cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of cryophylactic agents for pretreatment of preserved frozen rat skin

Abstract This study is designed to compare various cryophylactic agents in relation to their success in preserving viability of frozen rat skin autografts. Dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, and glycerol were tested as endocellular cryophylactic agents, and sucrose was tested as an extracellular cryophylactic agent. These agents were used in 10% solution by weight or volume, alone or in combination. Rat skin autografts were removed from the abdomen of donor rats and transplanted to the dorsal panniculus carnosus after freezing and thawing to −80°C in one of the protective agents. The comparison of success was made by measuring the change in surface area of the graft over a 28-day period. The gross appearance of hair growth and sear configuration, as well as histological examination, was used as further criteria for the viability of the skin at that time. Sucrose alone, or with dimethylsulfoxide or glycerol, gave statistically superior protection to the rat skin autografts. Dimethylacetamide and dimethylacetamide with sucrose gave very poor protection. A large standard deviation in each series was noted, and it is suggested that there may be a metabolic cycle in rat skin that makes it more sensitive to freeze damage at some period of this cycle.
Mast cell number and maturation in the central nervous system : Influence of tissue type, location and exposure to steroid hormones

While it is well established that brain mast cells are usually associated with the cerebral vasculature, in ring doves mast cells lie directly in the neuropil of the medial habenula. During normal development mast cells enter the habenula and complete their differentiation in situ. In the present study, we asked what characteristics of the medial habenula contribute to mast cell entry and differentiation. Grafts of embryonic habenula or control optic tectal grafts were placed in the lateral ventricle or anterior chamber of the eye. Transplantation alters the location of the habenula as well as its neural and vascular connections. Three groups of hosts were used for the ventricular grafts: four-month-old and killed three months after transplantation; four-month-old and killed seven months later, and two- to three-year-old gonadectomized males killed three months later. Hosts for the intraocular grafts were four months of age and killed three months later. Mast cells were present in the habenular grafts but not in the control tissue. Mast cells in three- and seven-month-old grafts were phenotypically immature when compared to those of hosts. They contained fewer metachromatic granules, fewer granules immunoreactive to an antiserum against gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and no highly-sulphated proteoglycans. As previously described, gonadectomized adults had fewer mast cells in their medial habenula than did intact animals, but there was no change in mast cell number in habenular grafts. The current experiments indicate that the occurrence and survival of mast cells can occur within the microenvironment of the medial habenula, but that maturation of these cells requires the normal connections of this nucleus. Furthermore, gonadectomy appears to alter mast cell number in the medial habenula by generating a secondary signal which the transplanted tissue is incapable of receiving or processing.
Semiochemical-Based Toxic Baits for Control of Striped Cucumber Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Cantaloupe

A semiochemical-based toxic bait was compared with the standard treatment, weekly carbaryl sprays, for control of adult striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum (F.), in cantaloupe in 1991 and 1992. The striped cucumber beetle transmits the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila (Smith) Bergey, Harrison, Breed, Hammer and Huntoon, which causes bacterial wilt in cantaloupe. The toxic dry bait contains 0.3% carbaryl, a feeding stimulant (cucurbitacin, 5.0%), and several floral attractants (0.5%). In 1992, a dry-flowablebait (liquid-bait) also was tested. The baits reduced beetle numbers on cantaloupe plants but not as quickly as the carbaryl spray. It took <2 h to eliminate beetles with carbaryl spray treatments and 24-48 h with dry- or liquid-bait treatments. However, dry bait continued to control beetles for 7 d, but beetle populations increased in carbaryl spray and liquid-bait treatments 4-5 d after application. Beetle damage and percentage of plants with bacterial wilt by first harvest were similar in the carbaryl and bait treatments. Significantly more flowers were pollinated and more early fruit were produced in the bait treatments and the control (no insecticides) compared with the carbaryl spray treatments. In 1991, dry-bait treatments had significantly greater yields than carbaryl treatments because of an outbreak of aphids in the carbaryl spray treatment. Final yields in 1992 were similar for carbaryl and both bait treatments.
A CFR1065-Compliant Transportable/On-Road Low Emissions Measurement Laboratory With Dual Primary Full-Flow Dilution Tunnels

