cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Publisher Summary Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily affects women during their reproductive years. As fertility is maintained in women with lupus, the dilemma of managing lupus during pregnancy, and vice versa, is common. Most lupus pregnancies are successful, and the effect of pregnancy on lupus activity and damage is manageable. Several subsets of women, however, have significant difficulties carrying pregnancy. Women with active lupus at onset or early in the pregnancy course have a high rate of pregnancy loss. A woman with lupus who presents with hypertension and proteinuria in the latter part of pregnancy may have either a lupus flare or preeclampsia. It is important to distinguish between the two, as therapies are very different. First, check the complement levels, antids DNA titer, uric acid, and urine calcium. Second, look for other signs of a lupus flare, such as arthritis or a malar rash. Women taking teratogenic medications, including cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, and thalidomide, protect against pregnancy. Women with lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and a history of prior arterial thrombosis are at increased risk for stroke during pregnancy despite adequate anticoagulation.
Transforming public health using value lens and extended partner networks

Introduction: Organizational transformations have focusedon creating and fulfilling value for customers, leveraging advanced technologies Transforming public health (PH) faces an interesting challenge The value created (preventive practices) to fulfill policy makers' desire to reduce healthcare costs is realized by several external partners with varying goals and is practiced by the public (value in use which often places low priority on prevention Methods: This paper uses value lens to argue that PH transformation strategy must align the goals of all stakeholders involved This may include allowing partners and the public to contextualize the preventive practices to see the value in near time and as relevant It also means extending the number of partners PH uses and helping them connect with the public to seek shared alignment in shared goals of value fulfillment arid value-in-use Results: Using lessons from Covid-19 and PH experience with partners in four different sectors: business, healthcare, public and community, the paper illustrates how PH transformation strategy can be implemented going forward Results: Using lessons from Covid-19 and PH experience with partners in four different sectors: business, healthcare, public and community, the paper illustrates how PH transformation strategy can be implemented going forward Conclusions: We conclude the paper with five distinct directions for future research to createand sustain value using the framework of learning health systems
Nepal: Tarai/Madhesh Movements and Political Elites:

The purpose of this article is to compare Nepal’s two Tarai/Madhesh Movements using the political opportunity structure theory of social movements. Tarai/Madhesh Movement I launched by the Forum fo...
Early Changes in Kidney Transplant Immunosuppression Regimens During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background Kidney transplant recipients have higher risk of infectious diseases due to their reliance on immunosuppression. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, some clinicians might have opted for less potent immunosuppressive agents to counterbalance the novel infectious risk. We conducted a nationwide study to characterize immunosuppression use and subsequent clinical outcomes during the first 5 months of COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Methods Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we studied all kidney-only recipients in the United States from January 1, 2017, to March 12, 2020 ("prepandemic" era; n = 64 849) and from March 13, 2020, to July 31, 2020 ("pandemic" era; n = 5035). We compared the use of lymphocyte-depleting agents (versus basiliximab or no induction) and maintenance steroids (versus steroid avoidance/withdrawal) in the pandemic era compared with the prepandemic era. Then, we compared early posttransplant outcomes by immunosuppression regimen during the pandemic era. Results Recipients in the pandemic era were substantially less likely to receive lymphocyte-depleting induction agents compared with their prepandemic counterparts (aOR = 0.400.530.69); similar trends were found across subgroups of state-level COVID-19 incidence, donor type, and recipient age. However, lymphocyte-depleting induction agents were associated with decreased rejection during admission (aOR = 0.110.230.47) but not with increased mortality in the pandemic era (aHR = 0.130.471.66). On the other hand, the use of maintenance steroids versus early steroid withdrawal remained similar (aOR = 0.711.071.62). Conclusions The use of lymphocyte-depleting induction agents has decreased in favor of basiliximab and no induction during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this shift might have resulted in increases in rejection with no clear reductions in posttransplant mortality.
P. W. Bridgman's contributions to the foundations of shock compression of condensed matter

Based on his 50-year career in static high-pressure research, P. W. Bridgman (PWB) is the father of modern high-pressure physics. What is not generally recognized is that Bridgman was also intimately connected with establishing shock compression as a scientific tool and he predicted major events in shock research that occurred up to 40 years after his death. In 1956 the first phase transition under shock compression was reported in Fe at 13 GPa (130 kbar). PWB said a phase transition could not occur in a ~microsec, thus setting off a controversy. The scientific legitimacy of shock compression resulted 5 years later when static high-pressure researchers confirmed with x-ray diffraction the existence of epsilon-Fe. Once PWB accepted the fact that shock waves generated with chemical explosives were a valid scientific tool, he immediately realized that substantially higher pressures would be achieved with nuclear explosives. He included his ideas for achieving higher pressures in articles published a few years after his death. L. V. Altshuler eventually read Bridgman's articles and pursued the idea of using nuclear explosives to generate super high pressures, which subsequently morphed today into giant lasers. PWB also anticipated combining static and shock methods, which today is done with pre-compression of a soft sample in a diamond anvil cell followed by laser-driven shock compression. One variation of that method is the reverberating-shock technique, in which the first shock pre-compresses a soft sample and subsequent reverberations isentropically compress the first-shocked state.
Land conversion and pesticide use degrade forage areas for honey bees in America's beekeeping epicenter

