cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deletion of the Vaccinia Virus B1 Kinase Reveals Essential Functions of This Enzyme Complemented Partly by the Homologous Cellular Kinase VRK2

The vaccinia virus B1 kinase is highly conserved among poxviruses and is essential for the viral life cycle. B1 exhibits a remarkable degree of similarity to vaccinia virus-related kinases (VRKs), a family of cellular kinases, suggesting that the viral enzyme has evolved to mimic VRK activity. Indeed, B1 and VRKs have been demonstrated to target a shared substrate, the DNA binding protein BAF, elucidating a signaling pathway important for both mitosis and the antiviral response. In this study, we further characterize the role of B1 during vaccinia infection to gain novel insights into its regulation and integration with cellular signaling pathways. We begin by describing the construction and characterization of the first B1 deletion virus (vvΔB1) produced using a complementing cell line expressing the viral kinase. Examination of vvΔB1 revealed that B1 is critical for the production of infectious virions in various cell types and is sufficient for BAF phosphorylation. Interestingly, the severity of the defect in DNA replication following the loss of B1 varied between cell types, leading us to posit that cellular VRKs partly complement for the absence of B1 in some cell lines. Using cell lines devoid of either VRK1 or VRK2, we tested this hypothesis and discovered that VRK2 expression facilitates DNA replication and allows later stages of the viral life cycle to proceed in the absence of B1. Finally, we present evidence that the impact of VRK2 on vaccinia virus is largely independent of BAF phosphorylation. These data support a model in which B1 and VRK2 share additional substrates important for the replication of cytoplasmic poxviruses.IMPORTANCE Viral mimicry of cellular signaling modulators provides clear evidence that the pathogen targets an important host pathway during infection. Poxviruses employ numerous viral homologs of cellular proteins, the study of which have yielded insights into signaling pathways used by both virus and cells alike. The vaccinia virus B1 protein is a homolog of cellular vaccinia virus-related kinases (VRKs) and is needed for viral DNA replication and likely other stages of the viral life cycle. However, much remains to be learned about how B1 and VRKs overlap functionally. This study utilizes new tools, including a B1 deletion virus and VRK knockout cells, to further characterize the functional links between the viral and cellular enzymes. As a result, we have discovered that B1 and VRK2 target a common set of substrates vital to productive infection of this large cytoplasmic DNA virus.
Poisson’s equation

We begin with some Lemmas regarding the smoothness of the potential of a measure on the support of the measure.
The Prevention and Therapy of Osteoporosis in Men

Publisher Summary The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in men remains problematic because there are still very few controlled trials at hand to guide the use of available approaches. Without that knowledge, confident estimates of the effectiveness of available therapeutic approaches cannot be made. clinicians must make judgments on the basis of the meager data available. The essentials of preventive therapy that have been established for women appear to be appropriate in men (the elimination/treatment of conditions associated with bone loss or falls, safe levels of activity, adequate calcium and vitamin D nutrition). Antiresorptive therapies should be effective in men, and the emerging experience thus far supports a beneficial effect on bisphosphonates in those with idiopathic osteoporosis as well as with selected secondary causes of bone loss (e.g., glucocorticoid therapy). As of yet there is inadequate experience with other available regimens (e.g., calcitonin and fluoride). Bone forming agents also should have a role in the treatment of osteoporotic men, and early results with parathyroid hormone mirror those in women.
Combining time and frequency domain specifications for periodic signals

In this paper, we investigate formalisms for specifying periodic signals using time and frequency domain specifications along with algorithms for the signal recognition and generation problems for such specifications. The time domain specifications are in the form of hybrid automata whose continuous state variables generate the desired signals. The frequency domain specifications take the form of an "envelope" that constrains the possible power spectra of the periodic signals with a given frequency cutoff. The combination of time and frequency domain specifications yields mixed-domain specifications that constrain a signal to belong to the intersection of the both specifications. We show that the signal recognition problem for periodic signals specified by hybrid automata is NP-complete, while the corresponding problem for frequency domain specifications can be approximated to any desired degree by linear programs, which can be solved in polynomial time. The signal generation problem for time and frequency domain specifications can be encoded into linear arithmetic constraints that can be solved using existing SMT solvers. We present some preliminary results based on an implementation that uses the SMT solver Z3 to tackle the signal generation problems.
Immunohistochemical Approaches for the Study of Spermatogenesis

Immunohistochemistry is an important technique that uses specific antibodies to determine the cellular localization of proteins/antigens in highly complex organs and tissues. While most immunohistochemistry experiments target protein epitopes, nonprotein antigens including BrdU may also be detected. Briefly, tissues are fixed, processed, sectioned, and then probed by a primary antibody while preserving the integrity of the tissue and cellular morphology. There are various methods available for visualization of the bound primary antibody that involve a reporter molecule which can be detected using light or fluorescent microscopy. Here we describe a basic immunohistochemistry protocol for identifying protein localization in testis sections using protein-specific antibodies.
Meta-Network Framework for Analyzing Disaster Management System-of-Systems

