detailed review was performed of those infants in whom the diagnoses was made greater than 24 hours after birth. Results 175 anorectal malformations were seen at this institution over the 11 year review period. Diagnostic delay occurred in 5 (3%): four of which were male. The four males were diagnosed within the first week of life, presenting with abdominal distension, vomiting and intestinal obstruction. The single female was diagnosed at 6 months of age when at onset of solid foods she became acutely obstructed. Delayed diagnosis was found to complicate the surgical repair and may have contributed to functional and psychological issues for patients and their families. One case of delayed diagnosis resulted in the death of the child. Conclusion Delayed diagnosis of anorectal malformations should be entirely avoidable but occurred in 3% of all cases presenting to our institution. It was associated with morbidity and even mortality. Careful inspection of the neonatal perineum at birth should allow all anorectal malformations to be consistently detected.
Countering morphological ambiguities: development of a PCR assay to assist the identification of Tubifex tubifex oligochaetes

The freshwater oligochaete, Tubifex tubifex, is a common resident of organic-rich sediments worldwide. Although it is a familiar species to fish enthusiasts, toxicologists and parasitologists, T. tubifex often confounds definitive identification due to the similarity that immature specimens bear to several other common oligochaetes, and given the degree of plasticity of key morphological characters due to environmental conditions and/or age of specimen. To solve this identity crisis, we used a polymerase chain reaction based molecular approach and developed a T. tubifex specific assay with primers that amplify a 192 bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer region 1 ribosomal DNA. We tested these primers on four T. tubifex mitochondrial genotypes, and on other oligochaete species from nine genera. The primers amplified all specimens identified morphologically as T. tubifex. They did not amplify any other species, including morphologically similar worms possessing hair chaetae (Dero digitata, Ilyodrilus templetoni, Tubifex ignotus or Rhyacodrilus spp.) or other oligochaetes often found with T. tubifex (Lumbriculus variegates, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Stylodrilus heringianus or Trichodrilus sp.). This technique should remove the uncertainties all too often associated with identification of T. tubifex.
Prevention strategies for multiple sclerosis

The design of effective prevention strategies for multiple sclerosis (MS) is hampered by ignorance of the basic pathophysiology of the disease. An understanding of specific immune mechanisms, the nature of genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers will permit rational decision making from among the many proposed therapeutic directions available. It is reasonable to hypothesize that inhibition of central nervous system inflammation will be of benefit in MS, regardless of the trigger (autoantigen, exogenous antigen, or nonspecific trigger). Emerging concepts are reviewed to provide guideposts for the design of rational therapy for MS.
Local search in the housefly Musca domestica after feeding on sucrose

Local search behaviour of the housefly, Musca domestica, released by ingestion of sucrose, was recorded on a bitpad digitizer. Local search is characterized by an initial increase in turning rate and a decrease in locomotory rate followed by an exponential return to control (unfed) levels for both functions. Greater variation in the slope of the exponential return to control levels was observed between runs of different flies than between runs of an individual fly, suggesting a possible internal basis for locomotory and turning functions. The local search pattern, based on decrease in relative turning rate generates a spiral configuration. A zig-zag component increases path width and increases the chances of a fly relocating the drop residue. Looping patterns correlate with successive recontacts with the drop residue and associated changes in turn direction and stopping. The results are discussed with respect to sources of internal and external orientation information controlling local search.
Failure of Fibrotic Liver Regeneration in Mice Is Linked to a Severe Fibrogenic Response Driven by Hepatic Progenitor Cell Activation

Failure of fibrotic liver to regenerate after resection limits therapeutic options and increases demand for liver transplantation, representing a significant clinical problem. The mechanism underlying regenerative failure in fibrosis is poorly understood. Seventy percent partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed in C57Bl/6 mice with or without carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. Liver function and regeneration was monitored at 1 to 14 days thereafter by assessing liver mass, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), mRNA expression, and histology. Progenitor (oval) cell mitogen tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and TWEAK-neutralizing antibody were used to manipulate progenitor cell proliferation in vivo. In fibrotic liver, hepatocytes failed to replicate efficiently after PHx. Fibrotic livers showed late (day 5) peak of serum ALT (3542 ± 355 IU/L compared to 93 ± 65 IU/L in nonfibrotic livers), which coincided with progenitor cell expansion, increase in profibrogenic gene expression and de novo collagen deposition. In fibrotic mice, inhibition of progenitor activation using TWEAK-neutralizing antibody after PHx resulted in strongly down-regulated profibrogenic mRNA, reduced serum ALT levels and improved regeneration. Failure of hepatocyte-mediated regeneration in fibrotic liver triggers activation of the progenitor (oval) cell compartment and a severe fibrogenic response. Inhibition of progenitor cell proliferation using anti-TWEAK antibody prevents fibrogenic response and augments fibrotic liver regeneration. Targeting the fibrogenic progenitor response represents a promising strategy to improve hepatectomy outcomes in patients with liver fibrosis.
Interception of Cocaine by Enzyme or Antibody Delivered with Viral Gene Transfer: A Novel Strategy for Preventing Relapse in Recovering Drug Users

