cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of carboxyl groups in botulinum neurotoxin types A and E.

Abstract M. A. Woody , A. Herian and B. R. DasGupta . Modification of carboxyl groups in botulinum neurotoxin types A and E. Toxicon 27, 1143–1150, 1989.—Effects of chemical modification of carboxyl groups of botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A and E were studied by using a water soluble carbodiimide—nucleophile reaction that is highly specific for modifying carboxyl groups of proteins. In both types A and E, increasing levels of the reagents, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and norleucine methyl ester or glycine methyl ester, at pH 4.8 caused increased loss of toxicity. More glycine could be incorporated than norleucine. Amino acid analysis did not reveal modification of any amino acid residue other than carboxyl groups (possible reaction of sulfhydryl groups was not studied). Loss of one carboxyl group did not severely affect toxicity, but modification of three carboxyl groups caused >95% detoxification in both types. Complete detoxification could not be achieved with any amount of the reagents. Modification of three to five carboxyl groups did not affect serological activity.
Evidence for a Ca(2+)-gated ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channel in visceral smooth muscle.

Abstract Although a role for the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in Ca2+ signaling in smooth muscle has been inferred, direct information on the biochemical and functional properties of the receptor has been largely lacking. Studies were thus carried out to purify and characterize the RyR in stomach smooth muscle cells from the toad Bufo marinus. Intracellular Ca2+ measurements with the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator fura-2 under voltage clamp indicated the presence of a caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive internal store for Ca2+ in these cells. The (CHAPS)-solubilized, [3H]ryanodine-labeled RyR of toad smooth muscle was partially purified from microsomal membranes by rate density centrifugation as a 30-S protein complex. SDS/PAGE indicated the comigration of a high molecular weight polypeptide with the peak attributed to 30-S RyR, which had a mobility similar to the cardiac RyR and on immunoblots cross-reacted with a monoclonal antibody to the canine cardiac RyR. Following planar lipid bilayer reconstitution of 30-S stomach muscle RyR fractions, single-channel currents (830 pS with 250 mM K+ as the permeant ion) were observed that were activated by Ca2+ and modified by ryanodine. In vesicle-45Ca2+ efflux measurements, the toad channel was activated to a greater extent at 100-1000 microM than 1-10 microM Ca2+. These results suggest that toad stomach muscle contains a ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channel with properties similar but not identical to those of the mammalian skeletal and cardiac Ca(2+)-release channels.
Inorganic nanoparticles enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the autoxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa).

Public concerns over the toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) are growing due to the rapid development of nanotechnology. An important mechanism of nanotoxicity is oxidative stress resulting from reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the chemical production of ROS by inorganic NPs oxidizing the mammalian phenolic compound, l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-dopa) was evaluated using a ROS sensitive dye, 2′,7′-diclorodihydrofluorescin (DCFH). CeO2, Fe2O3 and Fe0 NPs enhanced ROS production during the autoxidation of l-dopa by more than four-fold in reactions that were dependent on O2. This is the first report of chemical ROS production due to interaction of phenolic compounds with NPs. Mn2O3 oxidized DCFH in a reaction that did not require O2 or l-dopa, suggesting a direct redox reaction between the Mn2O3 and the dye. CeO2, Mn2O3 and to a lesser extent Fe0 formed clear electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signature for hydroxyl radicals when incubated in aerobic aqueous suspensions with spin traps. The results indicate that NPs can generate ROS via chemical reactions with medium components and biomolecules susceptible to oxidation, such as l-dopa. NPs were reactive whereas micron-sized particles were not. The combined assay with l-dopa and DCFH is a method proposed to screen for chemical ROS production by NPs.
Using lipid analysis and hyphal length to quantify AM and saprotrophic fungal abundance along a soil chronosequence

We evaluate the use of signature fatty acids and direct hyphal counts as tools to detect and quantify arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and saprotrophic fungal (SF) biomass in three Hawaiian soils along a natural soil fertility gradient. Phospholipids16:1ω5c and 18:2ω6,9c were used as an index of AM and saprotrophic fungal biomass, respectively. Both phospholipid analysis and hyphal length indicated that the biomass of AMF was greatest at the highest fertility site, and lowest where phosphorus limits plant growth. Saprotrophic fungal biomass did not vary. Hyphal length counts appeared to under-estimate SF abundance, while the phospholipid AMF:SF ratio was in line with expectations. This study indicates that phospholipids may be a valuable and reliable tool for studying the abundance, distribution, and interactions between AM and saprotrophic fungi in soil.
Molecular dynamics simulation of secondary sorption behavior of montmorillonite modified by single chain quaternary ammonium cations.

