cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Failed Genetic Protection: Type 1 Diabetes in the Presence of HLA-DQB1*06:02

Certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes increase the risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D) development while others provide protection from disease development. HLA class II alleles encode major histocompatibility complex proteins on antigen presenting cells, which function to present peptides and activate CD4 T-cells. The DRB1*15:01 (DR15)-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*06:02 (DQ6) haplotype provides dominant protection across all stages of T1D and is a common haplotype found in Caucasians but present in
Harsh Parenting Predicts Novel HPA Receptor Gene Methylation and NR3C1 Methylation Predicts Cortisol Daily Slope in Middle Childhood

Adverse experiences in childhood are associated with altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function and negative health outcomes throughout life. It is now commonly accepted that abuse and neglect can alter epigenetic regulation of HPA genes. Accumulated evidence suggests harsh parenting practices such as spanking are also strong predictors of negative health outcomes. We predicted harsh parenting at 2.5 years old would predict HPA gene DNA methylation similarly to abuse and neglect, and cortisol output at 8.5 years old. Saliva samples were collected three times a day across 3 days to estimate cortisol diurnal slopes. Methylation was quantified using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array BeadChip (850 K) with DNA collected from buccal cells. We used principal components analysis to compute a summary statistic for CpG sites across candidate genes. The first and second components were used as outcome variables in mixed linear regression analyses with harsh parenting as a predictor variable. We found harsh parenting significantly predicted methylation of several HPA axis genes, including novel gene associations with AVPRB1, CRHR1, CRHR2, and MC2R (FDR corrected p < 0.05). Further, we found NR3C1 methylation predicted a steeper diurnal cortisol slope. Our results extend the current literature by demonstrating harsh parenting may influence DNA methylation similarly to more extreme early life experiences such as abuse and neglect. Further, we show NR3C1 methylation is associated with diurnal HPA function. Elucidating the molecular consequences of harsh parenting on health can inform best parenting practices and provide potential treatment targets for common complex disorders.
Abstract TP356: Post-Acute Stroke Experience Survey- Development and Pilot Testing

Background: Administrative claims data show variability in post-acute stroke care. Stroke survivors without health insurance are not included in claims data statistics. The PASES survey was develop...
Immature platelet dynamics correlate with ADAMTS13 deficiency and predict therapy response in immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Abstract Introduction Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) requires prompt initiation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to avoid significant morbidity and mortality. ADAMTS13 activity testing defines TTP, however, at most institutions this is a send-out test and therapy is often initiated prior to measurement availability. We describe our experience looking at absolute immature platelet counts (A-IPC) in patients suspected with TTP at presentation and in response to therapy. Materials and methods Forty-eight patients treated for suspected TTP with A-IPC measure on admission and during hospitalization met inclusion criteria. Of these patients, sixteen had new-onset TTP (ADAMTS13 Results Patients with ADAMTS13 deficiency (TTP) had A-IPC different from those without deficiency. A-IPC of 1–2 × 109/L at presentation had high sensitivity and specificity with a negative predictive value of 95.5 to 100%. Two-to-three-fold increases in A-IPC from count prior to TPE initiation was limited to ADAMTS13 deficient patients who was the group responding to therapy. Increases were higher in patients with new disease onset compared to relapsing patients (p = 0.018). Likewise, relapsing patients' A-IPC appeared dependent upon platelet count at time of relapse. A-IPC predicted and correlated with ADAMTS13 deficiency in new-onset TTP (p = 0.0002). Conclusions Only patients with A-IPC-fold increases responded to TPE with platelet count normalization. Our results represent a proof of concept that A-IPC measurements can supplement ADAMTS13 testing and determine response to TPE. Future studies are needed to establish ways to apply these findings in the setting of suspected TTP.
Inhibiting ventral hippocampal NMDA receptors and Arc increases energy intake in male rats

Research into the neural mechanisms that underlie higher-order cognitive control of eating behavior suggests that ventral hippocampal (vHC) neurons, which are critical for emotional memory, also inhibit energy intake. We showed previously that optogenetically inhibiting vHC glutamatergic neurons during the early postprandial period, when the memory of the meal would be undergoing consolidation, caused rats to eat their next meal sooner and to eat more during that next meal when the neurons were no longer inhibited. The present research determined whether manipulations known to interfere with synaptic plasticity and memory when given pretraining would increase energy intake when given prior to ingestion. Specifically, we tested the effects of blocking vHC glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) on sucrose ingestion. The results showed that male rats consumed a larger sucrose meal on days when they were given vHC infusions of the NMDAR antagonist APV or Arc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides than on days when they were given control infusions. The rats did not accommodate for that increase by delaying the onset of their next sucrose meal (i.e., decreased satiety ratio) or by eating less during the next meal. These data suggest that vHC NMDARs and Arc limit meal size and inhibit meal initiation.
Feeling Overwhelmed: A Parsesciencing Inquiry.

