cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gradations of researchers' obligation to provide ancillary care for HIV/AIDS in developing countries

Three principal factors affect the stringency of medical researchers' obligation to provide antiretroviral treatment to participants in non-HIV/AIDS studies that are conducted in developing countries: (1) the centrality of HIV/AIDS to the study design, (2) the extent of the researcher-participant interaction, and (3) the cost relative to the study budget. I provide a basis for assessing the comparative stringency of the researchers' obligation to provide this type of ancillary care. Practically, given the range of possible responses to study participants' needs, calibrating the researcher's responsibility to provide ancillary care is a useful step in ethical analysis. Theoretically, a gradation of obligation suggests how research ethics committees or institutional review boards can take multiple, potentially conflicting ethical factors into account without undertaking spurious efforts to quantify their importance.
An Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Allele Contains Two Newly Identified Deleterious Mutations (Y97C and L106V) That Interact to Abolish Enzyme Activity

Genetic deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) results in varying degrees of immunodeficiency, ranging from neonatal onset Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to an adult onset immunodeficiency disorder. Multiple different mutations have now been identified in these immunodeficient patients. Additional mutations, initially identified in healthy individuals, abolish ADA in erythrocytes but retain 10-80% of activity in non-erythroid cells ('partial deficiency mutations'). In general, severity of disease correlates inversely with the amount of residual ADA expressed by the mutant enzymes and directly with the accumulation of the toxic metabolites deoxyATP and deoxyadenosine. We report two newly identified mutations (Y97C and L106V), both carried on the same allele of an immunodeficient patient who was diagnosed prenatally and successfully transplanted with haploidentical bone marrow. Based on the ability of mutant cDNAs to express ADA in vitro , the L106V mutation resulted in activity similar to 'partial' mutations (30% of normal) while the Y97C mutation resulted in detectable but markedly reduced activity (1.5% of normal). However, the presence of both mutations on the same allele virtually abolished detectable enzyme activity. Analysis of the crystallographic structure of ADA to understand the marked deleterious effect of the Y97C mutation suggested a previously unappreciated role of salt bridges in the catalytic mechanism of ADA. The patient was also heteroallelic for a previously described deletion of the promoter and exon 1. Testing of additional patients in whom we had not identified a mutation on the second allele revealed presence of this deletion in three of four patients tested. This deletion is therefore relatively common, accounting for 10% of almost 100 chromosomes studied by this and other laboratories, but is easily missed by currently used methods of mutation detection. Lastly, the finding of two mutations on the same allele that interact to reduce residual enzyme function emphasizes hazards in evaluating potential genotype-phenotype correlations in individuals analyzed only for the presence of single specific mutations.
Existentially Incomplete Tame Models and a Conjecture of Ellentuck

We construct a recursive ultrapower F/U such that F/U is a tame 1-model in the sense of [6, §3] and FU is existentially incomplete in the models of II2 arithmetic. This enables us to answer in the negative a question about closure with respect to recursive fibers of certain special semirings Γ of isols termed tame models by Barback. Erik Ellentuck had conjuctured that all such semirings enjoy the closure property in question. Our result is that while many do, some do not.
On the formation and interaction of cyclonic eddies with the Loop Current using NCOM and a suite of observations

The life cycle of cyclonic eddies associated with the Loop Current (LC) evolution is studied using the Navy Coastal Ocean Model, TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry, and AVHRR images. It is shown that the longest period registered between eddy shedding, between February 1998 and August 1999, is associated with the presence of a large cyclone that remains north of the LC during several months. Using numerical simulations, it is shown that large cyclones develop sporadically in the region and that they block the northward penetration of the LC. The LC is shifted to the east and leaks mass, momentum, and energy through a jet and small anticyclones moving along the slope of the West Florida Shelf, east of the cyclone. The process causes an enlargement of the period between eddy shedding.
Development of Extender and Techniques for Frozen Turkey Semen. 2. Fertility Trials

Abstract The effects of cryoprotectant concentrations, redilution, centrifugation, and dialysis techniques on fertility of fresh and frozen-thawed turkey semen were tested. Fresh extended semen with final concentrations of 4.8, 5.6, 9.6, and 11.2% cryoprotectant (dimethylsulfoxide and ethylene glycol, 1:1 ratio) showed a significant (P Fresh semen extended with 11.2% cryoprotectant showed a highly significant (P 2 to pH 7.4 or pH 7.2 was not significantly different. Fertility of frozen-thawed semen dialyzed for 30 min was significantly higher (P 3 dialysate yielded significantly higher (P
Cylindrical multiphase interfaces in microfluidic channels for lab-on-a-chip