Organoclays synthesized from single chain quaternary ammonium cations (QAC) ((CH3)3NR+) exhibit different mechanisms for the sorption of nonpolar organic compounds as the length of the carbon chain is increased. The interaction between a nonpolar sorbate and an organoclay intercalated with small QACs has been demonstrated to be surface adsorption, while partitioning is the dominant mechanism in clays intercalated with long chain surfactants. This study presents the results of a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation performed to examine the sorption mechanisms of benzene in the interlayer of three organoclays with chain lengths ranging from 1 to 16 carbons: tetramethylammonium (TMA) clay; decyltrimethylammonium (DTMA) clay; and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) clay. The basis of the overall simulation was a combined force field of ClayFF and CVFF. In the simulations, organic cations were intercalated and benzene molecules were introduced to the interlayer, followed by whole system NPT and NVT time integrati...
Leo Strauss and Emmanuel Levinas: Philosophy and the Politics of Revelation

Leo Strauss and Emmanuel Levinas: Philosophy and the Politics of Revelation. By Leora Batnitzky. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 304p. $80.00. In recent years, Leo Strauss has achieved a posthumous success de scandal as the (purported) philosophical architect of neoconservatism. Strauss's works have been scrutinized by detractors and partisans to determine whether he bears responsibility for the Bush administration's foreign policy. Amidst the clamor, however, more measured assessments are starting to emerge. Today, the most provocative appraisals of his work come from scholars in Jewish studies, as Leora Batnitzky's fascinating book attests. In Leo Strauss and Emmanuel Levinas, Batnitzky seeks to establish Strauss's contribution to modern Jewish thought, but her argument for his importance as a Jewish thinker also reframes the vexed question of his legacy for American politics. She offers a nonpolemical, non-Straussian defense of Leo Strauss. In many ways, her portrait of Strauss as a philosophical skeptic and political moderate resonates with that of Steven B. Smith, in Reading Leo Strauss: Politics, Philosophy, Judaism (2006). However, Batnitzky departs from Smith (and, indeed, from most readers of Strauss) when she hails Strauss as the most ardent philosophical defender of Jewish revelation in the modern period.
RNA silencing in viral infections: insights from poliovirus

RNA interference or RNA silencing is a dsRNA guided mechanism that mediates sequence specific degradation of RNA. The recent demonstration that RNA interference can be used to inhibit virus replication has initiated an exciting field of research: first, as a potential novel antiviral therapeutic approach and, second, as a tool for dissecting virus-host interactions. Here we review and discuss the current data and perspectives on the use of RNA interference in the study of poliovirus as a model for positive strand RNA viruses.
Explaining Differences in Repatriation Experiences: The Discovery of Coupled and Decoupled Systems

We report the results of a four-year, multiphase study on the overseas assignment at General Motors Corporation (GM). Our objective is to explain variation in the repatriation experiences of International Service Personnel (ISPs). While our principal focus is the documentation of an inductive discovery process facilitated through interviews with a wide variety of GM employees, we also present a preliminary test of an explanatory hypothesis. The hypothesis states that variation in repatriation experiences is related directly to variation in the structure and ideology of organizational units that send and receive ISPs. Units with direct linkages between GM's domestic and overseas operations (coupled systems) are associated with a pro-international ideology and positive ISP repatriation experiences. Units with no administrative or operational linkages between the domestic and overseas arenas (decoupled systems) are associated with an anti-international ideology and negative ISP repatriation experiences. Our findings suggest that the structural and ideological properties of organizational units affect both repatriation from overseas assignments and ISP career paths.
Insight into the mechanism by which estradiol improves organ functions after trauma-hemorrhage.

Abstract Background: Recent studies have indicated that female rodents with high levels of estradiol (proestrus) have better organ functions after trauma-hemorrhage than females with low estradiol levels (estrus) or male animals. However, the precise role of estrogens in maintaining organ function after hemorrhage remains unknown. Methods: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized 14 days before the experiment to decrease circulating levels of estradiol. Animals underwent laparotomy to induce tissue trauma and were then bled to and maintained at a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg until 40% of the maximal bleed-out volume was returned in the form of Ringer's lactate. Resuscitation was carried out with 4 times the volume of maximal bleed-out with Ringer's lactate during a period of 1 hour. 17β-Estradiol (E2, 1 mg/kg body weight intravenously) with or without a specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (3 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally) was given at the beginning of resuscitation. At 24 hours after hemorrhage and resuscitation, cardiovascular and hepatocellular functions (ie, the maximal velocity and overall efficiency of indocyanine green clearance) were determined. Plasma E2 was also assayed. The effects of ovariectomy and E2 administration on uterine weight were measured in additional groups of animals. Results: The results indicate that cardiovascular and hepatocellular organ functions were significantly depressed after trauma-hemorrhage and were restored in animals receiving E2. However, simultaneous administration of its specific receptor antagonist abolished the salutary effects of E2 treatment despite high circulating levels of E2. Uterine weight decreased at 14 days after ovariectomy, which was partially restored with a single dose of E2. Conclusions: Administration of 17β-estradiol should be considered a novel and safe adjunct for ameliorating hemorrhage-induced organ dysfunctions in ovariectomized and postmenopausal women because of their low estradiol levels. (Surgery 2000;128:246-52.)
Neurochemical evidence for tryptaminergic ascending and descending pathways in the spinal cord of the dog.