The objective of this paper is to establish a meta-network framework to identify constituents in Disaster Management System-of-Systems (DM-SoS), conceptualize relationships and interactions among the constituents, and formulate quantitative measurements of DM-SoS performance for achieving network-centric operation and coordination in the context of disasters. With increasingly serious impacts of disasters on interdependent and heterogeneous systems, the improvement of effective and integrative disaster response and coordination is needed. However, some existing literature only proposed some frameworks for modeling disaster management systems, while another stream of studies only examined the social network analysis (SNA) for understanding the interactions between stakeholders. Thus, quantitative and integrative measurements in DM-SoS are missing. To address this knowledge gap, the authors created and discussed a meta- network framework integrating various types of entities and relationships for quantitatively analyzing the performance of DM-SoS. First, this framework defined nodes and links in meta-metrics for abstracting constituents in disaster management. Second, some performance indicators (e.g., effectiveness, the extent of information sharing, and the extent of self-organization) were created to show the capacities of disaster systems, and the potential perturbations in disaster environment were translated by network theory. Finally, we examined the impacts of perturbations on the indicators and assessed the performance by integrating overall indicators. This study highlighted the significance of quantitative measurements and an integrative perspective on analyzing efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response and coordination. The study also provides implications for making comparisons of different response strategies for decision makers to achieve resilient disaster management systems.
Parties, Pluralism and the “Crisis” in American Representation

In many ways, Donald Trump’s presidency seems to mark the culmination of a long-developing crisis in American representation. In preceding decades Americans complained that their two major parties were increasingly stifling as many societal concerns as they voiced. Then Trump blew the previous lines of party competition apart and disrupted much of the political landscape. Yet if Trump has certainly introduced an atmosphere of crisis, we argue that much of his rise reflects predictable features of electoral democracy rather than a breakdown in its normal dynamics. We should expect democracies to confront endemic problems of “muffling” (when parties silence or obfuscate cross-cutting issues) and “displacement” (when muffled conflicts break out to shift parties’ leadership selections, like in 2016). We set a qualitative account of the 2016 election against longer term data on American parties in comparative perspective to display these challenges.
Does vaping cause seizures? The need for comprehensive drug testing.

To the Editor,The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an alert of a potential emerging safety issue after identifying 35 reported cases of seizures following e-cigarette use from 201...
Bonobos in the Lake Tumba: Describing the Landscape Species

The chapter describes an 8-month survey of large mammals in the Lake Tumba landscape with the focus on the Bonobo (Pan paniscus). After an epic walk of about 86 km in straight lines (transects) and 324 km of forest reconnaissance, research teams documented the distribution and estimated the abundance of bonobos. Five separate bonobo groups were located in the southern part of the landscape. Mean bonobo densities ranged from 0.27 individuals km−2 to 2.2 individuals km−2, respectively, in the vicinity of Lake Tumba and in the Malebo–Nguomi area.
Effective response of heterogeneous materials using the recursive projection method

Abstract This paper applies the Recursive Projection Method (RPM) to the problem of finding the effective mechanical response of a periodic heterogeneous solid. Previous works apply the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) in combination with various fixed-point methods to solve the problem on the periodic unit cell. These have proven extremely powerful in a range of problems ranging from image-based modeling to dislocation plasticity. However, the fixed-point iterations can converge very slowly, or not at all, if the elastic properties have high contrast, such as in the case of voids. The paper examines the reasons for slow, or lack of convergence, in terms of a variational perspective. In particular, when the material contains regions with zero or very small stiffness, there is lack of uniqueness, and the energy landscape has flat or shallow directions. Therefore, in this work, the fixed-point iteration is replaced by the RPM iteration. The RPM uses the fixed-point iteration to adaptively identify the subspace on which fixed-point iterations are unstable, and performs Newton iterations only on the unstable subspace, while fixed-point iterations are performed on the complementary stable subspace. This combination of efficient fixed-point iterations where possible, and expensive but well-convergent Newton iterations where required, is shown to lead to robust and efficient convergence of the method. In particular, RPM-FFT converges well for a wide range of choices of the reference medium, while usual fixed-point iterations are usually sensitive to this choice.
Trauma assessment in juvenile justice: are we asking the right questions in the right ways?

The number of juvenile justice-involved youth with histories of traumatic exposure is disproportionately high and increasingly concerning. Deeper understanding of the link between trauma and delinq...
Generalized g-Iterated Fractional Quantitative Approximation By Sublinear Operators

Here we study the approximation of functions by sublinear positive operators with applications to several Max-Product operators under generalized g -iterated fractional differentiability. Our work is based on our generalized g-iterated fractional results about positive sublinear operators. We produce Jackson type inequalities under iterated initial conditions. So our approach is quantitative by deriving inequalities with their right hand sides involving the modulus of continuity of generalized g-iterated fractional derivative of the function under approximation. See also [3].
Validation of InBody 770 bioelectrical impedance analysis compared to a four-compartment model criterion in young adults.

