cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stepped Care and E-Health in Behavioral Managed Care

Managed care entities such as Managed Behavioral Health Care Organizations, health plans, and vendors increasingly focus on information technology, e-health, and stepped care in population-based approaches to behavioral health management. Population-based interventions, also known as disease management, involve a systematic approach to defining a population with a chronic illness. In managed care, the population is typically identified based on a combination of claims data showing utilization, diagnoses, medications, and cost of care. Once the population is identified the managed care case manager will outreach individuals and attempt to enroll them in programs designed to improve their ability to effectively manage their chronic condition. The interventions typically include telephonic contacts between the case manager and individual focused on education, monitoring treatment outcome, self-help activities and resources, and treatment adherence.
Idle Speed Control of an Automotive Engine Using a Systematic Fuzzy Logic Methodology

Abstract This paper introduces a systematic control design methodology for complex nonlinear systems hased upon the direct intelligent fuzzy logic control paradigm. A fuzzy logic control method is developed that can be used to design fuzzy logic controllers for a class of nonlinear systems. The systematic aspects of the procedure refer to an automated rule generation scheme that capitalizes upon clustering of transitional relations and their transformation from one conditional subspace to another. Elements that result from such transitions are anticipated according to the applied action of each rule. Data for this transitional set of rules can be collected via (i) a priori information such as experimental results, (ii) numerical simulations based on approximate dynamic models, and (iii) heuristics. The main advantage of the automatic rule generation scheme is that reliability of the controller performance can be potentially enhanced even in the presence of large-grained uncertainty. Such specifications of overall system performance as accuracy and precision can be arbitrarily adjusted as functions of the resolution of the design parameters. The systematic fuzzy logic control design procedure is applied to the problem of regulating the idle speed of an automotive engine. Simulation results indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Enhancement of Performance and Energy Efficiency of Air Conditioning System Using Evaporatively Cooled Condensers

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the reduction of energy consumption in a split air-conditioning system employing evaporative cooling of ambient air flowing over the condenser c...
Guest editors' introduction wearable technologies and communication design

Using the data generated by both consumer- and medically-oriented wearable devices to assess and improve fitness, wellbeing, and specific health outcomes demands attention to the user experiences of such devices as well as to the kinds of claims being made about their promise (cf. Gouge & Jones, 2016). This special issue participates in such work by presenting case studies situated at the intersections of wearables, communication design, and rhetorical analysis that explore the health, justice, and wellness-oriented promises of specific wearables. In this introduction, we briefly survey the research on wearables in the fields of rhetoric and technical communication, preview the essays in the collection, and propose some areas for future work that might be of interest to technical communication, communication design, and rhetoric scholars.
Evidence on selection, optimization, and compensation strategies to optimize aging with multiple chronic conditions: A literature review.

Abstract The self-regulation strategies of selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) can be effective in optimizing aging with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). Nineteen articles on the use and effects of SOC among older adults with chronic conditions were reviewed. The studies' quality, evaluated by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, ranged from medium to high (Mean = 0.90, SD = 0.10). SOC were found to improve the symptom experience for older adults, resulting in better health outcomes such as increased daily living activities, subjective well-being, life success, fewer falls/sick days, and use of medication for pain control. For those with MCC, higher degree of disabilities, serious health events, and negative self-perceived aging undermined the relationships between SOC and long-term physical functioning, self-rated health, and life satisfaction. Aging can be optimized by identifying and improving older individuals' coping using SOC. Future studies should utilize better MCC measures for comorbidity and chronic disabling symptoms to investigate the influence of SOC on MCC-associated health outcomes.
Resurrecting a Forgotten Model: Updating Mashayekhi’s Model of Iranian Economic Development

In this chapter, Mashayekhi’s system dynamics model, which was built in 1978 to analyze Iranian economic development, is resurrected through a comprehensive restructuring and revalidation process. The focus of the original model was on the dependency of Iran’s economy on oil and its vulnerability to “petro dollars.” Since oil dependency is still a major issue in contemporary Iranian economic policy debates, reexamining Mashayekhi’s model is beneficial. It is shown that the original model is unable to reproduce the historical behavior of the Iranian economy from the mid-1980s onward. However, updating its exogenous variables, modifying some of its assumptions, and recalibrating some of its parameters significantly improve its ability to reproduce Iranian economic history. Revalidation of the modified model shows that it is fairly robust and generally reliable. Since the boundary of the original model was drawn somewhat narrowly, even the updated version presented in this chapter is an inadequate platform for analyzing many contemporary Iranian macroeconomic policies. However, the updated model is an excellent tool for analyzing questions directly related to the issue of Iranian oil dependency. Finally, it is argued that this chapter can serve as a starting point for those who wish to develop a system dynamics macroeconomic model of any resource-dependent developing nation.
Microbial translocation following burn injury