A diverse range of threats have been associated with managed-bee declines globally. Recent increases of two known threats, land-use change and pesticide use, have resulted from agricultural expansion and intensification notably in the top honey-producing state in the United States: North Dakota. This study investigated the dual threat from land conversion and pesticide use surrounding ~14,000 registered apiaries in North Dakota from 2001 to 2014. We estimated the annual total insecticide use (kg) on major crops within 1.6 km of apiary sites. Of the eight insecticides quantified, six showed significant increasing trends over the time period. Specifically, applications of the newly established neonicotinoids Chlothianidin, Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam, increased annually by 1329 kg, 686 kg, 795 kg, respectively. Also, the use of Chlorpyrifos, which was well-established in the state by 2001 and is highly toxic to honey bees, increased by ~8,800 kg annually from 6,500 kg in 2001 to 115,000 kg in 2014 on corn, soybeans and wheat. We further evaluated the relative quality changes of natural/semi-natural land covers surrounding apiaries in 2006, 2010 and 2014, a period of significant increases in cropland area. In areas surrounding apiaries, we observed changes in multiple indices of forage quality that reflect the deteriorating landscape surrounding registered apiary sites due to land-use change and pesticide-use increases. Overall, our results suggest that the application of foliar-applied insecticides, including pyrethroids and one organophosphate, increased surrounding apiaries when the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments surged and the area for producing corn and soybeans expanded. Spatially, these threats were most pronounced in southeastern North Dakota, a region hosting a high density of apiary sites that has recently experienced corn and soybean expansion. Our results highlight the value of natural and semi-natural land covers as sources of pollinator forage and refugia for bees against pesticide exposure. Our study provides insights for targeting conservation efforts to improve forage quality benefiting managed pollinators.
Age-Dependent Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 and P.1 Variant by Vaccine Immune Serum Samples.

This study examines the relationship between age and neutralizing antibody titers against the SARS-CoV-2 USA-WA1/2020 strain and the P.1 variant after 2 doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine.
Hopcroft's Problem, Log-Star Shaving, 2D Fractional Cascading, and Decision Trees.

We revisit Hopcroft's problem and related fundamental problems about geometric range searching. Given $n$ points and $n$ lines in the plane, we show how to count the number of point-line incidence pairs or the number of point-above-line pairs in $O(n^{4/3})$ time, which matches the conjectured lower bound and improves the best previous time bound of $n^{4/3}2^{O(\log^*n)}$ obtained almost 30 years ago by Matou\v{s}ek. We describe two interesting and different ways to achieve the result: the first is randomized and uses a new 2D version of fractional cascading for arrangements of lines; the second is deterministic and uses decision trees in a manner inspired by the sorting technique of Fredman (1976). The second approach extends to any constant dimension. Many consequences follow from these new ideas: for example, we obtain an $O(n^{4/3})$-time algorithm for line segment intersection counting in the plane, $O(n^{4/3})$-time randomized algorithms for bichromatic closest pair and Euclidean minimum spanning tree in three or four dimensions, and a randomized data structure for halfplane range counting in the plane with $O(n^{4/3})$ preprocessing time and space and $O(n^{1/3})$ query time.
Photoreceptors in Avian Magnetoreception

The geomagnetic field is an important source of directional information and a physiological magnetic compass has been demonstrated in numerous species of migratory birds as well as other animals ([Wiltschko and Wiltschko 1995a]). Recently, a growing body of behavioral evidence indicates that the avian magnetic compass involves blue-green photoreceptors that can undergo redox chemistry (radical-pair reactions). We will review the current knowledge of the wavelength dependence of magnetic compass responses. We present the current model that the magnetic sensitivity is based on the influence of magnetic fields on singlet-triplet transitions in photoreceptors and review recent evidence supporting such a chemical sensing mechanism. Having identified the mechanism of the magnetic compass, the field of magnetoreception now calls for genetic and molecular approaches to identify the molecular basis of photoreceptor-based magnetoreception. We discuss potential receptor candidates and implications on plant morphogenesis.
Anarchy Unbound: Why Self-Governance Works Better Than You Think

In Anarchy Unbound, Peter T. Leeson uses rational choice theory to explore the benefits of self-governance. Relying on experience from the past and present, Professor Leeson provides evidence of anarchy 'working' where it is least expected to do so and explains how this is possible. Provocatively, Leeson argues that in some cases anarchy may even outperform government as a system of social organization, and demonstrates where this may occur. Anarchy Unbound challenges the conventional self-governance wisdom. It showcases the incredible ingenuity of private individuals to secure social cooperation without government and how their surprising means of doing so can be superior to reliance on the state.
Illegal Fowl: A Survey of Municipal Laws Relating to Backyard Poultry and a Model Ordinance for Regulating City Chickens