The brain and spinal cord of the chronic spinal dog contained higher levels of tryptamine than comparable regions of the intact dog. The most significant brain elevations were found in the cerebellum and mesencephalon. Further, tryptamine in the white matter of the spinal cord above the level of transection was higher than below. These findings have been interpreted as indicating that there are tryptaminergic pathways descending in the white matter of the spinal cord from the mesencephalon, cerebellum and rostral spinal cord. The level of tryptamine below the transection was not different from that found in the intact dog, suggesting that there are not only descending but ascending tryptaminergic pathways and that when the axons are transected, tryptamine accumulates proximal to the level of transection.
Intramuscular VEGF repairs the failing heart: role of host-derived growth factors and mobilization of progenitor cells

Skeletal muscle produces a myriad of mitogenic factors possessing cardiovascular regulatory effects that can be explored for cardiac repair. Given the reported findings that VEGF may modulate muscle regeneration, we investigated the therapeutic effects of chronic injections of low doses of human recombinant VEGF-A165 (0.1–1 μg/kg) into the dystrophic hamstring muscle in a hereditary hamster model of heart failure and muscular dystrophy. In vitro, VEGF stimulated proliferation, migration, and growth factor production of cultured C2C12 skeletal myocytes. VEGF also induced production of HGF, IGF2, and VEGF by skeletal muscle. Analysis of skeletal muscle revealed an increase in myocyte nuclear [531 ± 12 VEGF 1 μg/kg vs. 364 ± 19 for saline (number/mm2) saline] and capillary [591 ± 80 VEGF 1 μg/kg vs. 342 ± 21 for saline (number/mm2)] densities. Skeletal muscle analysis revealed an increase in Ki67+ nuclei in the VEGF 1 μg/kg group compared with saline. In addition, VEGF mobilized c-kit+, CD31+, and CXCR4+ progenitor cells. Mobilization of progenitor cells was consistent with higher SDF-1 concentrations found in hamstring, plasma, and heart in the VEGF group. Echocardiogram analysis demonstrated improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.60 ± 0.02 VEGF 1 μg/kg vs. 0.45 ± 0.01 mm for saline) and an attenuation in ventricular dilation [5.59 ± 0.12 VEGF 1 μg/kg vs. 6.03 ± 0.09 for saline (mm)] 5 wk after initiating therapy. Hearts exhibited higher cardiomyocyte nuclear [845 ± 22 VEGF 1 μg/kg vs. 519 ± 40 for saline (number/mm2)] and capillary [2,159 ± 119 VEGF 1 μg/kg vs. 1,590 ± 66 for saline (number/mm2)] densities. Myocardial analysis revealed ∼2.5 fold increase in Ki67+ cells and ∼2.8-fold increase in c-kit+ cells in the VEGF group, which provides evidence for cardiomyocyte regeneration and progenitor cell expansion. This study provides novel evidence of a salutary effect of VEGF in the cardiomyopathic hamster via induction of myogenic growth factor production by skeletal muscle and mobilization of progenitor cells, which resulted in attenuation of cardiomyopathy and repair of the heart.
Wind-Forced Reversing Jets in the Western Equatorial Pacific*

Upper-ocean zonal currents in the western equatorial Pacific are remarkably variable, changing direction both with time and depth. As a part of the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Response Experiment, an enhanced monitoring array of moorings measured the upper-ocean velocity, temperature, salinity, and, surface meteorological conditions in the western equatorial Pacific for two years (March 1992‐April 1994). Data from this array are used to evaluate the zonal momentum balance. Although nonlinear terms (zonal, meridional, and vertical advection) were at times large, reversing jets were primarily due to an interplay between wind forcing and compensating pressure gradients. In the weakly stratified surface layer, the flow is to a large extent directly forced by local winds. Eastward acceleration associated with westerly wind bursts and westward accelerations associated with easterly trades lead to frequent reversals in the surface-layer flow. However, pressure gradients set up by the wind bursts partially compensate the local wind forcing in the surface layer. Below the surface layer, these pressure gradients tend to accelerate the upper-thermocline flow in a direction opposing the local winds. Consequently, during westerly wind bursts, a reversing jet structure can develop, with a surface eastward current overlying a westward intermediate layer flow, overlaying the eastward Equatorial Undercurrent.
Confronting the Diabetes Disparity: A Look at Diabetes, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Programs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley:

Diabetes prevalence is higher along U.S.-Mexico border than in nonborder regions, and numerous community-based organizations are addressing this diabetes disparity through prevention and management programs. However, the nature, scope, and effectiveness of these efforts and programs are not well documented. This study aims at identifying key characteristics of diabetes programs in a Texas-Mexico border region with a predominately Hispanic, underserved population. A survey is administered to 84 community-based organizations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV); 25 organizations respond. Nineteen programs related to diabetes and healthy lifestyle behaviors are identified in the LRGV. The majority of the programs are based on guidelines of national and state professional associations and agencies; target low-income and minority populations; are offered at no cost; and include program evaluation activities. Future research should examine the effectiveness, as well as the fidelity of the guidelines, of diabetes programs in the border region.
Mean square stabilization of LTI systems over packet-drop networks with imperfect side information

