cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatty acids can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus SaeS activity at the membrane independent of alterations in respiration.

In Staphylococcus aureus, the two-component system SaeRS is responsible for regulating various virulence factors essential for the success of this pathogen. SaeRS can be stimulated by neutrophil-derived products but has also recently been shown to be inactivated by the presence of free fatty acids. A mechanism for how fatty acids negatively impacts SaeRS has not been described. We found that unsaturated fatty acids, as well as fatty acids not commonly found in Staphylococcal membranes, prevent the activation of SaeRS at a lower concentration than their saturated counterparts. These fatty acids can negatively impact SaeRS without altering the respiratory capacity of the bacterium. To uncover a potential mechanism for how fatty acids impact SaeRS function/activity, we utilized a naturally occurring point mutation found in S. aureus as well as chimeric SaeS proteins. Using these tools, we identified that the native transmembrane domains of SaeS dictate the transcriptional response to fatty acids in S. aureus. Our data support a model where free fatty acids alter the activity of the two-component system SaeRS directly through the sensor kinase SaeS and is dependent on the transmembrane domains of the protein.
Psychometric testing of the Brief Sense of Community Scale with older adults in Puerto Rico.

The Brief Sense of Community Scale (BSCS) is a well-validated measure of psychological sense of community (PSOC), but it has yet to be tested with Spanish-speaking older adults. The current study uses data from face-to-face interviews with a non-probability sample of 154 community-dwelling older adults in Puerto Rico. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test three competing factor structures. We also tested internal consistency reliability and convergent validity. CFA results show the second-order four-factor model was the best fit (χ2 (16) = 20.78, p = 0.187; CFI = 0.997, TLI = 0.995, SRMR = 0.026, RMSEA = 0.044, 90% CI [<0.001, 0.092]). The BSCS showed good reliability (α = 0.85) and was correlated in the expected direction with social network size (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and loneliness (r = -0.27, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that the BSCS comprises the four domains (membership, needs fulfillment, emotional connection, and influence) from the original PSOC theory. These results inform theory development and can aid program planning, policy, and practice with older adults in Puerto Rico.
Modalities of Moving to Inflation Targeting in Armenia and Georgia

This paper reviews the current monetary and exchange rate policy frameworks in Armenia and Georgia, and the challenges associated with the choice of a credible nominal anchor in the context of large nominal and real shocks. The paper makes a case for a gradual transition to full-fledged inflation targeting (FFIT) in both countries in the medium term. The implications of this option are examined from various angles. In particular, the monetary transmission mechanisms and compliance with major institutional prerequisites for successful FFIT adoption are analyzed. Based on this analysis, the paper identifies a series of short- and medium-term recommendations, drawing on the experience of emerging market countries that successfully moved to FFIT.
Prevention and Correction of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the limiting factor in the glycemic management of diabetes because it generally precludes maintenance of euglycemia. Improving glycemic control while minimizing hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and advanced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) involves both application of the principles of aggressive therapy—patient education and empowerment, frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose, flexible insulin regimens, individualized glycemic goals, and ongoing professional guidance and support—and implementation of hypoglycemia risk reduction.
Microcomputer programs for complex epidemiologic procedures. II. Test for equality and trend of adjusted rates

The microcomputer program presented in Part I of this series (M. H. Dong, Comput. Biomed. Res. 22, 349 (1989)) is useful for computing adjusted excess rates. That program, however, does not provide a means for a quantitative analysis of the adjusted rates computed for the categories of a risk factor. At times it is crucial for us to determine whether after adjustment a factor exerts a dose-response effect that is statistically significant. Recently a hypothesis test for analyzing such an effect has been reported. The test is based on score statistics obtained directly from a product model assumed for the excess rate. The objective of this second part is to continue to make available a microcomputer program that has been written to implement the computation of these score statistics, which likewise entails a complex and lengthy iterative procedure. In this communication the test is described and the application of the microcomputer program is illustrated.
Manufacturing Social Violence: The Prison Paradox & Future Escapes

This Article examines the connections between prisons and violence outside of prison. Incorporating analyses of ethnographic data, prison studies, and prison literature, it argues that whether the source is gang bosses or religious leaders in prison, released prisoners, or even prison guards, civilians are targets and victims of prison-related violence. The work also offers a set of policy measures that integrates the two major streams of thought on prison reform, namely external reforms (legislative & sentencing) and internal reforms (prisoners’ rights).
Tympanic membrane Patcher: a new device to close tympanic membrane perforations in an office setting.

