cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geografía abolicionista y el problema de la inocencia

espanolEn el presente articulo se analizan las geografias carcelarias en los Estados Unidos, desde el despliegue del capitalismo racial. La geografa afroamericana parte de la tesis de que las prisiones contemporaneas son extractivas, es decir, extraen personas y, cuando, en el mejor de los casos, no hacen parte de los altos indices de las muertes prematuras, las expulsan al mundo sin el derecho a ser ellas, dinamica que estimula la circulacion rapida de flujos de dinero. Frente a esta topografia anuladora de la vida, la tambien activista afroamericana reflexiona sobre su experiencia en contra del complejo militar carcelario, el problema de la inocencia y la tradicion radical negra. Gilmore se apropia del concepto de «infraestructura del sentimiento» para pensar las condiciones de posibilidad de las geografias abolicionistas que conciben la libertad como un lugar provisional o imperativamente construido por la gente con los recursos que dispone. EnglishThis paper analyzes prisons geographies in the United States, under the light of racial capitalism. The Afro-American geographer departs from the thesis that contemporary prisons are extractive, that is, they extract people, and, when, in the best of cases, they do not end by being one figure within the high rates of early deaths, then they are thrown out, deprived of their right to be themselves —A dynamics stimulating the rapid flow of money. Face to this life-annulling topography, Gilmore —also an Afro-American activist— reflects upon her experience against the military prison complex, the problem of innocence, and Black radical tradition. Gilmore takes the concept of “infrastructure of feeling” to think about the conditions of possibility of abolition geographies, which understand freedom as a provisional place or as one built by people with their resources at hand
Update on Preservice Training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Speech-Language Pathologists.

Purpose This is a report of the data from a current survey of academic programs in the United States, which provide preservice training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for speec...
Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Is Associated With Acute Kidney Injury and Clinical Outcomes in Neonates Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Objectives Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication following neonatal cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to determine if plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were associated with acute kidney injury and clinical outcomes in neonates with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Design Retrospective single-center observational study. Setting A pediatric cardiac ICU within a tertiary-care academic hospital. Patients Patients age less than 30 days undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin peaked at 12 hours postcardiopulmonary bypass and more than doubled compared with preoperative levels. Higher preoperative and 24-hour postoperative neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were associated with acute kidney injury (r = 0.30, r = 0.49), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.40, r = 0.51), ICU (r = 0.32, r = 0.33) and hospital lengths of stay (r = 0.28, r = 0.32), and total hospital charges (r = 0.35, r = 0.30; all p values Conclusions Both preoperative and 24-hour postoperative plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels are associated with acute kidney injury and worse clinical outcomes in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery. Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels may have a role in risk stratification for predicting postoperative renal dysfunction as well as providing a potential clinical trajectory in the postoperative period.
Existential Health Psychology

This chapter describes where this conversation fits within the history of psychology. An existentialist rendering of health and well-being fits into the functionalist school of psychology and may be seen in William James as well as many of the humanistic psychotherapists. Existential health psychology is introduced as a new healthcare occupation akin to hospital chaplains, but without any religious presuppositions. Their job is to complement the existing medical professionals. While medical science is directed at the body, existential health psychologists will be directed at the person who must overcome new medical issues, and to help patients adapt to their new, post-injury personalities.
The Bipartite-Cylindrical Crossing Number of the Complete Bipartite Graph

A bipartite-cylindrical drawing of the complete bipartite graph $$ K_{m,n} $$ is a drawing on the surface of a cylinder, where the vertices are placed on the boundaries of the cylinder, one vertex-partition per boundary, and the edges do not cross the boundaries. The bipartite-cylindrical crossing number of $$ K_{m,n}$$, denoted by $$ cr_\circledcirc (K_{m,n}) $$, is the minimum number of crossings among all bipartite-cylindrical drawings of $$ K_{m,n} $$. This problem is equivalent to minimizing the number of crossings in drawings of $$ K_{m,n} $$ in the plane where each of the vertex classes in the bipartition is placed on a circle and the edges do not cross the two circles. We determine $$ cr_\circledcirc (K_{m,n}) $$ and give explicit constructions that achieve this number. This in turn gives an alternative proof to the Harary–Hill Conjecture restricted to a subclass of cylindrical drawings of the complete graph.
Reaching and Teaching Students in Poverty

The second edition of Reaching and Teaching Students in Poverty: Strategies for Erasing the Opportunity Gap aims to move educators from a deficit view of students experiencing poverty to a structural view by examining the structural inequalities in the United States. This book encourages educators to develop equity literacy and provides twelve principles of equity literacy, supported by historical data and current research, to guide readers in this process. The book also offers actionable strategies to implement at the classroom, school, and district level.
Streaming Workflows on Edge Devices to Process Sensor Data on a Smart Manufacturing Platform