We demonstrate a novel method to create cylindrical multiphase interfaces within microfluidics. Such interfaces are formed and maintained solely by surface tension at physical boundaries within the channels for simpler fabrication, easier control, and better robustness. This structure promises a versatile enabling technology - cylindrical interfaces between air and aqueous phases, between aqueous and organic liquids, and between different aqueous phases, have been realized. Channel pressure of 247 Pa was sustained by the formed cylindrical interfaces. Several devices were developed employing this cylindrical interface structure, and showed potentials in biological sensing, pharmaceutical studies, and other lab-on-a-chip applications. In one device, a debubbler demonstrated effective removal of bubbles in microchannels several nL to mL in volume. In another device, aqueous micro columns containing liquid crystal emulsions, which possess the potential of molecular level sensing, were formed in a micro channel.
Diagnosis, treatment, and nursing care of acute leukemia

Abstract Objective To review the clinical presentation, current methods of diagnosis and classification, treatment modalities, and novel treatment approaches of acute myelogenous and lymphoblastic leukemia. Data sources Professional journals, web sites, and books. Conclusion The incidence of acute leukemia is increasing. As the population ages, it is anticipated that an even greater number will be diagnosed with this malignancy. The development of monoclonal antibodies, the recognition of the benefit of graft versus leukemia effect, and targeted therapies have improved overall survival rates. Still, age remains a significant prognostic variable. More research is needed to improve both the quality and the quantity of life for these patients. Implications for nursing practice Nurses must understand the rationale and implications of each phase of treatment to educate patients, administer treatments, manage side effects, and provide support throughout the continuum of care.
Family Business Participation in Community Social Responsibility: The Moderating Effect of Gender

Small family businesses have generally been shown to exhibit significant concern for social responsibility, especially at the community level. Despite the reported heterogeneity of family firms in their preferences for and participation in social responsibility, the drivers of such differences are not agreed upon in the literature. We draw from enlightened self-interest and social capital theories by exploring their complementary and competing implications for the effect of duration and community satisfaction on participation in community-oriented social responsibility (CSR). Additionally, drawing on the association between gender and self-construal and evidence that gender shapes helping and giving behaviors, we assess the moderating role of the gender of the firm manager in these relationships. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 279 family businesses and find support that gender moderates the relationship between community duration and satisfaction and measures of CSR.
A Comparison of Methods for Analyzing Censored Life Data to Estimate Relationships Between Stress and Product Life

This article briefly reviews graphical, maximum likelihood, and linear estimation methods for analyzing censored life data to estimate relationships between stress and product life. Each method is illustrated by an example dealing with accelerated life test data on motor insulation. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods are compared to guide the choice of a method for a given application.
Simmer-enhanced flashlamp-pumped dye laser

It has been demonstrated experimentally that by enhancing the simmer current in the flash lamps before the energy discharge, the lamp inductance is reduced and the dye laser efficiency is thus remarkably improved. This technique has advantages over the prepulsing technique for conditioning flash lamps; the electronic circuit for the simmer enhancement is simple, inexpensive and reliable, and accurate timing is not required. Furthermore, the simmer enhancement consumes much less power, thus minimizing the attendant thermal effects and improving overall laser efficiency.
Experimental demonstration of lasing in liquid oxygen

We report the first experimental demonstration of lasing in liquid oxygen at 1588 nm when pumped by a pulsed dye laser operating at 632 nm. Results from fluorescence and loss measurements are also presented.
Application-level document caching in the Internet

With the increasing demand for document transfer services such as the World Wide Web comes a need for better resource management to reduce the latency of documents in these systems. To address this need, we analyze the potential for document caching at the application level in document transfer services. We have collected traces of actual executions of Mosaic, reflecting over half a million user requests for WWW documents. Using those traces, we study the tradeoffs between caching at three levels in the system, and the potential for use of application-level information in the caching system. Our traces show that while a high hit rate in terms of URLs is achievable, a much lower hit rate is possible in terms of bytes, because most profitably-cached documents are small. We consider the performance of caching when applied at the level of individual user sessions, at the level of individual hosts, and at the level of a collection of hosts on a single LAN. We show that the performance gain achievable by caching at the session level (which is straightforward to implement) is nearly all of that achievable at the LAN level (where caching is more difficult to implement). However, when resource requirements are considered, LAN level caching becomes muck more desirable, since it can achieve a given level of caching performance using a much smaller amount of cache space. Finally, we consider the use of organizational boundary information as an example of the potential for use of application-level information in caching. Our results suggest that distinguishing between documents produced locally and those produced remotely can provide useful leverage in designing caching policies, because of differences in the potential for sharing these two document types among multiple users. >
Discovery of a potent anti-tumor agent through regioselective mono-N-acylation of 7H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinazoline-1,3-diamine