BACKGROUND Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) offers enhanced body composition outcomes in a time-efficient manner. The accuracy of stand-up MF-BIA compared against a four-compartment (4C) criterion lacks evidence. OBJECTIVES To validate a stand-up MF-BIA compared to a 4C criterion for fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat percentage (%fat). SUBJECTS/METHODS Eighty-two healthy (32% men) normal-weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 ) young adults were measured for body composition determined from a stand-up MF-BIA and 4C model. Validity statistics included total error (TE) and standard error of the estimate (SEE) to examine prediction error between methods. RESULTS For the total sample, prediction error was the highest for %fat (TE = 4.2%; SEE = 3.9%) followed by FM (TE = 2.4 kg; SEE = 2.2 kg) and FFM (TE = 2.4 kg; SEE = 2.2 kg). In men, %fat (TE = 2.5%; SEE = 2.2%) and FM (TE = 1.9 kg; SEE = 1.6 kg) were ideal; FFM was similar to FM (TE = 1.9 kg; SEE = 1.6 kg). In women, %fat (TE = 4.7%; SEE = 4.4%) ranged from good to fairly good, and FM was very good to excellent (TE = 2.6 kg; SEE = 2.4 kg); FFM was similar to FM (TE = 2.6 kg; SEE = 2.3 kg). CONCLUSIONS Stand-up MF-BIA may overestimate %fat and FM, and underestimate FFM compared to a 4C model. FM and FFM estimates from MF-BIA demonstrate good agreement to a 4C model and may be a practical measure of body composition in normal-weight adults. The highest error was seen in %fat for both sexes, with greater error in women.
Iterative learning control for high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is currently being used for the ablation of tissue, such as in the case of prostate cancer. However, targeting tissue deeper inside the body remains challenging due to a variety of complications, including the increased scattering and attenuation of the ultrasonic waves. This work addresses the problem of exciting HIFU waves of a specific, desired wave form. That is, the utilized HIFU transducers are typically driven at their resonance frequency to maximize power output, which leads to significant distortions of the excited wave forms. In turn, these ringing effects can also have an impact on laboratory experiments as the resulting excess oscillations can obscure observations of visualization techniques, and in the clinic may cause unintended energy deposition at the target location. To mitigate this, an iterative learning control (ILC) approach is utilized with the intent of generating precise wave packets. Specifically, a PD-type and an H-infinity Synthesis approach are used to generate the ILC. It is shown that both ILCs lead to significant improvement of the excited pressure waves in simulation, i.e. the waveform more closely represents the desired tone burst. Furthermore, the model-based ILC design is shown to outperform the PD-type ILC, thus providing a systematic methodology. In addition to demonstrating its usefulness for developing new therapies through shadowgraph experiments, the methodology’s feasibility for future clinical use is discussed through an energy deposition analysis of more realistic wave forms for potential HIFU therapies.
Stereotactic cryoablation of large tumors of the sellar region with intraoperative CT scans—technical note

Cryoablation has been used by neurosurgeons in the past and is currently being used by other disciplines to treat kidney cancer, skin lesions, and cardiac conduction defects. Because the currently available cryogenic probes can safely create large lesions and the lesion generation (in the form of ice-ball) can be monitored on intraoperative CT images, cryoablation was used to treat large tumors in and around the sella. In this paper, the author describes a technique to perform this procedure. Three large tumors in 3 patients were treated with this method. Age of the patients was 26–58 years with a male/female ratio of 2/1. Patient 1 had a non-secreting pituitary adenoma (measuring 8 × 8 cm) and presented with long-standing total visual loss in both eyes, severe headache, and seizures. She had previous resection and radiation therapy. Patient 2 had prolactinomas (measuring 5.1 × 4.6 cm) and presented with progressive loss of vision and diplopia. Patient 3 had recurrent craniopharyngioma (measuring 7.2 × 5 cm) with prior treatment with resection radiation and frequent drainage of the cyst. He presented with headache and progressive worsening of his vision. The procedure was done on the CT table with intraoperative scans, using Patil stereotactic frame and argon cryoablation probe (Healthtronics). 3-D images were used to plan targets and trajectories. The probe was placed at the target via a trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal route. One to 3 lesions measuring 2.5–3 cm in diameter were made to ablate the tumor. Ice-ball formation was monitored live on CT images. There is no complication. One patient had near-complete resolution of the tumor, two had partial resolution of their tumors, and all had resolution of their presenting symptoms at follow-up of 3–24 months (median 6 months). In one patient, symptoms reoccurred due to the formation of new tumor masses. Cryoablation of intracranial tumors and can be done safely and effectively. Live monitoring of lesion generation using CT imaging is a major advantage of this technique.
THE IMPACT OF SKILL ON UNION MEMBERSHIP: Rethinking Gender Differences

