cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of the Abbott Alinity SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific quantitative IgG and IgM assays among infected, recovered, and vaccinated groups.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impose a significant burden on global health infrastructure. While identification and containment of new cases remains important, laboratories must now pivot and consider an assessment of SARS-CoV-2 immunity in the setting of the recent availability of multiple COVID-19 vaccines. Here we have utilized the latest Abbott Alinity semi-quantitative IgM and quantitative IgG spike protein (SP) serology assays (IgMSP and IgGSP) in combination with Abbott Alinity IgG nucleocapsid (NC) antibody test (IgGNC) to assess antibody responses in a cohort of 1236 unique participants comprised of naive, SARS-CoV-2 infected, and vaccinated (including both naive and recovered) individuals. The IgMSP and IgGSP assays were highly specific (100%) with no cross-reactivity to archived samples collected prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, including those from individuals with seasonal coronavirus infections. Clinical sensitivity was 96% after 15 days for both IgMSP and IgGSP assays individually. When considered together, the sensitivity was 100%. A combination of NC- and SP-specific serologic assays clearly differentiated naive, SARS-CoV-2-infected, and vaccine-related immune responses. Vaccination resulted in a significant increase in IgGSP and IgMSP values, with a major rise in IgGSP following the booster (second) dose in the naive group. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 recovered individuals had several fold higher IgGSP responses than naive following the primary dose, with a comparatively dampened response following the booster. This work illustrates the strong clinical performance of these new serological assays and their utility in evaluating and distinguishing serological responses to infection and vaccination.
Eat, Shit, Scar: Resurrection and the Digital Afterlife of Books and Bodies

By leveraging two metaphors central to discussions around the digitization of sacred texts—“books are bodies” and “translation is feeding”—this essay contends that the translation of analog sacred texts into digital formats is a metaphorical gastrointestinal process. This essay accomplishes this through the application of actor-network theory. Central to actor-network theory is the claim that an object, like a book, is the product of a complex network of relationships that together create it and constitute its meaning. Importantly, this includes discourses about the very networks that yield the object in question. As such, this essay incorporates many of the voices that appear elsewhere in this special edition as well as assorted ephemera from my own medical history of gastrointestinal maladies. If books are bodies and translation is feeding, then problems surrounding the digitization of analog sacred texts reside somewhere between ingestion and excretion.
Prospects in Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette et Guérin (BCG) vaccine diversity and delivery: why does BCG fail to protect against tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection leads to active tuberculosis (TB), a disease that kills one human every 18s. Current therapies available to combat TB include chemotherapy and the preventative vaccine Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette et Guerin (BCG). Increased reporting of drug resistant M.tb strains worldwide indicates that drug development cannot be the primary mechanism for eradication. BCG vaccination has been used globally for protection against childhood and disseminated TB, however, its efficacy at protecting against pulmonary TB in adult and aging populations is highly variable. In this regard, the immune response generated by BCG vaccination is incapable of sterilizing the lung post M.tb infection as indicated by the large proportion of individuals with latent TB infection that have received BCG. Although many new TB vaccine candidates have entered the development pipeline, only a few have moved to human clinical trials; where they showed no efficacy and/or were withdrawn due to safety regulations. These trials highlight our limited understanding of protective immunity against the development of active TB. Here, we discuss current vaccination strategies and their impact on the generation and sustainability of protective immunity against TB.
Use of Best Practice Alerts in Electronic Medical Records to Improve Care for Women of Childbearing Age Taking Anti-seizure medications (P3.203)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a best practice alerts (BPA) tool in electronic medical records (EMR) to ensure fertile women taking anti-seizure medications (ASM) are co-prescribed folic acid supplementation (FAS). BACKGROUND: AAN Epilepsy Quality Measures (Neurology® 2011; 76:94-99) recommend that women at 12-44 years of age be counseled about ASM effects on contraception and pregnancy. AAN also recommends that women of childbearing age on ASM routinely take FAS. DESIGN/METHODS: A BPA was constructed in an EMR (EPIC) to notify providers about FAS with ASM. The BPA is targeted at females age 12 to 44 years at the time of encounter. When any ASM available in our pharmacy is prescribed, the BPA will be triggered if the patient is not currently on folic acid or folic-acid-containing prenatal vitamins. If patient has documented surgical contraception, no FAS is required, thus the BPA will not be triggered. The alert contains warnings and redirects provider to a linked order of folic acid 蠅 0.4 mg daily. This BPA will be used in both inpatient and outpatient encounters with prescribers. The percentage of childbearing age women taking ASM but not on FAS or surgically sterilized will be compared at baseline and monthly after the BPA takes effect. RESULTS: In year 2014, about 20[percnt] (694/3497) of childbearing age women prescribed any ASM at our center are either taking FAS (463/3497) or surgical sterilized if not on FAS (231/3497), demonstrating a care gap. A new BPA tool has been constructed based on above strategies and will be in use. The percentage of compliance will be monitored monthly after the BPA takes effect and compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: By using this new BPA in an EMR, we hope to track AAN quality measure compliance for FAS in women taking ASM, when indicated, to improve patient care in this sub-population. Disclosure: Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. David has nothing to disclose. Dr. Glover has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vieley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Van Ness has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Archives of Neurology.
Assessing Undergraduate Information Literacy Skills Using Project SAILS