7H-Pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinazoline-1,3-diamine (1) is a privileged chemical scaffold with significant biological activities. However, the currently accessible chemical space derived from 1 is rather limited. Here we expanded the chemical space related to 1 by developing efficient methods for regioselective monoacylation at N1, N3 and N7, respectively. With this novel methodology, a focused library of mono-N-acylated pyrroloquinazoline-1,3-diamines was prepared and screened for anti-breast cancer activity. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) results showed that N3-acylated compounds were in general more potent than N1-acylated compounds while N7-acylation significantly reduced their solubility. Among the compounds evaluated, 7f possessed 8-fold more potent activity than 1 in MDA-MB-468 cells. More importantly, 7f was not toxic to normal human cells. These results suggest that 7f is a novel compound as a potential anti-breast cancer agent without harming normal cells.
A computing architecture for DFT-based band-pass filtered energy detection

This paper presents a computing architecture to implement Discrete Fourier Transform processors that measure the band-pass filtered energy at a certain component in the High-Frequency (HF) band. We achieved an analytic assessment for the HF energy detector via a scheme utilizing non-pipelined architecture at the macro-level and parallel redundant arithmetic and fully-pipelined architectures at the micro-level. This scheme was shown to improve the component utilization factor more so than using pipelined architecture at the macro-level. Performance of the scheme was analyzed with respect to the time for processing one frequency output and the number of modules required. Also, a method of the error analysis was investigated to consider the CORDIC-based DFT processor as a prospective engine for a wide range of input bit rates. >
Sortase-Catalyzed Assembly of Distinct Heteromeric Fimbriae in Actinomyces naeslundii

Two types of adhesive fimbriae are expressed by Actinomyces; however, the architecture and the mechanism of assembly of these structures remain poorly understood. In this study we characterized two fimbrial gene clusters present in the genome of Actinomyces naeslundii strain MG-1. By using immunoelectron microscopy and biochemical analysis, we showed that the fimQ-fimP-srtC1-fimR gene cluster encodes a fimbrial structure (designated type 1) that contains a major subunit, FimP, forming the shaft and a minor subunit, FimQ, located primarily at the tip. Similarly, the fimB-fimA-srtC2 gene cluster encodes a distinct fimbrial structure (designated type 2) composed of a shaft protein, FimA, and a tip protein, FimB. By using allelic exchange, we constructed an in-frame deletion mutant that lacks the SrtC2 sortase. This mutant produces abundant type 1 fimbriae and expresses the monomeric FimA and FimB proteins, but it does not assemble type 2 fimbriae. Thus, SrtC2 is a fimbria-specific sortase that is essential for assembly of the type 2 fimbriae. Together, our experiments pave the way for several lines of molecular investigation that are necessary to elucidate the fimbrial assembly pathways in Actinomyces and their function in the pathogenesis of different biofilm-related oral diseases.
Mutagenicity of nitro compounds in Salmonella typhimurium in the presence of flavin mononucleotide in a preincubation assay.

A series of nitro compounds (18 aromatic and one aliphatic) was evaluated using a modification of the standard Salmonella typhimurium mutagenicity assay. A preincubation protocol was used with flavin mononucleotide (FMN) incorporated into the assay mixture to facilitate nitro reduction. Several aromatic nitro compounds (m-nitroaniline, p-nitroaniline, 2, 6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene,2,3-dinitrotoluene, 1,8-dinitro-naphthalene), which were negative or only weakly mutagenic when tested in the standard plate incorporation assay, showed FMN-dependent mutagenic responses with this procedure. For some nitro compounds, the addition of FMN was not needed for the detection of mutagenicity in the modified protocol. Not all nitro compounds were positive using the preincubation procedure with FMN. The lack of mutagenicity, however, does not appear to be the result of the inability of the modified method to reduce nitro compounds, since it was found that reduction does occur under the assay conditions for the two nonmutagens evaluated for nitro reduction (nitrobenzene and p-nitrophenol). It is suggested that the modified protocol may be useful for evaluating the mutagenicity of many nitro compounds.
Lutheran Perspectives on Bioethics

The reform movement (eventually denominated “Lutheran”) within “the one holy catholic and apostolic church” was, among other things, an attempt to reconceive the Christian moral life. Indeed ethics was very near the heart of the Lutheran reformers’ dispute with Rome. It could hardly have been otherwise since, semi-Pelagian theology and a merit-centered piety had become, by the dawn of the 16th century, thoroughly entrenched in the pervasive corruption of the institutional church. To protest the abuses and to begin to set things right necessarily involved rethinking fundamental religious and moral issues.
Other Propositional Proof Procedures