A worker's occupation and industry position in the economy primarily determine gender differences in union membership. However, the data reveal that these economic structural factors are not alone responsible. A specific strategy for rethinking the problem examines bargaining power; skill has been identified as a central factor in worker power. Feminists maintain that gender mediates manual skill's effect on union membership. Logistic regression techniques that test for gender interaction effects support the feminist perspective. Manual skill produces lower rates of union membership for women than men with comparable skills.
Measuring Governance: A Defense of Disaggregation

In this paper, we present a Bayesian latent variable framework for measuring governance. In recent years governance has quickly turned into a central concept. The outpouring of recent literature is supported by strong correlational findings. Yet many of these analyses rely on aggregated indices that fail to separate causes, characteristics, and consequences, and this literature is often weak in terms of conceptualization and explanation. We do not resolve conceptual debates. Instead, we apply a formal statistical model to governance indicators which offers three advantages: it is a principled method that allows the researcher to make explicit the conceptual choices in measuring governance; it provides an honest assessment of uncertainty by letting measurement error ("noise") in governance measures propagate into inferences; and it provides an opportunity to incorporate qualitative data into analysis of governance. We argue that this multidimensional, disaggregated, and transparent approach will lead to greater measurement validity and honesty about the uncertainty of governance measures.
Heat-Treated Soybean Meal as a Protein Supplement for Lactating Cows,

Abstract Eighteen Holstein cows were used to evaluate the effect of heat-treated soybean meal on production and composition of milk in a 16-wk lactation trial. Cows averaged 9 wk postpartum when the trial started. Concentrate mixes containing 50% of crude protein from regular, solvent extracted or heat treated soybean meal were fed at 1 kg per 3 kg milk produced. Corn silage was fed ad libitum and alfalfa-brome hay at 2 to 3 kg per head daily. Cows receiving heat-treated meal produced slightly more milk during the first 8 wk of the lactation period when protein intake was limiting than cows fed the extracted meal but not in the later part of lactation when protein intake by both groups was more than adequate. Percents of milk components, intakes of dry matter and gains in body weight were similar for both treatments. In a total-collection digestion trial, wk 7 and 8 of the lactation trial with six cows from each group, digestibilities of dry matter, nitrogen, energy, and fiber fractions were slightly higher for the heat-treated ration. There were no differences in rumen ammonia, volatile fatty acids, or blood urea nitrogen, although blood urea nitrogen was not elevated as much by heat-treated meal. Heat treatment of soybean meal did not alter the profile of amino acids in the arterial or venous blood serum of cows nor affect uptake of amino acids by the mammary gland.
Physical Performance at work and at Leisure

This article examines the concurrent validity of a measure of use of biological energy. The measure consists of the individual's activity patterns at work and at leisure and is weighted by a factor associated with the expenditure of biological energy. The results obtained from 85 men who had been treated for Hodgkin's disease indicated that more sedentary activity patterns are positively correlated with scores on the Fatigue subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS), whereas more active patterns are positively correlated with scores on the POMS Vigor subscale, self-reports of energy level, and self-ratings of health status. In addition, consistent with biological research, perceived energy levels interact with activity patterns at leisure but not at work. Using this strategy to assess an individual's physical performance at work after the diagnosis and treatment of cancer may help practitioners in rehabilitation counseling.
Mechanism of Action of the Hypoglycemic Agent Diphenyleneiodonium

Abstract The effects of the hypoglycemic agent diphenyleneiodonium have been studied both in vivo and in vitro. In 2-day-old rats, diphenyleneiodonium lowered whole body and blood glucose concentrations. At higher concentrations of the agent (10 µg per g), this was accompanied by increased glucose utilization and accumulation of lactic acid. At 5 µg per g, diphenyleneiodonium inhibited gluconeogenesis from lactate and aspartate but had no effect on gluconeogenesis from xylitol, d-glyceraldehyde, and dihydroxyacetone. Analysis of hepatic intermediates showed that diphenyleneiodonium (5 µg per g) drastically decreased the ATP concentration, and this was accompanied by a marked decrease of the oxidation-reduction potential of NADH-linked systems in both mitochondria and cytosol. Diphenyleneiodonium did not alter the chloride ion distribution between the blood and hepatocytes of 2-day-old or adult rats but was itself extensively accumulated by the liver (70 µm at 15.5 nmoles per g) and was tightly, though not specifically, bound by mitochondria isolated from injected animals. Mitochondria isolated from rats at various times after injection of 5 µg per g of diphenyleneiodonium showed a time-dependent inhibition of the rate of oxidation of added glutamate-malate or β-hydroxybutyrate, but succinate oxidation was not significantly affected. This effect was independent of the chloride content of the assay medium. Oxidation of NADH-linked substrates in a chloride-free medium was also inhibited when diphenyleneiodonium was added to mitochondria in vitro, and this inhibition was completely overcome by catalytic amounts of menadione. In submitochondrial particles, diphenyleneiodonium inhibited NADH oxidation by the phosphorylating respiratory chain (apparent Ki = 4 µm) but had no effect on cytochrome c-dependent NADH oxidation. The results indicate that diphenyleneiodonium inhibits mitochondrial oxidation in vivo by a direct inhibition of the oxidation of NADH-linked substrates rather than as a result of the chloride-hydroxyl ion exchange across the inner membrane previously reported.
Cardiac catheterization in children as outpatients: potential, eligibility, safety and costs