In 2007, certification standards for heavy duty diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions were reduced from 0.1g/bhp-hr to 0.01g/bhp-hr, representing an order of magnitude reduction in pollutant level. Coincident with these standards revisions are refinements to test procedures that target reductions in measurement uncertainties. The 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) specifications, as defined in 40 CFR parts 86, and US EPA 2010 specifications, as defined in CFR 1065, require significant updates to established laboratory measurement systems and test procedures. Moreover, additional regulatory standards pertaining to in-use compliance of heavy duty diesel engines will significantly impact the future of heavy duty diesel emissions measurement. As a result of the reduced emission production levels, demand for ‘real-world’ emissions measurements, and subsequent development and evaluation of on-board emissions measurement systems, West Virginia University’s Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions (CAFEE) has designed and constructed, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the ‘next level’ transportable dual primary full-flow dilution tunnel emissions measurement laboratory. The objective of this project was to build a mobile emissions measurement laboratory, of engine test cell quality, that is capable of measuring regulated and non-regulated emissions, and meets US EPA 2007 and 2010 specifications. A thirty-foot long cargo container was constructed to house a portable emissions measurement facility, comprised of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) primary dilution unit, two primary full-flow dilution tunnels, a subsonic venturi, a secondary particulate matter sampling system, a gaseous emissions analytical bench instrumentation system, a computer based data acquisition (DAQ) and control system, full air conditioning and ventilation system, and chassis dynamometer control systems. Dual tunnels, of 18 inches ID and 20 feet long provide dedicated measurement capability for both lower PM vehicles, as well as legacy diesel fueled vehicles. This provision reduces tunnel history effects between test programs which address differing exhaust composition and PM loading. The laboratory grade analytical system can be transported to virtually any location with a demand for emissions testing, either with or without WVU’s transportable medium or heavy duty chassis dynamometers. Alternatively, the system can be loaded onto a flatbed trailer in order to test emissions while a vehicle is operated over the road. This paper describes each sub-system of this transportable laboratory in the aspect of specifications and design considerations, and presents results of qualification tests on the laboratory.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Cloning and developmental/stress-regulated expression of a gene encoding a tomato arabinogalactan protein

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) represent a major class of plant hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) and are components of cell walls and plasma membranes. AGPs are thought to play roles in cell differentiation, development, and cell-cell interactions. Using a synthetic DNA oligonucleotide based upon an amino acid sequence motif common to AGPs from Lolium, rose, and carrot (i.e., Hyp-Ala-Hyp-Ala-Hyp), we have isolated and sequenced the first AGP gene from a partial Sau3A tomato genomic library packaged in bacteriophage charon 35. The deduced 215 amino acid protein contains 20% Ala, 22% Pro, 10% Gly, and 11% Ser and consists of two Pro-Ala-Pro-Ala-Pro pentapeptide repeats and 16 Ala-Pro dipeptide repeats, consistent with known AGP amino acid compositions and sequences. Comparison of the genomic sequence to a reverse transcribed PCR product and tomato cDNA confirmed the AGP gene is expressed and contains one large intervening sequence. RNA blot hybridization analysis in tomato indicates this AGP gene is strongly expressed in stem and flower, moderately expressed in root and green fruit, and weakly expressed in leaves and red fruit as a 980 nucleotide transcript. Five-day-old seedlings also express this transcript; however, this expression is not regulated by light. More significantly, a gradient of AGP gene expression is observed in tomato stems, ranging from high levels of expression in young internodes to low levels of expression in old internodes. Wounding serves to down-regulate expression in young and old internodes. Heat shock also affects AGP gene expression in stems by transiently down-regulating mRNA levels.
Dating Violence and Associated Sexual Risk and Pregnancy Among Adolescent Girls in the United States

Objectives. To assess the annual prevalence of physical violence from dating partners among a representative sample of sexually experienced adolescent girls attending US public and private high schools, as well as sexual risk behaviors and pregnancy among this population. Design, Setting, Participants, and Measures. Female students (9th through 12th grade) ( N = 6864) participating in the 2001 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey completed measures of physical dating violence during the previous year, as well as assessments of health risk behaviors. Annual rates of physical dating violence were estimated for sexually experienced ( n = 3085) and inexperienced girls. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to assess whether physical dating violence in the previous year was associated with sexual health risks and pregnancy, after controlling for effects of potentially confounding demographic features and risk behaviors. Results. Slightly less than 1 of 5 sexually experienced US adolescent girls (17.7%) reported being intentionally physically hurt by a date in the previous year, and ∼1 of 25 girls (3.7%) who reported no sexual experience reported such violence. Dating violence among sexually experienced adolescent girls was related to increased risks for both sexual risk behaviors (eg, recent multiple sexual partners: odds ratio: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–3.1) and pregnancy (odds ratio: 1.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.4). Conclusions. Dating violence is prevalent among US adolescent girls, especially those reporting having had sexual intercourse. Adolescent girls intentionally hurt by a date in the previous year are more likely to experience sexual health risks, including those increasing vulnerability to human immunodeficiency virus infection and other sexually transmitted infections, and to have been pregnant. Dating violence should be integrated into sexual health and pregnancy prevention programs, and greater efforts to identify girls experiencing dating violence are needed among those providing care related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Pooled Testing for Effective Estimation of the Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni

Rapid and accurate identification of the prevalence of schistosomiasis is key for control and eradication of this devastating disease. The current screening standard for intestinal schistosomiasis is the Katz-Kato method, which look for eggs on slides of fecal matter. Although work has been done to estimate prevalence using the number of eggs on a slide, the procedure is much faster if the laboratory only reports the presence or absence of eggs on each slide. To further help reduce screening costs while maintaining accuracy, we propose a pooled method for estimating prevalence. We compare it to the standard individualed method, investigating differences in efficiency, measured by the number of slides read, and accuracy, measured by mean square error of estimation. Complication is introduced by the unknown and varying sensitivity of the procedure with population prevalence. The DeVlas model for the worm and egg distributions in the population describes how test sensitivity increases with age of the epidemic, as prevalence and intensity of infection increase, making the problem fundamentally different from earlier work in pooling. Previous literature discusses varying sensitivity with the number of positive samples within a pool, known as the "dilution effect." We model both the dilution effect and varying sensitivity with population prevalence. For model parameter values suited to younger age groups, the pooled method has less than half the mean square error of the individualed method. Thus, we can use half as many slides while maintaining accuracy. Such savings might encourage more frequent measurements in regions where schistosomiasis is a serious but neglected problem.
Water quality prediction of marine recreational beaches receiving watershed baseflow and stormwater runoff in southern California, USA

Beach advisories are issued to the public in California when the concentration of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), including total coliform, fecal coliform (or Escherichia coli), and Enterococcus, exceed their recreational water health standards, or when the amount of a rainfall event is above the pre-determined threshold. However, it is not fully understood about how and to what degree stormwater runoff or baseflow exerts impacts on beach water quality. Furthermore, current laboratory methods used to determine the FIB levels take 18-96 h, which is too slow to keep pace with changes in FIB levels in water. Thus, a beach may not be posted when it is contaminated, and may be posted under advisory when bacterial levels have already decreased to within water quality standards. The study was designed to address the above critical issues. There were large temporal and spatial variations in FIB concentrations along two popular State Beaches in San Diego, CA, USA. The rainstorm-induced runoff from the watersheds exerts significant impacts on the marine recreational water quality of the beaches adjacent to lagoons during the first 24-48 h after a rain event. The large volume of stormwater runoff discharging to beaches caused high FIB concentrations in beach water not only at the lagoon outlet channel and the mixing zone, but also at the locations 90 m away from the channel northward or southward along the shoreline. The geomorphology of beach shoreline, distance from the outlet channel, wind strength, wind direction, tide height, wave height, rainfall, time lapse after a rainstorm, or channel flow rate played a role in affecting the distribution of FIB concentrations in beach water. Despite the great temporal and spatial variability of FIB concentrations along a shoreline, the artificial neural network-based models developed in this study are capable of successfully predicting FIB concentrations at different beaches, different locations, and different times under baseflow or rainstorm conditions. The models are based on readily measurable variables including temperature, conductivity, pH, turbidity, channel water flow, rainfall, and/or time lapse after a rainstorm. The established models will help fill the current gap between beach posting and actual water quality and make more meaningful and effective decisions on beach closures and advisories.
Modeling a self-calibrating thermocouple for use in a smart temperature measurement system

A smart temperature measurement system that consists of a commercially available self-calibrating thermocouple connected to a data-acquisition system with a specially designed algorithm capable of automatically detecting the calibration temperature of the self-calibrating thermocouple was developed. The self-calibrating thermocouple has a high-purity, low-melting-point metal encapsulated near its thermojunction. The time-temperature record of the thermocouple forms a plateau at the phase transition temperature of the encapsulated metal, providing a single-point calibration. Since the plateau is usually not horizontal, a major effort of the work reported was to determine which point of the phase transition plateau is the actual phase transition temperature. A finite-difference computer simulation program was written to explain the thermodynamic behavior of the system. On the basis of a literature review and simulation analysis, a method was developed to recognize which point on the melting or freezing plateau curve is the actual phase transition temperature of the encapsulated metal. The known phase transition temperature is compared with the reported melting or freezing point of the encapsulated metal to determine the magnitude of error in the thermocouple output. >
Using infections to fight infections: paratransgenic fungi can block malaria transmission in mosquitoes

Evaluation of: Fang W, Vega-Rodriguez J, Ghosh AK et al. Development of transgenic fungi that kill human malaria parasites in mosquitoes. Science 331(6020), 1074–1077 (2011). Paratransgenesis is the genetic manipulation of insect endosymbiotic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Paratransgenesis has been proposed as a potential method to control vector-borne diseases such as malaria. In this article, Fang and colleagues have used genetic manipulation to insert multiple antimalaria effector genes into the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. When the modified fungus was used to infect Anopheles mosquitoes, it expressed the antimalaria effector molecules in the mosquito hemolymph. When several different effector molecules were coexpressed, malaria levels in the mosquito salivary glands were inhibited by up to 98% compared with controls. Significant inhibition could be initiated by as little as seven fungal spores and was very rapid and long lasting. These data suggest that recombin...
Elimination of interference terms of the discrete Wigner distribution using nonlinear filtering