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) is a metropolitan institution that serves a large number of students from nontraditional, first-generation, and ethnically diverse populations in an increasingly online environment. One challenge for UALR is how the university can encourage student retention and graduation, as undergraduate student success is a major focus of current campus initiatives. Recognizing that information literacy skills contribute to student success, UALR conducted an assessment of undergraduates using the Project SAILS cohort test. Collecting data using a combination of the SAILS instrument, a Blackboard community, and WordPress forms, librarians at the Ottenheimer Library collected information literacy data for freshmen students in ten sections of lower-level courses and senior students in twenty-four sections of upper-level level courses. The results of the SAILS assessment indicate that students are arriving on campus without the research skills needed for academic success. Consequently, librarian and faculty partnerships are important to provide research intensive experiences throughout the curriculum to promote the development of research skills and student success.
The Development Hypothesis of Women Empowerment in the Millennium Development Goals Tested in the Context Women’s Access to Land in Africa

An important hypothesis implicit in the third of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is tested in this study. The hypothesis is that women empowerment can facilitate attainment of other development goals. Africa is the empirical referent and people’s access to land constitutes the substantive focus. A multiple regression model having as its dependent variable, gender-based inequality in access to land (GENDINEQ) is employed. Indicators of women empowerment—women’s literacy, proportion of women with a secondary education, proportion of women with formal employment, and women in government—as stipulated in Goal #3 of the MDGs constitute the predictor variables. All but one variable, women’s literacy, are negatively associated with GENDINEQ. This affirms the hypothesized inverse relationship between women’s empowerment and gender inequality in access to land. The exception is not statistically significant and might have occurred by chance. Thus, authorities in Africa would do well to pursue gender empowerment policies as a means of increasing women’s access to land and other valuable resources.
Voltage-tunable piezoelectrically-transduced single-crystal silicon resonators on SOI substrate

This paper reports on a new class of high-Q single crystal silicon (SCS) resonators that are piezoelectrically actuated and sensed, and have voltage-tunable center frequencies. The resonating element is made out of the SCS device layer of a SOI wafer. In a unique manner, piezoelectric transduction was integrated with capacitive fine-tuning of the resonator center frequencies to compensate for any process variations. A quality factor of 6,200 was measured for the 1.7 MHz 1st resonance mode of a clamped-clamped beam resonator in 50 m Torr vacuum. A 200 /spl mu/m long, 4.2 /spl mu/m thick beam was operated in its higher order modes and demonstrated a Q of 5,300, 3,000, and 2,400 in its 3rd (3.3 MHz), 4th (4.9 MHz), and 5th (6.7 MHz) flexural modes, respectively. A 6 k Hz tuning range was measured for a 719 kHz resonator by applying a DC voltage in the range of 0-20 V.
Defining Levels of Learning for Strengths Development Programs in Pharmacy

The Clifton StrengthsFinder™ is an online measure of personal talent that identifies where an individual's greatest potential for building strengths exists. This paper describes a framework for strengths education in pharmacy which includes introductory, intermediate and advanced levels of learning. The use of the StrengthsFinder™ assessment and supporting workshops aids student pharmacists, pharmacy residents and practitioners in identifying and refining their talents and connecting talents to roles in the profession. Additional learning strategies support a learner's progression to intermediate and advanced levels of learning, which focus on the application of strengths in teams, leadership, and organizational development. By articulating and recognizing levels of learning around strengths-related content and skills, strong instructional design is fostered. Optimal design includes development of a sequence of learning opportunities delivered over time, a roll-out plan and consideration of the instructional resources required.
Dating Issues for Women with Physical Disabilities

A study of dating issues for 250 single women with physical disabilities and 180 single women without disabilities was undertaken to determine (a) differences between women with and without disabilities and (b) predictors of dating outcomes for women with disabilities. A survey was sent to a national sample of women with disabilities along with a similar survey to give to a female friend without a disability. Dating outcomes included (a) satisfaction with dating frequency, (b) perceived constraints on attracting partners, (c) perceived personal barriers to dating, (d) perceived societal barriers to dating, and (e) perceived communication problems. Women with disabilities were disadvantaged on all but (e). Between 21% and 47% of the variance in the outcomes was accounted for in multiple regression analyses. Potential interventions suggested by the findings are discussed.
Nonlinear functional approximation with networks using adaptive neurons

A novel mathematical framework for the rapid learning of nonlinear mappings and topological transformations is presented. It is based on allowing the neuron's parameters to adapt as a function of learning. This fully recurrent adaptive neuron model has been successfully applied to complex nonlinear function approximation problems such as the highly degenerate inverse kinematics problem in robotics. >
Meditative dialogue: tuning in to the music of family therapy

Meditative dialogue is a mindfulness method through which families and their therapists are able to access the present moment and develop acceptance, non-judgmental attitudes and attunement with one another and with the music that is always present in their lives. This process can be used to deepen empathic connections, tap into creative forces and loosen and encourage embodied and flexible interactions that alter patterns and cultivate openness to possibility and to change.
A survey of computer hardware description languages in the U.S.A.