BACKGROUND Outcomes and costs of inpatient versus outpatient pediatric cardiac catheterization have not been extensively evaluated. METHODS For a cost-consequence analysis, we reviewed the medical records and cost data in a Swiss pediatric hospital. We compared outcomes and costs of observed inpatient management versus hypothetical planned same-day discharge for patients meeting the outpatient catheterization criterions for an American pediatric hospital. RESULTS Among 346 catheterization admissions occurring from January, 1998 through December, 1999, 179 met the American criterions for outpatient catheterization. Complications observed, and/or nursing interventions begun within 5 hours of catheterization, might have required overnight observation in 41 of the 179 admissions (22.9%). The remaining 138 patients were stable at five hours, and presumably could have been discharged the day of the procedure. Routine pre-discharge imaging detected significant complications following three interventional procedures. Postulated costs from the perspective of the provider, counting hospital and physician expenditure were calculated for the Swiss franc in 2000 at a rate of 1.69 francs for each American dollar, averaged 10,946 francs per inpatient, versus 9790 francs for outpatient treatment (p < 0.001 by paired t-test). Estimated revenue deficits, calculated as costs minus reimbursement, averaged 8565 francs per inpatient versus 1756 francs per patient treated as an outpatient. CONCLUSIONS Half the patients being catheterized in the Swiss hospital met the external criterions for attempted outpatient catheterization. Most might have been safely discharged on the same day, with modest savings in costs, and reduced deficits in terms of revenue. Routine predischarge imaging may be more important than overnight observation. Outpatient catheterization merits prospective evaluation in Switzerland.
A conceptual framework for understanding the association between school bullying victimization and substance misuse

This article reviews current research findings and presents a conceptual framework for better understanding the relationship between bullying victimization (hereafter referred to as victimization) and substance misuse (hereafter referred to as SM) among adolescents. Although victimization and SM may appear to be separate problems, research suggests an intriguing relationship between the 2. We present a brief, empirical overview of the direct association between victimization and adolescent SM, followed by a proposed conceptual framework that includes co-occurring risk factors for victimization and SM within family, peer, and school and community contexts. Next, we discuss potential mediators linking victimization and SM, such as internalizing problems, traumatic stress, low academic performance, and school truancy and absence. We then identify potential moderating influences of age, gender and sex, social supports, and school connectedness that could amplify or abate the association between victimization and SM. Finally, we discuss practice and policy implications.
Coaching a leader: leveraging change at the top

To succeed, organizations must adapt to environmental changes. Executives play a critical leadership role in this process of change. They must be aware of organizational nuances as well as external influences that may impair their interpersonal decision‐making ability. Organizations often provide a coach for executives who are having trouble with change and are in need of more effective leadership strategies. The process of coaching offers a fresh perspective for understanding and affecting organizational processes and individual behavior. A strategic position is taken when the coach gathers information, interacts with the environment, reframes information, and assists the executive in acting on pressing circumstances. The coaching process is a critical aspect of organizational development. Coaching helps the executive focus on objectives, develops resiliency, and builds interpersonal savvy. This article explores the key elements of effective coaching, a surprisingly overlooked aspect of organizational change. Steps are outlined in the coaching process and examples are given on how the process works. A case is made for executive coaching as important leverage for organizational transformation.
Innovations in skin suture removal.

Summary A cutting forceps and suture removal scissors have been specially designed for removal of percutaneous sutures. Our clinical experience with these instruments indicate that they facilitate removal of percutaneous sutures in the surgical patient.
Reduced Natural Killer Cell Activity in Autism

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells arc believed to afford protection against malignancy and viral infections. In addition, these cells may be involved in regulating the immune response because altered NK activity is often associated with autoimmune disorders. An investigation of the natural cytotoxic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 31 patients with autism has been carried out using K562 tumor cells as target cells. Cells of 12 of the patients induced significantly reduced levels of cytotoxicity; this was not correlated with a quantitative alteration in patient NK cells as determined by use of the Leu-11 monoclonal antibody. This observation of altered NK cell activity, and previously reported findings of other immune abnormalities in autism, suggest that immune changes may be directly related to underlying biological processes of autism or that these changes may be an indirect reflection of the actual pathological mechanism.
Second-hand smoke exposure and mitigation strategies among home visitation workers