Microbial translocation is defined as the passage of both viable and nonviable microbes and microbial products across the intact intestinal barrier [1]. Most of the time, translocation has been measured by simply culturing microorganisms from different tissues or fluids. Using this technique, the amount of viable organisms in the tissues that results in translocation is determined by three factors: 1) the number and types of microbes in the intestinal lumen, i.e., the greater the number of bacteria in the lumen the greater will be the degree of translocation; 2) the rate of passage across the mucosal barrier (the translocation process itself), and 3) the clearance of the bacteria by host defense mechanisms from the tissues.
Photovoltaic Array Simulation and Fault Prediction via Multilayer Perceptron Models

When collecting solar energy via photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays, one common issue is the potential occurrence of faults. Faults arise from panel short-circuit, soiling, shading, ground leakage and other sources. Machine learning algorithms have enabled data-based classification of faults. In this paper, we present an Internet-based PV array fault monitoring simulation using the Java-Dsp(j-Dsp)simulation environment. We first develop a solar array simulation in J-DSP and then form appropriate graphics to examine V-I curves, maximum power point tracking, and faults. We then introduce a multi-layer perceptron model for PV fault detection. We deploy and assess the simulation by disseminating to a group of users that provide feedback.
RAD52 and SLX4 act nonepistatically to ensure telomere stability during alternative telomere lengthening

Approximately 15% of cancers use homologous recombination for alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). How the initiating genomic lesions invoke homology-directed telomere synthesis remains enigmatic. Here, we show that distinct dependencies exist for telomere synthesis in response to replication stress or DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). RAD52 deficiency reduced spontaneous telomeric DNA synthesis and replication stress-associated recombination in G2, concomitant with telomere shortening and damage. However, viability and proliferation remained unaffected, suggesting that alternative telomere recombination mechanisms compensate in the absence of RAD52. In agreement, RAD52 was dispensable for DSB-induced telomere synthesis. Moreover, a targeted CRISPR screen revealed that loss of the structure-specific endonuclease scaffold SLX4 reduced the proliferation of RAD52-null ALT cells. While SLX4 was dispensable for RAD52-mediated ALT telomere synthesis in G2, combined SLX4 and RAD52 loss resulted in elevated telomere loss, unresolved telomere recombination intermediates, and mitotic infidelity. These findings establish that RAD52 and SLX4 mediate distinct postreplicative DNA repair processes that maintain ALT telomere stability and cancer cell viability.
A fap5 allele for elevated palmitate in soybean.

Soybean [Glycine max (1.,) Merr.) oil with elevated palmitate ( (intent may be useful for producing plastic fats without hydrogenation. The mutant line A27, with 160 g kg -1 palmitate, was developed by treatment of seeds of Kenwood' with ethyl methanesulfonate. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic control of elevated palmitate content in A27. A27 was crossed to Kenwood and to lines possessing the fap1, fap2-b, fap3, fap4, or fap6 alleles for altered palmitate. Analysis of the F 1 , F 2 , and F 3 generations indicated that A27 had an allele for elevated palmitate at a single locus, designated fap5, that exhibited additive gene action with FapS and mutant alleles for altered palmitate content. The fap5 locus was independent of the fap1, fap3, fap4, and fap6 loci, but closely linked to the fap2-b locus.
Morphology and tissue quality of seedling root systems of Pinus taeda and Pinus ponderosa as affected by varying CO2, temperature, and nitrogen