Methods for interference reduction in the Wigner distribution (WD) have traditionally relied on linear filtering. This paper introduces a new nonlinear filtering approach for the removal of cross terms in the discrete WD. Realizing that linear smoothing kernels are unable to completely cancel the cross-terms without compromising time-frequency concentration and resolution of the auto-terms, a nonlinear filtering algorithm is devised where the filter automatically adapts to the rapidly changing nature of the WD plane. Varying the filter behavior from an identity operation at one extreme to a lowpass linear filter at the other, a near-optimal removal of cross terms is achieved. Unlike traditional smoothing and optimal kernel design techniques, this algorithm does not reduce the time-frequency resolution and concentration of the auto-terms and performs equally well for a very large variety of signals.
Role of sinus wall compliance in aortic leaflet function

Functional morphology of the normal aortic root was studied in vitro using 500 frames/s cinematography. Stiffening of the aortic wall by spraying its exterior with plastic adhesive led to compromised function of the leaflets, a phenomenon that may play a role in valve degeneration as it occurs in old-age fibrosis, atherosclerosis, or in connection with certain surgical procedures.
Time Investments in Children across Family Structures

This article compares time invested in children across family structures as a means to understand differences in children’s development. Using data from the 1997 Panel Study of Income Dynamics’ Child Development Supplement, we measure time investments from multiple caregivers and distinguish time children spend with a caregiver alone versus shared with another caregiver. We examine six family structures—married biological parents, cohabiting biological parents, mother and stepfather, mother and cohabiting boyfriend, single mother only, and multigenerational households. The total care-giving time that children receive in married biological parent families and cohabiting biological parent families is comparable to that for children living in stepfather families and multigenerational families. This is because children in stepfather families and multigenerational households receive substantial time investments from nonresident biological fathers and grandparents, respectively. In contrast, children receive li...
Principle of Reliance

A patient visits a medical doctor and is prescribed medication. It turns out the medication is the correct remedy for a wrong diagnosis. The patient suffers because of taking the medication so he sues the doctor. The court rules in his favor and provides him adequate compensation. A similar problem is encountered by a patient who takes a medical prescription to the pharmacy and is given the wrong medication owing to the negligence of the pharmacist. Closer to home in civil engineering, a contractor procures drawings for a barn and has those drawings reviewed by an agricultural outreach civil engineer who sanctions the design illustrated in the drawings. After construction, however, the barn collapses because there is inadequate rebar prescribed in the drawings. The contractor sues the civil engineer and receives compensation. The court judges that the contractor is entitled to rely on the advice of the defendant civil engineer. These are typical cases of ‘‘reliance’’ that pervade areas of law. A person or organization with ‘‘superior knowledge’’ is expected to provide sound advice that does not result in harm. Said another way, an advisee is entitled to ‘‘rely’’ on the advice of the advisor owing to the specific knowledge, training, experience, and superior information possessed by the advisor. The law provides a remedy under all such circumstances, and promotes protective measures to ensure that professional advice is given only by those authorized. The classic case of Hedley Bryne, where the plaintiff encountered a decomposed snail in a bottle of ginger beer, ruled that ‘‘...Where one person relied on the special skill and judgment of another, and when the second person knew of that reliance, the second person was duty bound to take reasonable care in exercising special skill.’’ Reliance is a simple and straightforward doctrine. The innocent advisee has been ‘‘misled’’ when the advice is false, incorrect, or inappropriate. After all, the person with superior knowledge should know better! It is tantamount to exploitation, deception, or treachery when the advice is misleading. It is evident that the advisee has no willful intention of harming himself/ herself, yet suffers harm at the execution of that misleading advice. This cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. Thus, it follows that two parties engaged in a good-faith contract can afford to ‘‘rely’’ on the promises made by each other to each other. A breach of contract is a violation of the faith and trust and pushes one party to be cautious of relying on the other. Such events and incidents are not healthy in society, especially physically, because violations of trust serve to cause stressful situations that harm the nimble ~yet resilient! human body. Hence, a moral law is developed that realizes that failure to ensure reliance is immoral. This develops into a philosophy of human conduct to ensure the fitness of its race.
Swallowing Disorders and Nutritional Status: The Registered Dietitians' Perspective

guage pathologist to optimize nutrient intake of appropriate consistency foods and beverages and to decrease dysphagia-related complications (Brody, Touger-Decker, Monhagen, & Maillet, 2000). Nutrition assessments serve as a useful tool for the speech-language pathologist, because they provide a clear and concise report of the patient’s nutritional status and a plan of action that can be coordinated with the speech-language pathology plan.
Diagnostic use of molecular markers in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.