We have, so far, concentrated on tableaux and resolution as theorem-proving mechanisms. Since these are much better suited to automation than other approaches, the emphasis on them will continue through- out the book. But a wide variety of theorem-proving formalisms have been developed, based on different insights into the processes by which one recognizes that a formula expresses a logical truth. In this chapter we take a brief look at three formalisms in widespread use: axiom systems, natural deduction, and Gentzen sequents. We also consider the Davis-Putnam method, which, like tableaux and resolution, is especially suitable for automation purposes. This section is devoted to axiom systems, also called Hilbert systems or Frege systems. We will use the name Hilbert systems.
The curious tale of Julie and Mark: Unraveling the moral dumbfounding effect

The paper critically reexamines the well-known “Julie and Mark” vignette, a stylized account of two college-age siblings opting to engage in protected sex while vacationing abroad (e.g., Haidt, 2001). Since its inception, the story has been viewed as a rhetorically powerful validation of Hume’s “sentimentalist” dictum that moral judgments are not rationally deduced but arise directly from feelings of pleasure or displeasure (e.g., disgust). People’s typical reactions to the vignette are alleged to support this view by demonstrating that individuals are prone to become morally dumbfounded (Haidt, 2001; Haidt, Bjorklund, & Murphy, 2000), i.e., they tend to “stubbornly” maintain their disapproval of the act without supporting reasons. In what follows, we critically reassess the traditional account, predicated on the notion that, among other things, most subjects simply fail to be convinced that the siblings’ actions are truly harm-free, thus having excellent reasons to disapprove of these acts. In line with this critique, 3 studies found that subjects 1) tended not to believe that the siblings’ actions were in fact harmless; 2) notwithstanding that, and in spite of holding a number of “counterargument-immune” reasons, subjects could be effectively maneuvered into exhibiting all the trademark signs of a morally dumbfounded state (which they subsequently recanted), and 3) with subjects’ beliefs about harm and standards of normative evaluation properly factored in, a more rigorous assessment procedure yielded a dumbfounding estimate of about 0. Based on these and related results, we contend that subjects’ reactions are wholly in line with the rationalist model of moral judgment and that their use in support of claims of moral arationalism should be reevaluated.
Can we engage caregiver spouses of patients with heart failure with a low-intensity, symptom-guided intervention?

Abstract Objective Evaluate a pilot intervention to engage caregivers in management of heart failure (HF) patient symptoms. Background HF impairs quality of life; caregivers provide an important role in HF management. Methods We developed modules to help patients report and caregivers alleviate symptoms of depression, pain, dyspnea, and fatigue. Semi-structured interviews followed by a mixed inductive and deductive, team-based analysis were used to evaluate acceptability and feasibility in patients with HF and their caregivers. Results Participants ( n = 22) expressed significant interest but few used the modules in follow-up. We identified three barriers to acceptability and feasibility: the quality of dyadic relationship, the timing and structure of the intervention, and the patient's perceived control over their illness. Conclusions Future interventions should evaluate dyadic relationship dynamics, match the timing and content of the intervention to the patient population, and enroll patients with perceived control over their illness to maximize intervention acceptability and feasibility.
Rethinking the Commerce Clause: Applying First Principles to Uphold Federal Commercial Regulations But Preserve State Control Over Social Issues

A careful examination of the Commerce Clause's language, history, and pre-1937 precedent reveals that the Clause sets forth two distinct requirements. First, Congress must be regulating "commerce," which encompasses all market-oriented activities--including the sale of goods and services, production, commercial transportation, employment, insurance, and banking. Second, this "commerce" must have a commercial effect in at least one other state; such commercial impacts have occurred almost inevitably as America's economy has become nationally integrated. The Court's adoption of this two-part test would reinforce the basic (and still-relevant) Federalist principle that uniformity is beneficial in commerce but detrimental for social, cultural, and moral affairs. Application of this test would result in upholding nearly all federal regulation of commercial activity and its byproducts (e.g., the environmental effects of commercial production), but in invalidating congressional attempts to legislate purely cultural, social, or moral issues that involve no voluntary commercial transaction. To take two examples from cases currently pending, the Court should strike down the Violence Against Women Act and the Federal Arson Statute, for the simple reason that neither gender-motivated violence nor arson are "commerce." The article also analyzes dozens of other statutes enacted under the Commerce Clause (e.g., laws regulating civil rights and crime) and several potential subjects of regulation, ranging from mortgages to same-sex marriage.
Effects of Age at First Mating on the Reproductive Potential of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effect of age at first mating on the reproductive potential of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), was studied in the laboratory. The age of females at first mating affected the number of eggs laid, percentage of eggs hatching, number of viable larvae, and longevity. Extending female virginity to an advanced age increased longevity. The age of males at first mating had relatively little influence on the reproductive potential of females. However, the age of the male and female at first mating interacted to affect the reproductive potential of respective pairs. The number of spermatophores harbored by females affected percent daily and total eggs hatching, number of eggs laid, and the number of viable larvae produced. The number of spermatophores harbored by females had no effect on moth longevity.
Effect of antispasmodic and ganglionic blocking agents on mortality following electroshock convulsions in mice.