As the movement towards keeping backyard chickens continues to grow, many cities are facing the decision of whether to allow residents to keep chickens and, if so, how to effectively regulate the practice. This paper provides the information necessary for cities to design a workable ordinance. First, the paper gathers information about the benefits and concerns of keeping backyard chickens. Next, the paper surveys municipal ordinances in the top 100 most populous cities in the United States that concern keeping and raising chickens. This survey reveals that chickens are, perhaps surprisingly, legal in the vast majority of large cities. The survey also identifies regulatory norms and some effective and less effective ways to regulate chicken-keeping. Finally, the paper offers a model ordinance, based on the background information and survey results, that a city can adopt or easily modify to fit the city’s unique needs.
Lysozyme-catalyzed Reaction of the N-Acetylglucosamine Hexasaccharide DEPENDENCE OF RATE ON pH

Abstract The rate of lysozyme-catalyzed reaction of the β(1 → 4)-linked hexasaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine was determined at 40°, 0.1 ionic strength, and pH 2 to 10.5. Reaction rate was determined by measuring increase in reducing sugar for the hydrolysis reaction or by charcoal column analysis for the transglycosylation reaction. At all pH values, only one bond in the hexasaccharide is cleaved. Apparent first order kinetics is followed at substrate concentrations above Km, in accord with equally strong binding of hexasaccharide substrate and tetrasaccharide product. Measurements of the hydrolysis reaction above 10-4 m substrate were complicated by transglycosylation to the substrate as acceptor. The pH profile gave for κcat the kinetic apparent pK values 3.8 and 6.7 and a maximum value of κcat 0.15 s-1, and for κcat/Km the pK values 4.2 and 6.1. Equilibrium measurements of hexasaccharide binding at 40° and 0.1 ionic strength showed that Km equals Ks, with maximum value 9 x 10-6 m at pH 5. Detailed interpretation of the pH profiles was carried out under the assumptions that non-productive complexes are of kinetic importance and the structure of the productive complex and the catalytic mechanism are those suggested by the crystallography. This analysis gave for the free enzyme and nonproductive enzyme-hexamer complex, respectively, the values pK 6.1 and pK 6.7 for Glu-35 and pK 3.4 to 3.7 and pK 3.8 for Asp-52.
Large Eddy Simulation of turbulent shear flows

We believe that LES shows promise for the future, and that its development should be continued. The methods presented in this paper have been applied to the flows described, and important results concerning the nature of these flows have been obtained. For details see our reports [9, 11] or forthcoming papers.
The Role of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Delivering Family Planning Services to Adolescents

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this article was to examine the role of community health centers (CHCs) in providing comprehensive family planning services to adolescents, looking at the range of services offered and factors associated with provision of these services. Methods This study employed a mixed methods approach comprising a national survey of CHCs and six in-depth case studies of health centers to examine the organization and delivery of family planning services. We developed an adolescent family planning index comprising nine family planning services specifically tailored to adolescents. We analyzed the influence of state-level family planning policies, funding for adolescents, and organizational characteristics on the provision of these services in CHCs. The case studies identified barriers to the provision of family planning to adolescent patients. Results The survey found substantial variation in the provision of family planning services at CHCs, with a mean of 6.33 out of a maximum score of 13 on the family planning adolescent services index. Title X funding and location within a favorable state policy environment were significantly associated with higher scores on the family planning adolescent services index ( p value Conclusions CHCs have the opportunity to play a significant role in providing high-quality family planning to low-income, medically underserved adolescents. Additional funding, resources, and a favorable policy climate would further improve CHCs' ability to serve the family planning needs of this special patient population.
Opposite Modulation of Opiate Withdrawal Behaviors on Microinfusion of a Protein Kinase A Inhibitor Versus Activator into the Locus Coeruleus or Periaqueductal Gray

Chronic opiate administration upregulates the cAMP pathway in the locus coeruleus (LC). This adaptation is thought to increase the electrical excitability of LC neurons and contribute to the dramatic increase in LC firing induced by opioid receptor antagonists in opiate-dependent animals. The goal of the present study was to evaluate directly a role of the cAMP pathway in opiate withdrawal behaviors by studying, in vivo, whether withdrawal is influenced by intra-LC infusion of compounds known to activate or inhibit protein kinase A (PKA). Infusions into amygdala or periaqueductal gray (PAG) were studied for comparison. In one series of experiments the effect of intra-LC, intra-amygdala, or intra-PAG infusions of the PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal from morphine was examined. Intra-LC infusions of Rp-cAMPS significantly attenuated several prominent behavioral signs of morphine withdrawal. Intra-PAG infusions of Rp-cAMPS also significantly attenuated opiate withdrawal behaviors, although different behaviors were affected. In contrast, intra-amygdala infusions of Rp-cAMPS were without significant effect. In a second series of experiments the effect of intra-LC or intra-PAG infusions of the PKA activator Sp-cAMPS on behavior in nondependent drug-naive animals was determined. Sp-cAMPS infusions into either brain region induced a quasi-withdrawal syndrome, but the observed behaviors differed between the two groups. Analysis of the phosphorylation state of tyrosine hydroxylase, a well characterized substrate for PKA, confirmed the ability of Rp-cAMPS and Sp-cAMPS to inhibit and activate, respectively, PKA activity in vivo. Together, these data provide direct evidence for involvement of the cAMP–PKA system in the LC, as well as in the PAG, in opiate withdrawal and withdrawal-related behaviors.
Adenosine protects against attenuation of flow reserve and myocardial function after coronary occlusion and reperfusion