Objective: To describe the molecular markers thus far evaluated for use in the care of patients with clinically relevant thyroid nodules. Methods: We review the currently available molecular tests that have been applied to patients with thyroid nodules. Results: In the United States, approximately 450 000 diagnostic fine-needle aspirates will be performed on patients with thyroid nodules this year in an effort to identify thyroid cancer. Unfortunately, this test is imprecise and, at times, inaccurate. Because of this, novel diagnostic testing modalities have been pursued, the most promising of which involve molecular analysis of thyroid tissue. Immunohistochemical staining, analysis for mutations and gene rearrangements, and microarray analysis have all been investigated with regard to their performance characteristics in targeted patient populations. Conclusions: Molecular tests to evaluate thyroid nodules demonstrate variable performance characteristics. Further evaluation of available and emerging molecular tests will necessarily rely on prospective real-world test validation in the clinical setting. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18: 796-802) Abbreviation: FNA = fine-needle aspiration
Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on insulin, amino acid, and lipid metabolism in uremia

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine whether anemia is important in the pathogenesis of metabolic abnormalities in insulin, amino acid, and lipid metabolism in uremia. METHODS: Twelve adolescents (15 ± 1 years of age) undergoing long-term dialysis were studied before and after correction of their anemia by human recombinant erythropoietin at a mean interval of 6 months. Six patients received hemodialysis, and six received continuous-cycling peritoneal dialysis. Insulin sensitivity was measured by the euglycemic clamp technique and insulin secretion by the hyperglycemic clamp technique in these patients. RESULTS: Hematocrit increased from 0.219 ± 0.006 to 0.344 ± 0.007 ( p p p 2 per minute; p 2 per minute) and was normal after erythropoietin therapy (193 ± 11 mg/m 2 per minute). Insulin secretion was low in patients before erythropoietin therapy (44 ± 8 μU/ml) compared with published normal values (68 ± 6 μU/ml) and did not change after erythropoietin therapy (46 ± 4 μU/ml). Plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and lipids in the patients were compared with values from eight healthy adolescents. Plasma concentrations of valine, leucine, and isoleucine were low before treatment and were normal after 6 months of erythropoietin therapy. Plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all high before treatment and were normal after treatment of anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of anemia by erythropoietin reversed insulin resistance as well as amino acid and lipid abnormalities in adolescents undergoing dialysis. (J PEDIATR 1996;129:97-104)
Oxygen transport across vasa recta in the renal medulla.

In this model of oxygen transport in the renal medullary microcirculation, we predicted that the net amount of oxygen reabsorbed from vasa recta into the interstitium is on the order of 10−6 mmol/s...
SYSTEMATIC NOTES ON LARGINAE (HEMIPTERA: LARGIDAE)

Abstract Twelve species in eight genera of the New World subfamily Larginae are discussed. The following species are redescribed and/or compared with their original descriptions: Acinocoris calidus (F.), A. decoratus Brailovsky and Barrera, A. includens Walker, A. lunaris (Gmelin), A. stehliki Van Doesburg, Astemma nigrocapitata Brailovsky and Barrera, Fibrenus bullatus White, Stenomacra marginella Herrich-Schaeffer, Therenais constricta Stal, and Vasarhelyecoris ophthalmicus Brailovsky and Barrerra. The measurements of the following species were compared with published measurements: Acinocoris calidus, A. decoratus, A. lunaris, A. stehliki, Astemma nigrocapitata, and Fibrenus bullatus. Instars of the following species are described: Largulus parallelus Hussey (third and fifth instars), and Thaumastaneis montandoni Kirkaldy and Edwards (fifth instar); the fifth instar of Largulus parallelus is figured. The following are new country records: Acinocoris elegans Van Doesburg: Peru; A. includens: Venezuela; A...
Extended-spectrum antibodies protective against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are responsible for worldwide outbreaks and antibiotic treatments are problematic. The polysaccharide poly-(β-1,6)-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG) is a vaccine target detected on the surface of numerous pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli. Genes encoding PNAG biosynthetic proteins have been identified in two other main pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae. We hypothesized that antibodies to PNAG might be a new therapeutic option for the different pan-resistant pathogenic species of CRE. Methods PNAG production was detected by confocal microscopy and its role in the formation of the biofilm (for E. cloacae) and as a virulence factor (for K. pneumoniae) was analysed. The in vitro (opsonophagocytosis killing assay) and in vivo (mouse models of peritonitis) activity of antibodies to PNAG were studied using antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant E. coli, E. cloacae and K. pneumoniae. A PNAG-producing strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an organism that does not naturally produce this antigen, was constructed by adding the pga locus to a strain with inactive alg genes responsible for the production of P. aeruginosa alginate. Antibodies to PNAG were tested in vitro and in vivo as above. Results PNAG is a major component of the E. cloacae biofilm and a virulence factor for K. pneumoniae. Antibodies to PNAG mediated in vitro killing (>50%) and significantly protected mice against the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing E. coli (P = 0.02), E. cloacae (P = 0.0196) and K. pneumoniae (P = 0.006), against K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae (P = 0.02) and against PNAG-producing P. aeruginosa (P = 0.0013). Thus, regardless of the Gram-negative bacterial species, PNAG expression is the sole determinant of the protective efficacy of antibodies to this antigen. Conclusions Our findings suggest antibodies to PNAG may provide extended-spectrum antibacterial protective activity.
That's My Joke...Art...Trick!: How the Internal Norms of IP Communities are Ineffective Against Extra-Community Misappropriation