Objective To assess a new device intended to cover tympanic membrane (TM) perforations in an office setting. Study design Not all patients with TM perforations require or choose tympanoplasty surgery. Alternatives to surgery (e.g., paper and plastic onlay) have limitations that prompted a need for an alternative method. A new, simple device, designed to be inserted into the perforation, is made out of a very soft silicone in the shape of a sealed tympanostomy tube. The TM Patcher is self-stabilizing without adhesives. Setting An outpatient office. Patients Twenty-nine patients with 30 consecutive dry TM perforations, who volunteered to participate in the study. Patients with known cholesteatomas or persistent drainage were excluded. Interventions In the office, patients had the Patcher inserted into their dry TM perforation. No anesthetics were needed. Main outcome measures Hearing was tested before and after patching by conventional audiometry. The ears were assessed for Patcher position, perforation status, and infection. Results Patients with normal ossicular chains had immediate improvement of hearing. No patient experienced hearing loss. Twenty-six of 30 patients (87%) were free of infection. Two patients (7%) with persistent drainage were taken to surgery and were found to have mastoid disease (cholesteatoma or granulation tissue). Three patients (10%) had rare otorrhea after patching and were treated by drops or temporary removal of the Patcher. Two of these three ears subsequently became dry and then healed. Small perforations often healed or became smaller (46% of 3-mm perforations) despite failure of tympanoplasty or conventional office patching with a flat piece of paper or plastic. Perforations >5 mm did not heal; however, these patients simply continued wearing their Patcher and benefited by protection of their middle ear, typically with improved hearing and resolution of tinnitus. Occasional spontaneous lateralization was allowed to occur in the small perforations, which often later healed. In larger perforations, the Patcher was simply repositioned. Conclusions The Patcher is a safe and effective alternative for office patching of dry perforations when surgery is contraindicated or is refused by the patient. New materials should increase healing rates when applied to a Phase II Patcher.
Anemia and deficiencies of folate and vitamin B-6 are common and vary with season in Chinese women of childbearing age.

Little is known about the micronutrient status of Chinese women of childbearing age. We assessed nonfasting plasma concentrations of folic acid vitamin B-12 vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxal-5’-phosphate) hemoglobin (Hb) ferritin and transferrin receptor (TfR) in 563 nonpregnant textile workers aged 21–34 y from Anqing China. All women had obtained permission to become pregnant and were participating in a prospective study of pregnancy outcomes. Mean (SD) plasma concentrations were 9.7 (4.1) nmol/L folic acid 367 (128) pmol/L vitamin B-12 40.2 (15.8) nmol/L vitamin B-6 108 (12.9) g/L Hb 42.6 (34.2) µg/L ferritin and 5.2 (2.7) mg/L TfR. Twenty-three percent of women had biochemical evidence of folic acid deficiency 26% were deficient in vitamin B-6 and 10% had low vitamin B-12. Overall 44% of women were deficient in at least one B vitamin. Although anemia (Hb < 120 g/L) was detected in 80% of women only 17% had depleted iron stores (ferritin < 12 µg/L); 11% had elevated TfR concentrations. Distinct seasonal trends were observed in the prevalence of moderate anemia (Hb < 100 g/L) and deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-6 with significantly lower concentrations of folate and Hb occurring in summer and lower concentrations of vitamin B-6 occurring in winter and spring than in other seasons. We conclude that deficiencies of folic acid vitamin B-6 and iron were relatively common in this sample of Chinese women of childbearing age and were contributing to the high prevalence of anemia. Without appropriate supplementation these deficiencies could jeopardize the women’s health and increase their risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. (authors)
Connective tissue regeneration to periodontally diseased teeth. A histological study.

A study was made to investigate the biological principle of new attachment of connective tissue to periodontally diseased root surfaces utilizing the previous finding that topical application of citric acid to the affected area may stimulate periodontal regeneration. Reconstructive surgery was performed on ten surfaces of nine teeth involved in advanced chronic periodontal disease. A muco-periosteal flap was raised and the apical extent of existing subgingival calculus was demarcated by a notch made through the calculus and into the root. Following thorough instrumentation, a saturated solution of citric acid was applied to the root surface for five minutes and the flap repositioned and sutured. Four months later the teeth with attached periodontal tissues were removed and processed for histological analysis. Connective tissue regeneration characterized by deposition of new cementum, and more coronally, by tightly apposed soft connective tissue had occurred in all specimens. The junctional epithelium ended 1.2–2.6 mm coronal to the apical border of the notch in the various specimens. The results demonstrate that regeneration of periodontal tissues to a root surface that has become denuded as a result of chronic, destructive periodontal disease and that has been covered by calculus is, in fact, a biological possibility. This study does not establish whether or not acid conditioning of the root surface is a prerequisite for new attachment.
Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 8. Detection of simulated low-contrast objects in digital subtraction angiographic images