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide, nitrogen deposition and warmer temperatures may alter the quantity and quality of plant-derived organic matter available to soil biota, potentially altering rates of belowground herbivory and decomposition. Our objective was to simulate future growth conditions for an early successional (loblolly) and late successional (ponderosa) species of pine to determine if the physical and chemical properties of the root systems would change. Seedlings were grown for 160 days in greenhouses at the Duke University Phytotron at 35 or 70 Pa CO2 partial pressure, ambient or ambient + 5 °C temperature, and 1 or 5 mMNH4O3. Roots from harvested seedlings were analyzed for changes in surface area, specific root length, mass, total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), and concentrations of macro-nutrients. Surface area increased in both species under elevated CO2, due primarily to increases in root length, and this response was greatest (+138%) in loblolly pine at high temperature. Specific root length decreased in loblolly pine at elevated CO2 but increases in mass more than compensated for this, resulting in net increases in total length. TNC was unaffected and nutrient concentrations decreased only slightly at elevated CO2, possibly from anatomical changes to the root tissues. We conclude that future growth conditions will enhance soil exploration by some species of pine, but root carbohydrate levels and nutrient concentrations will not be greatly affected, leaving rates of root herbivory and decomposition unaltered.
Phase I Study of Rapid Alternation of Sunitinib and Regorafenib for the Treatment of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Refractory Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Purpose: Polyclonal emergence of KIT secondary mutations is a main mechanism of imatinib progression in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Approved KIT inhibitors sunitinib and regorafenib have complementary activity against KIT resistance mutations. Preclinical evidence suggests that rapid alternation of sunitinib and regorafenib broadens the spectrum of imatinib-resistant subclones targeted. Patients and Methods: Phase Ib study investigating continuous treatment with cycles of sunitinib (3 days) followed by regorafenib (4 days) in patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-refractory GIST. A 3+3 dosing schema was utilized to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Plasma samples were analyzed for pharmacokinetics and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) studies using targeted error correction sequencing (TEC-seq) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Results: Of the 14 patients enrolled, 2 experienced dose-limiting toxicities at dose level 2 (asymptomatic grade 3 hypophosphatemia). Sunitinib 37.5 mg/day and regorafenib 120 mg/day was the RP2D. Treatment was well-tolerated and no unexpected toxicities resulted from the combination. Stable disease was the best response in 4 patients, and median progression-free survival was 1.9 months. Combined assessment of ctDNA with TEC-seq and ddPCR detected plasma mutations in 11 of 12 patients (92%). ctDNA studies showed that KIT secondary mutations remain the main mechanism of resistance in TKI-refractory GIST, revealing effective suppression of KIT-mutant subpopulations in patients benefiting from the combination. Conclusions: Sunitinib and regorafenib combination is feasible and tolerable. Rapid alternation of TKIs with complementary activity might be effective when combining drugs with favorable pharmacokinetics, potentially allowing active doses while minimizing adverse events. Serial monitoring with ctDNA may guide treatment in patients with GIST.
Eyelid and orbital trauma for the primary care physician

Patients who experience trauma to the eyelid or the orbit may present to their primary care providers or directly to the emergency room for evaluation of their injuries. These patients will often be in pain and may have bleeding around the eye, which can make evaluation of these patients difficult. Many traumatic injuries to the eye require quick and immediate intervention. In this article, we will review the background, anatomy, exam and management of some of the most common eye traumas including eyelid lacerations, orbital hemorrhages, intraorbital foreign bodies, and orbital fractures.
Toward Long-Term Accurate and Continuous Monitoring of Nitrate in Wastewater Using Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE)-Solid-State Ion-Selective Electrodes (S-ISEs).

Long-term accurate and continuous monitoring of nitrate (NO_3^-) concentration in wastewater and groundwater is critical for determining treatment efficiency and tracking contaminant transport. Cur...
What Caregivers Want: Preferences for Behavioral Health Screening Implementation Procedures in Pediatric Primary Care.

There has been a national push for universal psychosocial prevention screening in pediatric primary care. Implementation science highlights the importance of considering patients’ perspectives when developing such procedures; however, minimal studies have examined this. The present study employed a mixed-methods design to examine caregivers of pediatric patients’ (n = 149) preferences and comfort with psychosocial screening procedures. A subset of participants (n = 20) were interviewed to better understand reasons for responses. Results indicated that caregivers rated screening for physical health, development, emotion and behavior, caregiver adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and child ACEs within primary care as important or very important. The majority of caregivers were not comfortable completing screenings in the waiting room and preferred the exam room. Caregivers primarily preferred the primary care provider to administer screenings and communicate results and recommendations. Parents also preferred the behavioral health provider to provide recommendations on emotion and behavior, parent ACEs, and child ACEs. Qualitative reasons for responses included relationship quality, knowledge of child, expertise, and desire for direct communication. Findings have implications for developing family-centered, trauma-informed practices within primary care, particularly among those within under-resourced rural communities.
Runner's health choices questionnaire: female collegiate cross-country runners' perspectives on health and eating.

To assess female collegiate cross-country runners’ perspectives regarding sport-related health and the factors impacting eating behaviors. The Runner’s Health Choices Questionnaire, a previously va...
A pilot study on AutoPatternmaker: a web-based application generating customized basic block automatically

Innovative pattern drafting methods existing in research papers are not promoted to the general public or getting enough attention from the industry. This project aims to promote traditional and innovative basic block drafting methods existing in academia to other researchers and educators, related industry personnel, and fashion amateur, by designing a web-based automatic basic block application and establishing a web-based communication platform. To test this idea, a web app was developed to automatically generate customized basic block patterns based on input measurements using the Armstrong method. The pilot study showed that the pipeline is processable, and the next step will be scaling the number of available basic block drafting methods in the app.
Coronavirus testing disparities associated with community level deprivation, racial inequalities, and food insecurity in West Virginia.