A digital system can be described at several levels. 1) The highest level is the algorithmic level which specifies only the algorithm to be used for solving a design problem. 2) The second level is the PMS (Processor, Memory, Switch) level which describes a system by processors, memory components, peripheral units, and switching networks. 3) The instruction level describes the instructions of a computer. 4) The register transfer or microinstruction level describes operations among registers. 5) The logic level expresses network in terms of gates and flip-flops. 6) The lowest level is the circuit level which implements gates and flip-flops by circuit elements such as transistors, resistors, etc.
Patterned Redox Arrays of Polyarylamines I. Synthesis and Electrochemistry of a p-Phenylenediamine and Arylamino-Appended p-Phenylenediamine Arrays

The synthesis of tetra-p-anisyl-p-phenylenediamine (TAPD, 1) and its derivatives containing appended diarylamino (AA) redox groups (2AA/PD, 2 and 4AA/1PD, 3) is presented. Such mixed redox arrays are of interest in a materials context for their projected directional electron transport properties and potential charge-trapping properties. Redox array 3 has a shell/core structure in which the four AA groups of higher oxidation potential surround a central p-phenylenediamine (PD) group of lower oxidation potential. Electrochemical characterization of these substrates is reported, and the redox gradients in arrays 2 and 3 are estimated to be ∼0.2 V. The meta-linked AA and PD groups of 2 and 3 are observed to be weakly electronically coupled. EPR and electrochemical data show 2+• and 3+• to be PD-localized radical cations (i.e., 2AA/PD+• and 4AA/PD+•, respectively). Despite AA shielding of the core PD group in 3, its solution-phase cyclic voltammogram appears to be normal, indicating relatively facile heterogen...
Models of failure in linear systems

The concept of reliability in systems theory is discussed. Emphasis is placed on identifying failed or degraded systems and constructing a strategy to control the system in the failed mode. Systems are assumed to be linear and transformations into the failed mode occur smoothly. The family into which a nominal system is embedded is examined along with the relations within the family. The class of systems into which a given system can be algebraically transformed is investigated.
Soluble mammalian epoxide hydratase: action on juvenile hormone and other terpenoid epoxides.

Abstract 1. 1. A soluble epoxide hydratase from mouse liver or kidney converts juvenile hormone and two epoxide containing juvenoids to their respective diols faster than the microsomal epoxide hydratases. 2. 2. The soluble enzyme hydrates the two trisubstituted epoxides much faster than the tetrasubstituted epoxide. 3. 3. Analysis by gel filtration indicates an approximate mol. wt of 150,000 for the liver enzyme while isoelectric focusing indicates a pI of 4·9.
Synthesis of proteins in cells infected with herpesvirus. XI. Sulfated, structural glycoproteins.

Abstract The structural glycoproteins of pseudorabies virions are sulfated as are the nonstructural glycoproteins. The ratios of [ 3 H] glucosamine to 35 SO 4 2− incorporated into the various viral glycoproteins are different.
Anharmonicity of forsterite and the thermal pressure of insulators

A recent paper [Bouhifd et al., 1996] has given the measured thermal expansivity, α, of forsterite up to 1900 K, which is 2.5 times the Debye temperature, Θ. Using the measured α, Bouhifd et al. [1996] found that the αKT curve (where KT is the isothermal bulk modulus) is parallel to the T axis, showing that (∂(αKT)/∂T)P = 0. Using these results, I show that (∂Cv/∂T)P > 0 at high T, requiring Cv to be anharmonic, is in agreement with other recent work. Further, I show that Bouhifd et al.'s [1996] work requires that all vestiges of anharmonicity be absent in the thermal pressure and the thermal expansivity of forsterite. Thus it is proven that forsterite is a solid that is both anharmonic in Cv and quasiharmonic in the thermal pressure in the high-temperature region.
The evolutionary consequences of mate copying on male traits

In some species, a female's mating preference can be influenced by the matings she observes. Mate copying occurs when a female alters her mating preference in favor of the type of males she has observed mating with other females. Here I present a model that explores the consequences of mate copying on the evolution of male traits. In contrast to previous work, I show that mate copying can have diverse evolutionary consequences. Mate copying can cause (positive or negative) directional selection on male traits or (positive or negative) frequency-dependent selection on male traits. The type of selection generated by mate copying depends on the details of how females are influenced by the matings that they observe. I discuss my results in relation to previous theoretical work that posits that mate copying can only hamper the spread of novel male traits.
Measures of microstructure to improve estimates and bounds on elastic constants and transport coefficients in heterogeneous media