This paper describes a concept called Streaming Workflows that can collect data from sensors connected to edge devices and pass on the heavy load of computation to on-demand cloud services including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform. The data streaming is done on the edge device while contextualization and modeling of the data are done with on-demand cloud resources. Many workflows using this edge-cloud architecture will be deployed on the cloud-based Smart Manufacturing (SM) PlatformTM developed by the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) at UCLA. Kepler workflows are used to orchestrate and manage the deployment of compute resources, the data transfer, data contextualization, modeling, and termination of the compute resources on a cloud platform. Test data in this study were from an aluminum rolling mill. The objective was to use operating data to predict exit temperature using an edge and Microsoft Azure architecture. This work addresses how to implement a run-time model-based control and optimization approach using Streaming Workflows for similar projects.
Enhancing response time thresholds with response behaviors for detecting disengaged examinees

The item responses of examinees who rapid-guess, who do not spend enough time reading and engaging with an item, will not reflect their true ability on that item. Rapid-disengagement refers to rapidly selecting a response to multiple-choice items (i.e., rapid-guess), omitting items, or providing short-unrelated answers to open-ended items in an unreasonably short time. Such rapid responses need to be identified to enhance the validity of the arguments from the test data. Detection of rapid-guessing behaviors is typically based on identifying a threshold to represent the minimum response time required for the student to have thoughtfully considered a given item. This study investigates whether using response behaviors can improve the detection of rapid-disengagement by investigating two approaches: (a) using response behaviors to decide on the size of the threshold, and (b) using response behaviors as a condition for detecting disengaged examinees in addition to response times, referred as enhanced methods. Process data and item responses from the PISA 2012 computer-based mathematics assessment were used to examine both approaches under threshold values varying from very small (5 s) to very large (60 s). Results suggested that response behaviors can provide meaningful input on establishing the size of the threshold and that while enhanced methods performed better than using only response times in recognizing rapid-disengagement in some cases, no clear pattern was observed as to when such improvement occurs. This study makes a unique contribution by inspecting the response behaviors of disengaged examinees and providing guidelines on using response behaviors to decide on the size of the threshold. This study suggests response behavior categories that can be applicable to many item and response types, which make them suitable for use in digitally-based large-scale assessments.
Temporal trends in the number of men electing for conservative management for low-risk prostate cancer in the United States.

Concurrent with the decrease in the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa), the proportion of men with low-risk PCa managed conservatively (active surveillance or watchful waiting) has increased in the United States. We aimed to determine whether this increase is a result of more men being managed conservatively or rather a higher proportion of the diminishing number of low-risk PCa managed this way. The SEER “Prostate Watchful Waiting Database” identified men managed initially with conservative management between 2010 and 2016. Men > 40 years old who were diagnosed with low-risk (Gleason score 3 + 3, T1–T2a, PSA level < 10 ng/mL) PCa were included. Age-standardized and age-specific PCa incidence and conservative management rates were calculated per 100,000 man-years. The annual percent change in rates for the entire time period was also calculated. The incidence of low-risk PCa declined by 11.8% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] −15.4% to −8.0%), whereas the number of men assigned to conservative management for low-risk disease did not increase significantly, rising by +3.7% per year (95% CI −0.7% to 8.4%). In age-specific analysis, the number of men < 60 years and those who were 60–69 years managed conservatively increased by +9.6% per year (95% CI 2.7% to 16.9%) and 4.5% per year (95% CI 0.1% to 9.1%), respectively, whereas the number of men ≥ 70 years electing conservative management remained stable at −4% per year (95% CI −11.2% to 3.7%). The number of men electing conservative management has remained largely stable between 2010 and 2016, despite an increase in the proportion of low-risk PCa managed in this manner.
The Arc of Justice Runs Unbendingly through Personal and National Character

The unmediated character of a citizen body determines the prospects for democratic governing. This essay puts that proposition drawn from George Washington to the test, drawing forth from that exam...
Treatment of Pediatric Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune, nonscarring hair loss disorder with slightly greater prevalence in children than adults. Various treatment modalities exist; however, their evidence in pediatric AA patients is lacking. Objective To evaluate the evidence of current treatment modalities for pediatric AA. Methods We conducted a systematic review on the PubMed database in October 2019 for all published articles involving patients Results Inclusion criteria were met by 122 total reports discussing 1032 patients. Reports consisted of 2 randomized controlled trials, 4 prospective comparative cohorts, 83 case series, 2 case-control studies, and 31 case reports. Included articles assessed the use of aloe, apremilast, anthralin, anti-interferon gamma antibodies, botulinum toxin, corticosteroids, contact immunotherapies, cryotherapy, hydroxychloroquine, hypnotherapy, imiquimod, Janus kinase inhibitors, laser and light therapy, methotrexate, minoxidil, phototherapy, psychotherapy, prostaglandin analogs, sulfasalazine, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical nitrogen mustard, and ustekinumab. Limitations English-only articles with full texts were used. Manuscripts with adult and pediatric data were only incorporated if individual-level data for pediatric patients were provided. No meta-analysis was performed. Conclusion Topical corticosteroids are the preferred first-line treatment for pediatric AA, as they hold the highest level of evidence, followed by contact immunotherapy. More clinical trials and comparative studies are needed to further guide management of pediatric AA and to promote the potential use of pre-existing, low-cost, and novel therapies, including Janus kinase inhibitors.
Spiritual Benefit from Cannabis.