Abstract Purpose Social determinants of health and racial inequalities impact healthcare access and subsequent coronavirus testing. Limited studies have described the impact of these inequities on rural minorities living in Appalachia. This study investigates factors affecting testing in rural communities. Methods PCR testing data were obtained for March through September 2020. Spatial regression analyses were fit at the census tract level. Model outcomes included testing and positivity rate. Covariates included rurality, percent Black population, food insecurity, and area deprivation index (a comprehensive indicator of socioeconomic status). Results Small clusters in coronavirus testing were detected sporadically, while test positivity clustered in mideastern and southwestern WV. In regression analyses, percent food insecurity (IRR = 3.69×109, [796, 1.92×1016]), rurality (IRR=1.28, [1.12, 1.48]), and percent population Black (IRR = 0.88, [0.84, 0.94]) had substantial effects on coronavirus testing. However, only percent food insecurity (IRR = 5.98 × 104, [3.59, 1.07×109]) and percent Black population (IRR = 0.94, [0.90, 0.97]) displayed substantial effects on the test positivity rate. Conclusions Findings highlight disparities in coronavirus testing among communities with rural minorities. Limited testing in these communities may misrepresent coronavirus incidence.
Long Non-Coding RNA FENDRR : Gene Structure, Expression, and Biological Relevance

The FOXF1 Adjacent Noncoding Developmental Regulatory RNA (Fendrr) plays an important role in the control of gene expression in mammals. It is transcribed in the opposite direction to the neighboring Foxf1 gene with which it shares a region containing promoters. In humans, FENDRR is located on chromosome 16q24.1, and is positively regulated both by the FOXF1 distant lung-specific cis-acting enhancer and by trans-acting FOXF1. Fendrr has been shown to function as a competing endogenous RNA, sponging microRNAs and protein factors that control stability of mRNAs, and as an epigenetic modifier of chromatin structure around gene promoters and other regulatory sites, targeting them with histone methyltrasferase complexes. In mice, Fendrr is essential for development of the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system; its homozygous loss causes embryonic or perinatal lethality. Importantly, deregulation of FENDRR expression has been causatively linked also to tumorigenesis, resistance to chemotherapy, fibrosis, and inflammatory diseases. Here, we review the current knowledge on the FENDRR structure, expression, and involvement in development and tissue maintenance.
Electrospun Chitosan-based Fibers for Wound Healing Applications

Chitosan, a natural-occurring biopolymer, is biocompatible to tissues with excellent antibacterial and hemostatic properties, which makes it a great candidate among wound dressing materials. In this paper, electrospun fiber-based wound dressings from blend chitosan and/or polyethylene oxide (PEO) and/or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers were reviewed. The incorporation of these water-soluble copolymers allows the entanglement of the rigid chitosan molecular chains during electrospinning leading to the production of continuous nonwoven fibers having average diameters ranging from several tenths to hundredths of nanometers. Increasing chitosan composition in the fibers improves the bulk mechanical strength of the fiber mats due to the rigid molecular structure of chitosan. The nano-sized pores within the fiber mats promote permeability of the fiber dressings, which further enhances the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with outside environment. In addition, the porous fiber mat structure facilitates the absorption of wound exudates while reducing the possibility of bacterial infections. Several studies in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory responses of chitosan-based electrospun fibers were discussed in this short review. More importantly, inclusions of small molecule drugs and/or biological agents are possible in chitosan-based electrospun fibers, which provide a multi-purpose treatment capability for wound healing applications.
Changes in Shielding Practice for Radiographers—Implications for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing

Abstract The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) published a position statement regarding the limitation of fetal and gonadal shielding in radiographic imaging procedures. For the imaging community, this statement was alarming, as shielding patients was one of the longest-held principles of imaging technologists. In an effort to alleviate the concerns of technologists and other professionals working in medical imaging, the AAPM created a committee of professionals in the field to disseminate education about the change called the Communicating Advances in Radiation Education Committee. This committee published a frequently asked questions document addressing the concerns of technologists and educators in the field of medical imaging and providing guidance on educating patients and other health professionals. This article seeks to provide an overview of the change in shielding practice, the science that fueled the change, and the implications for healthcare professionals and patients in the medical imaging department. Although technologists, nurses, and any other participating personnel proximal to radiation production must protect themselves, in most instances, patients do not need to be shielded and in fact, may be harmed by the use of shields. Future research should focus on the attitudes of technologists and patients toward shielding and whether or not all medical professionals and the public are informed about shielding recommendations.
Molecular diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections.