Total coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion result in attenuation of coronary blood flow reserve, regional myocardial dysfunction, and myocardial leukocyte infiltration. To examine the effects of intracoronary adenosine on these occlusion and reperfusion-induced perturbations, we subjected 14 dogs to total left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occlusion (1 hour) and reperfusion (1 hour). Seven dogs received adenosine (3.75 mg/min into the LAD distal to the occlusion) over a 1-hour period starting 5 minutes before reperfusion, and the remaining seven dogs received saline solution. One dog in each group died of ventricular fibrillation during coronary artery occlusion. Coronary flow reserve, measured as peak reactive hyperemia (10 and 20 seconds of total coronary artery occlusion) and peak coronary blood flow response to acetylcholine (0.01 to 1.0 micrograms) and nitroglycerin (5 to 25 micrograms), was impaired in the LAD region after LAD occlusion and reperfusion in the saline-treated dogs (all p < 0.01 vs before occlusion and reperfusion); LAD regional myocardial shortening fraction measured by ultrasonic crystals was also diminished after occlusion and reperfusion in saline-treated dogs (-5% +/- 1% vs 12% +/- 2%; p < 0.02). The adenosine-treated dogs showed total protection against loss of coronary flow reserve (peak reactive hyperemia and blood flow increase in response to acetylcholine and nitroglycerin; all p values not significant vs before LAD occlusion and reperfusion). LAD regional myocardial shortening fraction was also preserved in adenosine-treated dogs (9% +/- 2% vs 14% +/- 2%; p not significant). Myocardial myeloperoxidase activity, measured as an index of myocardial leukocyte infiltration, was greater (p < 0.02) in the LAD ischemic-reperfused regions than in nonischemic circumflex regions in the saline-treated dogs. A similar difference in myeloperoxidase activities in the reperfused and control regions was not observed in the adenosine-treated dogs. Thus adenosine protects against loss of coronary flow reserve and regional myocardial function in dogs subjected to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion.
Paleoclimatologic and Paleobiologic Implications of Louann Salt Deposition: ABSTRACT

On the assumption that the Louann Salt mass extends below the Gulf of Mexico basin, its volume is calculated at about 4 million km3. If such an amount of salt is added to the volume of present ocean water, together with other post-Paleozoic salts in Africa and the Middle East, the ocean water at the close of the Paleozoic is found to be at least 20 percent saltier than that of the present. The evidence of extinction of many forms of marine life at the close of the Paleozoic probably reflects the inability of marine animals to survive in such salty waters, but it also suggests that such saltiness was not typical of Paleozoic seas and was a consequence of Permian climatic and weathering conditions. The extraction and accumulation of the Louann Salt mass required prolonged continuance of evaporating conditions. The extensive presence of eolian sandstone in the Triassic System of North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and Europe indicates that desert and semiarid regions probably were far more extensive then than now, and that highly evaporative winds were the agencies affecting the return to normal oceanic salinity as the Louann Salt was deposited. In turn, surviving animal stocks were able to proliferate and fill the Jurassic seas. It is probable that these conditions also exercised significant control in accumulation of such nonmetallic deposits as phosphates, uranium, potash, sulfur, and bauxite. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1833------------
Modern treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is diagnosed over 100,000 times yearly in the United States and is the recognized primary cause of death in at least 10,000 cases. Thrombolytic therapy has been successful in reducing clot burden substantially; however, clinical data are lacking to indicate that thrombolytic therapy improves mortality rates in patients with pulmonary emboli or that the pharmacologic removal of colt will improve future quality of life. The use of thrombolytic agents has been limited by the potential for producing hemorrhagic complications. This paper discusses the pharmacology of numerous thrombolytic agents and their clinical use in research studies intended to determine the safest and most efficacious regimens. Recombinant t-PA infusions appear quite safe and produce very rapid lyses of pulmonary emboli. Innovative administration regimens of urokinase also appear promising. The availability of extremely safe and efficacious treatment regimens should allow for large epidemiologic studies to be conducted to determine whether thrombolytic therapy will improve the morbidity and mortality of pulmonary embolism.
Economic and political liberalisation in South Korea and Mexico

(1993). Economic and political liberalisation in South Korea and Mexico. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 109-136.
Subjective Well-being of Older African Americans with DSM IV Psychiatric Disorders