Abstract The most commonly discussed measures of microstructure in composite materials are the spatial correlation functions, which in a porous medium measure either the grain-to-grain correlations, or the pore-to-pore correlations in space. Improved bounds based on this information such as the Beran–Molyneux bounds for bulk modulus and the Beran bounds for conductivity are well-known. It is first shown how to make direct use of bounds and spatial correlation information to provide estimates that always lie between these upper and lower bounds for any microstructure whenever the microgeometry parameters are known. Then comparisons are made between these estimates, the bounds, and two new types of estimates. One new estimate for elastic constants makes use of the Peselnick–Meister bounds (based on Hashin–Shtrikman methods) for random polycrystals of laminates to generate self-consistent values that always lie between the bounds. A second new type of estimate for conductivity assumes that measurements of formation factors (of which there are at least two distinct types in porous media, associated respectively with pores and grains for either electrical and thermal conductivity) are available, and computes new bounds based on this information. The paper compares and contrasts these various methods in order to clarify just what microstructural information—and how accurately that information—needs to be known in order to be useful for estimating material constants in random and heterogeneous media.
Microbes in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease

Most, if not all, animals coexist with a complement of prokaryotic symbionts that confer a variety of physiologic benefits. In humans, the interaction between animal and bacterial cells is especially important in the gastrointestinal tract. Technical and conceptual advances have enabled rapid progress in characterizing the taxonomic composition, metabolic capacity, and immunomodulatory activity of the human gut microbiota, allowing us to establish its role in human health and disease. The human host coevolved with a normal microbiota over millennia and developed, deployed, and optimized complex immune mechanisms that monitor and control this microbial ecosystem. These cellular mechanisms have homeostatic roles beyond the traditional concept of defense against potential pathogens, suggesting these pathways contribute directly to the well-being of the gut. During their coevolution, the bacterial microbiota has established multiple mechanisms to influence the eukaryotic host, generally in a beneficial fashion, and maintain their stable niche. The prokaryotic genomes of the human microbiota encode a spectrum of metabolic capabilities beyond that of the host genome, making the microbiota an integral component of human physiology. Gaining a fuller understanding of both partners in the normal gut-microbiota interaction may shed light on how the relationship can go awry and contribute to a spectrum of immune, inflammatory, and metabolic disorders and may reveal mechanisms by which this relationship could be manipulated toward therapeutic ends.
Effects of hyperglycemia on rat cavernous nerve axons: a functional and ultrastructural study.

The present study explored parallel changes in the physiology and structure of myelinated (Adelta) and unmyelinated (C) small diameter axons in the cavernous nerve of rats associated with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia. Damage to these axons is thought to play a key role in diabetic autonomic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction, but their pathophysiology has been poorly studied. Velocities in slow conducting fibers were measured by applying multiple unit procedures; histopathology was evaluated with both light and electron microscopy. To our knowledge, these are the initial studies of slow nerve conduction velocities in the distal segments of the cavernous nerve. We report that hyperglycemia is associated with a substantial reduction in the amplitude of the slow conducting response, as well as a slowing of velocities within this very slow range ( 4 months), histopathological abnormalities were mild and limited to the distal segments of the cavernous nerve. Structural findings included dystrophic changes in nerve terminals, abnormal accumulations of glycogen granules in unmyelinated and preterminal axons, and necrosis of scattered smooth muscle fibers. The onset of slowing of velocity in the distal cavernous nerve occurred subsequent to slowing in somatic nerves in the same rats. The functional changes in the cavernous nerve anticipated and exceeded the axonal degeneration detected by morphology. The physiologic techniques outlined in these studies are feasible in most electrophysiologic laboratories and could substantially enhance our sensitivity to the onset and progression of small fiber diabetic neuropathy.
A dihydroisoxazole-based route to 2,3,6-trideoxy-3-aminohexose derivatives

Abstract Acosamine and ristosamine derivatives were prepared via stereoselective reductive cleavage reactions of a benzylidenated dihydroisoxazolyl diol; the diol was prepared from 3-nitro-4,5-dihydroisoxazole via sequential propynylation, Lindlar reduction, and catalytic hydroxylation.
Recreational Drug Use and HIV-Risk Sexual Behavior Among Men Frequenting Gay Social Venues

Abstract The complex relationships between recreational non-injection drug use and HIV sexual risk behaviors have been documented throughout the epidemic. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the extent of non-injection recreational drug use among gay and bisexual men frequenting gay social venues, as well as to assess recent initiation of substance use, especially “club drugs” and (2) document the interaction between drug use and risky sexual practices. Street recruitment methods were used to administer a survey to 202 gay or bisexual men recruited at ten gay social venues in New York City. The majority of participants reported substance use, and more than half reported the use of drugs other than alcohol. Participation in gay social venues such as bars, dance clubs, and bathhouses was associated with more substance use. Polydrug use, participation in gay venues, and HIV status were found to be associated with unprotected behaviors while under the influence. In multivariate analyses, the use of in...
Failure Analysis of FRP-Strengthened RC Beams