Enteric infections cause significant morbidity and mortality and have a significant financial cost worldwide. This chapter discusses the molecular techniques for the clinical identification of the bacteria, viruses, and parasites most commonly responsible for infections of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Numerous studies have reported on the development of PCR assays for the detection of enteric pathogens. Overall, multiplex, real-time PCR assay is favored because of its speed and elimination of postamplification carryover. The chapter summarizes the advancements achieved for the detection of enteric bacterial pathogens by molecular methods and discusses the remaining challenges. It also discusses the special case of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection and the role of molecular methods in its diagnosis. Except for Plesiomonas shigelloides, which causes disease only in some patients, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia enterocolitica are intrinsic enteric pathogens in humans. Importantly, the sequence of the viral capsid protein encoded by open reading frame 2 (ORF2) correlates directly with the serotype, making RT-PCR the most common technique for astrovirus detection and typing. The major pathogenic intestinal coccidia include Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Isospora belli, with Cryptosporidium spp. being the most common. The microsporidia are composed of more than 1,000 species of small, spore-forming, obligate intracellular organisms originally classified as protozoa but now considered fungi.
On the Application of a Frequency Domain Controller Design Methodology to Non-Minimum Phase and Unstable Systems

Recently in Jayasuriya and Franchek [1988] a frequency domain design methodology was developed for controller synthesis maximizing the allowable size of an unknown-but-bounded disturbance while satisfying prespecified control and output constraints. The design technique, which accounts for bandwidth limitations, is based on mapping time domain constraints into the frequency domain. Application of the technique to non-minimum phase and/or unstable systems is presented. A non-minimum phase, unstable SIMO system is examined and the results are compared to those obtained by the Set-Theoretic (ST) approach (Usoro et al [1982]).
Enantioselective adsorption of hydrobenzoin on zeolite beta

Abstract Chiral separations are of great importance as enantiomerically pure compounds in products such as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, food additives, insecticides, etc. constitute a growing multi-billion dollar market worldwide. Chiral molecules are stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Adsorption on zeolite beta of hydrobenzoin, (1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethnediol) as a model enantiomeric species, was carried out to study the ability of zeolite beta to adsorb and potentially discriminate between its enantiomers. The results showed Zeolite Beta, presumably through enantiomorphs of polymorph A, selectively adsorb both (R,R)-(+)-hydrobenzoin or (S,S)-(-)-hydrobenzoin, and that, theoretically, a racemic mixture of hydrobenzoin can be resolved using zeolite beta containing either enantiomer of hydrobenzoin.
Methodological Issues in the Analysis of Human Sperm Concentration Data

We examined two methodological issues in the analysis of sperm concentration data using a large database of sperm concentrations in healthy men that were collected at the University of Washington. We showed that the raw data were skewed and that log transformation should be used to assure that the data meet the assumptions underlying most statistical estimation and testing procedures. We also addressed the issue of the great variability in sperm concentrations within a single individual and the necessity and utility of multiple sampling to reduce variance. We conclude that log-transformed data should be used for statistical analysis of sperm concentration and recommend that such analyses be based on the geometric mean of several samples from each subject to reduce variability, increase accuracy of estimation, and improve statistical power. This is particularly important when the objective is to detect small but important differences or subtle effects.
Optimal Fluorescence Excitation and Emission Bands for Detection of Fecal Contamination

Fecal contamination of food products is a critical health issue. To test the feasibility of the use fluorescent techniques to detect fecal contamination, fluorescence excitation and emission characteristics of fecal matter from cows, deer, swine, chickens, and turkeys in the UV to far-red regions of the spectrum were evaluated. To allow the optimization of the detection of fecal contamination on animal carcasses and cut meats, emission-excitation spectra of the feces were compared with spectra for animal meats. The feedstuffs for the swine, chickens, and turkeys were also analyzed. Excitation at approximately 410 to 420 nm yielded the highest level of fluorescence for both feces and feedstuffs. Emission maxima were in the red region (at 632 nm for chicken feces and at 675 nm for the feces of the other species). The major constituent responsible for emission at 632 nm was tentatively identified as protoporphyrin IX; emission at 675 nm most likely emanates from chlorophyll a or its metabolites. Animal meats emitted strong fluorescence in the blue-green regions, but no emission peaks were observed in the red region for these meats. These results suggest that fluorescence emissions from naturally occurring chlorophyll a and its metabolites are good markers for fecal contamination and that with excitation at 410 to 420 nm, the responses of fecal matter can easily be differentiated from the responses of animal meats. We suggest that the detection of fecal contamination can be enhanced by requiring a minimum chlorophyll a content in the finishing diets of all farm animals.
Education and Electronic Resources (ER) Librarianship : How Library School Programs Are Meeting the Needs of the ER Librarian Position

SUMMARY The authors of this chapter undertook a study to determine how well library school education is preparing students for electronic resources (ER) librarianship. The study provides an analysis of 100 ER librarian position descriptions to determine the requisite skills, training, and knowledge, and then an analysis of how well those skills are covered in the ALA-accredited Master's level library programs through their course descriptions. The authors also examine ways to define, explore, and bridge the gap between the practical issues of the job and the theoretical approach to such issues as provided by library schools.
Prince Diponegoro: Progenitor of Indonesian Nationalism