We investigated the effects of imaging and display conditions on the detectability of low-contrast objects in digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) images. The test images were produced by superimposition of low-contrast objects on a uniform noisy background obtained with a DSA system. We employed 18-alternative forced-choice (18-AFC) experiments and predictions based on statistical decision theory to study the dependence of the threshold contrasts of the test objects on the object size, incident x-ray exposure, display window width, and display medium. The results indicated that the threshold contrast decreased with increasing object size, and that the detectability of an object of a given size increased with increasing incident x-ray exposure and decreasing width of the display window. We found that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained from the perceived statistical decision theory model, which includes the observer's internal noise, can accurately predict the detectability of low-contrast objects in DSA images. The threshold SNR corresponding to 50% correct detection in the 18-AFC experiments had a constant value of 3.8, in agreement with results reported previously for screen-film systems. The theoretical model will be useful for prediction of the performance of a DSA system based on its physical characteristics, and for evaluation of the tradeoff between patient exposure and diagnostic accuracy for a given DSA unit.
Effect of irrelevant information on retrieval time for relevant information

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of irrelevant information on the time required to retrieve relevant information from short-term memory. Subjects pressed a left- or right-hand key labeled ‘Same’ or ‘Different’ after viewing a Stroop color word (Red or Green printed in red or green ink) followed by a probe (Red or Green printed in white ink or a red or green color patch). Subjects indicated whether the probe corresponded to the ink color (experiment 1) or the meaning (experiment 2) of the Stroop word. In experiments 3 and 4, the probe mode (i.e., word or color patch) specified which attribute of the Stroop word was to be retrieved; i.e., the word probe signaled retrieval of word meaning and the color patch signaled retrieval of ink color in experiment 3 and vice versa in experiment 4. Retrieval of ink color and word meaning were faster when the relevant and irrelevant attributes of the color word were congruent than when they were incongruent. Interference was attributed to a decoding difficulty which derived from the manner in which information was originally encoded. Comparisons of retrieval times for conditions within and between experiments provided insights into the processing steps involved in the retrieval process. Findings were consistent with the notion that interference in the standard Stroop task is related to congruence between relevant and irrelevant cues rather than to correspondence between the irrelevant cue and the response.
The reach of neurology

Neurologists experienced in the interpretation of disease in terms of disordered action of the nervous system should be well suited to extend their field of interest to the more complex disorders of human behavior, including hysteria, delirium, ill-defined pain syndromes, unexplained fatigue, disorders of thought, atypical depression, and delusions. To illustrate the potential of neurology in approaching the more complex disorders of behavior, several examples from clinical neurology are presented in which phenomena calling for inquiry and analysis in neurological terms are described. The categories are temporal lobe epilepsy, delirium, drug toxicity, disease processes of the cerebrum, obscure pain, dyslexia, and hysteria. Inquiry into complex disorders of behavior is inseparable from the broad subject of normal mental activity, the neural organization subserving all human thought, emotion, and action. Because of this close association, the comment on hysteria includes an introduction to the important question of whether we humans possess a free will to choose our course of behavior.
Molecular and biochemical characterisation of polyphenol oxidases in developing kernels and senescing leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) have been implicated in plant defence reactions. From an applied point of view, high PPO activity is associated with browning / darkening of fresh and processed food. Owing to its complex genome and economic importance, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) represents an interesting system to advance our understanding of plant PPO function. We have previously shown that wheat PPOs are organised in a multigene family, consisting of two distinct phylogenetic clusters with three members each. In this study, we demonstrate that members of one cluster are not expressed in developing kernels or senescing flag leaves. Transcriptional regulation of one major gene in the other cluster largely controls PPO levels in these tissues, at least in the wheat varieties used for this study. Our data further indicate that the product of this gene is present as a latent enzyme during early kernel development, and that the latent enzyme is activated during later developmental phases. Enzyme activation can be achieved in vitro by limited tryptic digestion, but our data do not indicate activation by a proteolytic mechanism in vivo. Together, results presented in this study provide important insights into the regulation of wheat PPO function.
A Comparison of On-Mote Lossy Compression Algorithms for Wireless Seismic Data Acquisition

In this article, we rigorously compare compressive sampling (CS) to four state of the art, on-mote, lossy compression algorithms (K-run-length encoding (KRLE), lightweight temporal compression (LTC), wavelet quantization thresholding and run-length encoding (WQTR), and a low-pass filtered fast Fourier transform (FFT)). Specifically, we first simulate lossy compression on two real-world seismic data sets, and we then evaluate algorithm performance using implementations on real hardware. In terms of compression rates, recovered signal error, power consumption, and classification accuracy of a seismic event detection task (on decompressed signals), results show that CS performs comparable to (and in many cases better than) the other algorithms evaluated. The main benefit to users is that CS, a lightweight and non-adaptive compression technique, can guarantee a desired level of compression performance (and thus, radio usage and power consumption) without subjugating recovered signal quality. Our contribution is a novel and rigorous comparison of five state of the art, on-mote, lossy compression algorithms in simulation on real-world data sets and implemented on hardware.
ANALYSIS IN YEAST OF ANTIMALARIA DRUGS THAT TARGET THE DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM

Pyrimethamine and cycloguanil are competitive inhibitors of the Plasmodium enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). They have been effective treatments for malaria, but rapid selection of populations of the parasite resistant to these drugs has compromised their effectiveness. Parasites resistant to either drug usually have point mutations in the dhfr gene, but the frequency of these mutations is unknown. To study drug resistance more effectively, we transferred the DHFR domain of the dhfr-thymidylate synthase gene from a drug-sensitive line of P. falciparum to a strain of the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that lacks endogenous DHFR activity. Expression of the P. falciparum dhfr is controlled by the yeast dhfr 5' and 3' regulatory regions and the heterologous enzyme provided all of the functions of the yeast dhfr gene. These yeast were susceptible to pyrimethamine and cycloguanil at low concentrations that inhibit P. falciparum (IC50 about 10(-8) and 10(-7) M, respectively). Yeast expressing constructs with dhfr alleles from pyrimethamine-resistant strains were resistant to both pyrimethamine and cycloguanil (IC50 > 10(-6) M); resistance of the yeast depended on the dhfr allele they expressed. The experimental drug WR99210 efficiently killed all three yeast strains (IC50 about 10(-8) M) but the pyrR strains showed collateral hypersensitivity to drug. The yeast transformants carrying the drug-sensitive allele can now be screened quickly and quantitatively to identify new drugs or combinations of drugs and determine which drugs select resistant parasites least efficiently. Such compounds would be excellent candidates for development of treatments with a longer life in clinical practice.
Differential in vivo clearance of serotonin in rat dorsal raphe nucleus and CA3 region

In vivo chronoamperometric recordings were used to determine if the majority of serotonin transporters (SERTs) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are functionally active. This was achieved by comparing the clearance of exogenously applied serotonin (5-HT) from the extracellular fluid (ECF) of the DRN to that in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, an area with lower SERT density. Serotonin was pressure ejected into these regions in anesthetized rats and reproducible electrochemical signals measured by carbon fiber microelectrodes were recorded. Consistent with SERT density as measured by [3H]cyanoimipramine binding in these brain regions (DRN>>CA3), clearance of 5-HT was significantly faster in DRN compared to that in the CA3 region. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluvoxamine, prolonged 5-HT clearance in both CA3 and DRN. It is known that the norepinephrine transporter (NET) contributes to clearance of 5-HT in the dentate gyrus (DG) but not in CA3. Given that the DRN receives noradrenergic innervation, it was also determined if the NET contributes to 5-HT clearance in the DRN. Destruction of the NET with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine failed to alter 5-HT clearance parameters in the DRN. These data support the hypothesis that serotonin transporters are functionally active in the DRN, that serotonin clearance is mediated primarily by the SERT in the DRN and that the faster clearance of 5-HT from this region is related to its greater density of functional SERTs.
Characterization of Adsorbed Protein Films by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry with Principal Component Analysis

Characterization of the adsorbed protein film that forms upon implantation of a biomedical device is a long-standing interest in biomaterials research. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF−SIMS) is a powerful method for the characterization of adsorbed proteins on biomaterial surfaces due to its chemical specificity and surface sensitivity. However, the SIMS fragmentation patterns for proteins are quite complex due to the heterogeneity of the protein sequence. Therefore, the multivariate analysis technique principal components analysis (PCA) was used to obtain a more detailed interpretation of the protein SIMS spectra. This study utilizes single component adsorbed protein films on three model substrates and multivariate analysis of the ToF−SIMS data to determine the identity of protein films. Furthermore, ToF−SIMS and PCA were used to give insight into the composition of a 1% bovine plasma protein film. The single component spectra from 13 different proteins were readily distinguishable usi...
Effect of process uncertainties on generic model control: a geometric approach

Abstract Techniques available in the literature to enhance the robustness of generic model control (GMC) are reviewed. We show that none of these techniques utilize a rigorous analysis of the process-model mismatch. This paper presents GMC from the geometric perspective in order to analyze the effect of process uncertainties in the closed-loop response. The geometric approach defines a performance surface for the closed-loop response with no model error. When the model is not perfect, the system leaves the surface, making the response diffrent from the reference. A technique based on sliding mode control, called sliding generic model control, is developed here to take into account the process uncertainties and to keep the system close to the GMC performance surface.
Effects of age and dementia on temporal cycles in spontaneous speech fluency.