This study examined demographic and mental health correlates of subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, happiness) using a national sample of older African Americans with psychiatric disorders. We used a subsample of 185 African Americans, 55 and older with at least one of thirteen lifetime psychiatric disorders from The National Survey of American Life: Coping with Stress in the 21st Century (NSAL). The findings indicated that among this population of older adults who had a lifetime psychiatric disorder, having a lifetime suicidal ideation was associated with life satisfaction but not happiness. Further, having a 12-month anxiety disorder or a lifetime suicidal ideation was not associated with happiness. Having a 12-month mood disorder, however, was negatively associated with an individual's level of happiness, as well as their life satisfaction. Additionally, there were two significant interactions. Among men, employment was positively associated with life satisfaction, and marriage was associated with higher levels of happiness among men but not women. The overall pattern of findings reflects both similarities and departures from prior research confirming that well-being evaluations are associated with multiple factors.
Measurement of mouse brain glucose utilization in vivo using [U-14C]glucose.

The rate of [2-14C]glucose uptake has been used as an indication of the status of energy consumption by the rat brain, but the cost of this radiolabel can be prohibitive and the surgical manipulation involved in published methods is extensive. A method for measuring glucose utilization in vivo in mouse brain with [U-14C]glucose is described in this article. Glucose consumption in whole mouse brain obtained with [U-14C]glucose or [2-14C]glucose was 0.650±0.022 and 0.716±0.36 nmol/mg/min, respectively. In all instances the rate obtained with the uniformly labeled isotope was somewhat lower than that found with [2-14C]glucose. The rate of glucose utilization measured with either isotope was significantly depressed in sodium pentobarbital anesthetized mice. The method described here is advantageous because [U-14C]glucose is substantially less expensive than [2-14C]glucose and surgical intervention is avoided.
Introduction to endoscopy.

Endoscopy is an area of rapidly growing interest within veterinary medicine. This is understandable, because it is a relatively noninvasive procedure in which a tremendous amount of diagnostic data may be obtained. The purpose of this article is to introduce the novice to the equipment and potential uses of endoscopy.
Transovarial Transmission of LaCrosse Virus (California Encephalitis Group) in the Mosquito, Aedes triseriatus

LaCrosse virus (California encephalitis group) was recovered from F1 eggs, larvae, and adults produced by experimentally infected Aedes triseriatus. The F1 females transmitted the virus by bite to suckling mice and chipmunks. This, plus isolations of LaCrosse virus from larvae collected from their natural habitats in enzootic areas and from males and females reared from them, suggests that transovarial transmission is the overwintering mechanism for this arbovirus in northern United States.
Pictures as a means of conveying information.

Abstract These two experiments, which were conducted at a large midwestem American university, demonstrated that naive art observers can recognize tangible objects that are represented realistically in a picture. However, naive art observers cannot perceive the abstract themes that are portrayed in a picture unless they are informed about the relationships between the pictorial symbols and the concepts they represent.
Parent and Nonparent Perception of the Multimodal Infant Cry

This study examined whether perceivers can detect infant distress in the visual and acoustic signals within the cry. Parent and nonparent perceivers rated distress in 3-, 6-, 8-, and 12-month-old infants' cries that were manipulated to separate facial, vocal, and bodily action. Mean perceiver ratings differed for high- and low-distress cries at each infant age on the basis of facial and vocal action, but not bodily movement. Perceivers rated the cry sound as more distressed and the cry face as less distressed with increasing infant age. Parents rated the cries as less distressed overall than did nonparents. The results suggest that information about distress is available for perceivers in the crying infant's face and voice.
Giant ragweed pollen causes an increase in bronchial airway permeability

Abstract Rationale Ragweed pollen, a clinically important and major aeroallergen, elicits bronchial airway inflammation. The inflammatory process involves changes in permeability with resulting edema, which can occur in asthma. There is little documentation investigating the mechanisms by which ragweed pollen causes changes in bronchial airway permeability. We sought to investigate the mechanisms by which ragweed pollen causes increased permeability in bronchial airway epithelial cells (BAECs). Methods We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to estimate pollen-induced production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, also called vascular permeability factor) by BAECs. E-cadherin was visualized by immunofluorescent staining. We used fluorescent microscopy to visualize gap formation between BAECs. Pollen-induced changes in BAEC barrier function was estimated by measuring electrical resistance, using an Electrical Cell substrate Impedance-sensing System (ECIS). Results Ragweed pollen induced VEGF production in BAECs in a time-dependent manner. E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased in BAECs exposed to ragweed pollen. Ragweed pollen caused gap formation between BAECs in a time-dependent manner. Electrical resistance across the BAEC barrier was significantly decreased in pollen-exposed BAECs. Conclusions These data suggest that ragweed pollen induces VEGF production and down-regulation of E-cadherin, leading to gap formation between BAECs, which ultimately affects bronchial epithelial barrier function, thus causing increased bronchial airway permeability. This provides for a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which ragweed pollen causes airway inflammation, which is important in the pathophysiology of asthma.
Leukotriene C4 induces mesenteric hypoperfusion and intestinal intramural acidosis in pigs