Like many mind-altering plants, cannabis has been part of spiritual practices for thousands of years. It has deep roots in Hinduism, Islam, Rastafarianism, and indigenous traditions in Asia, Africa...
The methamphetamine-induced RNA targetome of hnRNP H in Hnrnph1 mutants showing reduced dopamine release and behavior

We previously identified Hnrnph1 (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1) as a quantitative trait gene underlying reduced methamphetamine behavioral sensitivity. Mice with a heterozygous frameshift deletion in the first coding exon of Hnrnph1 showed reduced methamphetamine-induced dopamine release and behaviors. To inform the mechanism linking hnRNP H dysfunction with reduced methamphetamine-induced dopamine release and behavior, we surveyed the RNA targetome of hnRNP H via cross-linking immunoprecipitation coupled with RNA-sequencing in striatal tissue at baseline and at 30 min post-methamphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Methamphetamine induced opposite changes in RNA-binding targets of hnRNP H in Hnrnph1 mutants versus wild-types, including 3′UTR targets in mRNAs enriched for synaptic proteins involved in dopamine release and excitatory synaptic plasticity. Targetome, transcriptome, and spliceome analyses triangulated on a methamphetamine-induced upregulation of Cacna2d2 transcript and decreased 3′UTR usage in hyposensitive Hnrnph1 mutants. Our study identifies a dynamic methamphetamine-induced RNA targetome of hnRNP H that has the potential to rapidly regulate gene expression, synaptic transmission, plasticity, and behavior.
A Semantic Framework for Graph-Based Enterprise Search

Various recent studies have shown that in many companies workers can spend near half of their time looking for information. Effective internal search tools could make their job more efficient. However, a killer application for this type of solutions is still not available. This paper introduces an envisioned architecture, which should represent the foundations of a new generation of tools for searching information within enterprises.
β-Amyloid Stimulation of Inducible Nitric-oxide Synthase in Astrocytes Is Interleukin-1β- and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα)-dependent, and Involves a TNFα Receptor-associated Factor- and NFκB-inducing Kinase-dependent Signaling Mechanism *

In Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques are surrounded by activated astrocytes and microglia. A growing body of evidence suggests that these activated glia contribute to neurotoxicity through the induction of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and the production of neurotoxic free radicals, mediated in part by the expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS). Here, we address the possibility that Abeta-stimulated iNOS expression might result from an initial induction of IL-1beta and TNFalpha. We find that in Abeta-stimulated astrocyte cultures, IL-1beta and TNFalpha production occur before iNOS production, new protein synthesis is required for increased iNOS mRNA levels, and the IL-1 receptor antagonist IL-1ra can inhibit nitrite accumulation. Likewise, dominant-negative mutants of tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6, TRAF2, and NFkappaB-inducing kinase (NIK), intracellular proteins involved in IL-1 and TNFalpha receptor signaling cascades, inhibit Abeta-stimulated iNOS promoter activity. Our data suggest that Abeta stimulation of astrocyte iNOS is mediated in part by IL-1beta and TNFalpha, and involves a TRAF6-, TRAF2-, and NIK-dependent signaling mechanism.
Delving into somatic variation in sporadic melanoma

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has increased in incidence more rapidly than any other cancer. The completion of the human genome project and advancements in genomics technologies has allowed us to investigate genetic alterations of melanoma at a scale and depth that is unprecedented. Here, we survey the history of the different approaches taken to understand the genomics of melanoma - from early candidate genes, to gene families, to genome-wide studies. The new era of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing has paved the way for an in-depth understanding of melanoma biology, identification of new therapeutic targets, and development of novel personalized therapies for melanoma.
Relative affinities of mono and difunctional sulfoxides for lithium picrate in toluene. Effects of structure and stereochemistry

The relative affinity of various mono and difunctional sulfoxides for lithium picrate in toluene was investigated by a competition method utilizing immobilized linear polyethers (glymes). In general, the difunctional sulfoxides were found to bind more strongly than the monofunctional sulfoxides. However, difunctional ligands which would result in eight-membered ring chelated structures bound lithium ion more strongly than those which would result in six-membered ring chelated structures.
Using virtual machines for teaching system administration

Teaching a System Administration course usually requires at least one practice system for each student. Using removable hard drives can be effective in minimizing the total number of computers needed. In this paper, we present an architecture for using Virtual Machine technology to simulate multiple computers on a single machine, as well as discuss how we plan to leverage this architecture for teaching System Administration.
Non-resonant destabilization of (1/1) internal kink mode by suprathermal electron pressure