Spontaneous speech of healthy adults consists of alternating periods of fluent and hesitant segments, forming temporal cycles in speech fluency. The regularity of these cycles may be related to the functioning of brain networks during speech planning and execution. This paper investigates the theoretical link between human cognitive functioning and temporal cycles in speech production using a quantitative time series analysis to characterize the regularity and frequency of temporal cycles in adults with differing levels and etiology of cognitive decline. We compare spontaneous speech of adults without a neurological diagnosis, both older and younger, to that of adults with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Two measures of temporal cycle frequency (mean and mode) calculated from the power spectrum of speech fluency represented as a time series were found to be associated with subjects’ age, regardless of diagnosis of dementia. Two measures of periodicity (g-statistic and rhythmicity-index), as well as mean frequency, differentiated between adults with and without dementia. Our study confirms the presence of regular temporal cycles in spontaneous speech and suggests that temporal cycle characteristics are affected in different ways by declines in cognitive functioning due to dementia and aging.
Inverse Determination of Boundary Conditions and Sources in Steady Heat Conduction With Heat Generation

A Boundary Element Method (BEM) implementation for the solution of inverse or ill-posed two-dimensional Poisson problems of steady heat conduction with heat sources and sinks is proposed. The procedure is noniterative and cost effective, involving only a simple modification to any existing BEM algorithm. Thermal boundary conditions can be prescribed on only part of the boundary of the solid object while the heat sources can be partially or entirely unknown. Overspecified boundary conditions or internal temperature measurements are required in order to compensate for the unknown conditions. The weighted residual statement, inherent in the BEM formulation, replaces the more common iterative least-squares (L2) approach, which is typically used in this type of ill-posed problem. An ill-conditioned matrix results from the BEM formulation, which must be properly inverted to obtain the solution to the ill-posed steady heat conduction problem. A singular value decomposition (SVD) matrix solver was found to be more effective than Tikhonov regularization for inverting the matrix. Accurate results have been obtained for several steady two-dimensional heat conduction problems with arbitrary distributions of heat sources where the analytic solutions were available.
All animals are interesting

There are at least two major approaches to the study of organisms. The first might be termed a principles approach. The investigator asks how perception is handled in and beyond the retina, how muscle is organized, how limbs are driven and controlled, how some predators are duped by prey, and how other predators overcome the defenses of their prey. Such questions often become reductionistic; one then asks how particular cells in the retina may be organized, how particular metabolic pathways interact. A common feature of principles approaches is that particular organisms, or even particular tissues thereof, are often best suited for the investigation. Genetical problems require short generation times, behavioral problems may be easiest on small, obviously diurnal animals that are easy to observe. Similarly, there are advantages to studying the organization of simple nervous systems. The success stories in biology identified by the names Anolis. Aplysia, Drosophila and Mus, each represent a successful selection, or rather a successful decision of how and
Topographic motor projections in the limb imposed by LIM homeodomain protein regulation of ephrin-A:EphA interactions

The formation of topographic neural maps relies on the coordinate assignment of neuronal cell body position and axonal trajectory. The projection of motor neurons of the lateral motor column (LMC) along the dorsoventral axis of the limb mesenchyme constitutes a simple topographic map that is organized in a binary manner. We show that LIM homeodomain proteins establish motor neuron topography by coordinating the mediolateral settling position of motor neurons within the LMC with the dorsoventral selection of axon pathways in the limb. These topographic projections are established, in part, through LIM homeodomain protein control of EphA receptors and ephrin-A ligands in motor neurons and limb mesenchymal cells.
Hypersensitivity to pancreatic extracts in parents of patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Because immediate hypersensitivity reactions can occur in individuals exposed to powdered pancreatic extracts, 36 patients with cystic fibrosis and 51 parents of such patients were studied for evidence of sensitization. Sensitivity to the extracts as evidenced by history and skin testing was infrequent in the children with cystic fibrosis. However, skin testing for immediate hypersensitivity with either crude pancreatic extracts or inactivated trypsin correlated well in their parents with a history of clinical symptoms. IgE mediation of these reactions in sensitized individuals was demonstrated by antigen-induced histamine release from leukocytes, passive transfer studies, and immediate response to inhalation challenge.
Sanitizing effectiveness of commercial “active water” technologies on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract Electrochemically activated water (ECAW), also known as electrolyzed water, and ozonized water are typically effective in inactivating bacteria, but their generation typically uses high current and voltage. A few simpler antimicrobial technologies that are also based on the application of a mild electrical current have been recently marketed to food retail and service customers claiming to have sanitizing properties for controlling bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine the sanitizing effect of some of these commercial technologies on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica and compare them with sterile water, generated ECAW generated with a pilot size electrolyzing unit, and salt solutions sprayed using commercial device sprays. A concentration of 100 mg/L ECAW had sanitizing effects of at least 5 log CFU/mL reductions on liquid culture and more than 4 log CFU/coupon reductions for E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and Salmonella dried on stainless steel surface, respectively. No bacterial cells were detected by direct plate counting post-ECAW treatment. In contrast, the treatment of liquid cultures with any of the commercial technologies tested resulted in non-significant bacterial cell reductions greater than 0.5 log CFU/mL. Similarly, when cells had been dried on metal surfaces and treated with any of the water generated with those technologies, no reductions were observed. When the manufacturer's instructions were followed, the reduction of cells on surface was largely due to the physical removal by cloth-wiping after water fraction application. These results indicate that treatment with any of these portable technologies had no noticeable antimicrobial activity. These results would be helpful for guiding consumers when choosing a right sanitization to ensure food safety.
Emergence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children from Simplex Families: Relations to Parental Perceptions of Etiology