Ever since the beginning of the twentieth century, when the native movement in the East Indies got its start, the more extreme elements among Indonesian nationalist groups have looked to the figure of Prince Diponegoro, the early nineteenth-century mystic and leader of the native rebellion against the Dutch known as the Java War (1825–30), as a source of inspiration in their struggle for independence. Members of the nationalist movement still commemorate his death and are hailing him today as “the hero of liberty of the Indonesian people.” Many are also sympathetic to Diponegoro's old program of national purification with its emphasis upon the distinctive Hindu-Mohammedan antecedents of the Indonesian, as opposed to the “contamination” of Western civilization brought in the wake of more than three centuries of Dutch rule over the East Indian Archipelago.
Now you see it, now you don't: The vanishing beauty premium

Abstract We design a laboratory experiment to test the extent to which the often-observed “beauty premium” – a positive relationship between attractiveness and wages – is context-specific. Using three realistic worker tasks, we find that the existence of the “beauty premium” indeed depends on the task: while relatively more attractive workers receive higher wage bids in a bargaining task, there is no such premium in either an analytical task or a data entry task. Our analysis shows that the premium in bargaining is driven by statistical discrimination based on biased beliefs about worker performance. We also find that there is substantial learning after worker-specific performance information is revealed, highlighting the importance of accounting for longer-run interactions in studies of discrimination.
Structure of Deoxyribonucleic Acid on the Cell Surface During Uptake by Pneumococcus

We exposed competent cells of Diplococcus pneumoniae to high-molecular-weight donor deoxyribonucleate (DNA) and examined the state of the DNA bound to them in forms sensitive to deoxyribonuclease I. The portion elutable with 5 M guanidine hydrochloride was shown to be native, of much lower molecular weight (4 x 10(6) to 5 x 10(6)) than the donor, and as active in further transformation as sheared DNA of the same size. The portion resistant to release by guanidine hydrochloride was also shown to be native and active in transformation. These results, along with previous ones, imply that the breaks produced outside the cell are not at genetically specific sites. Furthermore, it was found that entry past the cell barrier to deoxyribonuclease could occur at 0 C by a process sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetate.
Developmental immunotoxicity of cyclosporin-A in rats: age-associated differential effects.

Abstract Cyclosporin-A (CYP-A) is a widely used immunosuppressive drug. Yet, information on the long-term impact of embryonic exposure is relatively scarce. The effects of CYP-A on reproductive and immunologic parameters in CD strain female offspring exposed in utero at doses of 0, 0.2, 2, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day (from gestational day 6 to 21) were compared against identically dosed CD adult rats. Embryotoxicity was seen at the two highest doses. CYP-A was acutely immunotoxic in adults (tested at 20 mg/kg/day dose) but with minimum long-term effects. In contrast, the offspring experienced relatively persistent alterations. CYP-A exposure increased ano-genital distance in the neonates. In the 5-week-old offspring, the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and splenic B cell number (determined by flow cytometry) were both decreased at the 2 mg dose level. IL-4 level was reduced and blood monocytes were increased at both exposure doses. All other parameters were unchanged. In the adult offspring (13-week-old), no difference was seen in either the DTH response or B cell ratios, but IL-4 level was increased at 2 mg/kg/day, and anti-KLH IgG titer decreased at both doses. In exposed non-pregnant adults, changes were minimal following a 13-week recovery period. Blood neutrophils were increased at all doses of the drug and flow cytometry data suggested some perturbation in CD4 + CD8 + cells, macrophages, and B-cells. All other parameters were unchanged. In conclusion, the adult rodent immune system largely recovers from CYP-A exposure given sufficient time. However, embryonic exposure appears to produce a series of immune perturbations including functional impairment during postnatal maturation.
The letters of John Dastin.

AbstractJohn Dastin, a noted alchemist who lived ca.1300, followed the lead of many of his contemporaries and predecessors in using letters to propagate his views on alchemy. This article identifies a number of letters that Dastin wrote, and includes one text addressed to a cardinal of the city of Naples. This letter is virtually a copy of a work by Arnold of Villanova. I believe that other works ascribed to Dastin will also show a great dependence on Arnold's works.
Acanthodasys paurocactus sp. n., a new species of Thaumastodermatidae (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) with multiple scale types from Capron Shoal, Florida

A new species of Acanthodasys (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida, Thaumastodermatidae) is described from sublittoral sediments off the Atlantic coast of Florida. Acanthodasys paurocactus sp. n. is a relatively small species (to 450 µm long) with a strap-shaped outline, a series of anterior, lateral, and ventrolateral adhesive tubes, paired caudal pedicles with posterior adhesive tubes, and a morphologically diverse cuticle. The cuticle contains both spined and unspined scales. Unspined scales are present in two general shapes: lanceolate and eye shaped, with some transitional shapes. All scales have a thickened rim and depressed central region; some scales of both shapes bear either one or more central bumps, a parallel ridge, or a perpendicular ridge that gives the appearance of a cross-shaped pattern under transmitted light. Spined scales are somewhat quadrangular in shape and bear uniancres to 15 µm long with a cross-shaped sectional profile. The new species is now one of five described species to possess both spined and spineless scales, and only one of two species to possess two types of spineless scales (the second species is an incompletely described specimen from Norway).
Regional neurochemical studies on the effect of beta, beta'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) in the rat.