Abstract We examined the effect of intravenous infusion of graded doses of authentic leukotriene (LT) C4 on several physiological variables in pentobarbital-anesthetized immature swine. Mesenteric blood flow (Qsma) was measured using an ultrasonic flow probe and ileal intramucosal hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]I) was estimated tonometrically. Three groups were studied. Pigs in Group I (n = 6) were infused beginning at t = 0 min with increasing doses (0.03–1.0 μg/kg-min) of LTC4, each dose being administered for 10 min. Pigs in Group II (n = 6) were infused with LTC4 as above, but were pre- and post-treated with a specific sulfidopeptide LT receptor antagonist, LY203647 (30 mg/kg bolus and then 10 mg/kg-hr) beginning at t = −20 min. Pigs in Group III (n = 4) received only normal saline (5 ml/kg-h). Infusing LTC4 significantly decreased Qsma and mesenteric oxygen uptake and significantly increased ileal [H+]I. These changes were prevented by LY203647. These data support the idea that sulfidopeptide LT are capable of causing mesenteric ischemia and that this phenomenon can be blocked by LY203647.
Dopamine-, NMDA- and sigma-receptor antagonists exert differential effects on basal and amphetamine-induced changes in neostriatal ascorbate and DOPAC in awake, behaving rats

Abstract Amphetamine and other dopamine agonists elevate the extracellular level of neostriatal ascorbate, which has been shown to modulate neuronal function. To assess the receptor mechanisms underlying neostriatal ascorbate release, drug-induced changes in both basal and amphetamine-induced ascorbate release were monitored voltammetrically in the neostriatum of freely moving rats. A variety of dopamine receptor antagonists decreased basal ascorbate and reversed the increase induced by 2.5 mg/kg d -amphetamine. Thus, compared to vehicle treatment, administration of classical (haloperidol) and atypical (clozapine) neuroleptics or selective D1 (SCH-23390) and D2 (sulpiride) antagonists completely reversed the amphetamine-induced rise in ascorbate and also lowered basal levels by 20–40%. These same effects occurred following injection of dizocilpine (MK-801), a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, whereas BMY-14802, a sigma ligand, reversed the amphetamine-induced rise without altering basal levels. Simultaneous measurements of extracellular DOPAC, a major dopamine metabolite, revealed that haloperidol, clozapine, sulpride and BMY-14802 elevated basal levels and reversed the amphetamine-induced decline. Dizocilpine also increased basal DOPAC but failed to alter DOPAC response to amphetamine, whereas both basal and amphetamine-induced changes in DOPAC were unaffected by SCH-23390. A combination of subthreshold doses of SCH-23390 and sulpride, however, reversed both the amphetamine-induced release of ascorbate and the correponding decline DOPAC. Collectively, these results suggest that whereas dopamine, sigma, and NMDA receptors modulate neostriatal ascorbate release, they exert an opposing influence on extracellular DOPAC. All drugs attenuated at least some components of the amphetamine behavioral response, suggesting a role for multiple mechanisms in the behavioral effects of this drug.
Piecewise parametric approximations for algebraic curves

Abstract A new algorithm is presented which couples contemporary subdivision methods with tools and mathematical insight derived from classical algebraic and projective geometry in order to generate piecewise parametric approximations for general degree algebraic curves. The piecewise C 0 continuous parametric polynomial approximation composed of linear, quadratic and cubic segments, finds application in problems of solid geometric modeling, in surface or data contouring, and in representing offset curves needed for NC tool path generation.
Effects of Tip Clearance on Hot Streak Migration in a High-Subsonic Single-Stage Turbine

Experimental data have shown that combustor temperature non-uniformities can lead to the excessive heating of first-stage rotor blades in turbines. This heating of the rotor blades can lead to thermal fatigue and degrade turbine performance. The results of recent studies have shown that variations in the circumferential location, or clocking, of the first-stage vane airfoils can be used to minimize the adverse effects of the hot streaks due to the hot fluid mixing with the cooler fluid contained in the vane wake. In addition, the effects of the hot streak/airfoil count ratio on the heating patterns of turbine airfoils have been quantified. In the present investigation, three-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes simulations have been performed for a single-stage high-pressure turbine geometry operating in high subsonic flow to study the effects of tip clearance on hot streak migration. Baseline simulations were initially performed without hot streaks to compare with the experimental data. Two simulations were then performed with a superimposed combustor hot streak; in the first the tip clearance was set at the experimental value, while in the second the rotor was allowed to scrape along the outer case (i.e., the limit as the tip clearance goes to zero). The predicted results for the baseline simulations show good agreement with the available experimental data. The simulations with the hot streak indicate that the tip clearance increases the radial spreading of the hot fluid, and increases the integrated rotor surface temperature compared to the case without tip clearance.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
Six-step synthesis of (S)-brevicolline from (S)-nicotine.