Current research describes a four-category scheme of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) onset: early, regressive, plateau, delay + regression. To replicate prevalence of different onset types, ASD onset (per the Autism Diagnostic Interview--Revised) was examined in a large North American sample; for a subset, parents' causal beliefs were ascertained via the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire to examine potential associations with ASD-onset types. Onset rates were similar across samples, with a slightly higher proportion of children in the subsample categorized with regression. Top-rated causes of ASD were genetics, brain structure, will of God, toxins in vaccines, and environmental pollution. Parents reporting regression more often believed that toxins in vaccines caused ASD. Influences on treatment selection and broader public-health ramifications are discussed.
PI3K regulates pleckstrin-2 in T-cell cytoskeletal reorganization.

Pleckstrin-2 is composed of 2 pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and a disheveled–Egl-10–pleckstrin (DEP) domain. A lipid-binding assay revealed that pleckstrin-2 binds with greatest affinity to D3 and D5 phosphoinositides. Pleckstrin-2 expressed in Jurkat T cells bound to the cellular membrane and enhanced actin-dependent spreading only after stimulation of the T-cell antigen receptor or the integrin α4β1. A pleckstrin-2 variant containing point mutations in both PH domains failed to associate with the Jurkat membrane and had no effect on spreading under the same conditions. Although still membrane bound, a pleckstrin-2 variant containing point mutations in the DEP domain demonstrated a decreased ability to induce membrane ruffles and spread. Pleckstrin-2 also colocalized with actin at the immune synapse and integrin clusters via its PH domains. Although pleckstrin-2 can bind to purified D3 and D5 phosphoinositides, the intracellular membrane association of pleckstrin-2 and cell spreading are dependent on D3 phosphoinositides, because these effects were disrupted by pharmacologic inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Our results indicate that pleckstrin-2 uses its modular domains to bind to membrane-associated phosphatidylinositols generated by PI3K, whereby it coordinates with the actin cytoskeleton in lymphocyte spreading and immune synapse formation.
Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction found to have significant coronary artery disease on coronary angiography and managed medically: stratification according to renal function.

Background The characteristics, therapies, and outcomes of patients presenting with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, found to have significant coronary artery disease on coronary angiography, and managed without revascularization ("nonrevascularized patients") have not been evaluated previously in a large-scale registry. Methods We examined data on 13,872 non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction nonrevascularized patients who were captured by the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network registry. Patients were divided according to baseline renal function in 4 groups: no chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CKD stages 3, 4, and 5. Results The in-hospital mortality of nonrevascularized patients was 3.7%, whereas their in-hospital major bleeding rate was 10.8%. Overall, 44.2% (n = 6,132) of nonrevascularized patients had CKD. Compared with patients with normal renal function, nonrevascularized patients with CKD had significantly more history of myocardial infarction, heart failure, more 3-vessel coronary artery disease, and received fewer antithrombotic therapies. In addition, they had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality and major bleeding; CKD stage 4 was associated with the highest risk of adverse events. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of in-hospital mortality for CKD stages 3, 4, and 5 relative to no CKD were 1.5, 2.5, and 2.2, respectively (global P P Conclusion Nonrevascularized patients have a high in-hospital mortality. Nonrevascularized patients with CKD have more comorbidities than patients without CKD and less frequently receive guideline-recommended therapies. Chronic kidney disease is strongly associated with in-hospital mortality and bleeding.
13C NMR of Nephila clavipes major ampullate silk gland

The major ampullate glands of the spider Nephila clavipes contain approximately 0.2 microliter each of a highly concentrated (approximately 50%) solution of silk fibroin. Therefore, the reservoir of silk in these glands presents an ideal opportunity to observe prefolded conformations of a protein in its native state. To this end, the structure and conformation of major ampullate gland silk fibroin within the glands of the spider N. clavipes were examined by 13C NMR spectroscopy. These results were compared to those from silk protein first drawn from the spinneret and then denatured. The 13C NMR chemical shifts, along with infrared and circular dichroism data, suggest that the silk fibroin in the glands exists in dynamically averaged helical conformations. Furthermore, there is no evidence of proline residues in U-(13)C-D-glucose-labeled silk. This transient prefolded "molten fibril" state may correspond to the silk I form found in Bombyx mori silk. There is no evidence of the final beta-sheet structure in the ampullate gland silk fibroin before final silk processing. However, the conformation of silk in the glands appears to be in a highly metastable state, as plasticization with water produces the beta-sheet structure. Therefore, the ducts connecting the ampullate glands to the spinnerets play a larger role in silk processing than previously thought.
BCN-sequenced, valence saturated compounds. Synthesis and structure

Abstract The synthesis and characterization are presented of a series of compounds having the common structural features of four-coordinate BCN sequences. The discovery of a novel difunctionally substituted borohydride ion, (CH 3 ) 2 NCH 2 -BH 2 CH 2 N(CH 2 ) 2 BH 2 CH 2 N(CH 3 ) 2 − , provides for a more complete understanding of the general synthesis mechanism.
Effects of ligand nuclear magnetic moments in the Mössbauer spectra of some iron-porphyrin complexes.