New experimental observations are reported on the structure and dynamics of short-lived periodic (1, 1) “fishbone”-like oscillations that appear during radio frequency heating and current-drive experiments in tokamak plasmas. For the first time, measurements can directly relate changes in the high energy electrons to the mode onset, saturation, and damping. In the relatively high collisionality of Alcator C-Mod with lower hybrid current drive, the instability appears to be destabilized by the non-resonant suprathermal electron pressure—rather than by wave-particle resonance, rotates toroidally with the plasma and grows independently of the (1, 1) sawtooth crash driven by the thermal plasma pressure.
A genetic variant of soluble guanylate cyclase is associated with higher plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in the general population

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator that also possesses lipogenic properties. In rats, lipid accumulation and lipogenic enzymes are induced by NO and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is dependent on intact NO synthesis in white adipose tissue. Mice in which the gene encoding inducible NO synthase was disrupted are protected from high-fat induced insulin resistance and NO inhibition in rodents on a high fat diet reduces hepatic lipid accumulation. These biological actions of NO are mediated by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and importantly human adipocytes express the genes GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCY1B3 encoding for the alpha and beta subunits of sGC. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs13139571 is located within an intron of GUCY1A3 and its minor allele is associated with higher blood pressure and odds of hypertension in a recent genome wide association study. For the first time, we investigated the metabolic phenotype associated with rs13139571 in a random sample (n1⁄4 2007) of the general population from Olmsted County, MN. Frequencies of rs13139571 genotypes were CC: 59%, AC: 36%, AA: 5%. In age and gender adjusted analysis, carriers of the A minor allele had significantly higher plasma values of total cholesterol (CC: 202 36, AC: 204 36, AA: 208 34 mg/dl, p value1⁄4 0.04) and triglycerides (CC: 145 85, AC: 150 86, CC: 169 101 mg/dl, p value1⁄4 0.01). Metabolic syndrome trended toward increased prevalence in carriers of the minor allele (CC: 21%, AC: 23%, AA: 28%, p value1⁄4 0.06). Genotypes did not differ in terms of systolic blood pressure (CC: 132 22, AC: 134 21, CC: 132 21 mmHg, p value1⁄4 0.45), diastolic blood pressure (CC: 74 10, AC: 74 10, CC: 73 12 mmHg, p value1⁄4 0.77), BMI (CC: 28 5, 29 5, 28 5 Kg/m, p value1⁄4 0.43) and percentage of subjects on antilipemic therapy (CC: 17%, AC: 19%, AA: 18%, p value1⁄4 0.56). These studies suggest that the minor allele of rs13139571 may be associated with increased NO activity and influence lipid metabolism by favoring lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. Alternatively, rs13139571 may be in linkage disequilibrium with another genetic locus that affects cardiometabolic phenotype. Additional studies are warranted to confirm our findings and further investigate the metabolic phenotype associated with this genetic variant.
Comparative development of striatal opiate receptors and dopamine revealed by autoradiography and histofluorescence

The pattern alignment of dopamine and μ opiate receptors in the rat neostriatum during pre- and postnatal development was investigated by means of catecholamine histofluorescence and receptor autoradiography in alternate sections. On embryonic day (E) 14, dopamine and μ opiate receptors appear in the striatum, but neither is yet distributed in patches. On E19, patches and a lateral rim of intense, punctate dopamine fluorescence begin to form, while patches of dense opiate receptors within a less dense matrix are apparent on E20. From the emergence of patterns in the two systems until the disappearance of dopamine fluorescent patches after postnatal day (P) 16, dopamine and opiate receptor patches in the dorsal striatum are in topographic register. After P16, dopamine fluorescence is diffuse and homogeneous in the dorsal striatum, and opiate receptors continue to mature into their heterogeneous adult pattern. In the accumbens nucleus, opiate receptors appear on E18, whereas dopamine fluorescence is not discerned until E20. The patterning of the two systems in the accumbens nucleus lags behind that of the caudate-putamen, and from P6 through adulthood, areas of dim fluorescence correspond to dense opiate receptor patches. The register of dorsal striatal dopamine and opiate receptors and their negative association in the accumbens nucleus are discussed in relation to dual dopamine and opiate systems. The role that these systems play as developmental determinants is discussed.
Testing posttraumatic stress as a mediator of physical, sexual, and psychological intimate partner violence and substance problems among women