Feeling overwhelmed is a universal humanuniverse living experience of living quality. The scholar engaged in Parsesciencing, a unique mode of inquiry within the humanbecoming paradigm. The inquiry ...
Reservoir Operators React to Uncertainty in Snowmelt Runoff Forecasts

AbstractOver 1 billion people rely on snow and ice for their water supply, and in many areas, reservoirs store the water after the snow melts. Deciding when to release water depends partly on forec...
Patient perception of dizziness and imbalance does not correlate with gait measures in adolescent athletes post-concussion.

Abstract Background Dizziness and gait impairments are commonly observed following a concussion, and both are associated with prolonged concussion recovery. Research question Is there a correlation between combined self-reported dizziness and balance impairment severity with objective gait impairments after concussion? Methods Participants (n = 51; 15.4 ± 1.6 years; 51 % female; 7.3 ± 3.2 days post-injury) age 12–18 years self-reported ratings of dizziness and balance impairment using the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) within 14 days of injury. Individual ratings of dizziness, balance impairment, and moving clumsily on the PCSI were combined to create a comprehensive dizziness and imbalance score. Participants also completed a smartphone-based gait evaluation under single-task and dual-task conditions. Correlation coefficients (Pearson r for normally distributed and Spearman rho for non-normally distributed variables) were calculated between self-reported symptoms and single and dual-task spatiotemporal gait parameters, specifically step velocity, step time, and step length. Results Correlation coefficients indicated that there was low to no correlation between self-reported dizziness and imbalance impairment severity and smartphone-obtained gait parameters under single- or dual-task conditions, including step velocity (single-task: r=-0.22, p = 0.13; dual-task: r=-0.05, p = 0.72), step time (single-task: rho = 0.16, p = 0.27; dual-task: rho = 0.14, p = 0.33), and step length (single-task: r=-0.15, p = 0.30; dual-task: r = 0.03, p = 0.84). Significance Self-reported dizziness and balance impairment severity within the first two weeks of concussion may not reflect objectively measured gait performance, given the lack of association between subjective symptom ratings and functional measures. Further, smartphone collected gait parameters may not provide the necessary sensitivity to detect an association with dizziness. The lack of significant correlation between self-reported symptoms and objective gait performance highlights the importance of using both objective and subjective measures to obtain a more complete picture of concussion deficits.
Healthcare professionals' and budtenders' perceptions of perinatal cannabis use.

Background While national guidelines state that cannabis should not be consumed during pregnancy, cannabis use during pregnancy continues to increase. Pregnant individuals have reported using healthcare professionals and budtenders (i.e., cannabis store retailers) as resources for information on cannabis use during pregnancy and postpartum. Objectives To determine healthcare professionals' and budtenders' perceptions of risks and benefits of perinatal cannabis use. Method A qualitative study, using semi-structured, open-ended questions, was conducted with ten healthcare professionals (predominantly nurses; 100% women) and ten budtenders (70% women) in a state where cannabis use is legal for adults 21 years of age and older. Data were interpreted using a qualitative description methodology to identify themes. Themes were generated from participant responses (implicit and explicit). We analyzed data separately and sequentially and present linked themes across samples. Data saturation, rigor, and trustworthiness were discussed and agreed upon by the analytic team. Results Six themes arose from the healthcare professional and budtender data: 1) Perinatal customers and patients perceive cannabis to be medicinal, 2) Supporting perinatal people who use cannabis, 3) Spectrum of perceived impacts of perinatal cannabis use, 4) Comparison to use of other substances during pregnancy, 5) Perceived limited knowledge and training about cannabis regulation and product safety, and 6) Current trends of purchase and use. Conclusion Participants reported that perinatal patients/customers perceived cannabis to be medicinal, and highlighted non-judgmental/harm reduction strategies for engaging patients/customers. Training is needed for healthcare professionals and budtenders to assist with patient/customer discussions about perinatal cannabis use.
Identification and immunological characterization of the domain of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin that determines its specificity for human target cells.

Although extensive amino acid homology exists among the various Repeats in ToXin (RTX) family of bacterial cytolysins, the cellular and species specificities remain unique for individual toxins (i.e. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LtxA) kills human monomyelocytes while a related toxin, Pasteurella hemeolytica leukotoxin (LktA) kills bovine lymphoid cells). To determine the Ltx domain responsible for species specificity, ltxA/lktA chimeric toxin genes were expressed in tandem with the ltxC gene under control of the P lambda promoter. The ability of lysates to kill either HL-60 (human) or BL-3 (bovine) cells was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. The critical area required for the chimeric toxins to recognize human target cells is a 253-amino acid fragment (residue 688-941) that contains the GGXGXDX(L[I[V[W[Y[F)X repeats. A panel of 12 neutralizing anti-LtxA monoclonal antibodies also recognized specificities within the 253-amino acid fragment. Epitope mapping of the monoclonal antibody panel showed that all antibodies bound to one of three sites on the LtxA molecule. One monoclonal recognized epitope A which was composed of LtxA residues 698-709 (KLDYYYTNKGFK), six antibodies recognized epitope B, a peptide composed of residues 746-757 (LIYGYDGDDRLY), whereas the remaining five monoclonals recognized epitope C, which is composed of residues 926-937 (DRARLKRQFELQ).
Chromosome Segregation During Meiosis: Building an Unambivalent Bivalent