Abstract In many iron proteins the electronic magnetic moment of the iron interacts with the nuclear magnetic moments of the near neighbors. This interaction is clearly seen in the paramagnetic hyperfine structure of zero field Mossbauer effect experiments in acid metmyoglobin pH 6. An approximation is introduced where the neighboring nuclear moments acting on the electronic moment of the iron are represented by an effective field of nearly 10 gauss. Mossbauer spectra are calculated using this approximation which are in closer agreement with experiment.
Phase-space-Lagrangian action principle and the generalized K- chi theorem.

The covariant coupled equations for plasma dynamics and the Maxwell field are expressed as a phase-space-Lagrangian action principle. The linear interaction is transformed to the bilinear beat Hamiltonian by a gauge-invariant Lagrangian Lie transform. The result yields the generalized linear susceptibility directly.
Trends in Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management Eligibility Criteria.

BACKGROUND: To increase the enrollment rate of medication therapy management (MTM) programs in Medicare Part D plans, the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) lowered the allowable eligibility thresholds based on the number of chronic diseases and Part D drugs for Medicare Part D plans for 2010 and after. However, an increase in MTM enrollment rates has not been realized. OBJECTIVES: To describe trends in MTM eligibility thresholds used by Medicare Part D plans and to identify patterns that may hinder enrollment in MTM programs. METHODS: This study analyzed data extracted from the Medicare Part D MTM Programs Fact Sheets (2008-2014). The annual percentages of utilizing each threshold value of the number of chronic diseases and Part D drugs, as well as other aspects of MTM enrollment practices, were analyzed among Medicare MTM programs that were established by Medicare Part D plans. RESULTS: For 2010 and after, increased proportions of Medicare Part D plans set their eligibility thresholds at the maximum numbers allowable. For example, in 2008, 48.7% of Medicare Part D plans (N = 347:712) opened MTM enrollment to Medicare beneficiaries with only 2 chronic disease states (specific diseases varied between plans), whereas the other half restricted enrollment to patients with a minimum of 3 to 5 chronic disease states. After 2010, only approximately 20% of plans opened their MTM enrollment to patients with 2 chronic disease states, with the remaining 80% restricting enrollment to patients with 3 or more chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: The policy change by CMS for 2010 and after is associated with increased proportions of plans setting their MTM eligibility thresholds at the maximum numbers allowable. Changes to the eligibility thresholds by Medicare Part D plans might have acted as a barrier for increased MTM enrollment. Thus, CMS may need to identify alternative strategies to increase MTM enrollment in Medicare plans.
Selling stem cell based biologics and salesforce alignment for the biomedical device industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discover best practices for selling stem cell based biologics and ensuring proper sales force alignment in the biomedical device industry. Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on an immersion into the industry as well as several formal, semi-structured interviews and dozens of informal interviews of surgeons, medical staff and medical device salespersons and managers. Data were also collected and analyzed from wipricepoint.org. The factors analyzed were the number of discharges, average charge per procedure, median age, male/female patient ratio and total hospital charges per year. Findings – Secondary data can augment primary data collection to determine the most lucrative markets for salespersons to target their efforts. In addition, the data when combined with sales force specific data can help optimize sales force alignment. Insights into the industry are also given such as how to overcome objections to the use of stem cell based biologics for ...
Computation of vibrational-rotational energy levels of diatomic potential curves

Nuclear vibrational-rotational energy levels of diatomic potential curves, from variation calculation upon harmonic oscillator basis set
Polya-Pade´ Fourier resonance reconstruction and singular perturbation theory

On considere la formulation et l'implantation numerique d'un programme de reconstruction de resonance Fourier pour des systemes a formation en couches multisingulieres
and when the cupboard is bare

The Lean Years: Politics in the Age of Scarcity. By R. Barnet. Pp.349. (Simon and Schuster: 1980.) $12.95. To be published in the UK, in April, by Abacus, pbk £2.50. Energy: From Opulence to Sufficiency. By J. H. Krenz. Pp.264. (Hemisphere/Holt, Rinehart & Winston: 1980.) $24.95, £15.50.
Interleukin‐1 Augments the Diminished Interleukin‐2 mRNA Expression and Proliferative Response of Neonatal T Lymphocytes to Anti‐CD2 Antibodies