Recent progress in enzyme engineering has led to versions of human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) that hydrolyze cocaine efficiently in plasma, reduce concentrations reaching reward neurocircuity in the brain, and weaken behavioral responses to this drug. Along with enzyme advances, increasingly avid anti-cocaine antibodies and potent anti-cocaine vaccines have also been developed. Here we review these developments and consider the potential advantages along with the risks of delivering drug-intercepting proteins via gene transfer approaches to treat cocaine addiction.
Role of metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies in the discovery of new drugs--present and future perspectives.

1. The impact which pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism studies have made to drug discovery programmes is reviewed with examples from the anti-infective, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory and CNS therapeutic areas.2. Contributions that advances in analytical technology have made to the early application of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism are discussed.3. Some future perspectives are given on the advances being made in basic science and technology and how this will provide the basis for further growth in the contribution to the drug discovery process.
Typical influences of moisture on profile measurements in the marine atmospheric surface layer

Under a wide variety of meteorological conditions in a coastal environment, 250 cases were studied to determine the typical influences of moisture in calculating the gradient Richardson number stability and the fluxes of heat, humidity, and momentum with the profile method. Although the stability calculation was altered in some cases up to 95% by the moisture correction, the typical influence in computing the fluxes was found to be less than 10% when the humidity flux was upward and less then 25% when the humidity flux was downward.
TEMPORAL AND STAGE-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE ON THE MAINTENANCE OF SPERMATOGENESIS IN GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE ANTAGONIST-TREATED RAT

Despite considerable attention to the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis, the role of FSH in adult mammals remains controversial. This is mainly due to the unavailability until recently of FSH preparations free of contaminating LH and discrepant results in various species. Using LH-free recombinant human FSH (rhFSH), we sought to determine if FSH is able to maintain spermatogenesis in rats in which both LH and FSH, but not other pituitary hormones, are markedly suppressed by GnRH-A treatment. Groups of five adult SD rats were given daily sc injections of vehicle, Nal-Glu-GnRH-A (1.25 mg/kg BW) or GnRH-A + 10 IU rhFSH for up to 4 weeks. In agreement with our previous report, GnRH-A treatment for 1 week led to a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in testis weight (26.6%) and in the number of specific germ cells involving preleptotene (27.7%) and pachytene spermatocytes (36.7%) and step 7 spermatids (30.3%) at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. The number of advanced spermatids declined by 44.3%. Concomitant administration of rhFSH for 1 week resulted in a significant increase in testicular weight, tubular areas at stage VII-VIII, and in the absolute volumes of seminiferous tubules and their lumens compared to GnRH-A alone. Most importantly, FSH replacement to GnRH-A-treated rats fully attenuated the early (1 week) GnRH-A-induced reduction in germ cell numbers at stage VII as well as the number of advanced (steps 17-19) spermatids, and effectively prevented GnRH-A-induced reduction in the number of pachytene spermatocytes and step 7 spermatids for 2 weeks. In addition, FSH replacement to GnRH-A-treated rats was able to increase the number of B spermatogonia available for entry into meiosis and maintain the number of preleptotene spermatocytes throughout the treatment period. The observed beneficial effects of rhFSH on spermatogenesis in GnRH-A-treated rats are most likely not due to the stimulation of the Leydig cell function (via paracrine interaction between Sertoli and the Leydig cells), because FSH addition to GnRH-A had no discernible effect on intratesticular or plasma T levels, accessory organs weight, and the total volume of the Leydig cells when compared with GnRH-A alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A laboratory task for induction of mood states

Abstract One hundred female college students were administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A, to provide a measure of primary suggestibility. In a 2nd hr, each S was randomly assigned to one of five individual treatments of 20 Ss each. One group read and concentrated upon 60 self-referent statements intended to be elating: a second group read 60 statements intended to be depressing. A third group read 60 statements which were neither self-referent nor pertaining to mood. This group controlled for the effects of reading and experimental participation per se. Fourth and fifth groups received demand characteristics control treatments designed to produce simulated elation and simulated depression, respectively. Two measures of pre-treatment mood level were obtained from each S at the beginning other individual treatment. Following treatment, as criteria for elation and depression, seven behavioral task measures were obtained. Four of these distinguished significantly among the treatment groups. The comparative performance of Ss in the three control groups indicated that the obtained mood changes could not be attributed to artifactual effects. Moreover, post-experimental questionnaire data strongly supported the conclusion that Elation and Depression treatments had indeed respectively induced elation and depression.