In this paper, we consider the problem of designing a mean square stabilizing controller for a SISO plant over drop-out actuator and sensor channels. Previous work has derived limitations on the maximal drop-out probability tolerable when a perfect feedback (service) channel is allowed to carry acknowledgements from the actuator receiver to the controller. In this paper, we assume the service channel is imperfect and also subject to drop-outs. We consider two cases: one in which the service channel communicates the receiver acknowledgements, the other in which it communicates the actuator channel state. We derive tradeoff curves relating the minimal quality of service required for stabilization with the percentage of drop-outs in the service channel. The theoretical tradeoff curve is in conjunction with the one obtained from an experimental setup.
The 911 emergency telephone number: impact on emergency medical systems access in a metropolitan area.

Abstract The telephone number 911 is designated for public use in requesting emergency assistance. It is thought to reduce response time by reducing the interval between the decision to call for assistance and the notification of an agency that can dispatch the appropriate services. The experience of the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul provides a unique opportunity to examine this assumption. Prior to the introduction of the 911 emergency telephone number on December 1, 1982, the area was serviced by over 100 different seven-digit emergency telephone numbers. Before the introduction of 911, 347 callers who activated the emergency medical services (EMS) system were interviewed, and after 911 was introduced, 305 callers were interviewed. Activation of the EMS system by making one call in less than 1 minute was achieved by 219 of 347 callers (63%) in the pre-911 phase and by 251 of 305 callers (82%) in the post-911 phase ( P P
Wnt5a and Wnt5b exhibit distinct activities in coordinating chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation

Proper longitudinal growth of long bones relies on the regulation of specific spatial patterns of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. We have studied the roles of two members of the Wnt family, Wnt5a and Wnt5b in long bone development. We show that Wnt5a is required for longitudinal skeletal outgrowth and that both Wnt5a and Wnt5b regulate the transition between different chondrocyte zones independently of the Indian hedgehog (Ihh)/parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) negative feedback loop. We find that important cell cycle regulators such as cyclin D1 and p130, a member of the retinoblastoma family, exhibit complimentary expression patterns that correlate with the distinct proliferation and differentiation states of chondrocyte zones. Furthermore, we show that Wnt5a and Wnt5b appear to coordinate chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation by differentially regulating cyclin D1 and p130 expression, as well as chondrocyte-specific Col2a1 expression. Our data indicate that Wnt5a and Wnt5b control the pace of transitions between different chondrocyte zones.
Quality of life and prognosis in heart failure: results of the Beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial (BEST).

Abstract Background Quality of life (QOL) was a prespecified secondary end point in the Beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial. The Beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial used four QOL questionnaires to evaluate patient health status over time in response to treatment with placebo or bucindolol. The goal of the current study was to determine the relationship between the different questionnaires, assess the effect of treatment on health status, and evaluate the association between changes in health status and prognosis. Methods The San Diego Heart Failure (SDHF), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF), Patient Global Assessment (PGA), and Physician Global Assessment (PhyGA) questionnaires were measured at baseline through 48 months of follow-up. For SDHF and MLHF, changes from baseline were calculated. Spearman correlation was used to assess relationships, and Cox Proportional Hazards regression was used to predict time to all-cause mortality, and mortality or heart failure hospitalization, bivariately and multivariately. To determine whether beta-blocker treatment affected QOL, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare treatment groups. Results At 12 months, SDHF ( r = +0.56, P = .0001), PGA ( r = +0.36, P = .0001), and PhyGA ( r = +0.37, P = .0001) correlated with MLHF. SDHF ( P = .0001), MLHF ( P = .0004), PGA ( P = .0001), and PhyGA ( P = .0001) were all strongly associated with all-cause mortality, with low values of each associated with a lower hazard. For the combined end point of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization, change in QOL with each instrument had a P value of .0001. At 12 months, bucindolol-treated patients had improvement in both PhyGA and PGA compared with placebo; neither the SDHF nor the MLWF instrument distinguished between the two treatment groups unless a worst-rank assignment was used for patients who died. Conclusion The four instruments correlate with each other and predict clinical end points, suggesting that each is a valid measure of health status. According to the PGA and the PhyGA, bucindolol improves QOL.
Ownership and the Changing Employment Relationship: A Comment on Rousseau and Shperling

The article takes issue with four points raised by Professors Rousseau and Shperling in their 2003 paper, ‘Pieces of the Action: Ownership and the Changing Employment Relationship.’ First, the authors maintain that labor-force mobility depends significantly on whether workers have general aptitudes or firm-specific ones. Second, they take exception to the Professors' contention that labor mobility is increasing. Third, they dispute the notion that benefits associated with seniority play a key role in employee retention. And finally, they rebut the Professors' view that firms use seniority-based benefits to take advantage of workers.
Revitalizing Program Evaluation: The U.S. Department of Education Experience