Many scholars write that communities of IP creators whose work may not be sufficiently protected by the formal law is nevertheless okay because internal norms of the IP communities work to provide protection. While this is true to a point, it overlooks the fact that these same creators are afforded no protection where the misappropriation is committed by an entity outside of the community. This paper discusses the ramifications of such a misappropriation and suggests that it causes the greatest type of harm.
Distinctions to Promote an Integrated Perspective on Meaning: Global Meaning and Meaning-Making Processes

This article continues the dialogue begun during the First Congress on the Construction of Personal Meaning by addressing specific questions generated at the Congress. I argue that it is desirable to move toward consensus in understanding existential meaning, that it is useful to reframe the human “need for meaning” as the “need for a functional meaning system,” and that it is important to consider the functionality of individuals’ meaning systems as determining when and how they may change. I describe a model of global meaning as comprising beliefs (cognitions), goals (motivation), and a subjective sense of meaning (emotion); and meaning making as aligning one's appraisals of situations with one's global meaning. I highlight the unique role that spirituality plays in the meaning systems of many people. I conclude by strongly encouraging future researchers to develop and use strong measures of meaning-related constructs. My aim in this article is to help foster consensus and advance the science of human m...
Does Gender Affect Evaluation Scores? An Analysis of Graduate Economics Classes

Colleges and universities routinely use evaluation scores to assess the quality of an instructor's teaching for purposes of promotion and tenure, and for merit raise allocations. This paper applies a feasible generalized least squares model to a panel of data from master's-level classes. We find that instructors cannot buy better evaluation scores by inflating students' grade expectations. In addition, female instructors with little or no experience receive evaluation scores that are worse than their otherwise identical male colleagues. However, this gap closes with experience: with 9 years of teaching experience, female instructors' scores begin to exceed those of males. Certain other factors are also important determinants of evaluation scores. Our results suggest that an adjustment to the usual departmental rankings may be in order.
Citrus Thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and ‘Washington’ Navel Orange Injury

A fruit scarring damage index for Scirtothrips citri (Moulton) to immature ‘Washington’ navel orange was best described by the beta distribution. The index of estimated surface area scarred was judged to be more practical and less time consuming for pest control advisors than precise quantitative measurements. This index is compatible with industry's method of grading California's navel oranges. A simple decision-making formula was derived from the beta distribution to predict mean percentage of surface area scarred for immature navel oranges during the fruit's critical injury period. Accumulated data corroborated the hypothesis that initiation of S. citri scarring declines to 0 for navel orange fruit with diameters >4 cm or 7 weeks after the petals fall.
Hemodynamic alterations in the young spontaneously hypertensive rat: elevated total systemic and hindquarter vascular resistance.

SummaryAbdominal aortic blood flow and hindquarter vascular resistance were determined in young (2-3 mo) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normo-tensives. Abdominal aortic blood flow was similar in the 2 groups, whereas hindquarter vascular resistance was elevated in the SHR compared to WKY. Additionally, in the open-chest preparation there was no significant difference in ascending aortic blood flow between hypertensives and normoten-sives, while total peripheral resistance was increased in the SHR relative to WKY. These data suggest that early in the development of hypertension in the SHR the hemodynamic pattern of normal blood flow and elevated resistance exists in the hindquarter vasculature and the total systemic circulation.
Calcium-Stressed Erythrocyte Membrane Structure and Function for Assessing Glipizide Effects on Transglutaminase Activation:

A proposed mechanism of action of hypoglycemic sulfonylureas is the prevention of transglutaminase-mediated endocytosis of insulin receptors. When activated by high levels of intracellular calcium, transglutaminase (TG) catalyzes the cross-linking of intracellular proteins to membrane proteins and modifies membrane structure and function. This study examined the effects of the sulfonylurea glipizide on TG activity in an erythrocyte model by assessing various membrane ATPase activities and high molecular weight protein polymer formation using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To activate TG, red blood cells were exposed to 1 mM intracellular Ca2+ using 10(-5) M Ca2(+)-ionophore A23187. In Ca2(+)-stressed cells, calmodulin stimulation (0.1 micrograms/ml) of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase was decreased to 21.2% of control activity. Increasing concentrations of calmodulin (0.1-3.0 micrograms/ml) could not overcome the inhibitory effects of TG on the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in Ca2(+)-stressed cells with or without glipizide. An increased Ca2+ sensitivity of calmodulin-independent (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase due to Ca2+ stress was seen in all Ca2(+)-stressed cells even in the presence of 1 mM glipizide. Structural changes were observed in the form of high molecular weight polymer formation. Cells exposed to high Ca2+ and glipizide (3 x 10(-5)-10(-3) M) showed no improvement in ATPase activity or protection from protein cross-linking compared with cells without the drug. We conclude that in this model glipizide fails to inhibit TG induced protein cross-linking and does not prevent the decrease in (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activation in Ca2(+)-stressed red blood cells. This finding considerably weakens the proposal that sulfonylureas act by inhibiting TG activity.
Design of portable Power Control Unit test system based on LabWindows/CVI

In order to satisfy the requirement of the Power Control Unit,the design of the Power Control Unit test system based on LabWindows/CVI is designed in this paper.The hardware system is used to produce the input signals of PCU.The software system adopts the LabWindows/CVI software as development environment.The Power Control Unit test system can accomplish the output signals test of the Power Control Unit.The experiment and application show that this test system has good performance,and achieve the design requirement.
A comparative study of ball and disc prostheses in mitral valve replacement.

