cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of arrhythmia endpoints in randomized controlled trials of transendocardial stem cell injections for chronic ischemic heart disease.

Introduction The electrophysiologic impact of cell-based therapy on the injured myocardium remains highly controversial. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of studies comparing arrhythmia burden following transendocardial stem cell therapy vs placebo in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD). Methods and results PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. No restriction of stem cell type was specified. The outcomes included sustained supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), sudden cardiac death (SCD), and resuscitated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Effect sizes were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Poisson regression was used to account for zero-events data. Twelve randomized trials that included 736 patients (384 in the cell therapy group and 352 in the placebo group) were analyzed. Six different cell types were used. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months. There was a significant decrease in risk of SCD in the cell therapy group, (FE OR, 0.19 [0.04, 0.93]; P = .04). In subgroup analysis, there was a significantly lower risk of SCD or resuscitated SCA in the cell therapy group limited to studies that did not use skeletal myoblasts, (FE OR, 0.23 [0.06, 0.83]; P = .03). There was no significant difference in the incidence of sustained VA between groups (FE OR, 0.91 [0.47, 1.77]; P = .8), even after stratifying by cell type. There was no difference in supraventricular arrhythmias between groups. Conclusion Nonskeletal myoblast transendocardial cell therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of SCD or resuscitated SCA compared to control, with no proarrhythmic effects.
Efficacy of stabilized chlorine dioxide-based unflavored mouthwash in reducing oral malodor: An 8-week randomized controlled study.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of a mouthwash containing stabilized chlorine dioxide in reducing oral malodor when used as an adjunct to tooth brushing compared with the use of a placebo mouthwash. Methods This 8-week study in healthy subjects with clinically diagnosed intrinsic oral malodor was a 2-way crossover, double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial design, which was conducted at a single site. Subjects were randomized to receive either unflavored, non-fluoridated, and alcohol-free mouthwash containing 0.1% stabilized chlorine dioxide or a placebo mouthwash with identical bottle packaging. Both groups were provided with the same toothpaste and toothbrush. Subjects consented to the 8-week participation and were instructed to use their allocated treatment twice daily. In Phase I, quantified odor intensity [measured by an organoleptic intensity rating scale of 0-5, with 0=malodor cannot be detected and 5=very strong malodor] was independently evaluated by three calibrated judges at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of treatment. Following a 2-week washout period, Phase II initiated with the redistribution of test products. The subjects' organoleptic scores were assessed by the calibrated judges at baseline, and 6, 7, and 8 weeks of treatment. Results A total of 50 subjects were enrolled and randomized into the two groups. Of these, 47 subjects completed the study. The baseline organoleptic intensity scores for both groups during Phase I and Phase II were not significantly different (P= 0.224, P= 0.071, respectively). At all visits, the organoleptic scores for the placebo rinse group during both Phase I and Phase II were not significantly different. During Phase I, the mean of individual organoleptic change scores from the stabilized chlorine dioxide rinse group were significantly different from the baseline at the last two follow-up visits:Week 1 (P= 0.088), Week 2 (P= 0.001), Week 3 (P= 0.1×10-3). During Phase II, the mean of individual organoleptic change scores from the stabilized chlorine dioxide rinse group were also significantly different from the baseline at the last two follow-up visits: Week 6 (P= 0.120), Week 7 (P= 0.004), Week 8 (P= 0.002). Clinical significance The results of this study suggest the daily use of a stabilized chlorine dioxide-containing unflavored mouthwash as an adjunct to brushing with fluoride toothpaste provides a clinically relevant reduction in oral malodor after 3 weeks of twice-daily use.
Jacques Rancière and Critical Theory: Issue Introduction

Overview of the special issue on Jacques Ranciere and Critical Theory, along with some additional thoughts.
The Role of Circulating Cell-Free Hemoglobin in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury

Sepsis is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome that is complicated commonly by acute kidney injury (sepsis-AKI). Currently, no approved pharmacologic therapies exist to either prevent sepsis-AKI or to treat sepsis-AKI once it occurs. A growing body of evidence supports a connection between red blood cell biology and sepsis-AKI. Increased levels of circulating cell-free hemoglobin (CFH) released from red blood cells during hemolysis are common during sepsis and can contribute to sepsis-AKI through several mechanisms including tubular obstruction, nitric oxide depletion, oxidative injury, and proinflammatory signaling. A number of potential pharmacologic therapies targeting CFH in sepsis have been identified including haptoglobin, hemopexin, and acetaminophen, and early phase clinical trials have suggested that acetaminophen may have beneficial effects on lipid peroxidation and kidney function in patients with sepsis. Bedside measurement of CFH levels may facilitate predictive enrichment for future clinical trials of CFH-targeted therapeutics. However, rapid and reliable bedside tests for plasma CFH will be required for such trials to move forward.
Microfluidic reaction design for real time chemical reactions monitoring

Microfluidic reactors have become increasingly popular for the characterization of reaction parameters. They have found an important role in the synthesis and monitoring of an expansive list of bioreactions. To study protein phosphorylation, a biochemical reaction that is responsible for a broad range of signal transduction roles, we designed microfluidic reactors based on tubular flow for studying in real time reactor kinetic parameters in protein phosphorylation. In order to monitor phosphorylation as it occurs, we probed the environment where the reaction takes place without influencing the reactor kinetics, while collecting molecular information such as structure and conformation of native proteins. We designed and tested polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic reactors compatible with our confocal Raman spectrometer and overcame significant absorption of important Raman bands from the PDMS. We studied the PDMS device interfaces, determined experimentally which interfaces were least absorbing, and redesigned the microfluidic device using 3D rapid prototyping. Using redesigned devices, we measured Raman spectra on aqueous Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) solutions at varying molar concentrations (0.1 M – 1.0 M) at room temperature over the wavenumber range of 50 - 4000 /cm and accurately observed the behavior of phosphate bonds involved in the protein phosphorylation reaction. We also studied the effects of fluid flow in order to account for effects under transient conditions. To do this, we preloaded the reactor and initiated ATP fluid flow and collected spectra. Our modified design proved to overcome significant signal absorption from PDMS and accurately measured concentrations.
Ab Initio Electronic Dielectric “Constant” of Proteins: A Baseline for Electrostatic Interaction in Biomolecular Systems (preprint)

The protein dielectric constant reflects the molecular heterogeneity of the proteins and can be decomposed into different components depending on the size, structure, composition, locality, and environment of the protein in general. The long history of its computation and measurement attest to the vital importance of electrostatic interactions in protein physics that engendered diverse theoretical approaches based often on scattered methodologies with various adjustable parameters. We present a new robust computational method anchored in rigorous ab initio quantum mechanical calculation of explicit atomistic models, without any indeterminate parameters to compute and gain insight into the electronic component of the static dielectric constants of small proteins under different conditions. We implement the new methodology to the 20 canonical amino acids individually, a polypeptide RGD-4C (1FUV) in different environments, and the SD1 domain in the Spike protein of SARS-COV-2. The calculated electronic dielectric constants for 1FUV and SD1 in vacuum are 28.06 and 50.02 respectively. They decrease in the presence of aqueous bathing solution.
Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease Using Principal Component Analysis: A Study in Animal Models of the Disease

To evaluate whether principal component analysis (PCA) can assess various diagnostic tests of dry eye disease (DED), providing a simplified, more informative measure of disease status than individu...
Comparison between Red Sea Deposits and Older Ironstone and Iron-Formation

The iron-rich sedimentary rocks of the geologic record are divided into two major types: ironstone, typically as oolitic limonite and chamosite in beds a few meters to a few tens of meters thick; iron-formation, which consists of alternating silica-rich and iron-rich layers and which occurs in units commonly hundreds of meters thick. Most, but not all, ironstone is post-Precambrian in age, and most, but again not all, iron-formation is Precambrian. The great majority of ironstone and iron-formation deposits are the products of normal erosional and sedimentary processes, but a few are believed to be exhalative-sedimentary in origin, genetically related to seabottom hot springs and fumaroles. These latter deposits are marked by temporal and spatial association with volcanic rocks, rapid facies changes, and higher content of metals than that of “normal” ironstone and iron-formation.
The Interaction of Government Theory with Synthetic Agreement