Expression of IL-2 mRNA by unstimulated and stimulated purified T cells and mononuclear cells from adult and cord blood was investigated in an attempt to better understand the underlying defective neonatal host immune defense system. Using RNA dot-blot analysis, IL-2 mRNA expression in anti-CD2-stimulated neonatal T cells revealed significantly reduced levels when compared to adult T cells (P < 0.01). Purified neonatal T cells also showed a significantly reduced proliferative response to anti-CD2 antibodies (P < 0.01). Addition of IL-1 beta enhanced the hyporesponsiveness of neonatal T cells at both the level of proliferation and IL-2 mRNA expression. Unseparated mononuclear cells from adult and cord blood revealed similar IL-2 mRNA levels and proliferation when activated by anti-CD2 stimulation. The reduced IL-2 mRNA expression observed in neonatal T cells may explain, in part, the difference in host defense between the newborn and adult during states of increased demand such as infection.
Hypoxia regulates endothelin-1 production by the inner medullary collecting duct☆

Renal endothelin-1 (ET-1 ) production is increased by hypoxia and has been implicated in ischemia-induced renal hypoperfusion. Because the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is a major source of ET- 1 in the kidney, and because ET- 1--in the setting of ischemic renal failure-may alter medullary perfusion, we sought to determine whether hypoxia modulated ET-1 production by IMCD cells. Primary cultures of rat IMCD cells were exposed to 21%, 3%, or 0%O2. IMCD ET-1 secretion significantly increased after exposure of cultures to 3% O2 (114.1% +/- 4.7% increase over control value) and 0%O2 (171.7% +/- 7.9% increase). ET-1 mRNA levels, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, also increased 2.5-fold after 24-hour exposure to 0% O2. We speculate that a hypoxia-induced increase in IMCD ET-1 production plays a role in modulating renal medullary perfusion during ischemic renal failure.
Electrodeposited nickel–manganese: an alloy for microsystem applications

A process has been developed, using LIGA fabrication techniques, for the electrodeposition of a high strength, heat resistant Ni–Mn alloy to meet the requirements of a mechanical microsystem component. The electrolyte bath chemistry consists of Ni sulfamate to which a small amount of manganese chloride is added. The Mn content for the electrodeposited alloys of interest is generally equal to or less than about 1 wt%. It is shown that its co-deposition with Ni is insensitive to feature aspect ratio and therefore not limited by mass transport effects, permitting uniform alloy deposition. While plating of this alloy at a constant current density yields a high strength deposit, it also results in a highly stressed film that makes the fabrication of thick section deposits problematic.To counter this, a pulsed deposition scheme is employed to fabricate a nanostructured film consisting of alternating nm-thick regions of low stress, relatively soft Ni, and high strength, and highly stressed, NiMn alloy. This moderates the high plating stress of the NiMn alloy and enables the deposition of thick deposits. Yield strengths of over 800 MPa are achievable in the pulse-plated material, with good as-plated ductility (∼6%). The material loses only about 15% of its original strength after a one hour, 600 °C anneal, and no embrittlement is observed since no sulfur-bearing additives are employed. To the contrary, ductility measured as strain to failure is improved.
Stratigraphic framework of sediment-starved sand ridges on a mixed siliciclastic/carbonate inner shelf; west-central Florida

Abstract Seismic reflection profiles and vibracores have revealed that an inner shelf, sand-ridge field has developed over the past few thousand years situated on an elevated, broad bedrock terrace. This terrace extends seaward of a major headland associated with the modern barrier-island coastline of west-central Florida. The overall geologic setting is a low-energy, sediment-starved, mixed siliciclastic/carbonate inner continental shelf supporting a thin sedimentary veneer. This veneer is arranged in a series of subparallel, shore-oblique, and to a minor extent, shore-parallel sand ridges. Seven major facies are present beneath the ridges, including a basal Neogene limestone gravel facies and a blue-green clay facies indicative of dominantly authigenic sedimentation. A major sequence boundary separates these older units from Holocene age, organic-rich mud facies (marsh), which grades upward into a muddy sand facies (lagoon or shallow open shelf/seagrass meadows). Cores reveal that the muddy shelf facies is either in sharp contact or grades upward into a shelly sand facies (ravinement or sudden termination of seagrass meadows). The shelly sand facies grades upward to a mixed siliciclastic/carbonate facies, which forms the sand ridges themselves. This mixed siliciclastic/carbonate facies differs from the sediment on the beach and shoreface, suggesting insignificant sediment exchange between the offshore ridges and the modern coastline. Additionally, the lack of early Holocene, pre-ridge facies in the troughs between the ridges suggests that the ridges themselves do not migrate laterally extensively. Radiocarbon dating has indicated that these sand ridges can form relatively quickly (∼1.3 ka) on relatively low-energy inner shelves once open-marine conditions are available, and that frequent, high-energy, storm-dominated conditions are not necessarily required. We suggest that the two inner shelf depositional models presented (open-shelf vs. migrating barrier-island) may have co-existed spatially and/or temporally to explain the distribution of facies and vertical facies contacts.