The results of isolated mitral valve replacement with the Bjork-Shiley disc prosthesis from 1970 to 1973 were compared with those obtained with the cloth-covered Starr-Edwards valve (Models 6300 and 6310) between 1968 and 1971. The patients in both series were followed from 6 to 42 months postoperatively. Hospital mortality rate with the disc prosthesis was 3.6 per cent as opposed to 23.8 per cent with the ball valve, but this difference might be due mainly to the improvement in intraoperative and postoperative care initiated after the ball-valve series was concluded. Fewer late deaths (6.6 versus 15 per cent), thromboembolic complications (4.7 versus 9 per cent), and a better quality of life among survivors were observed with the disc prosthesis, although there was no statistical significance. Prosthetic infection occurred in eight (12 per cent) of the ball valves and only in one (0.9 per cent) of the disc valves (p
In Situ Determination of Tacticity, Deactivation, and Kinetics in [rac-(C2H4(1-Indenyl)2)ZrMe][B(C6F5)4] and [Cp2ZrMe][B(C6F5)4]-Catalyzed Polymerization of 1-Hexene Using 13C Hyperpolarized NMR

The stereochemistry, kinetics, and mechanism of olefin polymerization catalyzed by a set of zirconium-based metallocenes was studied by NMR using dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Hyperpolarized 1-hexene was polymerized in situ with a C2 symmetric catalyst, [(EBI)ZrMe][B(C6F5)4] (EBI = rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)), and a C2v symmetric catalyst, [(Cp)2ZrMe][B(C6F5)4] (Cp = cyclopentadienyl). Hyperpolarized 13C NMR spectra were used to characterize product tacticity following initiation of the reaction. At the same time, a signal gain of 3 orders of magnitude from 13C hyperpolarization enabled the real time observation of catalyst-polymeryl species and deactivation products, such as vinylidene and a Zr-allyl complex. The compounds appearing in the reaction provide evidence for the existence of β-hydride elimination and formation of a dormant site via a methane-generating mechanism. The presence of a deactivating mechanism was incorporated in a model used to determine kinetic parameters of the react...
Studtite, [(UO2)(O2)(H2O)2](H2O)2: The first structure of a peroxide mineral

Studtite, UO 4 ·4H 2 O, and metastudtite, UO 4 ·2H 2 O, are the only minerals thought to contain peroxide. Determination of the structure of studtite has shown it to contain peroxide, with the structural formula [(UO 2 )(O 2 )(H 2 O) 2 ](H 2 O) 2 . The structure is monoclinic, space group C 2/ c , a = 14.068(6), b = 6.721(3), c = 8.428(4) A, β = 123.356(6)°, V = 665.6(3) A 3 , Z = 4. It was refined on the basis of F 2 for 1398 unique reflections collected using Mo K α X-radiation and a CCD-based detector to R 1 = 3.66%, calculated for the 716 unique observed reflections (| F o | ≥ 4σ F ). The structure of studtite contains one symmetrically distinct U 6+ cation and four O atoms, two of which occur as H 2 O groups. The O-O bond-length in the peroxide group is 1.46(1) A. The U 6+ cation occurs as part of a linear (UO 2 ) 2+ uranyl ion, and each U 6+ cation is bonded to six additional O atoms, two of which are H 2 O groups, and four of which are O atoms of peroxide groups. The O-O bonds of two peroxide groups constitute two equatorial edges of each distorted uranyl hexagonal bipyramid. Uranyl polyhedra are polymerized into chains extending along [001] by sharing peroxide groups. Chains are linked by H bonds extending to and from an interstitial H 2 O group. It is proposed that studtite forms by incorporating peroxide created by alpha-radiolysis of water, and that radiation is necessary for its formation in nature.
Effect of the white blood count on the clinical management of the febrile infant.