Faithful chromosome segregation during anaphase requires that stable microtubule connections are established between chromosomes and both spindle poles by metaphase. Bipolar orientation follows an active period of transient connections between the kinetochores and poles, and tension mediated through attachments between the chromosomes stabilizes those bivalents that have connections to opposite poles. This review focuses on how the chromatids are tied together in the bivalent to ensure proper segregation in the two meiotic divisions. Homologs are partitioned in meiosis I, and reciprocal crossovers, cytologically defined as chiasmata, usually hold the homologs together for this division. The crossovers themselves must be prevented from migrating off the chromatid arms. Binding substances localized to the crossover and sister-chromatid cohesion distal to the crossover have been proposed to prevent loss of chiasmata. Spontaneous nondisjunction events and mutations that disrupt the maintenance of chiasmata are analyzed in the context of these models. Homologs that segregate in meiosis I without chiasmata are briefly discussed. The bivalent must also be constructed so that four chromatids present only two functional kinetochores prior to anaphase I. Cytology and genetic data suggest that the sister kinetochores are duplicated but constrained to act as a single kinetochore. Additionally, centromeric regions of sister chromatids preserve their cohesion until anaphase II, even as cohesion on the sister-chromatid arms is lost at anaphase I. Mutations that specifically disrupt this process are presented.
Fine-structure energies for the 1s2s 3S-1s2p 3P transition in heliumlike Ar16+

We have measured the 1s2s $^{3}$${\mathit{S}}_{1}$--1s2p $^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{0}$ and 1s2s $^{3}$${\mathit{S}}_{1}$--1s2p $^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{2}$ fine-structure transition wavelengths in the heliumlike ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{16+}$ ion using the beam-foil spectroscopy technique with position-sensitive photon detection. The wavelength results are 559.944(16) \AA{} for the J=1--2 transition and 661.533(18) \AA{} for the J=1--0 transition, which correspond to measurement precisions of about 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ a.u. in the transition energies. These values are sensitive to the relativistic contributions in the transition energies to 500 ppm and to the total QED corrections to 0.5%. The measurements confirm the significance of (Z\ensuremath{\alpha}${)}^{4}$-dependent relativistic corrections to the n=2 state fine structures suggested by recent calculations. The small remaining discrepancies between these measurements and the accurate theoretical values suggest that the magnitude of uncalculated higher-order QED terms is about 0.15(Z\ensuremath{\alpha}${)}^{4}$ a.u. Our experimental results disagree with an earlier recoil-ion measurement for the $^{3}$${\mathit{S}}_{1}$-- $^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{0}$ transition wavelength.
Public good provision with optimal and non-optimal commodity taxation: The single-consumer case

Abstract The criterion for welfare-enhancing changes in the level of public good provision is studied in a model with optimal, and more general, commodity tax structures. The welfare rule is sensitive to the precise nature of interactions between public spending and (ordinary or compensated) demands for taxed goods.
A Review of “Analyzing Education Policy During Neoliberal Times”

Globalization and its consequences are often presented as natural and inevitable. Best selling author Thomas Friedman, in The Lexus and the Olive Tree (1999) asserts that we have no choice but to p...
On Theory-Driven Design of Collaboration Technology and Process

The design and deployment of collaboration technology has, until lately been more of an art than a science, but it has produced some solid successes. Commercial groupware products now support millions of collaborations per year. Under certain circumstances teams that use Group Support Systems perform far better than groups that do not. However, as impressive as the achievements are in this field, we can do better. A rigorous theoretical approach to the design of collaboration technology and process can lead us to non- intuitive design choices that produce successes beyond those possible with a seat-of-the-pants approach. This paper explains the simple structure of a rigorous scientific theory and offers examples of theory-driven design choices that produced substantial benefits. It then differentiates rigorous theory from several classes of theory that have intuitive appeal, but cannot inform design choices. It then argues that the logic of the theory-driven design approach suggests that the most useful focus for collaboration technology researchers would be the technology-supported work process, rather than just the technology.
Systemic vibrio infection presenting as necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis: A series of thirteen cases

Background: Vibrio species are an uncommon cause of necrotizing fasciitis and primary septicemia, which are likely to occur in patients with hepatic disease, diabetes mellitus, adrenal insufficiency, and immunocompromised conditions. These organisms are found in warm sea waters and are often present in raw oysters, shellfish, and other seafood. The purposes of the present report were to describe a series of patients who had this potentially lethal infection and to identify clinical features associated with a poor prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of thirteen patients (ten men and three women) who had necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis caused by Vibrio species. All patients had a history of contact with seawater or raw seafood. Eight patients had a hepatic disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver, three had diabetes mellitus (without hepatic disease), and two had chronic renal or adrenal insufficiency (without hepatic disease). Results: Twelve patients underwent fasciotomy or limb amputation. Five patients (38%) died within two to six days after admission, and eight patients survived. Patients with a systolic blood pressure of ≤90 mm Hg and leukopenia in the emergency room had a significantly higher mortality rate (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The diagnosis of Vibrio necrotizing fasciitis should be suspected when a patient has the appropriate clinical findings and a history of contact with seawater or raw seafood. The treatment should begin as early as possible, essentially when the patient has symptoms of sepsis. Although emergency fasciotomy or limb amputation did not reduce the mortality rate in this series, we consider such operations to be an important aspect of treatment. Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level IV (case series). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The national biological information infrastructure building information & geospatial technologies for biological community