SummaryAbility of several antispasmodic and ganglionic blocking substances to produce immediate death following maximal electro-shock convulsions in mice has been demonstrated. With most agents studied (atropine, atropine methyl nitrate, benactyzine, mepiperphenidol, methantheline, propantheline, scopolamine, scopolamine methiodide, mecamylamine, chlorisondamine, pentolinium and hexamethonium), the post seizure lethal effect was produced in doses approximating that required to produce a peripheral anticholinergic effect in the same species (pupil dilatation). Neither atropine nor mecamylamine altered the electroconvulsive threshold.Respiratory failure appeared to be the cause of drug-induced post seizure deaths, but the mechanism of action was not revealed.
Reduction in primary nonfunction of syngeneic islet transplants with nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor.

To study the effectiveness of a lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), in the reduction of primary nonfunction, an insufficient number of syngeneic islets were transplanted underneath the renal capsule with NDGA administered daily for 4 weeks. After transplantation of the 150 islets, the decrement of blood glucose levels was significantly faster in the mice that had received NDGA than in the mice that had received no drug at all or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (p 0.05]. The insulin content of the graft from the mice treated with 150 islets and NDGA (3.02 +/- 0.24 microg, n = 4) was higher than that from the mice that received 150 islets but no treatment (1.10 +/- 0.26 microg, n = 15, p 0.05; at 2 weeks: 0.71 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.80 +/- 0.07 ng/islet, n = 8, p > 0.05). Serum leukotriene B4 (LTB4) concentrations before and between the fifth and seventh days after transplantation were determined. For diabetic mice that received 150 islets, serum LTB4 levels were 25,835 +/- 3,335 and 27,631 +/- 3,136 pg/ml (n = 4, p > 0.05). For diabetic mice that received 150 islets and NDGA, the corresponding figures were 22,401 +/- 2,706 pg/ml and 27,530 +/- 2,190 pg/ml (n = 8, p > 0.05). The graft histology revealed viable islet cells and networks of close vascular structures around the islets and did not reveal microscopic differences among the samples of all four groups. In conclusion, our data revealed that daily administration of NDGA for 4 weeks enhanced isoislet engraftment and preserved three times more mass of the islet beta cells in the isografts. This result indicates that NDGA reduces primary nonfunction of islet syngeneic grafts in diabetic mice.
The Therapeutic Needs of Culturally Diverse Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Disability is experienced by about 20% of US citizens, and at higher rates among people of color than among those of non-Hispanic European descent. This chapter provides an overview of disability with emphasis on the definition of disability using current models, followed by the cultural and identity meaning of disability, cultural gaps in treating People of Color with Disabilities, and ethical issues. Perceptions and attitudes about disability and People with Disabilities are also discussed, as well as the development of disability identity. Attention is given to cultural gaps in assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation outcomes for People of Color with Disabilities.
Geochemical paleoredox indicators in organic-rich shales of the Irati Formation, Permian of the Paraná Basin, southern Brazil

Paleoredox indicators were used to assess the depositional environment of the Permian Irati Formation, and discuss the controls on the accumulation of organic-rich sediments. Geochemical data were measured for 43 drill-core samples in southern Parana Basin. We infer that redox boundary was located at the sediment-water interface during the accumulation of these sediments. Trace-element data demonstrate that Irati shales were similar to average shales, except during deposition of two organic-rich beds in which U and Mo are enriched, suggesting fully anoxic conditions. The variable degree of oxygenation of bottom waters is also attested by DOP T , Fe T /Al, and sedimentological indicators of episodic ventilation. DOP T and Fe and S correlation points to an iron-limited environment, where the main sulfur sink is organic matter rather than pyrite. Cu and Cu/Mo ratio suggests bottom-water anoxia driven by increased organic flux. The Irati Formation was probably deposited in a salinity-stratified body of water, with positive water balance. The main control on the accumulation of the organic-rich sediments was the high organic carbon flux resultant from high primary productivity in surface waters. Anoxia arose as a consequence of increased productivity, not as the primary driver in the formation of these organic-rich rocks.
Parallels between drug development and reducing community-based cancer health disparities