This study explores reform strategies which the Department of Education has introduced to improve the quality and use of its evaluations. These reforms respond to concerns identified in major repor...
The relationship between self-efficacy and positive aspects of caregiving in Alzheimer's disease caregivers

Objectives: Positive aspects of the caregiving experience may buffer caregivers from the many negative psychological and physical consequences of caregiving. Understanding what factors relate to the recognition of positive aspects of caregiving is important for the enhancement of caregiver well-being. Self-efficacy is a potentially modifiable psychological construct that has been associated with positive thinking, improved control of negative affect, and enhanced motivation. Methods: This study examined the relationship between positive aspects of caregiving and self-efficacy among 57 family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Participant data was gathered through individual interviews conducted as a part of a larger randomized controlled trial of a caregiver intervention. Results: We found that self-efficacy accounted for a significant percentage of the variance in positive aspects of caregiving after controlling for other factors commonly associated with positive aspects of caregivi...
Comparison of the Multi-Test II and Skintestor Omni allergy skin test devices.

Background Different devices for percutaneous allergy skin testing have demonstrated statistically and clinically significant differences in performance characteristics. Objective To compare 2 Food and Drug Administration-approved multihead allergy skin testing devices: Multi-Test II (Lincoln Diagnostics) and Skintestor Omni (Greer Laboratories). Methods Skin tests with glycerinated histamine (6-mg/mL base) and glycerinated saline were applied to 31 adults using Multi-Test II on the volar surface of one forearm and Skintestor Omni on the opposite forearm. Results Data were accumulated from 155 histamine sites and 93 negative control sites for each device. Using cutoff wheal sizes of 5 vs 3 mm inclusive to define a positive result, Multi-Test II sensitivity remained at 100%, but specificity increased from 74% to 97%, whereas Skintestor Omni sensitivity decreased from 94% to 87%, and specificity increased from 58% to 88%. For Multi-Test II vs Skintestor Omni, histamine mean (SD) wheal sizes were 9.23 (1.37) vs 7.74 (2.83) mm ( P Conclusions Multi-Test II had higher sensitivity and specificity than Skintestor Omni and produced reproducible wheal sizes from all test head positions. Because some Skintestor Omni test head positions produced significantly smaller histamine wheal sizes, skin testing using this device might result in underdiagnosis of allergy.
Application of Beta Regression to Analyze Ischemic Stroke Volume in NINDS rt-PA Clinical Trials

Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke lesion volumes have proven difficult to analyze due to the extremely skewed shape of their underlying distribution. We introduce an extension of generalized linear models, beta regression, as a possible method of modeling extremely skewed distributions as evidenced in ischemic stroke lesion volumes. Methods: The NINDS rt-PA clinical trials measured ischemic stroke lesion volume as a secondary trial outcome. Three-month lesion volumes from these trials were analyzed using beta regression. A multi-variable regression model associating explanatory variables with ischemic stroke lesion volumes was constructed using accepted model building strategies and compared with the previously published volumetric analysis. Results: Beta regression produced a similar model when compared to the previous analysis published by the study group. All previously identified variables of importance were detected in the model building process. The age by treatment interaction described in previous studies was also found in this analysis, confirming the strong effect age has on stroke outcomes. Further, a treatment effect was elicited in terms of odds ratios, yielding a previously unknown quantification of the effect of rt-PA on lesion volumes. Conclusions: Beta regression proved adept in modeling ischemic stroke lesions and offered the interpretation of covariates in terms of odds ratios. Beta regression is seen as a legitimate alternative to analyze ischemic stroke volumes.
Occult hepatitis B

Summary Worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and is one of the ten leading causes of death. Traditionally, people with chronic HBV infection have been identified with blood tests for HBV antigens and antibodies. Recently, another group of patients with chronic HBV infection has been identified by sensitive, molecular testing for HBV DNA. Members of this group are often referred to as having occult hepatitis B because they are HBV-DNA positive, but hepatitis B surface antigen negative. Occult hepatitis B occurs in a number of clinical settings. In this review, we examine occult hepatitis B in people co-infected with hepatitis C, in whom occult hepatitis B has been associated with advanced fibrosis and diminished response to interferon α. Although much more research is needed, existing reports justify a heightened awareness of the medical importance and means of testing for occult hepatitis B.
A spectral element simulation of gravitational flow during plastic pipe extrusion

When plastic pipe is extruded, it emerges from an annular die and passes through a sizing sleeve to set is outer diameter. The pipe is then solidified in a cooling tank by spraying the outer surface with cold water. For thick walled pipe, material on the inside stays molten for a long time, and flows under its own weight. This gravitational flow (or sag) therefore governs the final pipe wall thickness distribution. Thus the solidification of extruded plastic pipe involves heat transfer with phase-change coupled with gravitational flow. The inside thermal boundary condition is arguably adiabatic. For the outside boundary, one can use either Newton's law of cooling or an isothermal condition. In this paper, a commercially available spectral element code for simulating unsteady incompressible fluid flow with heat transfer, has been used to simulate sag flow. The model prediction of the solid pipe thickens distribution compared well with process data. Also, the effects of different heat transfer parameters on the thickness profile are evaluated. The extrusion temperature is found to have the greatest effect on the pipe wall profile.
Batteries for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