Looking out an office window or exploring a community park, one can easily see the tremendous challenges that biological information presents the computer science community. Biological information varies in format, content, distribution depending whether or not it is information pertaining to a particular species (i.e. Brown Tree Snake), or a specific ecosystem, which often includes multiple species, land use characteristics, and geospatially referenced information. The complexity and uniqueness of each individual species or ecosystem do not easily lend themselves to today's computer science tools and applications. To address the challenges that the biological enterprise presents the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) (http://www.nbii.gov) was established in 1993. The NBII is designed to address these issues on a National scale and Regional scale within the United States, and through international partnerships abroad. This poster would discuss current computer, geospatial, and information science efforts within the National Biological Information Infrastructure Program to aid in the development and implementation of regional and thematic nodes throughout the country.
Metabolism of isolated fish gill cells: contribution of epithelial chloride cells

Gill cell suspensions from freshwater (FW)- and seawater (SW)-adapted teleosts were obtained by density gradient centrifugation. The proportion of chloride cells (CCs) in the mixed cell suspensions was estimated using the fluorescent mitochondrial stain, DASPMEI, and ranged from less than 1% (FW-adapted tilapia) to approximately 13% (SW-adapted toadfish). The gill cells displayed relatively high viability based on Trypan Blue exclusion (greater than 75%), lactate dehydrogenase leakage (less than 6.5% h-1), oxygen consumption rates (5-15 mumol g-1 cell wet mass h-1) and ATP levels (1-3 mumol g-1 cell wet mass). There were no obvious differences between the viability of CCs and the other cell types present. An initial comparison of gill oxidative metabolism in SW-adapted tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and toadfish (Opsanus beta) demonstrated that both species oxidized glucose and lactate at substantially greater rates than alanine or oleate. Metabolic rates were significantly higher in toadfish cell suspensions. Kinetic experiments revealed that toadfish gill cells displayed lower values of Km and higher values of Vm for both lactate and glucose, in comparison to tilapia. The elevated metabolism in toadfish gill cells was correlated with increased activities of the oxidative enzyme citrate synthase and Na+/K+-ATPase. The toadfish cell suspensions had a greater proportion of CCs and it is likely that the difference in CC numbers between the two species is the basis for the observed differences in enzyme activities and rates of oxidative metabolism. This idea is supported by the highly significant correlation between Na+/K+-ATPase activity (or CC numbers) and rates of lactate oxidation in gill cell suspensions from FW- and SW-adapted tilapia and toadfish, as well as SW-adapted tilapia chronically treated with cortisol to elevate CC numbers. Although it has been assumed widely that the high metabolic rate of gill tissue reflects, in part, the oxidative demands of the chloride cell, the results of this study provide the first experimental, albeit indirect, evidence for differential rates of metabolism in the various cell types that comprise the gill.
Single-exposure simultaneous diffraction-enhanced imaging

A new method of acquiring and analyzing diffraction-enhanced images (DEI) is presented. This method has been performed at the National Synchrotron Light Source and is based on using a novel two-crystal analyzer (Laue and Bragg analyzer). This system delivers simultaneously a pair of images with differing refraction sensitivity that is necessary for extracting absorption and refraction information using the DEI method. Although the system is not as flux efficient as a DEI system using a Bragg analyzer, it eliminates problems associated with object motion in between exposures. The system, method of interpreting the results and illustrative examples of experiments are presented and discussed.
On the characterization and spinning of an organic‐purified lignin toward the manufacture of low‐cost carbon fiber

ABSTRACT: A Kraft hardwood lignin (HWL) and an organic-purified hardwood lignin (HWL-OP) were evaluated as potential precursors for the production of lowcost carbon fibers. It was found that the unpurified HWL exhibited poor spinnability while the HWL-OP exhibited excellent spinnability characteristics. Fibers of various diameters were obtained from the HWL-OP. Thermostabilization studies showed that oxidative stabilization can only be used to convert HWL-OP-based fibers into carbon fibers if extremely low heating rates are applied. Carbonized lignin-based fibers had tensile strength of 0.51 GPa and tensile modulus of 28.6 GPa. VC
Variation in responses to spawning Pacific salmon among three south-eastern Alaska streams