B35 There are parallels between the process of drug development and the development of community-based participatory disparities-reducing interventions. Typically, 12-15 years is needed to bring a drug to market. Review of data on the reduction in cancer mortality rates associated with early detection by mammography shows that 12 years elapsed from the beginning raise in incidence rates associated with the screening to 3 consecutive declines in annual breast cancer mortality rates. Second, the preclinical phase of the development of drugs is analogous to the capacity building phase in developing community-based participatory research. Understanding the carcinogenic pathway to find the target sites and developing a drug that can affect the site tests is simlar to the process of developing community partnerships and gaining the trust of the community so that they will participate in community-based studies. Similar to the developmental laboratory work needed to understand pathways and mechanisms, this process may involve needs assessments, key informant surveys (surveys of the health providers), and focus groups to determine the disparities and interventions to be undertaken by the community. The development of phase I clinical studies of toxicity and dose setting has parallels with the community participating in developing the disparities reducing intervention. As a full member of the research team, the community helps to shape the disparities reducing intervention. This phase ends when the community approves of the protocol for the disparities reducing intervention (DRI). The development of phase II clinical studies for efficacy has parallels in the full implementation of the DRI in the community. The DRI is implemented to determine effectiveness in reducing disparities, largely through producing behavior change in participants. The ideal endpoints are changes in specific behaviors, such as increasing screening rates. In drug development, after in phase I and II studies, there are phase III clinical studies to determine the general efficacy of the new drug compared to a standard drug. The analogous activities in disparities research is to perform controlled studies to determine if the DRI is more effective than standard or usual procedures. Typically, there is a control group that is used for comparison to the DRI group. Endpoint are factors that affect disparities, such increases in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, quit rates in smoking, and increases in screening rates. The final stage for the drug is the dissemination and adoption, assuming that it is shown to be beneficial. Similarly, there is dissemination and adoption of the DRI, if it is shown to reduce disparities.
Molecular Aspects of Host-Pathogen Interactions in the Rice-Blast System

Rice blast disease, caused by the haploid filamentous fungus Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr (Barr, 1977), is the single most devastating disease of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) worldwide. M. grisea, a heterothallic Ascomycete, is also phytopathogenic to more than fifty Graminaceous species. These include forage grasses and economically important cereal crops like wheat, barley, maize and fingermillet. Although the organism as a whole infects many different species of grasses, individual isolates have a more restricted host range. The rice blast fungus invades the above ground parts of the rice plant and in severe epidemics, large ellipsoid lesions can engulf the entire leaf surface. After the flowering stage of the plant, the fungus spreads into the panicle (the inflorescence that holds the rice grains), causing neck blast that can devastate an entire crop (Talbot, 1995). The fungus can also invade the nodes of the plant, turning them black and making the stem fragile enough to break (Ou, 1980).
Abstract P031: Enhanced Cardiac Progenitor Cell Function and Differentiation in a Naturally Derived Extracellular Matrix

Cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, is a leading cause of death worldwide. Though several pharmacological treatments for severe dysfunction exist, much recent work has focused on the transplantation of adult-derived stem and progenitor cells. Early acute functional improvements have been noted, however long-term clinical efficacy is hampered by poor cell survival and engraftment. While the current treatment is infusion into the coronary artery, biomaterials may play an important role in modulating implanted cell function. This work aims to establish the role that a naturally derived extracellular matrix plays in the differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and their potentially protective enzymatic systems. To test this hypothesis, we cultured rat CPCs in a naturally derived porcine ECM (pECM) and compared it to Collagen I. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess expression of cardiac, endothelial and smooth muscle markers. Additionally, angiotensin receptor (AT1R and AT2R) and antioxidant gene expressions were evaluated to determine the protective qualities of pECM. Preliminary data at 2 days following LIF removal demonstrate an increase in the expression of cardiac lineage markers (Nkx-2.5, Gata-4, α-MHC, and troponin I) in pECM compared to collagen. Smooth muscle markers, smooth muscle α-actin and sm22α as well as the endothelial marker Flk1 were also increased in pECM samples. Increased expression was also seen for antioxidant genes GPX1, SOD1, SOD2 and catalase in pECM cultured cells. Culturing in pECM for 7 days demonstrated an increase in Flt-1 and α-myosin heavy chain, indicating a potential increase in cardiogenesis. Moreover a 60% reduction in AT1R gene expression was observed with no significant change in AT2R expression. Our data demonstrate that culturing CPCs in naturally derived matrices may provide protection and enhance differentiation compared to collagen (present in high amounts in scarred myocardium). Future work will further elucidate this protective effect of AT1R downregulation and antioxidant increases in functional studies. In conclusion, pECM may be a potential cell delivery scaffold in post-MI treatment given its protective nature and improved differentiation influence.
Failure of Composite Joints under Combined Tension and Bolt Loads

By observing results of experimental program for testing static strength of composite laminates under combined by-pass tension and bolt load, a tension failure factor is proposed herein to determine the failure modes of the composites. Comparison with experimental results shows that the proposed tension failure factor is a reasonable indicator. Possible application for estimating failure loads by interpolation of available data is illustrated with a numerical example.
A systematic review of interventions to improve post-secondary educational outcomes among foster care alumni