Batteries have powered vehicles for more than a century, but recent advances, especially in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, are bringing a new generation of electric-powered vehicles to the market. Key barriers to progress include system cost and lifetime, and derive from the difficulty of making a high-energy, high-power, and reversible electrochemical system. Indeed, although humans produce many mechanical and electrical systems, the number of reversible electrochemical systems is very limited. System costs may be brought down by using cathode materials less expensive than those presently employed (e.g., sulfur or air), but reversibility will remain a key challenge. Continued improvements in the ability to synthesize and characterize materials at desired length scales, as well as to use computations to predict new structures and their properties, are facilitating the development of a better understanding and improved systems. Battery research is a fascinating area for development as well as a key enabler for future technologies, including advanced transportation systems with minimal environmental impact.
Genomic science: what are the implications for personalized diabetes care?

SUMMARY Developments in personalized medicine are adding to the clinician’s armamentarium and will allow for more individualized care for diabetes patients. The discovery of mutations causing many forms of monogenic diabetes now allows for the design of patient/mutation-specific targeted interventions. While many genetic loci are associated with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and diabetes complications, these variants only modestly add to risk; therefore, genetic risk assessment for diabetes and its complications is not currently recommended in clinical practice. Genetic variants are also associated with drug metabolism, efficacy and side effects. Clinical studies are required to determine if genotype information improves day-to-day clinical management of diabetes and our overall approach to clinical practice. While the development of personalized medicine is promising for the future, a number of challenges remain that will need to be overcome before personalized medicine becomes standard of care in Type 1 and 2 ...
Bloodless Repair of Isolated Pulmonary Artery in a Neonate

Pediatric cardiac surgery, especially for small neonates, typically requires blood products to counter hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass. Children with congenital heart defects whose famil...
Improved Correction Detection in Revised ESL Sentences

This work explores methods of automatically detecting corrections of individual mistakes in sentence revisions for ESL students. We have trained a classifier that specializes in determining whether consecutive basic-edits (word insertions, deletions, substitutions) address the same mistake. Experimental result shows that the proposed system achieves an F1-score of 81% on correction detection and 66% for the overall system, out-performing the baseline by a large margin.
Using Recurrence Probabilities to Estimate the Volume of Multifamily Mortgage Originations

This study uses recurrence probabilities to generate forecasts of the volume of multifamily mortgage originations for the period 1992-2002. The approach concentrates on predicting the volume of property sales using the baseline of a multifamily prepayment hazard estimation to generate the predicted cohort-specific proportion of calendar sales in a given year. The forecast for the volume of originations depends strongly on the definition of the relevant mortgage population. A definition that excludes assumptions but otherwise includes all properties selling between 1971 and 1991 in which a first mortgage was used in its acquisition yields a forecast of $47.2 billion for 1997. A more restrictive definition that approximates the pool of loans covered by HMDA leads to a forecast of $23.5 billion for 1997.
A comparative study of the DuPont antithrombin III and fibrinogen assay systems.

Antithrombin III (AT-III) levels are useful for diagnosing thrombosis and for assessing antithrombotic therapy. Fibrinogen levels also are useful in numerous thrombohemorrhagic disorders and for noting cessation of fibrinolysis after thrombolytic therapy. With the availability of these assays on the DuPont aca®, a comparative study of AT-III and fibrinogen assays was performed. DuPont assays were compared to Dade Protopath® (AT-III) and Auto-Fi® (fibrinogen) assays. In 38 instances a third comparative AT-III assay also was used, namely the Kabi S-2238 method (COATEST®). Poor correlation existed between the DuPont AT-III and Protopath AT-III, r − sq = 0.53 to 0.61. There also was poor correlation between the DuPont and S-2238 AT-III assay, r − sq = 0.59. Excellent correlation was noted with the Protopath and Kabi AT-III assays, r − sq = 0.90. There was poor correlation between DuPont and Dade fibrinogen levels, r − sq = 0.55. When comparing AT-III values, the DuPont level was consistently higher. DuPont fibrinogen levels also were consistently higher. The DuPont AT-III and fibrinogen levels correlate poorly with existing assays, and higher results than those noted with the other methods appear common. Spuriously high values noted with the DuPont system could misguide clinicians caring for patients with thrombohemorrhagic diseases where they would expect low levels of AT-III or fibrinogen.
Vascular Reactivity of Rats and Dogs Treated with Desoxycorticosterone Acetate.