A permanent hyperkinetic syndrome, characterized by excitation, choreiform head and neck movements and circling, which has led to it being called collectively the “ECC-syndrome,” is induced in rats by the daily IP administration of β,β′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), 300 mg/kg, for 7 days. The levels of the biogenic amines, norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were measured in the striatum, midbrian, medulla, cortex, and cerebellum on the day the syndrome appeared (day 7) and one week later (day 14). The biogenic amine most affected by IDPN administration was 5-HT. On day 7, striatal 5-HT level increased and 5-HIAA levels decreased while in the medulla and midbrain, 5-HIAA levels increased. On day 14, significant reductions in both 5-HT, in the midbrain, striatum, and cortex, and 5-HIAA, in all regions except the cortex, were observed. NE was markedly increased in the medulla, midbrain, and striatum on day 7, whereas on day 14 it was found to be within the normal range in these same regions. With the exception of a slight, but significant, increase in the cortex on day 7, DA levels in all regions were found to be relatively unaffected by IDPN administration on both day 7 and day 14. In an attempt to detect degenerative changes which might be taking place in the brain and which might provide an explanation for the permanency of the behavioral disturbances, the uptake of [3H]-labeled NE, DA, and 5-HT into synaptosomal-rich preparations of striatum and the uptake of NE and 5-HT into the midbrain area were compared between normal and syndromized rats on both day 7 and day 14. Small changes were observed but they were not statistically significant. The alterations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in several regions of the brain under the conditions examined may indicate that IDPN's neurotoxicity primarily affects 5-HT-containing neurones. The active membrane transporting system of the nerve endings studied, however, remained relatively intact. This latter finding eliminates the possibility that neuronal degeneration in these areas is responsible for the decreased 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels or is the pathology underlying the permanency of the syndrome. These results are evaluated in terms of a possible model for hyperkinetic disorders.
Efficient and bright organic light-emitting diodes on single-layer graphene electrodes

Indium tin oxide, the predominant material used as transparent electrodes in organic LEDs, is expensive and brittle. Ning Li and colleagues form transparent electrodes using single-layer graphene to construct organic LEDs with unprecedented performance that are suitable for both displays and lighting.
Cerebral lateralization in individuals diagnosed as autistic in early childhood.

Abstract Early infantile autism was found to be associated with an atypical pattern of cerebral lateralization. Based on EEG measures of hemispheric activation during cognitive processing, it was found that 7 of the 10 autistic individuals tested showed a pattern of hemispheric specialization rarely seen in the normal population; namely, a “reversal” in lateralization reflective of a lack of left-hemisphere specialization for linguistic functions. Furthermore, the autistic individuals' pattern of cognitive strengths and weakness is suggestive of a selective impairment of the left cerebral hemisphere.
Differential effects of the histamine H(3) receptor agonist methimepip on dentate granule cell excitability, paired-pulse plasticity and long-term potentiation in prenatal alcohol-exposed rats.