Objectives Protection of workers from second-hand smoke (SHS) in occupational settings is an important policy priority, yet little attention has been given to SHS protection for home visitation health workers, who number almost 2 million in the USA. Self-reported SHS exposure, SHS mitigation strategies and suggestions for further SHS exposure reduction approaches were obtained from home visitation health workers in Massachusetts. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Massachusetts Early Intervention workers (N=316) at their state-wide conference in April 2010. Results Eighty-three per cent of respondents reported at least 1 hour per month of SHS exposure, and 16% reported at least 11 hours per month. Nevertheless, only 22% of workers counselled clients on maintaining a smoke-free home. Fewer than 30% of workers had ever voiced concerns to their employing agency, and just 12% had raised their concerns directly with clients. Only 14% stated that their agency had rules designed to protect workers from SHS. Conclusions SHS exposure occurs frequently among home visitation health workers. The data point to a substantial population who are not protected from SHS exposure by formal policies.
Lessons Learnt from Post-Infectious IBS

The development of IBS symptoms – altered bowel function and abdominal cramping in a subset of adult subjects exposed to severe enteric infections opened up an unprecedented opportunity to understand the etiology of this poorly understood disorder. Perhaps, for the reasons that these symptoms follow a severe enteric infection, and mucosal biopsy tissues are readily available, the focus of most studies thus far has been to show that mild/low-grade mucosal inflammation persisting after the initial infection has subsided causes the IBS symptoms. Parallel studies in non-infectious IBS patients, who did not have prior enteritis, showed similar mild mucosal inflammation. Together, these studies examined the mucosal infiltration of specific immune cells, increase of select inflammatory mediators, mast cell and enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia, and epithelial permeability. In spite of the fact that the data on these topics were not consistent among different studies and clinical trials with prednisone, fluoxetine, and ketotifen failed to provide relief of IBS symptoms, the predominant conclusions were that mild mucosal inflammation is the cause of IBS symptoms. However, the circular smooth muscle cells, and myenteric neurons are the primary regulators of gut motility function, while primary afferent neurons and CNS play essential roles in induction of visceral hypersensitivity – no explanation was provided as to how mild mucosal inflammation causes dysfunction in cells far removed. Accumulating evidence shows that mild mucosal inflammation in IBS patients is in physiological range. It has little deleterious effects on cells within its own environment and therefore it is unlikely to affect cells in the muscularis externa. This review discusses the disconnect between the focus on mild/low-grade mucosal inflammation and the potential mechanisms and molecular dysfunctions in smooth muscle cells, myenteric neurons, and primary afferent neurons that may underlie IBS symptoms.
Characterization of flaws using the zeroes of the real and imaginary parts of the ultrasonic scattering amplitude

A new method for determining the size of flaws, such as cracks and voids, in structural materials is reported. The method is based on the observation that, for a wide class of flaws, the zeroes in the real and imaginary parts of the scattering amplitude occur at characteristic frequencies which depend on the flaw size. The method of reconstruction using the zeroes is simpler than the inverse Born approximation because the flaw sizes are extracted directly from the characteristic frequencies. The new method employs the same data input as the inverse Born algorithm and has certain common limitations. Following a theoretical treatment, experimental results are presented for a number of different types of flaws.
Heterogeneous electron transfer at electrodes coated with electronically conducting nickel-tetraaminophthalocyanine polymer films

The kinetics of heterogeneous electron transfer across films of electronically conducting nickel-4,4′,4″,4‴-tetraaminophthalocyanine polymer (poly(NiTAPc)) are reported. Poly(NiTAPc), which is formed by oxidative electropolymerization of NiTAPc, acts as an n-doped electronic conductor between about 0.8 and −2.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Within this range it sustains diffusion-limited charge transfer to one-electron bulk solution reactants at their anticipated formal potentials. However, the rates of heterogeneous electron transfer to these species are diminished by a small, uniform amount that is exponentially dependent on film thickness. Results are interpreted in terms of a porous electrode model in which electron transfer occurs at the polymer—solution interface, a large bulk capacitance arises from an interior pore volume that is inaccessible to diffusing reactants and a resistive element (suggested to be pores of electrolyte trapped between aggregrates of the polymer) is present which acts to reduce apparent values of ks,h. It is demonstrated that electronically conducting polymer films do not accelerate the rate of electron transfer to solution reactants but rather restore kinetics to their anticipated values by preventing suface involvement.
The gay and lesbian teen: a case of denied adolescence.