SummaryChronic treatment with DCA of dogs and rats, does not increase significantly vascular response to epinephrine, renin and angiotonin to explain DCA-hypertension on the basis of vascular hypersensitivity.
LVIII—Descriptions and Records of Bees.—CLXXXVII

(1942). LVIII—Descriptions and Records of Bees.—CLXXXVII. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 9, No. 57, pp. 710-717.
Enhancing UAV Survivability Through Damage Tolerant Control

ight tests were performed to showcase key aspects of the DTC technology. This paper summarizes Rockwell Collins DTC approach, and demonstrates its performance through a set of ight tests conducted between April 2007 and June 2010 on a subscale F-18 UAV. The combination of all-attitude control, Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC), Automatic Supervisory Adaptive Control (ASAC), and Emergency Mission Management System (EMMS) is shown to provide UAVs with an unprecedented robustness to otherwise catastrophic failure events.
Benefits and Risks of Thyroid Scintigraphy in Congenital Primary Hypothyroidism

The diagnosis on the basis of low serum thyroxine level with high thyrotropin level of congenital primary hypothyroidism in newborn screening programs fails to distinguish between transient hypothyroidism and ectopic thyroid, athyrosis, dyshormonogenesis, or transient hyperthyrotropinemia. The correct use of neonatal thyroid scintigraphy aids in making a specific anatomic diagnosis. We scanned 18 of 24 infants who had congenital hypothyroidism detected from screening 116,300 newborn infants, using Tc-99m in the first 8, then I-123 in 10. Eight infants were found to be athyrotic and 2 had ectopic glands; in 8, the thyroid gland appeared normal. Probably due to initially poor technique, 1 “athyrotic” infant was later found to be normal. We suggest that before initiating long-term thyroid medication, the specific anatomic and functional diagnosis be confirmed by this low-dose thyroid scintigraphic technique which has been optimized for newborn infants.
The effect of APP17 peptide on NGF and BDNF in hippocampal neurons of rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Aim To observe the effects of APP17 peptide on the changes in the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rat brain induced by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Methods Cardiac-respiratory arrest model were made by apnea method, and followed by CPR treatment. Eighteen Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control group (Group A), CPR group (Group B) and CPR plus APP17 peptide group (Group C), intravenous injection APP17 peptide when return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC). Expression of NGF and BDNF in hippocampal neurons were observed by immunohistochemisitry (IHC) method. Results The expression of NGF and BDNF in hippocampal neurons of rats in CPR group decreased significantly(P0.05); levels of NGF and BDNF in CPR plus APP17 peptide group were much higher than those in control group and CPR group(P0.01).Conclusion Expression of NGF and BDNF in hippocampal neurons decreases after circulatory recovery in CPR rats for two hours; APP17 peptide could increase expression of NGF and BDNF in hippocampal neurons and protect neurons from injury of hypoxemia and ischemia.
Sexual Behavior in Parked Cars Reported by Midwestern College Men and Women.

In an anonymous survey of 195 men and 511 women (Mage = 19.8) at a small Midwestern university, 119 men (61%) and 303 women (59.5%) reported that they had engaged in sex while parked. Of these 422, 14% lost their virginity in a parked car. Having sex in parked cars was more likely to involve relational dating partners than hookups. In most recent incidents, the majority of respondents were with a serious but noncohabiting romantic partner (56.9%) in the back seat (63.4%) of a standard car (56.4%) parked out in the country (56.0%). The most common sexual acts were penile-vaginal sex and genital touching, reported by 84.6% and 57.5% of respondents, respectively. Condoms were used by 58.2% of respondents. Less than 1% of respondents reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy outcomes. These data, including personal stories of memorable incidents, revealed that despite discomfort, body bumps, and risk of being caught, sex while parked was primarily a positive sexual and romantic experience for both men and women. A dark side of parked-car sex existed in that 2.5% of men and 4.3% of women reported being sexually coerced. The future study of sex in parked cars in urban environments is recommended.
Cytomegalovirus infection after solid organ transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the single most important pathogen affecting solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. CMV may occur as a primary infection in CMV-naive patients after SOT, or it can be reactivation of latent donor or recipient infection in CMV-seropositive SOT recipients. CMV may present as a subclinical infection among SOT recipients with sufficient pathogen-specific immunity, or clinically apparent CMV-induced tissue damage, termed CMV disease, among SOT recipients without sufficient CMV specific immunity (such as CMV D+/R− SOT patients). CMV disease is manifested by fever, malaise, myelosuppression, and/or signs of end-organ involvement. CMV is also associated with numerous indirect effects, such as an increased risk of acute rejection, chronic allograft failure, and other opportunistic infections. Because of its negative impact, CMV prevention is a major focus of posttransplant management, accomplished either by preemptive therapy or antiviral prophylaxis. Treatment of CMV disease is accomplished by the use of intravenous ganciclovir or oral valganciclovir. Reduction in immunosuppression is recommended when dealing with severe cases of CMV disease. Resistance to ganciclovir is emerging, and may be treated with alternative drugs such as foscarnet and cidofovir. Several novel antiviral drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials for prevention and treatment of CMV disease.
Circulating Apolipoprotein A-IV presurgical levels are associated with improvement in insulin sensitivity after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Abstract Background Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) has been shown to be involved in obesity and diabetes pathogenesis in animal studies, but its role in humans is uncertain. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the relation of ApoA-IV with changes in glucose metabolism and weight after bariatric surgery. Setting University Hospital. Methods The patients (n = 49) included lean controls (n = 8) and patients before and after a mean of 7 months after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB, n=12), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n=22), or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n=11). ApoA-IV and other hormone assays were performed in the fasting and the postprandial state. Pearson's correlation analyses controlled for baseline BMI and percent excess weight loss (EWL) were used to determine relationships between ApoA-IV levels and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results With all bariatric procedures combined, the change in ApoA-IV [533 versus 518 microg/L, P = .813] or ApoA-IV area under the curve (AUC - 1072 versus 1042, P = .939) was not significant. None of the surgeries individually affected levels of fasting or ApoA-IV AUC. Bariatric surgery resulted in a decrease in HOMA-IR (5.3 versus 2.0, P P = .008]. This relationship was independent of EWL and was not observed in the LAGB or SG group. There was no association of ApoA-IV levels with EWL, insulin secretion, Peptide-YY, or leptin levels. Conclusion Preoperative ApoA-IV levels, rather than changes in levels, positively correlate with improvements in insulin sensitivity independent of weight loss after RYGB.
Removing the Hot-Spots in High Power Devices Using the Thermoelectric Cooler and Micro Heat Pipe