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) application is a very effective way to repair and strengthen structures that have become structurally inefficient over their life span. This paper investigates the applicability of existing models for the prediction of debonding failure in RC beams externally strengthened with FRP. It is very important to predict the limit at which FRP debonds from the beam in order to arrest premature failures. The existing models lack the thoroughness of bond predictability. This is mainly due to the development models on the basis of small amount of tested data. Hence, there is a need to compare the existing work to an extensive database of strengthened beams. Existing experimental work was collected from literature to create a database of 163 beams tested in three point and four point bending tests. Various models are applied to this database and behavior of each model is analyzed using statistical parameters and degree of uncertainty in prediction.
Inhibitory effects of selenium on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and methylazoxymethanol acetate induction of colon tumors

Summary Sprague-Dawley rats were injected weekly with either 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) or methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM). Addition of 4 ppm selenium (sodium selenite) in the drinking water reduced the number of rats developing DMH-induced colon tumors from 13 to 6 in groups of 15 each. The total number of tumors observed in these two groups was 39 in the DMH treated and 11 in the DMH plus selenium. The incidence of MAM-induced tumors was 93% (14/15) with the selenium additive and 100% (14/14) when MAM was administered without the selenium supplement. However, selenium decreased the total number of colon tumors induced by MAM to 42 tumors as compared to a total of 73 tumors in rats receiving only MAM. Both carcinogens induced tumors with a higher frequency in the transverse colon as compared to either the proximal or distal colon. Selenium at this level did not affect the weight gain of the animals.
CSF somatostatin in Alzheimer's disease, depressed patients, and control subjects.

The widespread use of the NINCDS criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (McKhann et al. 1984) has substantially improved diagnostic accuracy; however, the degree of misdiagnosis is still in the range of lo%-20% (Barclay et al. 1986). Thus, continuing investigations seek a readily accessible antemortem marker of Alzheimer’s disease. A logical point of initiation in a search for an antemortem biological marker is with the neurochemical changes that have been consistently reported in postmortem examinations of Alzheimer’s brains. Although a number of neurotransmitters have been reported to be decreased in some subgroups of Alzheimer’s patients, the most consistent abnormalities appear to involve acetylcholine (Perry 1987) and the neuropeptide somatostatin (Rossor et al. 1980; Davies and Terry 198 1). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of somatostatin have been reported to be reduced
Sliding window filter with application to planetary landing

We are concerned with improving the range resolution of stereo vision for entry, descent, and landing (EDL) missions to Mars and other planetary bodies. The goal is to create accurate and precise three-dimensional planetary surface-structure estimates by filtering sequences of stereo images taken from an autonomous landing vehicle. We describe a sliding window filter (SWF) approach based on delayed state marginalization. The SWF can run in constant time, yet still achieve experimental results close to those of the bundle adjustment solution. This technique can scale from the offline batch least-squares solution to fast online incremental solutions. For instance, if the window encompasses all time, the solution is equivalent to full bundle adjustment; if only one time step is maintained, the solution matches the extended Kalman filter; if poses and landmarks are slowly marginalized out over time such that the state vector ceases to grow, then the filter becomes constant time, like visual odometry. Within the constant time regime, the sliding window approach demonstrates convergence properties that are close to those of the full batch solution and strictly superior to visual odometry. Experiments with real data show that ground structure estimates follow the expected convergence pattern that is predicted by theory. These experiments indicate the effectiveness of filtering long-range stereo for EDL. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of phytohemagglutinin on the growth and histochemical properties of mammalian cells in tissue culture

Phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) exhibited inhibitory action on the growth of two human epithelioid cell lines, HeLa and L-132, and on the L-929 strain of mouse fibroblasts. Growth of stationary cultures was measured spectrophotometrically by DNA production after 96 hours incubation. The mitotic indices of the three cell lines were reduced significantly by PHA-P after 72 hours incubation. Histochemical studies demonstrate depressed production of cytoplasmic RNA in 72-hour HeLa cultures after treatment with PHA-P, with the appearance of prominent, PAS-positive, diastase-fast granules in the cytoplasm. Bound lipid aggregates increased in amount in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells after PHA-P treatment. The PAS-positive, diastase-fast granules were also found in the cytoplasm of the L-132 and L-929 cell lines after treatment, but cytoplasmic RNA remained unchanged qualitatively. Alkaline phosphatase was slight in amount in HeLa cells and was reduced to trace amounts after PHA-P treatment. L-132 cells showed moderate to heavy concentration of alkaline phosphatase, which remained unchanged qualitatively after PHA-P treatment. The enzyme could not be demonstrated in the L-929 fibroblasts.
Decadal cyclicity of regional mid‐Holocene precipitation: Evidence from Dominican coral proxies