Abstract In their transition to adulthood, youth who have aged out of foster care struggle in a variety of areas. One area of concern is achieving success in post-secondary education. In response, universities and community colleges around the country offer support programs for these youth, in order to assist them in gaining a college education. The purpose of this study was to utilize a systematic review process to uncover the current status of what is known about campus support programs for foster care alumni in two areas—student views of their program experiences and outcomes of interventions to improve post-secondary educational success. We adapted the Participants, Interventions, Comparison groups, Outcomes, and Study designs (PICOS) model in conducting the systematic review. A search of six electronic databases and other gray literature sources yielded seven articles. Results revealed valuable insight from students regarding the ways in which program implementation was beneficial, and highlighted important strategies future programs should consider. Further, findings of outcome studies are favorable. However, additional outcome evaluations are needed in order to validate and confirm their impact.
Swine exposure and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection among hospitalized patients with skin and soft tissue infections in Illinois: A ZIP code-level analysis.

Abstract Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterial pathogen, is a predominant cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in the United States. Swine-production facilities have been recognized as potential environmental reservoirs of MRSA. To better understand how swine production may contribute to MRSA infection, we evaluated the association between MRSA infection among SSTI inpatients and exposure measures derived from national swine inventory data. Methods Based on adjusted odds ratios from logistic regression models, we evaluated the association between swine exposure metrics and MRSA infections among all Illinois inpatient hospitalizations for SSTI from January 2008 through July 2011. We also assessed if swine exposures had greater association with suspected community-onset MRSA (CO-MRSA) compared to suspected hospital-onset MRSA (HO-MRSA). Exposures were estimated using the Farm Location and Agricultural Production Simulator, generating the number of farms with greater than 1000 swine per residential ZIP code and the residential ZIP code-level swine density (swine/km2). Results For every increase in 100 swine/km2 within a residential ZIP code, the adjusted OR (aOR) for MRSA infection was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.28−1.45). For every additional large farm (i.e., >1000 swine) per ZIP code, the aOR for MRSA infection was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04−1.07). The aOR for ZIP codes with any large farms compared to those with no large farms was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.19−1.29). We saw no evidence of an increased association for CO-MRSA compared to HO-MRSA with either continuous exposure metric (aORs=0.99), and observed inconsistent results across exposure categories. Conclusions These publicly-available, ecological exposure data demonstrated positive associations between swine exposure measures and individual-level MRSA infections among SSTI inpatients. Though it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions due to limitations of the data, these findings suggest that the risk of MRSA may increase based on indirect environmental exposure to swine production. Future research can address measurement error related to these data by improving exposure assessment precision, increased specification of MRSA strain, and better characterization of specific environmental exposure pathways.
Ductile fracture of an Al-Si-Mg die-casting aluminum alloy

Abstract The anisotropic plastic flow and ductile fracture of Al-Si-Mg die-cast aluminum alloy (trade name, Aural2) is investigated using a combination of experiments and analysis. The material is in the form of a 2 mm thick sheet and was received in the –T7 temper. The plasticity of the material is probed using uniaxial tension and plane-strain tension experiments at 3 angles to the material direction, and disc-compression experiments. Good repeatability is obtained in every case. These experiments are used to calibrate the Yld2004-18p anisotropic yield function. This function is flexible enough so that very good fitting of the experiments is obtained. The ductile fracture of the alloy is then probed using notched-tension (with 6 mm and 20 mm notch radii) and central-hole experiments. Each of these specimens is designed so that it provides a different stress triaxiality in the region of rupture, while still requiring only a universal testing machine. Digital Image Correlation is used throughout the experimental work to assess the surface strain fields. However, since the sheet is relatively thick, rupture did not necessarily initiate at the surface. For this reason, fully-3D finite element simulations, using the Yld2004-18p yield function and 3 post-necking hardening models (Swift, Voce and combined) are performed. The surface strains predicted by the simulations depend strongly on the material model adopted. Hence the predicted fracture strains reported here underscore the fact that the plasticity of the material needs to be carefully established before any fracture study is undertaken.
S-Nitrosothiols: Correlation of Biological Chemistry with Physiological Actions

The reactivity of thionitritrites (RS-NOs) has been well-appreciated by synthetic organic chemists since the turn of the twentieth century (1). These compounds have more recently captured the attention of biologists in several different lines of research: the study of the antimicrobial effects of nitrites (2), the biotransformation of organic nitrates (3), and the identification of endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF)(4). In each of these areas, S-nitrosothiols have been proposed as biological mediators; yet there is little consensus on their functions. Moreover, the importance of RS-NO in the metabolism of organic nitrates, their role in the prevention of organic nitrate tolerance, and the contribution of RS-NOs to the biological activities of EDRF, remain issues engendering active controversy. Unfortunately, many of these disputes are provoked by erroneous dogma on the mechanism(s) of synthesis, action and decomposition of various RS-NO. These problems are further compounded by extrapolation from the pharmacological effects of exemplary RS-NO such as S-nitroso-cysteine, to the molecular RS-NO class in general.
Woodpeckers (Picidae) at Pasoh: Foraging Ecology, Flocking and the Impacts of Logging on Abundance and Diversity