Due to localized high heat fluxes, hot-spots are created in silicon chips. Cooling of the hot-spots is one of the major thermal challenges in today’s integrated circuit (IC) industry. Many researches have been conducted to find ways to cool hot-spots using different techniques as uniform heating is highly desired. This paper focuses on cooling of hot-spot using conventional thermoelectric cooler (Melcor_CP1.0-31-05L.1) and a micro heat pipe. A chip package with conventional integrated heat spreader and heat sink was designed. Hot-spot was created at the center of the silicon die with background heat at rest of the area. The heat flux on the hot-spot was much greater than rest of the area. Forced convection was used to cool IC package, temperature was observed at active side of the silicon die. After that a copper conductor was used to take away heat directly from the hot-spot of the silicon die to the other end of the conductor which was cooled using the thermoelectric cooler. Finally the conductor was replaced by a heat pipe and a comparison between three cases was done to study the cooling performance using the commercial software, ANSYS Icepak. The effect of trench on silicon die was also studied.In this paper the United States Patent, Patent No. US 6,581,388 B2, Jun. 24 2000 [8] as shown in Fig. 1 (b) was modified by replacing the conductor with a micro heat pipe to solve the hot-spots problem in electronic packaging.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The formation of teacher work teams under adverse conditions: Towards a more realistic scenario for schools in distress

Group formation studies are rare in the literature on teacher professional learning communities (PLCs). But they are needed to render realistic scenarios and design interventions for practitioners who work in schools where teachers encounter distress and social adversity. Under these conditions, we may need approaches to PLC development that are not adequately captured with conventional models. Drawing from the literature on teacher collaboration, effective work teams, group development and identity, problem solving, conflict and collective resilience, the article traces the development of a grade level team in a distressed urban middle school that was charged to make the learning environment for students safer, more orderly, and more caring. When teachers face the social adversity that students bring to them from their life experiences, the problems faced by teachers are often not “friendly” problems. Rather these problems cause suffering: being challenged in one’s basic competencies as a teacher or one’s personal integrity. Oftentimes, they require collective action while they at the same time increase individual distress, fear of being seen as weak, and isolation. Work team development under these circumstances needs to capitalize on the desire to connect that may be imbued in collective suffering. Against norms of privacy, non-interference, and conflict avoidance, ideological rifts, and interfering interpersonal dynamics work team members need to look for the seeds of the desire to connect in the midst of this suffering.
Oligomeric and Thermal Stability of TRPA1 Coiled-Coil Domain by Polyphosphates

Human Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a cation channel involved in the sensation of pain that is regulated by multiple stimuli including temperature, a wide range of irritants, and oxidative stimuli. The importance of TRPA1 is underscored by the numerous studies of the channel as a target for novel pain therapies. The recent cyro-EM structure (Paulsen et al, 2015) provides a strong framework in which to understand the mechanisms underlying functional activation. The structure of TRPA1 revealed the presence of a C-terminal coiled-coil domain that was hypothesized to require polyphosphates for oligomeric structural stability. This is consistent with the requirement of polyphosphates for functional channel expression assessed via electrophysiology (Kim and Cavanaugh, 2007). Furthermore, it has been speculated that the unfolding of the TRPA1 coiled-coil helices in response to temperature could be involved in thermal gating, as has been observed in bacterial sodium channels (Arrigoni et al, 2016). Here we examine the biochemical and biophysical properties of the coiled-coil of TRPA1 to determine the role of polyphosphates in oligomerization and their contributions to thermal stability.