Summary 1. Pacific salmon are thought to stimulate the productivity of the fresh waters in which they spawn by fertilising them with marine-derived nutrients (MDN). We compared the influence of salmon spawners on surface streamwater chemistry and benthic biota among three south-eastern Alaska streams. Within each stream, reaches up- and downstream of barriers to salmon migration were sampled during or soon after spawners entered the streams. 2. Within streams, concentrations of dissolved ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), abundance of epilithon (chlorophyll a and ash-free dry mass) and biomass of chironomids were significantly higher in reaches with salmon spawners. In contrast, biomass of the mayflies Epeorus spp. and Rhithrogena spp. was significantly higher in reaches lacking spawners. 3. Among streams, significant differences were found in concentrations of dissolved ammonium, dissolved organic carbon, nitrate and SRP, abundance of epilithon, and the biomass of chironomids and Rhithrogena. These differences did not appear to reflect differences among streams in spawner density, nor the changes in water chemistry resulting from salmon spawners. 4. Our results suggest that the ‘enrichment’ effect of salmon spawners (e.g. increased streamwater nutrient concentrations) was balanced by other concurrent effects of spawners on streams (e.g. sediment disturbance). Furthermore, the collective effect of spawners on lotic ecosystems is likely to be constrained by conditions unique to individual streams, such as temperature, background water chemistry and light attenuation.
REFLECTIONS ON PUTTING THEORY IN PRACTICE INTO ACTION IN THE CLASSROOM

Effective learning necessitates a change of behavior on the part of the student. The author asserts that the introduction of abstract theories to students does little to advance the students' competence or efficiency. Rather, a case is made for allowing students to create their own theories of action based upon their individual circumstances and experiences. The concept of an “action theory” is forwarded as an effective tool for teaching public administration students. The action theory recognizes the student's need to have relevant frameworks and practical guidelines. Furthermore, the author predicts that the action theory will give public administrators greater control over their work environments inasmuch as it establishes more honest assessments of organizational conditions. “If you want to get ahead, get a theory. B. Inholder and A. Karmiloff-Smith
Molecular Structure of Phosphobenzene

THE following polyphosphines of formula (C6H5P)n have been reported in the literature: (A) m.p. 149°–150° (refs. 1–9); (B) m.p. 190° (refs. 2 and 3); (C) m.p. 252°–256° (ref. 3); (D) m.p. 260°–285° (ref. 8). Compounds C and D are insoluble in organic solvents and have, presumably, a polymeric structure. The molecular weights of A and B in solution have not been established definitely. Several isopiestic, ebullioscopic and cryoscopic methods have been used by various workers and the following identities have been proposed. A = B = I2; A = I, B = II3; A = B = II8; A = II4,5,9. Recently it has also been shown8 that compounds A and B are tetraphenyl-cyclo-tetraphosphines (II) which differ in both the dissolved and solid states and are stereoconformers.
Dual-channel audio monitor for distinguishing action potentials from two different sources.

An audio-monitor design is described which allows action potentials from two different input channels to be heard and distinguished from each other. Two other more conventional modes of operation have also been incorporated into the design, making the device a versatile instrument for monitoring neurophysiological events. The dual-channel mode of operation is most useful in detecting the relationship of activity between the two sources.
Designing of a new drug with antidotal properties against the nerve gas sarin.

Acetylcholinesterase and other hydrolytic enzymes are irreversibly inhibited by low concentrations of certain phosphorus-containing compounds, such as diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), tetraethyl alkyl pyrophosphate (TEPP) and isopropoxymethyl fluorophosphonate (Satin). Some of these compounds are chemical warfare agents (nerve gases) and others find use as insecticides. Their toxicity derives from the remarkable facility with which they inhibit acetylcholinesterase 1, 2. The inhibition is effected by a phosphorylation of the enzym e3, ~, 5. A basic group in the active site which in the normal catalytic process is acylated, is here phosphorylated6, 7. The inhibited enzyme can be dephosphorylated and thus reactivated by nucleophilic agents~, s. By applying principles of molecular complementariness and physical organic chemistry to the design s, 10, n of a reactivator, a very active in vitro reactivator, pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide (2-PAM), was obtained TM. In this compound the oxime functional group and the quaternary structure are so disposed that it is bound by the inhibited enzyme in a manner which directs the oxime function against the nucleophilic phosphorus atom. Shortly afterwards and independently this compound was also described by CHILDS, DAVIES, GREEN AND RUTLAND 13. PAM is a very effective antidote for many of these poisons, especially when used with atropine 14-19. The effectiveness of PAM as an antidote indicates that its in vivo penetration of tissues overlaps a very important part of the volume of tissue penetrated by the poisons. The very poor solubility of PAM in lipid solvents suggests that the penetration of PAM is restricted to the peripheral nervous system and this expectation is substantiated by the observation that PAM produces little reactivation of acetylcholinesterase in brain in vivo 2°, although it produces very substantial reactivation of acetylcholinesterase in muscle ~1. PAM is effective none the less because the pr imary damage produced by these poisons is often in the peripheral nervous system. Since some alkyl-phosphates produce strong central effects, it seemed to us rather interesting to a t tempt to prepare a derivative of PAM which would have better possibilities of reaching the central nervous system and barring that, would at least have very different penetration
CT Scan-Measured Pulmonary Artery to Aorta Ratio and Echocardiography for Detecting Pulmonary Hypertension in Severe COPD