Background We previously reported that prenatal alcohol-induced deficits in dentate gyrus (DG) long-term potentiation (LTP) are ameliorated by the histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist ABT-239. ABT-239 did not enhance LTP in control rats, suggesting that the possibility of a heightened H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of LTP in prenatal alcohol-exposed (PAE) offspring. Methods To further investigate this mechanism, we examined the effect of methimepip, a selective histamine H3 receptor agonist, on DG granule cell responses and LTP in saccharin control and PAE rats. Long-Evans rat dams voluntarily consumed either a 0 or 5% ethanol solution 4 hours each day throughout gestation. Adult male offspring from these dams were anesthetized with urethane and electrodes implanted into the entorhinal cortical perforant path and the DG. Results In control offspring, methimepip reduced the coupling of fast excitatory postsynaptic field potentials to population spikes (E-S coupling), the probability of glutamate release, as measured by paired-pulse ratio (PPR) and diminished DG LTP. Similar reductions in E-S coupling and LTP were observed in saline-treated PAE offspring. In contrast to the control group, methimepip did not exacerbate PAE-induced reductions in E-S coupling or LTP. Conclusions While the effects of methimepip in control offspring were consistent with speculation of a PAE-induced enhancement of H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of E-S coupling and LTP, the absence of an added effect of methimepip in PAE offspring could indicate either an inability to further inhibit these responses with methimepip in PAE rats or the presence of more complex regulatory neural interactions with in vivo recordings in PAE rats. Follow-up studies of H3 receptor-mediated responses in DG slice preparations are under way to provide clearer insights into the role of the H3 receptor regulation of excitatory transmission in PAE rats.
Development of clinical practice guidelines for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Clinical practice guidelines should be written for the physician who sees patients who already have or are at high risk for osteoporosis. They should also guide the physician in distinguishing between those at high and low risk and provide general guidelines for prevention of osteoporosis for the low-risk patient. Patients at high risk may require intervention to prevent further bone loss. The guidelines should be based on the strongest evidence available and be easy to comprehend and apply. Methods to identify individuals at high risk for osteoporosis must be described. Effective interventions also should be described, as should their benefits and risks. Elderly individuals who have a poor diet and little sun exposure may be vitamin D deficient unless a supplement is given. Factors that may be deleterious to the skeleton should be avoided. Weight-bearing exercise is important throughout life. Assessment of fracture risk is important in choosing candidates for intervention, especially interventions aimed at preventing osteoporosis. Measuring bone mass at any skeletal site is the necessary initial step for most individuals: measurement at the hip may best assess the risk of hip fracture. Some risk factors independent of bone mass may also aid in patient selection. The WHO has defined osteoporosis as a bone mass at least 2.5 standard deviations (SDs) below the mean of young normal. Such individuals and those with bone mass from 1 to 2.5 SDs below the mean of young normal may also be considered for intervention. The decision will depend on assessments of the risks, the costs of treatment, the desire of the patient, and the presence of other independent risk factors. The patient with an acute fracture may require an orthopedic intervention and should receive adequate analgesia. Physical therapy is an important adjunct that aids recovery. A number of therapeutic interventions, including adequate calcium intake throughout life and an adequate vitamin D intake, are available to high-risk individuals. These interventions may be recommended generally and do not require a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Similarly, a safe weight-bearing exercise program that helps to maintain muscle strength can be recommended to older patients. Other forms of therapy include hormone replacement, bisphosphonates, and calcitonin. Vitamin D analogs and selective estrogen receptor modulators may be helpful in the future. The risks and costs of each therapy should be weighed against its benefit in slowing bone loss or increasing bone mass and reducing fractures.
Mgm101 Is a Rad52-related Protein Required for Mitochondrial DNA Recombination

Homologous recombination is a conserved molecular process that has primarily evolved for the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks and stalled replication forks. However, the recombination machinery in mitochondria is poorly understood. Here, we show that the yeast mitochondrial nucleoid protein, Mgm101, is related to the Rad52-type recombination proteins that are widespread in organisms from bacteriophage to humans. Mgm101 is required for repeat-mediated recombination and suppression of mtDNA fragmentation in vivo. It preferentially binds to single-stranded DNA and catalyzes the annealing of ssDNA precomplexed with the mitochondrial ssDNA-binding protein, Rim1. Transmission electron microscopy showed that Mgm101 forms large oligomeric rings of ∼14-fold symmetry and highly compressed helical filaments. Specific mutations affecting ring formation reduce protein stability in vitro. The data suggest that the ring structure may provide a scaffold for stabilization of Mgm101 by preventing the aggregation of the otherwise unstable monomeric conformation. Upon binding to ssDNA, Mgm101 is remobilized from the rings to form distinct nucleoprotein filaments. These studies reveal a recombination protein of likely bacteriophage origin in mitochondria and support the notion that recombination is indispensable for mtDNA integrity.
Heme binding to the histidine-rich protein II from Plasmodium falciparum

The histidine-rich protein II (HRP II) from Plasmodium falciparum has been implicated in the formation of hemozoin, a detoxified, crystalline form of ferric protoporphyrin IX (Fe3+-PPIX) produced b...
Response of alkali activated fly ash mortars to microwave curing

Volumetric heating provided by microwave curing results in faster property development as compared to conventional heat curing that relies on heat conduction from the skin to the core. This paper discusses the compressive strength and microstructure development of microwave cured NaOH activated fly ash mortars, and relates them to the microwave energy absorption by the material which is a function of its dielectric properties. Microwave curing parameters are chosen so as to eliminate the effects of thermal runaway. Strengths that are comparable to or greater than those of mortars heat cured for 48 h at 75 °C are obtained in less than 120 min of microwave curing. The rate of energy absorption by the mortars is found to be relatively constant for a considerable fraction of the microwave curing duration, attributable to the compensation for the drop in dielectric loss factor as a result of moisture loss by the increase in internal electric field. Compressive strength is shown to be related to the microwave energy absorbed by the specimens, especially during the time when free water is present in the system.