BACKGROUND: The white blood count is commonly used in the evaluation of the febrile infant without a focal source of infection. This study describes the physician's use of diagnostic tests in this clinical situation and also evaluates the effect of an elevated white blood count (WBC) on diagnostic test ordering and patient management. METHODS: A case scenario describing a febrile infant was mailed to all 294 pediatric, family, general, and emergency physician members of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland. Questions about test ordering and case management were asked, both before and after the patient's WBC was known. Physicians were randomly assigned to receive a case scenario with either a normal or an elevated WBC. RESULTS: Of the 294 physicians contracted, 196 (67%) returned usable questionnaires. Physicians ordered an average of 1.4 tests in the initial management of the case, for an average cost of $82. Emergency physicians ordered more tests than other physicians (2.4 vs 1.2 tests, P = .001). Once the WBC was known, physicians in the high WBC group ordered more additional tests than the normal WBC group (0.89 vs 0.33 tests, P less than .001), and were more likely to change to a more aggressive therapeutic management strategy (P less than .001). CONCLUSIONS: The cost of physician-ordered laboratory testing is significant for the clinical scenario of a febrile infant without a localizing source. An elevated WBC affects physician management by causing more tests to be ordered and by influencing some physicians to choose more aggressive management strategies.
Antigen Selection of Multiple Myeloma Clonogenic B Cells as Evidenced by VH and VL Gene Mutations

To the Editor: In the January 1, 1997 issue of Blood, Sahota et al[1][1] report their findings on the analysis of Ig variable light (VL ) and heavy chain (VH ) gene sequences expressed by multiple myeloma (MM) B-cell clones. The results of this study confirm and extend our own findings at least
Amplitude analyses of π±p scattering and the σ trajectory

It is demonstrated that existing amplitude analyses of π±p scattering support the contribution to theIt=0 amplitudes of a σ trajectory in addition to the pomeron and f trajectories.
Real-time A/D conversion at 480 Gsample/s using the phase-diversity photonic time-stretch system

We propose and demonstrate a new method that overcomes the dispersion induced bandwidth limitation in the time-stretch A/D system. Conversion at 480 GSample/s with an intrinsic bandwidth of 96 GHz is demonstrated.
A New Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure to Treat Sacroiliac Joint Pain.

Background Low back pain may arise from disorders of the sacroiliac joint in up to 30% of patients. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the nerves innervating the sacroiliac joint has been shown to be a safe and efficacious strategy. Objectives We aimed to develop a new RFA technique to relieve low back pain secondary to sacroiliac joint disorders. Study design Methodology development with validation through prospective observational non-randomized trial (PONRT). Setting Academic multidisciplinary health care system, Ohio, USA. Methods We devised a guide-block to facilitate accurate placement of multiple electrodes to simultaneously ablate the L5 dorsal ramus and lateral branches of the S1, S2, and S3 dorsal rami. This was achieved by bipolar radiofrequency ablation (b-RFA) to create a strip lesion from the lateral border of the base of the sacral superior articular process (L5-S1 facet joint) to the lateral border of the S3 sacral foramen. We applied this technique in 31 consecutive patients and compared the operating time, x-ray exposure time and dose, and clinical outcomes with patients (n = 62) who have been treated with the cooled radiofrequency technique. Patients' level of pain relief was reported as 80% pain relief at one, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The relationship between RFA technique and duration of pain relief was evaluated using interval-censored multivariable Cox regression. Results The new technique allowed reduction of operating time by more than 50%, x-ray exposure time and dose by more than 80%, and cost by more than $1,000 per case. The percent of patients who achieved > 50% pain reduction was significantly higher in the b-RFA group at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up, compared to the cooled radiofrequency group. No complications were observed in either group. Limitations Although the major confounding factors were taken into account in the analysis, use of historical controls does not balance observed and unobserved potential confounding variables between groups so that the reported results are potentially confounded. Conclusion Compared to the cooled radiofrequency ablation (c-RFA) technique, the new b-RFA technique reduced operating time by more than 50%, decreased x-ray exposure by more than 80%, and cut the cost by more than $1000 per case. The new method was associated with significantly improved clinical outcomes despite the limitations of the study design. Thus this new technique appeared to be safe, efficacious, and cost-effective. Key words: Sacroiliac joint pain, sacroiliac joint, low back pain, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), bipolar radiofrequency ablation (b-RFA), cooled radiofrequency ablation (c-RFA), cost-effectiveness.
Using Informal Social Studies Education Spaces and Mobile Technology in Teacher Education

This article is based on how two social studies methods instructors designed a museum visit to support and extend work done on critical pedagogy and social justice in social studies teacher education. We draw upon research on using museum field trips in teacher education (Kaschak, 2014), as well as Informal Science Education Institutions (ISEIs) (Kisiel, 2010), to discus the relationship between teacher education and Informal Social Studies Education Spaces (ISSESs). In addition to discussion of course work and teaching materials used to prepare teacher candidates for the museum visit—including work with mobile technology—this article includes methods used before, during, and after a visit to the Underground Railroad and Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The strategies and resources discussed in this article align with state social studies standards and Common Core State Standards, and are applicable to the work social studies teachers in grades 6-12 and teacher educators.
Health Information Services and Technology Access during and after a Disaster: Lessons Learned by Public Librarians in South Carolina

A situation-specific case study was conducted to identify health information services and technology access during and after the October 2015 catastrophic flooding in South Carolina. Using a framew...