Background COPD is associated with significant morbidity primarily driven by acute exacerbations. Relative pulmonary artery (PA) enlargement, defined as a PA to ascending aorta (A) diameter ratio greater than one (PA:A > 1) identifies patients at increased risk for exacerbations. However, little is known about the correlation between PA:A, echocardiography, and invasive hemodynamics in COPD. Methods A retrospective observational study of patients with severe COPD being evaluated for lung transplantation at a single center between 2007 and 2011 was conducted. Clinical characteristics, CT scans, echocardiograms, and right-sided heart catheterizations were reviewed. The PA diameter at the bifurcation and A diameter from the same CT image were measured. Linear and logistic regression were used to examine the relationships between PA:A ratio by CT scan and PA systolic pressure (PASP) by echocardiogram with invasive hemodynamics. Receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed the usefulness of the PA:A ratio and PASP in predicting resting pulmonary hypertension (PH) (mean pulmonary artery pressure [mPAP] > 25 mm Hg). Results Sixty patients with a mean predicted FEV 1 of 27% ± 12% were evaluated. CT scan-measured PA:A correlated linearly with mPAP after adjustment for multiple covariates ( r = 0.30, P = .03), a finding not observed with PASP. In a multivariate logistic model, mPAP was independently associated with PA:A > 1 (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.02-2.04; P = .04). PA:A > 1 was 73% sensitive and 84% specific for identifying patients with resting PH (area under the curve, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.93; P Conclusions A PA:A ratio > 1 on CT scan outperforms echocardiography for diagnosing resting PH in patients with severe COPD.
Aquinas on God's Relation to the World

Aquinas’ denial that God has a real relation with the world results in the difficulty of understanding how God creates, knows, wills, and loves the world without entering into a real relation with the world. Because of this perplexity, the contemporary philosopher William Lane Craig argues that Aquinas’ doctrine is ‘extraordinarily implausible.’ After reviewing Aquinas’ teaching in the Summa theologiae, I consider Craig's criticism and then attempt to defend Aquinas’ teaching. In this defense, I consider Aquinas’ teaching as heir to Aristotle, Lombard, and Augustine. I also look at Aquinas’ teaching in relation to his discussions of the divine immutability, knowledge, will, and love.
Seeing Is Believing: Illuminating the Source of In Vivo Interleukin-7

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is an essential cytokine for T cells. However, IL-7 is not produced by T cells themselves such that T cells are dependent on extrinsic IL-7. In fact, in the absence of IL-7, T cell development in the thymus as well as survival of naive T cells in the periphery is severely impaired. Furthermore, modulating IL-7 availability in vivo either by genetic means or other experimental approaches determines the size, composition and function of the T cell pool. Consequently, understanding IL-7 expression is critical for understanding T cell immunity. Until most recently, however, the spatiotemporal expression of in vivo IL-7 has remained obscured. Shortage of such information was partly due to scarce expression of IL-7 itself but mainly due to the lack of adequate reagents to monitor IL-7 expression in vivo. This situation dramatically changed with a recent rush of four independent studies that describe the generation and characterization of IL-7 reporter mice, all utilizing bacterial artificial chromosome transgene technology. The emerging consensus of these studies confirmed thymic stromal cells as the major producers of IL-7 but also identified IL-7 reporter activities in various peripheral tissues including skin, intestine and lymph nodes. Strikingly, developmental and environmental cues actively modulated IL-7 reporter activities in vivo suggesting that IL-7 regulation might be a new mechanism of shaping T cell development and homeostasis. Collectively, the availability of these new tools opens up new venues to assess unanswered questions in IL-7 biology in T cells and beyond.
Public sector performance measurement and stakeholder support

Abstract Over the past several decades there has been dramatically increased attention paid to measuring the performance of public sector and nonprofit organizations in the United States and elsewhere. Recent research has indicated that public sector and nonprofit organizations are responsive to performance measurement in both productive and unproductive ways. However, it is not yet known how stakeholders respond to this measurement. This paper makes use of a unique panel survey dataset of the population of elementary and middle schools in the state of Florida to directly investigate this question. We exploit the fact that Florida changed its school grading system in 2002 and study the degree to which private contributions to schools are responsive to the information contained in school grades. We find evidence that school grades can have substantial effects on a school's ability to obtain private contributions. We also observe that schools serving different clienteles are treated differently in response to changes in school grades.
Effect of niobium additions on CO2-Enhanced oxidation of titanium-aluminum intermetallic alloys

In a recent study, CO2 has been reported to enhance the oxidation rate of binary titanium-aluminum alloys. The detrimental effect of CO2 was not, however, observed in a ternary alloy containing niobium. In this paper, possible explanations for these observations are examined. First, results from the literature regarding the effects of niobium in improving the resistance of titanium-aluminum alloys are briefly reviewed. Second, a thermodynamic analysis which offers a possible explanation for the beneficial effect of niobium in eliminating the CO2-enhanced oxidation of titanium-aluminum alloys is presented.
Huntington's disease: the nursing process