Abstract In 1983 the American Academy of Pediatrics recognized the reality and special needs of those adolescents for whom homosexuality is a natural and valid developmental outcome. Unfortunately, gay and lesbian teens grow up in an environment that is still largely hostile to their sexual and affectional orientation. Society neither affirms their feelings as healthy and legitimate nor allows the exploration necessary for self-understanding and acceptance. The increased morbidity and mortality risk associated with being a gay or lesbian teen is often due to this denial of adolescence. Health care professionals should provide support, accurate information, and anticipatory guidance to adolescents with sexual identity concerns and to their parents. In addition, health care providers should publicly address the realities of growing up gay and the need for a societal change in attitude toward homosexuality that is based on fact rather than myth or ignorance.
The role of relational aggression in identifying aggressive boys and girls.

Abstract Peer perceptions of relational and overt aggression and peer evaluations of social competencies were obtained for 461 boys and 443 girls in second and third grades. In contrast to Crick and Grotpeter (1995) , boys obtained higher relational and overt aggression scores than girls, and the relation between both types of aggression and peer evaluations were similar for boys and girls. When controlling for levels of overt aggression, relational aggression made a statistically significant but small contribution to the prediction of both peer-evaluated competencies and teacher ratings of aggression in boys and girls. Analyses treating relational and overt aggression as categorical variables revealed gender differences in the prevalence and corresponding sociometric status of aggressive subtypes. When peer-rated relational aggression status is not considered, 60% of aggressive girls, compared to 7% of aggressive boys, are not identified as aggressive. High levels of overt aggression were more likely to result in peer rejection for girls than for boys. In a subsample of 112 children, peer-rated relational aggression contributed more to the discrimination of teacher-identified aggressive and nonaggressive girls, whereas peer-rated overt aggression contributed more to the discrimination of teacher-identified aggressive and nonaggressive boys.
An image-based approach to extreme scale in situ visualization and analysis

Extreme scale scientific simulations are leading a charge to exascale computation, and data analytics runs the risk of being a bottleneck to scientific discovery. Due to power and I/O constraints, we expect in situ visualization and analysis will be a critical component of these workflows. Options for extreme scale data analysis are often presented as a stark contrast: write large files to disk for interactive, exploratory analysis, or perform in situ analysis to save detailed data about phenomena that a scientists knows about in advance. We present a novel framework for a third option -- a highly interactive, image-based approach that promotes exploration of simulation results, and is easily accessed through extensions to widely used open source tools. This in situ approach supports interactive exploration of a wide range of results, while still significantly reducing data movement and storage.
Characterization of Specific Protein Association by 15N CPMG Relaxation Dispersion NMR: The GB1A34F Monomer−Dimer Equilibrium†

The Carr−Purcell−Meiboom−Gill (CPMG) transverse relaxation dispersion NMR experiment is a powerful means for detecting and characterizing conformational exchange. This experiment reports the exchange of chemical shifts and therefore can monitor all chemical exchange phenomena, not only intramolecular conformational exchange. Here, we report a CPMG transverse relaxation dispersion study for the monomer−dimer equilibrium of the GB1 point mutant, Ala-34-Phe (GB1A34F). This variant exists predominantly as a side-by-side dimer at high concentration (>1 mM). We demonstrate that the dispersion experiment is exceptionally valuable for studying association equilibria since it is extremely sensitive to the minor population in the equilibrium. Twenty-eight individual amide sites in the GB1A34F dimer protein were monitored via a 2D 15N−1H HSQC spectroscopy, and all relaxation-derived data are consistent with predominantly an exchange process between dimer and monomer species.
Short- and long-term influence of beta-adrenergic antagonists after acute myocardial infarction

After coronary arterial occlusion, catecholamines are released from storage depots in the left ventricle and injured myocardial cells are exposed to relatively high concentrations of catecholamines during the evolutionary period in which cell injury is becoming progressively more severe. In addition, in experimental animal models, there is a substantial increase in β-adrenergic receptor density without any alteration in affinity within 1 hour of permanent coronary arterial occlusion. Recent data suggest that α-adrenergic receptor density increases within 30 to 60 minutes after coronary arterial occlusion in experimental animal models. The administration of catecholamines during the early phases of evolving myocardial injury can result in heightened adrenergic biochemical responses in severely injured compared with normally perfused tissue in the hearts of experimental animals. Thus, there is adequate rationale for anticipating that β-adrenergic antagonists would protect ischemic myocardium and potentially reduce the incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias in individuals with evolving acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Studies in animal models demonstrate that the administration of β-adrenergic antagonists in the first few minutes after coronary artery occlusion may reduce the ultimate extent of myocardial necrosis. Clinical data from several different trials in which β-adrenergic antagonists were administered to (1) protect ischemic myocardium and preserve ventricular function and (2) reduce the severity of serious ventricular arrhythmias in patients with AMI are reviewed. The effects of longer-term administration of β-adrenergic antagonists in patients after AMI in prolonging life and reducing risk of reinfarction are presented.
Intelligence tests may favour the majority groups in a population