Woodpeckers are extremely diverse in the lowland rain forests of Southeast Asia. In these forests, up to 16 species can be found, representing the highest syntopic diversity for woodpeckers in the world. Understanding how foraging resources are partitioned in this species-rich guild is of both ecological and management concern. We investigated the foraging ecology of 13 species of woodpecker at Pasoh Forest Reserve (Pasoh FR) from May-July 1998. We obtained interpretable sample sizes for four species (Meiglyptes tristis, M. tukki, Picus mentalis and Reinwardtipicus validus). These four species exhibited distinct foraging behaviors and partitioned resources by using different substrates or attack maneuvers, or by foraging at different heights. Although the overall abundance of woodpeckers was similar between logged and unlogged forest, there were significant differences in the relative abundance of individual species. The most likely reason for these differences is the lack of heterogeneity in the mature logged forest compared to the unlogged forest. The relatively low abundance of snags, treefalls, and treefall gaps in the logged forest probably limit the number of woodpeckers that use these resources. While conducting this study, we also documented flocking interactions among several woodpecker species, and between woodpeckers and the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus). Understanding the complex foraging associations of this diverse guild warrants further study.
Using Age of Colonizing Douglas-Fir for the Dating of Young Geomorphic Surfaces—A Case Study

Dating of many types of young (<500 year), dynamic, geomorphic landforms (e.g. mass-movement erosional tracks and deposits, alluvial terraces, flood plains, etc.) for purposes of hazard assessment and mitigation commonly requires greater dating precision than is available through radiocarbon dating or other methods. Ages of trees growing on landform surfaces have been used in a number of studies to estimate the time of landform creation or surface clearing, but the time lag between surface formation or disturbance and the reestablishment of trees can vary from 1 to more than 200 years (Desloges and Ryder 1990; Frenzen et al. 1988, 2005; Larsen and Bliss 1998; McCarthy and Luckman 1993; Sigafoos and Hendricks 1969; Winter et al. 2002). Appropriate lag times for selected tree species and for particular climatic and altitudinal ranges must be determined for the method to be useful.
Biodegradable Starch Microspheres (Spherex), a Clinically Useful Medical Device for Combined Intra-Arterial Chemotherapeutic Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Cancers of the Liver: The Potential Clinical Value for Spherex in Regionalized Immunotherapy, Hyperthermia and Radiation Protection

Spherex is a medical device which produces controlled occlusion of arterial vessels for a half life of 15′, governed by serum amylase digestion. The purposes of this study were to determine the feasibility and toxicity of the use of Spherex with standard chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of unresectable cancers of the liver.
Short-Term Memory, Inhibition, and Attention in Developmental Stuttering: A Meta-Analysis.

Purpose This study presents a meta-analytic review of differences in verbal short-term memory, inhibition, and attention between children who stutter (CWS) and children who do not stutter (CWNS). M...
Resting state functional connectivity of networks associated with reward and habit in anorexia nervosa.

Neurobiological disturbances associated with reward and/or habit learning are theorized to maintain symptoms of anorexia nervosa (AN). Although research has investigated responses in brain regions associated with reward and habit to disorder-specific cues (e.g., food) and presumed rewards (e.g., money), little is known about the functional organization of the circuits underlying these constructs independent of stimulus. This study aimed to provide initial data on the synchrony of networks associated with reward and habit in AN by comparing resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) patterns between AN and healthy control (HC) participants in these circuits and delineating how these patterns relate to symptoms. Using theoretically selected seeds in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), ventral caudate, and dorsal caudate, reflecting a continuum from reward- to habit- oriented regions, RSFC patterns were compared between AN restricting subtype (n = 19) and HC (n = 19) participants (cluster threshold: p < .01). Exploratory correlations between RSFC z-scores and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) scores, BMI, and illness duration were conducted. The AN group demonstrated lower RSFC between the NAcc and superior frontal gyrus, between the ventral caudate and frontal and posterior regions, and between the dorsal caudate and frontal, temporal, and posterior regions. In the AN group, lower NAcc- superior frontal gyrus RSFC correlated with greater EDE Global scores (r = −.58, CI: −.83, −.13). These resting-state synchrony disruptions of the ventral and dorsal frontostriatal circuits, considered in context of the broader literature, support the utility of further investigating possible reward and habit disturbances supporting symptoms in AN.