Huntington's disease is caused by a genetic condition which has thus far escaped being understood in spite of years of research. The importance of the disease to those in medical and educational professions is great because of its devastating effects on the family unit. It is a disease for which there is no cure and no treatment other than supportive care as the disease progresses. Because the disease does not manifest itself until the fourth or fifth decade of life, the person who develops it has probably already married and had children. Since the condition is passed from parent to child in an autosomal dominant way, fully 50% of the children stand at risk of having the disease. Neurological disorders and psychological problems are the first sign the family has and these are often mistaken for other conditions, such as alcoholism. As the disease progresses, the family spends thousands of dollars on needed care and often insurance companies or other health plans will not cover these needs. Nurses need to be aware of the long-term plight faced by a family with this condition whose only hope, at the present time, is prevention through education during the early years about the genetic component and counselling in the child-bearing years. Early diagnosis could save countless problems for families as far as future planning of the patient at risk, for family planning and for the provision of resources for the possibility of costly medical expenses. Some families have been the brunt of needless scorn because a family member was suspected of drug or alcohol abuse by an uninformed public. Misdiagnosis, because of a group of symptoms similar to those in other conditions such as schizophrenia, has led to years of useless treatment for the wrong disorder. Since genetic disease is such a big factor in health care today, it would seem that human genetics should be added, in a basic way, to the science curriculum of school children. It should become a part, in a more advanced way, of every nursing and medical programme. Public education for those who have not been exposed to this disease and others like it can best be done through the media of print.
Epstein–Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen-1 Binds to Nuclear Transporter Karyopherin α1/NPI-1 in Addition to Karyopherin α2/Rch1

We searched for cellular proteins that interact with Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus nuclear antigen-1, which is a latent EBV origin-binding protein detected in all EBV latently infected cells and essential for maintenance of the latent EBV genome, by a yeast two-hybrid screening of a B lymphocyte cDNA library in this study. Interaction of polypeptides synthesized from three selected cDNA clones with EBNA-1 proteins was confirmed in vitro using their glutathione-S-transferase-fusion polypeptides and by coimmunoprecipitation analyses of B cell extracts with anti-EBNA-1 monoclonal antibodies and monospecific antibodies against cellular proteins of interest. We report the following: (i) Karyopherin alpha (karyopherin alpha1, hSRP1, and NPI-1), an adaptor subunit of nuclear localization signal receptors, which direct proteins to the nuclear pore, interacted with EBNA-1. (ii) EBNA-1 proteins endogenous in the B cell line Raji of Burkitt lymphoma origin bound to another adaptor protein, karyopherin alpha2 (hSRP1alpha, hRch1), interactions of which to recombinant EBNA-1 polypeptides were previously reported. (iii) Nearly 90% of all the cDNA clones examined was p32 (SF2-associated P32, p32/TAP, and gC1q-R), and endogenous EBNA-1 proteins in the Raji cells bound to p32, a potential of which to affect localization of EBNA-1 in transfected Vero cells has been recently suggested. These results suggest that EBNA-1, which has the unique NLS containing Lys-Arg and overlapping with one of the phosphorylation domains, is recognized and transported to the nuclei by these two distinct karyopherin alpha proteins, which are differentially expressed in different cell types, implying a regulatory localization system for EBNA-1.
A cross-cultural comparison of perceptions and uses of mobile telephony

Drawing from the theoretical orientation of apparatgeist, this article explores the cultural similarities and differences in perceptions and uses of mobile telephony. A sample of college students from Hawaii, Japan, Sweden,Taiwan and the US mainland was surveyed to assess: (1) perceptions of the mobile phone as fashion;(2) attitudes about mobile phone use in public settings; (3) use of the mobile phone for safety/security; (4) use of the mobile phone for instrumental purposes; and (5) use of the mobile phone for expressive purposes.The results indicate some differences and several similarities among the cultural groupings and help to lay the groundwork for future research and theory-building.
River run: an interactive GIS and dynamic graphing website for decision support and exploratory data analysis of water quality parameters of the lower Cape Fear river

Abstract To visualize the water quality of the Lower Cape Fear River basin a Decision Support System (DSS) web site was developed which incorporates dynamic graphing and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Together, these two software packages enable users to interact with water quality variables in order to investigate the spatial and temporal complexity of the data. The result of this research is that graphing and GIS technology are capable of being implemented over the Internet and that complex water quality data can be successfully disseminated using this medium. However, there remains a need to seamlessly link the graphing and GIS software which will make the visualization tools much more successful at communicating the complex spatial and temporal data.
Assessment and Pharmacologic Treatment of Sleep Disturbance in Autism

Like children with other developmental disabilities, children with autism spectrum disorders suffer with sleep problems at a higher rate than do typically developing children. There is a growing recognition that addressing these sleep problems may improve daytime functioning and decrease family stress. Presented here is a discussion of the sleep problems experienced by children with autism spectrum disorders, focusing on appropriate assessment and pharmacologic treatment.
Fetal microchimerism—what our children leave behind

Fetal microchimerism (FMc) describes the persistence of low numbers of fetal cells in the mother after a pregnancy. A number of recent studies suggests FMc may play a role in the etiology of some autoimmune diseases.[1][1] Remarkably, FMc has been demonstrated to persist for up to 38 years after
Differential Utilization of Amino-acids by Myzus persicae (Sulzer) fed on Artificial Diets

IN a recent report by Mittler and Dadd1 on the artificial feeding of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) through membranes of stretched ‘Parafilm’ it was noted that the aphids excreted numerous honey dew droplets when feeding on an 18 per cent sucrose solution with or without amino-acids, vitamins and salts.
Top Surface Imaging for Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography.