A six-step synthesis of (S)-brevicolline from (S)-nicotine is reported. Regioselective trisubstitution of the pyridine ring of nicotine, followed by successive Suzuki cross-coupling and Buchwald amination reactions, afforded the enantiopure β-carboline alkaloid, brevicolline.
Connecting microwave and optical frequencies with a vibrational degree of freedom

We describe the construction of a device that converts electromagnetic signals from microwave (7 GHz) to optical (282 THz) frequencies, and vice-versa. The frequency converter relies on a flexible silicon nitride membrane that is coupled via radiation pressure to both a microwave circuit and a Fabry-Perot cavity. The frequency converter achieves conversion efficiencies of ∼10%, and is potentially capable of frequency conversion of quantum signals.
The Social Responsibility of Operational Research

Two requirements of professionalism are discussed: consideration of the interests of those not participating in but affected by decision-making in which the professional takes part, and assistance to those who need but cannot afford it. The implications of these requirements to operational research are considered and some illustrations of their fulfilment are provided.
Worksite food choices: An investigation of intended and actual selections

Abstract Using a two-part survey administered before and after lunch, we elicited intended and actuai food choices of 202 employees in two worksite settings. We defined respondents' food choices as consistent if the intended and actual food selections were the same, and as inconsistent if they were different. Respondents' reasons for food choices, differences between intended and actual food selection, and attitudes toward food choice were compared. Sixty-four percent of the respondents made consistent food choices, and 36% made inconsistent choices. A greater percentage of males (77%) than females (50%) made consistent food choices. Four reasons for food selection emerged from factor analysis: “sensory appeal,” “health value,” “expediency,” and “influence of others.” A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated the “sensory appeal” of food was the major food-choice determinant of both actual and intended food selections, and “health value” was the next most important food-choice determinant. Respondents rated “health value” significantly lower as a determinant in the actual selection than in the intended selection. The inconsistent and consistent groups were distinguished by the amount of change in their “health value” ratings. Those making consistent food choices had more positive attitudes toward their choices than those making inconsistent food selections. These findings indicate that success in modifying food choices must include taste as a primary modifying factor. Also, nutrition educators may increase the likelihood of success by determining underlying beliefs about and attitudes toward specific food choices of those individuals they teach.
Microbial reductive dehalogenation in Antarctic melt pond sediments

Due to its geographic isolation and relatively limited human impact, Antarctica is a promising location to study the eco-physiology of natural halogen cycles. Anaerobic sediments from Antarctic melt ponds on Ross Island and on the McMurdo Ice Shelf near Bratina Island were tested for activity of microbial reductive dehalogenation. Anaerobic enrichment cultures were established with potential electron donors and tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, 2-bromophenol, 2-chlorophenol, 3-bromobenzoate, or 3-chlorobenozoate, as model halocarbon electron acceptors. Dechlorination of aromatic compounds was limited, whereas 2-bromophenol was debrominated in seven of the eight sediments and one site also showed debromination of 3-bromobenzoate. A most probable number estimate with 2-bromophenol at one site revealed 10 3 -10 4 cultivatable debrominators per gram of sediment (wet weight). Chloroethene dechlorination was slow and primarily produced trichloroethene from tetrachloroethene, although both cis- and trans-dichloroethene were detected in certain enrichments upon extended incubation. These results demonstrate the presence of reductive dehalogenating activity in anaerobic, Antarctic melt-pond sediments and expand the known metabolic diversity of Antarctic microorganisms.
Charge modeling of ionic polymer-metal composites for dynamic curvature sensing

A curvature sensor based on Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) is proposed and characterized for sensing of curvature variation in structures such as inflatable space structures in which using low power and flexible curvature sensor is of high importance for dynamic monitoring of shape at desired points. The linearity of output signal of sensor for calibration, effect of deflection rate at low frequencies and the phase delay between the output signal and the input deformation of IPMC curvature sensor is investigated. An analytical chemo-electro-mechanical model for charge dynamic of IPMC sensor is presented based on Nernst-Planck partial differential equation which can be used to explain the phenomena observed in experiments. The rate dependency of output signal and phase delay between the applied deformation and sensor signal is studied using the proposed model. The model provides a background for predicting the general characteristics of IPMC sensor. It is shown that IPMC sensor exhibits good linearity, sensitivity, and repeatability for dynamic curvature sensing of inflatable structures.
Actions of endothelin-1 on swine ovarian (Granulosa) cells

We have investigated the regulatory actions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on inositol phosphate accumulation, cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i), and basal and FSH-stimulated progesterone and cAMP accumulation by swine granulosa cells in serum-free cultures. ET-1 induced a rapid stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in populations of granulosa cells, as inferred by the rapid appearance of soluble inositol polyphosphates in response to ET-1 exposure. At the single cell level, fura-2 videomicroscopy was used to measure [Ca2+]i in individual granulosa cells. We observed cell-cell variability in the threshold concentration of ET-1 required to induce a rise in [Ca2+]i. More than 75% of granulosa cells responded to maximal doses of ET-1. The following parameters of [Ca2+]i were influenced by ET-1 concentration: percentage of responding cells, lag time for the onset of response, amplitude, and kinetics of the response. Two types of ET-1-mediated [Ca2+]i rises were observed. One type exhibited rapid C...
Replacement of wildfire by whole-tree harvesting in jack pine forests: Effects on soil fertility and tree nutrition