This study examined whether posttraumatic stress specifically resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV-related posttraumatic stress) mediated relationships between types of IPV and drug and alcohol problems among 212 women currently experiencing IPV. Six-month prevalence was high for drug use (48%) and alcohol use (59%). Structural equation modeling revealed that the frequency of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV were significantly and positively related to greater IPV-related posttraumatic stress, and IPV-related posttraumatic stress was significantly and positively related to drug problems. Further, IPV-related posttraumatic stress mediated the relationships between physical IPV and drug problems and psychological IPV and drug problems. Findings suggest that prevention and intervention efforts targeting posttraumatic stress among IPV-exposed women may reduce drug problems in this population.
The metabolic effects of troglitazone in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are effective agents for the treatment of hyperglycemia, and appear ideal in diabetic patients with progressive or end-stage renal disease because of its predominant hepatic clearance. Troglitazone, the first available TZD for clinical use, was withdrawn due to safety concerns; however, studies completed with this agent can provide a better understanding of the class effect of TZDs. This study was an open-label, controlled clinical trial examining the safety and efficacy of troglitazone in type 2 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Twelve subjects were randomized to parallel study groups and treated for 6 mo with or without troglitazone at a maximum dose of 600 mg/d in addition to continuing their previous diabetes medications (insulin or sulfonylurea). The results showed no significant differences in glycemic control with or without troglitazone treatment for 6 mo. However, there was a significant reduction in insulin dosage with troglitazone treatment (22.9±7.3 units/d) than without troglitazone treatment (54±12.9 units/d) (p<0.05), as well as the change in the insulin dosage from baseline between the two groups (troglitazone, −8.4 units vs control, +4.3 units, p<0.05). Weight changes and aspartate aminotransferase levels greater than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal were not observed in participants of either treatment group. This study demonstrates that troglitazone was safe and effective for the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients requiring dialysis, and strongly supports the clinical use of currently available TZDs in diabetic patients with renal failure.
Interventions for enhancing adolescents' life skills.

Abstract This article examines how intervention agents can intervene in the lives of youth to enhance the likelihood that they will be successful during adolescence and adulthood. It describes two life skills interventions designed to teach adolescents how to succeed in their various life domains. It also discusses the values related to the design and implementation of the interventions, and program evaluation issues.
Translational control of globin synthesis by low molecular weight RNA.

Summary A species of low molecular weight RNA implicated in the translational control of protein synthesis was analyzed for heterogeneity on Dowex-1 columns. Highest apparent purity was associated with preparations obtained from the high salt wash of ribosomes, and which were subsequently further purified by ethanol precipitation. Kinetic analyses indicated the RNA was not capable of blocking the formation of an inhibitor in the lysate system. Addition of the RNA preparation stimulated the synthesis of all three globin chains by a lysate prepared from cord blood reticulocytes.
Developing & Running a WWW Biology Course

Having used computers in my teaching for more than 15 years, it was almost inevitable that I would decide to evaluate the use of the World Wide Web as a medium for the delivery of courses. A number of factors were important in my eventual decision to develop a WWW version of one of my second-year biology classes-Biology 2040 "Human Biology and Modern Society I." In 1994 I first experimented with electronic bulletin boards (using DEC-Notes as the software platform) with a large (175) on-campus course as a means of improving communications between the instructor and the students, and improving interaction between the students themselves (Collins 1995, 1996/7). In 1995 I also successfully tried the use of computer-projected class electronic notes (using Harvard Graphics as the presentation software) in place of overhead projections. During 1995 I also developed a correspondence version of the Biology 2040 class for use with distance education students. Each of these three elements, together with my previous experience in developing educational courseware, proved to be of immense
Effect of size and dimensionality on the magnetic moment of transition metals

The effect of size and dimensionality on the magnetic moments of Fe, Co, and Ni have been studied theoretically by confining the atoms to various structural forms such as chains, surfaces, and thin films. The size of these systems is controlled by limiting the number of atoms. A new first‐principles theory is developed that enables us to study the electron spin density of states and moments of atoms in clusters containing two to a few thousand atoms. The theory is based upon the elementary principles governing the tight binding and linear combination of atomic orbitals formulations. It contains no adjustable parameters and can be applied to systems with or without topological symmetry. We have discovered quantum size effects on the magnetic moments of linear chains and these effects disappear when the chains contain more than 20 atoms. We have also found distinct effects of the local environment on the magnetic moment. For example, the moments increase with decreasing coordination number and increasing interatomic distance. Our results will be compared with available experimental and theoretical results.
Rapid detection of group B streptococci in vaginal swabs of parturients by latex particle agglutination.

Summary Duplicate high vaginal swabs were obtained from 200 parturient women at Abeokuta (Nigeria). By culture on a selective agar twenty-two women (11%) were found to harbour group B streptococci. The second swab was subjected to a 45 min enzymatic extraction procedure and then tested in a latex agglutination test for group B streptococcal antigen (Wellcogen Strep B; Wellcome Diagnostics, Dartford, UK). The latex test permitted the detection of three out of 22 colonized women (overall sensitivity 13.6%). The sensitivity for detection of heavy colonization was 50% (three out of six women). It is concluded that the sensitivity of the method employed for rapid detection of group B streptococcal antigen in vaginal swabs is still unsatisfactory.
Trafficking in women in Africa

No Abstract. International Journal of Development and Policy Studies Vol. 2 (1) 2002: pp. 400-409
RAPID COMPUTATION OF OCCULTATION LIGHTCURVES USING FOURIER DECOMPOSITION