[1] The stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic compositions of four Holocene specimens of Montastraea sp. and Siderastrea sp. coral skeletons from the Dominican Republic were analyzed to examine decadal-scale fluctuations in regional precipitation. The specimens range in length from 47 to 197 years individually and range in age from ∼7.2 to 5.2 kyr. Oscillations in the δ13C and δ18O of coral skeletons from the Holocene Enriquillo Valley occur with a seemingly consistent frequency of 15–20 years. For one coral (∼6 ka) this decadal to multidecadal mode of variability is statistically significant. The decadal to multidecadal mode of stable isotopic variability may represent cyclic fluctuations in mid-Holocene migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) or in the hydrogeology of the region as governed by fluctuations in the passage of tropical storms and hurricanes. Regional temperature is believed to act as only a secondary control on the δ18O values of these corals. However, ITCZ migration and/or oscillations in storm frequency at this site may ultimately reflect decadal-scale patterns in greater tropical North Atlantic sea surface temperatures. The length and resolution of climate variability represented in this study indicate a persistent decadal to multidecadal mode of Atlantic climate fluctuation throughout the mid-Holocene that is indistinguishable from observed historical climate.
The 31P NMR spectrum of InP

The 31P NMR spectrum of InP is reported at 137.9 MHz under magic-angle spinning (MAS) conditions. Combined with previous measurements at 81 MHz, a field-independent, approximately Gaussian line of ~4000 Hz width is found. The linewidth is from In-P scalar, electron-coupled (J) interactions with the spin-92 115In. Using the value of J determined indirectly from previous static sample work, good agreement is obtained with the measured MAS spectrum.
Development of Endometrial Cancer in Women on Estrogen and Progestin Hormone Replacement Therapy

Abstract The presenting symptoms, hormonal regimens, treatment modalities, tumor pathology, and follow-up of 25 women developing endometrial cancer while receiving postmenopausal estrogen and progestin therapy were investigated retrospectively. Patients were interviewed and hormone therapies were confirmed through medical records. Pathology specimens were reviewed. Patients received conjugated estrogens ( n = 20) or another estrogen ( n = 5). For those on conjugated estrogens, the mean daily dose was 0.68 mg, monthly duration was 24.9 days, and monthly dose was 17.0 mg. Women also received medroxyprogesterone acetate ( n = 23) or norethindrone acetate ( n = 2). The most common regimen was sequential medroxyprogesterone acetate, at a mean daily dose of 7.5 mg, monthly duration of 9.3 days, and monthly dose of 68 mg (mean duration = 5.7 years). Most tumors were low stage and grade, with few demonstrating grade 3 disease ( n = 2) or greater than 50% myometrial invasion ( n = 2). Twenty-three (92%) had disease limited to the uterus, while two had singe IIIA disease. All are alive and disease-free after a median follow-up of 26 months. Estrogen and progestin therapy does not prevent endometrial cancer in all patients. Women who developed this tumor on sequential therapy in general received less than the recommended guidelines for daily dosage and monthly duration of progestin. Most patients had early-stage and low-grade disease. Continued vigilance in the care of women on hormone replacement therapy is necessary even when combination therapy is prescribed.
An investigation of the temperature dependence of Poiseuille numbers in microchannel flow

Liquid (1-, 2-propanol and 1-, 3-pentanol) flow measurements through 5, 12, and 25 mu m hydraulic diameter microchannels are reported. These experiments indicate that the Poiseuille number depends on the temperature and, possibly, on the molecular isomerism of the liquid. The Poiseuille number increases by as much as 25% and 10% for the 12 and 25 mu m channels, respectively, as the temperature increases from 0 to 85 degrees C. These results are contrary to the predictions derived from the Navier-Stokes equation, which show that the Poiseuille number is independent of these parameters. The precision of these measurements is of the order of +or-2%, so that the observed deviations from theory are not readily explained by experimental errors.
Statistically Designed Optimization of a Glass Composition

An efficient, statistically based methodology for development and optimization of multicomponent materials is presented. The approach is illustrated with a five-component nuclear waste glass. A composition field is defined, test compositions are statistically chosen, and their measured property data are used to fit empirical models. These models are then used to predict the optimum composition. The following nuclear waste glass components were investigated: SiO/sub 2/, B/sub 2/O/sub 3/, Na/sub 2/O, CaO, and simulated nuclear waste. The following properties were modeled: viscosity, chemical durability, and crystallinity. Successful models were constructed by using data from 27 test melts. This methodology could be applied to a wide range of ceramic mixture problems.
Complex proteome prefractionation using microscale solution isoelectrofocusing.