The use of extreme ultraviolet radiation (13.4nm) for microlithography requires a thin layer imaging resist technology due to the strongly absorbing nature of 13.4nm radiation. In any thin layer imaging technique, the aerial image from the exposure system is transferred into a top imaging layer of photoresist and is used to form an in-situ mask for pattern transfering the image through the remaining resist thickness to the device layer in a separate etch development step. The work presented here takes advantage of a new aminodisilane silylation reagent to make improvements in the thin layer imaging process known as top surface imaging. This silylation process is capable of 100nm resolution using extreme ultraviolet exposure at 13.4 nm and the new aminodisilane reagent.
A Fragile Birth.

The direction of California society and politics has made it more and more difficult to deliver on the dream of ready access to a University of California education for the state's qualified high school graduates
Approaches to Study the Role of S100 Proteins in Calcium-Dependent Cellular Responses

Calcium is necessary for the optimal growth and cellular functions of most living organisms. For example, Ca is involved in the processes of muscle contraction, stimulus-secretion coupling, bone formation, blood clotting, cell proliferation and motility, and fertilization. Many regulatory actions of Ca are mediated through Ca-binding proteins. Calcium-modulated proteins are a subclass of Ca-binding proteins that are thought to be the major signal transducers of Ca acting as a cellular second messenger. Most Ca-modulated proteins are not enzymes but are effector proteins capable of transducing a Ca signal into a biological response by their ability to bind Ca reversibly and modulate the activity of other proteins in a Ca-dependent manner. This review focuses on a set of Ca-modulated proteins, the S100 proteins, and their possible roles in mediating Ca-dependent cellular events.
A study of the factors responsible for changes in the electroencephalogram in chronic pulmonary insufficiency.

Abstract Fifteen correlative biochemical and electroencephalographic studies were done on 13 patients with chronic pulmonary disease. Abnormal resting EEG tracings were observed in 7 patients. Results of the biochemical studies indicated a significant elevation of serum potassium in both groups when compared with normal subjects. No difference was observed in the blood gas, electrolyte and glucose values of the electroencephalographically normal and abnormal patients. Correction of the hypoxia and exaggeration of the hypercapnia did not alter the resting EEG in either group of patients. Clinical evidence suggests that the presence of cerebral vascular disease as a function of age may be a factor in the appearance of the abnormal EEG pattern in patients with chronic hypercapnia and anoxia. The evidence presented suggests an adaptive mechanism in chronic hypercapnia preventing the EEG changes observed in acute hypercapnia.
Rockets and High Altitude Research

A RECENT book review in NATURE for August 23, 1924, page 270, of Herr Oberth's “Die Rakete zu den Planetenraumen,” 1923, calls for a brief comment.
Ibrutinib (PCI-32765), the first BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitor in clinical trials.

Ibrutinib is a potent covalent kinase inhibitor that targets BTK. BTK, or Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, is an obvious target for therapy of B cell diseases because inactivating mutations lead to B cell aplasia in humans and the disease X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Ibrutinib has modest cytotoxicity against CLL cells in vitro but also blocks trophic stimuli from the microenvironment. As with other inhibitors of the BCR pathway, ibrutinib causes rapid nodal reduction and response associated with rapid increase in lymphocytosis, which then returns to baseline over time. The ORR of ibrutinib in relapsed refractory CLL is 67 % with PFS 88 % at 15 months. In a cohort of untreated patients 65 years and over, the estimated 15 month PFS is 96 %. Registration trials have been initiated, and the difficult task that remains is to determine where in the course of CLL therapy this drug will have the greatest impact and benefit for patients.
Oscillatory Radial Solutions of Semilinear Elliptic Equations

We study the oscillatory behavior of radial solutions of the nonlinear partial differential equation Δu + f(u) + g(|x|, u) = 0 inRn, wherefandgare continuous restoring functions,uf(u) > 0 andug(|x|, u) > 0 foru ≠ 0. We assume that for fixedq limu → 0(|f(u)|/|u|q) = B > 0, for 1 < q < n/(n − 2), and, additionally, that 2F(u) ≥ (1 − 2/n)uf(u) whenn/(n − 2) ≤ q < (n + 2)/(n − 2), whereF(u) = ∫u0f(s)ds. We give conditions that guarantee that the solution oscillates infinitely and tends to zero asr → ∞. Finally, we give bounds for the amplitude of the oscillations and show that the period of the oscillations increases asr → ∞.