Calculation of a stellar occultation lightcurve from an assumed refractivity profile involves the integral of the refractivity or its derivatives along the line of sight through an atmosphere. For the general case, normal numerical integration can be time consuming for least-squares fitting with a modest number of free parameters, or for calculation at a fine grid for comparison with local refocusing ("spikes") in a lightcurve. A new method, based on the Fourier decomposition of the refractivity profile, can rapidly calculate the line-of-sight integrals needed for occultations. The method is formulated for small planets, to be applicable to Pluto and Triton. The Fourier decomposition method may have applicability to a wider range of atmospheric studies.
158 SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER OF FRESH AND VITRIFIED BIOPSIED EQUINE EMBRYOS

In horses, determination of certain genetic traits/alleles (e.g. HYPP, SCID, sex, or color) before transfer of embryo often would be advantageous due to the costs of these pregnancies. An attractive option is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, but to date, few biopsied equine embryos have resulted in pregnancies. In the current experiment, 10 embryos ranging in diameter from 160-575 μm were biopsied. To obtain embryos, donor mares were monitored using transrectal ultrasonography. When a follicle >35 mm in diameter was observed, 2500 IU of hCG or 1.5 mg of deslorelin acetate was administered, and mares were inseminated daily until ovulation was detected. Embryos were recovered nonsurgically on Days 6.5-7 (Day 0 = ovulation). Trophoblast biopsies were collected in a 30-μL droplet of Syngro Holding Media (Bioniche, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) using a Piezo drill and beveled injection pipette (7-10 μm outer diameter). Biopsy samples ranged from 4-10 cells by visual assessment. After removal of the embryo, the droplet containing the biopsied cells was moved into an Eppendorf tube and centrifuged at 11 000g for 10 min. Supernatant was removed leaving 5 μL of sample, which was snap frozen for later genetic testing. Embryos were immediately transferred nonsurgically into the uteri of recipient mares synchronized to ovulate 0 to 2 days after the donor. Pregnancy examinations were performed via ultrasonography on Days 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, and 25. Pregnancies were confirmed on Day 16 for 6 of the 10 transfers. Five embryos (175-240 μm) had confirmed heartbeats on Day 25; one recipient mare lost her pregnancy (160 μm) between Days 16 and 20. The two largest embryos, 390 and 575 μm, did not result in pregnancies. As a preliminary experiment, 7 embryos (150-300 μm) were vitrified according to Eldridge-Panuska et al. (2005) after biopsying and later warmed and transferred directly. Three (all 200 μm) Day 16 pregnancies resulted from the transfer of vitrified, biopsied embryos. Two pregnancies were maintained to a heartbeat; one pregnancy resulted in the formation of an empty trophoblastic vesicle. All pregnancies were terminated on or after Day 25 to collect embryos for further genetic testing. For pre-implantation genetic testing, a duplex-nested PCR was developed for amplification of the DNA from the biopsied cells using primers for sex chromosome-linked zinc finger protein genes (ZFX/ZFY; 445 bp), and 2 pairs of primers for equine-specific sex-determining region on the Y-chromosome (SRY; 217 bp, 121 bp). Experiments on XX and XY genomic DNA from white blood cells revealed accurate genetic testing on as little as 9 pg of DNA, which equals 1 cell. Preliminary results revealed successful sex genotyping on biopsied material, and current experiments are underway to confirm and expand on these results.
A Unique Tribute to Theobald Smith, 1915

From 1895 to 1915 Theobald Smith served as Professor of Comparative Pathology in the Harvard Medical School in Boston and concurrently as Director of the Massachusetts State Antitoxin and Vaccine Laboratory. On the verge of his departure for a new post at the Rockefeller Institute in Princeton, New Jersey, Smith's colleagues sponsored an elaborate dinner in his honor. Marshall Fabyan, who was the moving spirit behind the affair, also designed an eight-inch by ten-inch souvenir card on which twenty-six sketches depicted Smith's signal researches. This previously unpublished card is reproduced in the present paper, and a digest of the work represented by each sketch is provided. Collectively these summaries are evidence of the remarkable range of Smith's accomplishments, and they serve as a remainder of why Smith is universally regarded as the premier American microbiologist of his day.
Induction of ornithine decarboxylase by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate in rat tissues

Summary Injection of 100μ g of 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) intraperitoneally led to a marked increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in the brain, liver, and lung of male rats. The enzyme activity was increased 45-fold, 9-fold, and 8-fold above controls in the liver, brain, and lung respectively. Maximal induction of the enzyme occurred at 5 hr and returned to control levels by 12 hr. Tumor promotor-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity was also observed in the liver and lung of hypophysectomised animals but not in the brain. The implications of these data on future studies involving the promotion of TPA of tumors initiated in tissues other than the epidermis are discussed.
Implementation of a high energy 4ω probe beam on the Omega laser

A high-energy, ultraviolet Thomson scattering probe beam has been implemented on the Omega laser facility at the University of Rochester. The new probe operates at a wavelength of 264 nm, with a maximum energy of 260 J in a pulse length of 1 ns. The probe is focused with an F/6.7 lens to a minimum focal spot of 40 μm within a pointing tolerance of <50 μm. Data obtained from this probe beam have provided new diagnostic information on plasmas relevant for inertial confinement fusion and atomic physics studies.
Maximal biliary excretion of bilirubin and sulfobromophthalein during various rates of infusion in rats of different weights and strains.