The proteomes of mammalian cells, tissues and biologic fluids are complex and consist of proteins present over a wide dynamic range. Current protein profiling technologies do not have the capacity to overcome the sample complexity for comprehensive analysis of complex proteomes. A common strategy to substantially expand protein profiling capacities is sample prefractionation. A prefractionation method developed in the authors’ laboratory, microscale solution isoelectrofocusing, has resulted in a commercial product, the ZOOM® IEF Fractionator, which provides a simple and convenient method for high-resolution separation of complex proteomes based upon their isoelectric points. Complex human samples such as cancer cells and biologic fluids can be fractionated into well-resolved fractions with minimal cross-contamination of proteins between adjacent fractions. This review focuses on the application of microscale solution isoelectrofocusing prefractionation and subsequent downstream strategies in expanding pro...
An Examination of Destination Resort Research

The destination resort concept has been examined in multiple disciplines and under various names. Without standardised parameters as to what constitutes a destination resort or classification method, a comprehensive understanding of the academic research does not exist. This study addresses the situation by cataloguing and analysing existing literature in the destination resort field. Literature is examined from three perspectives: functional classification, resort type and methodology used in the analysis. This systematic review of articles reveals that consumers, industry overviews and resort management issues have been of greatest interest to academic researchers. Based upon this examination, suggested research needs within the destination resort field are proposed.
The effect of high pressure hydrogen gas on the mechanical properties of three Ni based eutectic composites

Smooth and notched tensile bars of directionally solidified Ni-45.5W, Ni-19.7Nb-6.0Cr-2.5Al, and Ni-21.75Nb-2.55Al were tested to failure in 34.5 MN/m2 hydrogen gas and 34.5 MN/m2 helium gas. Decreases in the ultimate tensile strength, uniform elongation, and reduction in area values are found for the samples tested in hydrogen as compared to those tested in helium. The most marked and consistent changes in properties are found for the notched tensile bars. Since the presence of the hydrogen appears to have little effect on the shape of the stress strain curve at small strains, the notched bar test is the better test of hydrogen-induced damage in these materials. Hydrogen damage in the three materials is evidenced by cracking not usually found in samples tested in helium. The damage in the Ni-W eutectic is the most dramatic with extensive transverse and longitudinal cracking prior to failure observed. Additionally, the presence of hydrogen greatly weakens the reinforcement/matrix interface in each case, so that the interface becomes a preferred path for longitudinal cracking. In the other two alloys, grain boundary longitudinal cracking is also found. While no mechanisms have been conclusively established, the most likely source of the degradation is hydrogen trapping at the interfaces related to the presence of segregated trace element S or to the disordered nature of the interfacial region.
User interface computation as a contextualized approach for introductory computing instruction

Contextual methods of instruction have many benefits for creating interest, providing relevance, and increasing engagement in computer science courses. These benefits can lower failure rates, improve retention, increase student self-efficacy regarding programming, and increase positive views about computer science. My doctoral research involves developing the curricula for and assessing the learning outcomes of a novel contextual teaching and learning method called User Interface Computation, which may offer benefits similar to media computation and provide another effective context for computing instruction.
Decentralized control of a fuel cell ultra-capacitor hybrid network

This paper addresses decentralized control of a simple hybrid power system consisting of a single fuel cell and an ultra-capacitor. This work develops separate controllers for the fuel cell and the ultra-capacitor, rather than a centralized controller. With a goal developing a control paradigm that is scalable to many energy resources connected to a network, the controllers are designed primarily to use locally sensed information. Explicit communication between controllers, such as exchange of locally sensed information, is absent. An energy conservation based approach, combined with a current regulation method developed by the authors in their earlier work [1], is used for transient control of the fuel cell. The control of state-of-charge of the ultra-capacitor is also principally governed by energy conservation, but implemented using two different approaches. One is based on dissipation, and the other is based on voltage modulation. The former is a conservative approach, while the latter is potentially more energy efficient. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate these concepts. Further research is ongoing to develop a detailed analytical base for this work.
Career-Related Variables and Planned Retirement Age: An Extension of Beehr's Model

Abstract The relationships among three career-related variables, career commitment, career growth opportunity, and occupational goal attainment, and planned retirement age were examined separately and relative to personal and work-related predictors of retirement using a sample of 172 working adults age 45 years and older. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that career commitment and occupational goal attainment accounted for a significant portion of variance in planned retirement age after the influence of the personal and work-related variables was held constant. A two-way interaction between career commitment and occupational goal attainment was not supported, nor was a two-way interaction between career commitment and career growth opportunity. Further, age did not moderate the relationships between either job satisfaction or career commitment and planned retirement age.
Thymidine Dinucleotides Inhibit Contact Hypersensitivity and Activate the Gene for Tumor Necrosis Factor α