The analysis of Welsh and Breton developed in Chapter 5 is attractive because the claim that COMP is not the head of \( \bar{S} \) in these languages appears to determine correctly the absence of relative pronouns, the distribution of complementizers, and the issue of whether S belongs to the set of bounding nodes. This account nevertheless leaves two important issues which need to be explained. First, why does the overt, synthetic agreement so often appear (as in the Breton (1)) with the empty categories that we have identified as traces on the basis of their distribution with respect to the Subjacency Condition and the strong crossover phenomenon?
The enzymatic conversion of cis-[14C]phytofluene, trans-[14C]phytofluene, and trans-ζ-[14C]carotene to poly-cis-acyclic carotenes by a cell-free preparation of tangerine tomato fruit plastids

Abstract The conversion of cis -[ 14 C]phytofluene to trans -[ 14 C]phytofluene and the conversion of the latter to trans -ζ-[ 14 C]carotene by a soluble enzyme system obtained from plastids of tangerine tomato fruits is reported. Each of these compounds is also converted to cis -ζ-carotene, proneurosporene, prolycopene, neurosporene, lycopene, and γ- and β-carotenes. [ 14 C]Prolycopene was also incubated with the above enzyme system. No conversion of this compound to trans -lycopene or cyclic carotenes was observed. Proof for the formation of the above carotenes from each of the substrates mentioned above was obtained by cochromatography with authentic samples on an alumina column. A close correspondence between radioactivity and light absorbance of each carotene was observed. Further proof for the formation of acyclic and cyclic carotenes from the above radioactive substrates was obtained by gas-liquid chromatography of the hydrogenated products. Coincidence between mass and radioactivity was observed in each case.
Self-efficacy's influence on persistence on a physical task: Moderating effect of performance feedback ambiguity

Abstract Objectives The present investigation was designed to test the predictions of a control theory based view of self-regulation on the complex effects of self-efficacy on persistence. Specifically, self-efficacy was predicted to have a positive effect on persistence given unambiguous feedback, but a weak, negative effect given ambiguous feedback. Moreover, the research was designed to replicate an influential set of studies on self-efficacy. Design A 2 (self-efficacy: low, high) × 2 (feedback ambiguity: low, high) between-groups ANOVA was conducted to examine the interaction between self-efficacy and feedback ambiguity in two trials of an isometric hand-grip competitive endurance task. Method Participants (87 females and 67 males) competed on a hand-grip strength task against confederates who claimed to have overworked their hand (high manipulated self-efficacy) or to be tennis players (low manipulated self-efficacy). The competition occurred either in the presence (high feedback ambiguity) or absence (low feedback ambiguity) of a physical barrier between the individuals. Persistence was how long individuals could grip at 50% of their maximum voluntary contraction. Results The interaction was significant and in the predicted direction. Self-efficacy was also found to negatively relate to self-reported effort regardless of condition. Conclusions The results from the current study confirm that self-efficacy can foster persistence when one is aware of one's current state of performance. However, consistent with a control theory view of self-regulation, self-efficacy was unrelated to persistence when feedback was ambiguous. The results have implications for understanding the role of self-efficacy in sports and highlight the importance of replications with extensions.
Mutant forms of Salmonella typhimurium sigma54 defective in transcription initiation but not promoter binding activity.

Transcription initiation with ς54-RNA polymerase holoenzyme (ς54-holoenzyme) has absolute requirements for an activator protein and ATP hydrolysis. ς54’s binding to core RNA polymerase and promoter DNA has been well studied, but little is known about its role in the subsequent steps of transcription initiation. Following random mutagenesis, we isolated eight mutant forms of Salmonella typhimurium ς54 that were deficient in transcription initiation but still directed ς54-holoenzyme to the promoter to form a closed complex. Four of these mutant proteins had amino acid substitutions in region I, which had been shown previously to be required for ς54-holoenzyme to respond to the activator. From the remaining mutants, we identified four residues in region III which when altered affect the function of ς54 at some point after closed-complex formation. These results suggest that in addition to its role in core and DNA binding, region III participates in one or more steps of transcription initiation that follow closed-complex formation.
Dislocated Crystalline Lens Mimicking Metastatic Endometrial Cancer.