Abstract The maximal biliary excretion of bilirubin and sulfobromophthalein (BSP) has been used by several investigators to define the altered liver function seen in rats after treatment with various chemicals. The present study deals with the effect of the infusion rate of these test agents, the strain of rat, and the weight of the rat on the apparent maximal rate of biliary excretion of bilirubin and BSP. Provided these substances are infused on a body weight basis, variations in weight do not produce marked alterations in biliary excretion values. Maximum rates of excretion occur at infusion rates of 1.5 mg/min/kg or above with both substances. Wistar rats exhibit significantly lower maximum rates of excretion than do Long-Evans or Simonsen Sprague-Dawley rats. For bilirubin these values are as follows: Wistar, 0.82; Long-Evans, 0.94; and Simonsen Sprague-Dawley, 0.90 mg/min/kg. For BSP, these values are as follows: Wistar, 1.17; Long-Evans, 1.38; and Simonsen Sprague-Dawley, 1.44 mg/min/kg.
Role of inhibitor aliphatic chain in the thermodynamics of inhibitor binding to Escherichia coli enoyl-ACP reductase and the Phe203Leu mutant: a proposed mechanism for drug resistance.

The antibacterial target enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase is a homotetrameric enzyme that catalyzes the last reductive step of fatty acid biosynthesis. In the present paper, four 2-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)phenol inhibitors, wherein the 4-position substituent varied from H to n-propyl, were studied to determine the contribution of the aliphatic chain to the binding to the wild-type (wt) enoyl-ACP reductase from Escherichia coli (FabI) and a drug-resistant mutant, (F203L)FabI, in which phenylalanine 203 is mutated to leucine. Thermodynamic parameters of ternary complex formation (enzyme−NAD+−inhibitor) were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. The inhibitor affinity to wt FabI and (F203L)FabI increases with increasing aliphatic chain length, although the corresponding affinity for (F203L)FabI is lower, and also, it shows no detectable binding to the 4-H inhibitor. A distinguishing feature of inhibitor binding to either binary enzyme−NAD+ complex is the apparent negative cooperativity for bind...
Selection Criteria for Accelerated Partial-Breast Irradiation: Impact on Applicability

Abstract This study examines the potential applicability of accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) based on clinical and pathologic selection criteria in patients with stage I/II breast cancer. The records of 535 patients treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation were reviewed. The patient database was analyzed for the following factors: age, extensive intraductal carcinoma (EIC), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), margin status, histologic type, pathologic nodal status, and pathologic tumor size. Two hundred seventeen records were located. The minimal selection criteria for APBI were assumed to include patient age of ≥ 45 years, nonlobular histology, negative margins (> 2 mm), absence of EIC, and node-negative status. The potential variations in selection criteria for age, tumor size, and LVI were investigated with regard to the proportion of patients who would be eligible for APBI. In addition, predictors for true versus diffuse recurrence were examined among 40 patients who had a local recurrence. Using variable patient age cutoffs and T2 tumors as well as LVI, 9%–47% of patients could have been considered for APBI in this study. Using an age cutoff of ≥ 65 years, 9%–15% of patients could have been eligible for APBI. However, using an age cutoff of ≥ 45 years, 28%–47% might be eligible, with the consideration of LVI becoming important. Among 40 local recurrences, 12 occurred at the primary site; 15 occurred elsewhere, diffusely, or with dermal involvement; and the locations of 13 could not be determined. Extensive intraductal carcinoma was the only significant predictor for recurrence at the primary site ( P = 0.01). The potential impact of APBI on breast radiation therapy practice needs to be further delineated, and appropriate selection criteria should be refined.
Current-Generated Algebras

We assume that a component of the F-spin current is utilized as part or all of the vector weak current for strongly interacting particles. Likewise we assume that the same component of an axial vector current octet is part or all of the axial vector weak current. The space integrals of the time components of these two octets then generate, by repeated equal time commutation relations, some algebra. We describe the classification of these possible algebras and give some examples. The algebra SU(3) × SU(3) proposed earlier is not only the smallest of these possible candidates. It is also uniquely selected if the two octets exhaust the whole weak current of strongly interacting particles and if that current has the same algebraic properties as the weak current of the known leptons, in accord with the principle of universality of weak interactions.
Mononuclear ruthenium(II) complexes that catalyze water oxidation.