DNA is a target for ultraviolet-B-induced inhibition of contact hypersensitivity, and small DNA fragments such as thymidine dinucleotides (pTpT) can simulate several ultraviolet-induced effects. To determine whether pTpT mimics the suppressive influence of ultraviolet-B on contact hypersensitivity, we compared the effects of topical application of pTpT with those of ultraviolet-B irradiation on C57BL/6 mice sensitized to dinitrofluorobenzene. Mice pretreated with pTpT or ultraviolet-B irradiation showed markedly suppressed ear swelling responses to dinitrofluorobenzene challenge. Because tumor necrosis factor alpha mediates ultraviolet-B-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity, and because pTpT exerts many ultraviolet-mimetic effects by augmenting mRNA and protein levels of effector molecules, we asked if pTpT mimics ultraviolet-B's upregulatory influence on tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. Using transgenic mice carrying a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter linked to the tumor necrosis factor alpha promoter, we examined effects of ultraviolet-B irradiation versus intradermal injection of pTpT on tumor necrosis factor alpha gene transcription. Both treatments induced cutaneous chloramphenicol acetyl transferase activity. Ultra- violet-B or pTpT treatment of cultured dermal fibroblasts from these mice also stimulated chloramphenicol acetyl transferase activity. To determine whether human cells responded similarly, a well- differentiated ultraviolet-responsive human squamous cell carcinoma line was treated with pTpT. pTpT increased tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA expression and protein secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings expand the spectrum of ultraviolet effects mimicked by pTpT to include inhibition of contact hypersensitivity and activation of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene. These results support the hypothesis that DNA photoproducts and/or their repair intermediates trigger many of the biologic consequences of ultraviolet irradiation.
An Advanced Approach for Computer Modeling and Prototyping of the Human Tooth

This paper presents a systematic and practical method for constructing accurate computer and physical models that can be employed for the study of human tooth mechanics. The proposed method starts with a histological section preparation of a human tooth. Through tracing outlines of the tooth on the sections, discrete points are obtained and are employed to construct B-spline curves that represent the exterior contours and dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) of the tooth using a least square curve fitting technique. The surface skinning technique is then employed to quilt the B-spline curves to create a smooth boundary and DEJ of the tooth using B-spline surfaces. These surfaces are respectively imported into SolidWorks via its application protocol interface to create solid models. The solid models are then imported into Pro/MECHANICA Structure for finite element analysis (FEA). The major advantage of the proposed method is that it first generates smooth solid models, instead of finite element models in discretized form. As a result, a more advanced p-FEA can be employed for structural analysis, which usually provides superior results to traditional h-FEA. In addition, the solid model constructed is smooth and can be fabricated with various scales using the solid freeform fabrication technology. This method is especially useful in supporting bioengineering applications, where the shape of the object is usually complicated. A human maxillary second molar is presented to illustrate and demonstrate the proposed method. Note that both the solid and p-FEA models of the molar are presented. However, comparison between p- and h-FEA models is out of the scope of the paper. © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC2003: 8719Rr, 8718Bb, 8710+e
Epididymal sulfhydryl oxidase: A sperm-protective enzyme from the male reproductive tract

The catalytic reaction substrate specificty and cofactor requirement of a unique sulfhydryl oxidase enzyme found in the male reproductive tract are reported. Enzyme solutions were prepared from hamster caudal epididymides. Techniques employed are described. An initial observation that the addition of dithiotheitol (DTT) to a suspension of hamster epididymal spermatozoa resulted in a significant increase in the rate of oxygen uptake led to the finding that 100% of the DTT-stimulated oxygen uptake activity was present in the supernatant of the sperm suspension and none in the cellular fraction. The enzymatic nature of the DTT-stimulated oxygen uptake activity was established by experiments which demonstrated that the activity was nondialyzable heat labile at 100 degress C for 10 minutes acid labile in 5% TCA and sensitive to proteolytic digestion by trypsin and by bacterial protease. Hydrogen peroxide produced by the enzymatic reaction was observed to nonenzymatically oxidize the DTT substrate. Therefore catalase was added to the reaction mixture to remove the peroxide. Samples containing excess catalase showed half the reaction rate of azide-inhibited samples. The enzyme is specific for sulfhydryl compounds and does not require cofactors for activity. Enzyme activity was also found in guinea pig dog and bull epididymal fluids and in human seminal plasma and blood serum but not in other tissues tested. The enzyme functions as a protective agent in the male reproductive trac t oxidizing potentially damaging physiological sulfhydryl groups and thereby preserving sperm structure and function. If an inhibitor of this enzyme can be found it would make an effective male contraceptive.
Coal rank and surface properties of oil agglomerates

The wettabilities of agglomerates made from coals of several different ranks were measured by the adhesion technique. Oil levels from 0 to 10% by weight were used. As was expected, it was found that higher-rank coals are more easily oil-wetted and that the surface properties of the agglomerates correlate with agglomeration recovery and ash removal data.
A simple classification of wide ureters.

Summary A simple classification of abnormal ureters is presented which categorises the ureters according to the presence or absence of 3 factors, namely reflux, bladder outlet obstruction and ureteric obstruction. It has been devised to try to rid the literature of many confusing and obsolete terms and it is hoped that this new classification may become internationally accepted.