Abstract Large areas of northern coniferous forests once naturally maintained by stand-replacing wildfires have shifted to an anthropogenic disturbance regime of clearcut harvesting followed by natural or artificial regeneration, with unknown consequences for soil biogeochemical processes. We used a comparative approach to investigate the effects of whole-tree harvesting (WTH) vs. stand-replacing wildfire (WF) on soil C and nutrient availability, and nutrition and growth of the succeeding stand, in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests of northern Lower Michigan. We compared total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), potential N mineralization, and extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) among stands regenerated via WTH or WF in two age classes (4–7 years and 12–18 years). We also measured jack pine foliar nutrition and height growth in these same stands, as well as estimating the contribution of legacy dead wood to ecosystem nutrient capital in young stands. We found some evidence in support of our hypothesis that WTH would leave behind greater pools of soil C and N, but lower pools of P and base cations. However, the differences we observed were confined entirely to surface organic horizons, with the two disturbance regimes indistinguishable when viewed cumulatively to our maximum sampling depth of 30 cm. Estimates of nutrient pools in legacy wood inherited by young jack pine stands were also small in comparison to total soil pools (ranging from 1 to 9% depending on the element), suggesting that decomposition and nutrient release from this material is not likely to result in noticeable differences in soil fertility later in stand development. Similar levels of soil nutrients between WTH- and WF-origin stands were reflected in our measures of jack pine foliar nutrition and height growth, which were both unaffected by mode of stand origin. Results from this study suggest that soil nutrient levels following WTH fall within the natural range of variation produced by WF in these jack pine forests; however, comparison with a similar study on boreal jack pine suggests that latitudinal effects on O-horizon nutrient capital may influence the degree to which WTH matches the effects of WF on soil nutrient availability.
Weathering the storm: How can thoracic surgery training programs meet the new challenges in the era of less-invasive technologies?

Objective The introduction of new technologies has shifted some resident index procedures to nonsurgical specialists. We examined the operative case volume of thoracic surgery residents during the last 6 years to objectively identify changes and trends. Methods Program and resident data from 2002 to 2007 were entered into a database and analyzed. Program match information was obtained from the National Resident Matching Program. Resident operative experience and board examination results were obtained from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Results A total of 795 residents qualified for the written American Board of Thoracic Surgery examination; 627 residents graduated from 2-year programs, and 168 residents graduated from 3-year programs. The total number of resident cases was higher in 3-year programs compared with 2-year programs in all 10 index categories studied ( P P = .003). Conclusion Training programs have so far weathered the storm by maintaining index volume with a new case mix, but significant trends in revascularization procedures are concerning. This study indicates a significant advantage in case volume and board pass rates among 3-year programs. Thoracic residency programs should be reorganized so that the number of residents does not exceed the capacity of the program to provide a meaningful experience.
Determination of ambient aerosol and gaseous sulfur using a continuous FPD—III. Design and characterization of a monitor for airborne applications

Abstract A dual flame photometric detector for measurement of SO 2 and aerosol sulfur from aircraft platforms has been developed. Mass-flow controllers are used to maintain a constant flow of sample air and hydrogen to the FPD burners as altitude varies. This eliminates the variation in the sulfur signal with altitude usually observed in conventional designs and greatly reduces the altitude variation in the flame background signal. Sulfur dioxide and aerosol sulfur are differentiated by placing a quartz filter before the SO 2 detector and a litharge denuder before the aerosol sulfur detector. Sensitivity of the detector is enhanced by use of hydrogen doped with 100 ppb SF 6 . Performance of the instrument during pressure chamber tests and on test flights is discussed.
The transfer of trichloroethylene (TCE) from a shower to indoor air: experimental measurements and their implications.

Experiments were performed to measure the transfer of trlchloroethylene (TCE), a volatile organic compound (VOC), from tap water in showers to Indoor air. In these experiments, the loss of TCE from tap water In the shower is based on the difference between Influent and effluent concentrations. We have developed and previously published a three-compartment model, which we use to simulate the 24-h concentration history of VOCs in the shower, bathroom, and remaining household volumes resulting from the use of contaminated tap water. An Important input to this model is the transfer efficiency of the VOC from water to air. The experiments reveal that the transfer efficiency of TCE from shower water to air has an arithmetic mean value of 61 percent and an arithmetic standard deviation of 9 percent. Analysis of the results shows that there Is no statistically significant difference between the transfer efficiency measured with hot (37°C) or cold (22°C) shower water and that there Is no statistically significant ...