Two series of mononuclear ruthenium(II) complexes involving polypyridine-type ligands have been prepared, and their ability to act as catalysts for water oxidation has been examined. One series is of the type [Ru(tpy)(NN)Cl](PF6) (tpy = 2,2′; 6,2′′-terpyridine), where NN is one of 12 different bidentate ligands, and the other series includes various combinations of 4-picoline, 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), and tpy as well as the tetradentate 2,9-dipyrid-2′-yl-1,10-phenanthroline (dpp). The electronic absorption and redox data for these compounds have been measured and reported. The long-wavelength metal-to-ligand charge-transfer absorption and the first oxidation and reduction potentials are found to be consistent with the structure of the complex. Of the 23 complexes, 14 catalyze water oxidation and all of these contain a tpy or dpp. Kinetic measurements indicate a first-order reaction and together with a catalyst recovery experiment argue against the involvement of RuO2. A tentative mechanism is proposed that ...
Aspartic proteases from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Structural organization and developmental and cell-specific expression of asp-1.

A Caenorhabditis elegans gene (asp-1) and cDNA that encode a homologue of cathepsin D aspartic protease were cloned and characterized. The asp-1mRNA is transcribed from a single exon, and it begins with the SL1trans-splice leader sequence. The protein (ASP-1) is expressed as a 396-amino acid, 42.7-kDa pre-pro-peptide that is post-translationally processed into a ∼40-kDa lysosomal protein. ASP-1 shares ∼60% sequence identity with the aspartic protease precursor from the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. The amino acid sequences adjacent to the two active site aspartic acid residues in ASP-1 are 100% identical to those in other eukaryotic aspartic proteases. In addition, ASP-1 contains conserved, potential disulfide bond-forming cysteine residues andN-glycosylation sites. The asp-1 gene is exclusively transcribed in the intestinal cells, with the highest levels of expression observed at late embryonic and early larval stages of development. asp-1 transcription is not observed in adult nematodes or mature larvae. Furthermore, transcription predominantly occurs in eight anterior cells of the intestine (int6-int8). Analyses of ASP-1 nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed the presence of five additional C. elegansaspartic proteases.
Yellow jacket control by baiting. 1. Influence of toxicants and attractants on bait acceptance.

Twelve insecticides incorporated into fish-flavored cat food were compared as baits for Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure). They included chlorinated hydrocarbon, organophosphate. and carbamate insecticides and with the exception of mirex, imparted varying degrees of repellency to the baits. Artificial attractants were synthesized and field tested. The addition of I of these, heptyl crotonate, doubled the amount of 0.5% mirex bait and tripled the amount of 1% mixed bait removed by yellow jackets. Excellent control of yellow jackets was obtained in test areas ranging in size from a single residential lot to about 40 hectares (100 acres). Annual control was obtained with a single baiting at any time during the production of brood. One bait station, containing 450 g of bait, per 2 hectares gave control. Rebaiting was done only when most of the bait was removed by the yellow jackets within the 1st week of control. bait was acceptable to yellow jackets as long as it remained.
Ultra-Low Loss Fiber for 100G-Based Trans-Oceanic Transmission

In order to realize trans-oceanic high capacity transmissions, the lowering of transmission loss of optical fiber is crucially important. In this paper, recent realization of pure-silica-core fibers having 0.15dB/km at 1550nm is discussed.
Numerical Computation of Subsonic Oscillatory Airforce Coefficients for Wing-Winglet Configurations

This paper presents the theoretical development and numerical results of a lifting-surface theory for calculating oscillating airforce coefficients for wing-winglet configurations and it follows the author's previous paper on the extension of Davies' T-tail theory for cruciform-tail configurations. The wing-winglet configurations are assumed to vibrate in a simple harmonic motion of infinitesimal amplitude in a subsonic airstream such that linearised aerodynamic theory is applicable for the analysis of the motion. The modes of displacement of the wing-winglet configuration may be either symmetric or antisysmmetric with respect to the centre-line of the configuration in the direction of the flow.A computer program has been developed for the evaluation of oscillatory airforce coefficients for wing-winglet configurations. Aerodynamic stiffness and damping matrices which are normally used for aeroelastic calculations have been obtained for a typical transport aircraft wing-winglet configuration at two winglet...
Autism Spectrum Disorders : Concurrent Clinical Disorders

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are heterogeneous in clinical presentation, concurrent disorders, and developmental outcomes. This study characterized the clinical co-occurrences and potential subgroups in 160 children with autism spectrum disorders who presented to The Autism Center between 1999 and 2003. Medical and psychiatric co-occurrences included sleep disorders, epilepsy, food intolerance, gastrointestinal dysfunction, mood disorder, and aggressive and self-injurious behaviors. Sleep disorders were associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction (P < .05) and mood disorders (P < .01). Food intolerance was associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction (P = .001). Subjects with mood disorder tended to develop aggressive or self-injurious behaviors (P < .05). Developmental regression was not associated with increased co-occurrence of medical or psychiatric disorders. Medical co-occurrence did not present as a risk factor for psychiatric co-occurrence, and vice versa. These results showed a high prevalence of multiple medical and psychiatric co-occurrences. There may be common pathophysiologic mechanisms resulting in clinical subgroups of autism spectrum disorders. Recognition of the co-occurrence of concurrent disorders may provide insight into the therapeutic strategy.