DISPUTE over the observed racial differences in intelligence has centred on causal attribution: cultural bias in the testing, hereditary disparities between races and environmental variation. All systematic interpretations of these differences, however, rest on the same fundamental psychometric assumptions. We here examine one of those assumptions.
Dynamic regulation of PCNA ubiquitylation/deubiquitylation

Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) ubiquitylation plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability during DNA replication. DNA damage stalling the DNA replication fork induces PCNA ubiquitylation that activates DNA damage bypass to prevent the collapse of DNA replication forks that could potentially produce double-strand breaks and chromosomal rearrangements. PCNA ubiquitylation dictates the mode of bypass depending on the level of ubiquitylation; monoubiquitylation and polyubiquitylation activate error-prone translesion synthesis and error-free template switching, respectively. Due to the error-prone nature of DNA damage bypass, PCNA ubiquitylation needs to be tightly regulated. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms to remove ubiquitin from PCNA including the emerging role of USP1 and ELG1 in this fascinating process.
Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) blocks apoptosis and promotes ionizing radiation-induced necrosis of freshly-isolated normal mouse spleen cells

Ionizing radiation (IR) is a pro-oxidant that kills cells by both apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is a thiol-containing compound that may act either as a pro- or anti-oxidant depending on the experimental conditions. This study was designed to determine whether PDTC would reduce or enhance IR-induced cell death of freshly-isolated normal mouse B6/129 spleen cells (NMSC). We determined the effect of increasing doses of IR, PDTC alone and PDTC followed by IR on the viability of NMSC. Annexin V and propidium iodide (Annexin V/PI) staining demonstrated a dose and time-dependent relationship in which PDTC enhanced the percentage of IR-induced apoptotic/necrotic NMSC. Trypan blue dye inclusion confirmed that a loss of membrane integrity was occurring 1 h after incubation with PDTC plus IR. Reduction in the glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio and GSH demonstrated that both IR (8.5 Gy) and PDTC acted as pro-oxidants, but their mechanisms of action differed: In contrast to IR, which promoted p53 activation and caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis, PDTC inhibited IR-induced p53 and caspase 3/7 activity. However, PDTC increased H(2)O(2) formation and necrosis, resulting in an overall increase in IR-induced cell death. Catalase prevented the PDTC-induced increase in IR cytotoxicity implicating the generation of H(2)O(2) as a major factor in this mechanism. These results demonstrate that in NMSC PDTC acts as pro-oxidant and enhances IR-induced cell cytotoxicity by increasing H(2)O(2)formation and thiol oxidation. As such, they strongly suggest that the use of PDTC as an adjunct to reduce radiation toxicity should be avoided.
On Matchings in Groups

A matching property conceived for lattices is examined in the context of an arbitrary Abelian group. The Dysone-transform and the Cauchy?Davenport inequality from additive number theory are used to establish the existence of matchings.
Periodic solutions of differential equations with almost constant time lag

Delay-differential equations, or functional differential equations as they are frequently called, have become important in many fields. These equations have been studied by many authors and a moderate sized literature has been developed by Hale and his associates for the case where the equations are linear or slightly perturbed from the linear case. Cooke [l] has pointed out the need for further study of delay-differential equations with perturbed lag, with particular need for investigating the existence of oscillations. Although Perello [2] has established procedures for studying the oscillations of perturbed linear systems, the procedure fails to apply to Cooke’s problem. It is the purpose of this paper to establish that by a slight modification in Perello’s banach spaces, his procedure may be used identically in this case. We will use the notation which Hale and his associates have made standard and will assume that the reader is thoroughly familiar with their theory for linear autonomous functional differential equations. An extensive treatment of this theory may be found in Hale [3] and a brief sketch in Perello [2]. Perello considered equations of the form
Receptor-specific somatostatin analogs : Correlations with biological activity

A number of cyclic and linear somatostatin (SRIF) analogs have now been found to have promising levels of selectivity for rodent somatostatin receptors (rsst2,3,5), but not sst1 and sst4. Comparisons between binding affinities for these and transfected human receptors are just beginning to emerge and we present results from a comparison of affinities of several key families of peptides for sst2 present on rat AR42J cells and on cells transfected with human (h)sst2. The typical cyclic octapeptide analogs, octreotide, lanreotide, and RC-160, exhibited similar affinities to SRIF for rsst2, but somewhat lower affinities for the human receptor. Affinities of several analogs for transfected hsst5 were also measured. As with the rat receptor, octreotide-related analogs had low affinity for hsst5. The highly specific rsst5 analog, DC-23-99, was less so for the human receptor; however, a D-Tyr1 version of DC-23-99 had subnanomolar affinity (Ki, 0.68 nmol/L) and high selectivity. A new extended-ring analog, BIM-23268D, showed superior affinity to DC-23-99 and even to SRIF and SRIF-28 for hsst5 (K(i), 0.38 nmol/L), and had the highest sst5/sst2 selectivity ratio of any analog that we have tested thus far.