A 59-year-old female with history of metastatic endometrial cancer and homocystinuria, was referred for evaluation of a 9mm×6mm intraocular mass located in the posterior pole of the right eye detected on head MRI. She was asymptomatic in that eye and had poor vision in the left from idiopathic CNV. Slit-lamp photograph of the right eye showed an inferior, anteriorly-located white mass in the posterior segment visible behind her posterior chamber intraocular lens (Fig 1A). B-scan ultrasound revealed a posterior mass with highly-echogenic foci associated with an inferior retinal detachment (Figure 1B). Dilated examination confirmed a posteriorly dislocated crystalline lens and inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment- complications from homocystinuria, not metastatic endometrial cancer.1 Note the lesion’s position-dependent changes in location between the different imaging modalities. These dynamic and acoustic properties on B-scan may be helpful in differentiating a dislocated lens from intraocular tumor when there is no direct view of the fundus.2
Sialyltransferase ST3Gal-III Regulates Siglec-F Ligand Formation and Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation in Mice

Sialic acid–binding, Ig-like lectin (Siglec)-F is highly expressed on mouse eosinophils and plays an important role in regulating levels of eosinophilic lung inflammation. In this study we investigated the mechanism of constitutive and inducible Siglec-F ligand expression by lung airway epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in wild-type (WT) and genetically altered mice (ST3Gal-III heterozygotes, Fuc-TIV/VII double null, STAT6 null). Flow cytometry demonstrated that Siglec-F ligands are constitutively expressed in vitro and in vivo in selected lung cell types (epithelial cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells, but not CD4, CD8, or B cells) and are induced in response to divergent stimuli, including innate stimuli (TLR ligands, Alternaria), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13), and adaptive immune stimuli (OVA allergen). Furthermore, studies of deficient mice demonstrated the greater importance of the sialyltransferase ST3Gal-III compared with fucosyltransferases Fuc-TIV/VII in the synthesis of the constitutive and inducible Siglec-F ligands by lung epithelial and nonepithelial cells. In keeping with this, ST3Gal-III heterozygote mice (deficient in expression of Siglec-F ligands) also had significantly enhanced OVA-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation associated with reduced eosinophil apoptosis. Reduced eosinophil apoptosis in the lung of ST3Gal-III–deficient mice is likely mediated by reduced epithelial expression of Siglec-F ligands as WT eosinophils (which highly express Siglec-F) cultured with ST3Gal-III–deficient epithelial cells (which do not express Siglec-F ligand) showed reduced eosinophil apoptosis compared with WT eosinophils cultured with WT epithelial cells. Overall, these studies demonstrate that ST3Gal-III plays an important role in Siglec-F ligand formation and eosinophil apoptosis with resultant effects on eosinophilic inflammation in the lung.
Mobile ion contamination in CMOS circuits: a clear and present danger

The struggle against positive mobile ionic contamination (PMIC) in integrated circuit devices continues in spite of the tremendous gains in the purity of semiconductor grade starting materials. As device geometries have decreased and levels of integration have increased, package types have multiplied. Highly sophisticated analytical techniques are required to unambiguously identify the specific ions causing a particular single transistor to fail. The monitoring of VLSI wafer manufacturing and packaging process steps to assure minimal residual positive ionic contaminants takes greater efforts as the level of device-killing contamination decreases. This tutorial presents analytical case studies for the unambiguous identification of failure-causing metal ionic contamination.
Construction and characterization of a common bean bacterial artificial chromosome library.

We have constructed a common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library consisting of 33 792 clones and an estimated 3- to 5-fold coverage of the common bean genome. Leaf nuclei were used as the source for high-molecular-weight DNA, and an endonuclease/methylase competition assay was employed to partially cleave the DNA. The library was screened with a number of nuclear and mitochondrial probes. Each nuclear probe identified at least two BACs with an average insert size of ca. 100 kb. Only 26 clones were identified after hybridizing with mitochondrial probes, indicating contamination with organellar sequences is low. Numerous clones could be identified after screening the library with two repetitive probes flanking the nuclear fertility restorer Fr. Intriguingly, 12 clones appeared to hybridize to both markers, and restriction analysis of these clones revealed that they can be assembled into maximally four contigs, suggesting that these repetitive probes may be useful for the physical mapping of the Fr locus.
Wintertime surface layer convection in the Arctic Ocean

Abstract When sea ice forms, salt is released by the freezing process, increasing the density of the water immediately under the ice. On the micro-scale, this produces unstable Rayleigh convection, but on the scale of oceanic circulations the local convection can be represented as a nearly instantaneous change in the salinity of the surface mixed layer. Cooling and evaporation have a similar effect, but the present study is limited to the case of ice formation. The change in the salinity of the mixed layer has traditionally been calculated by the one-dimensional model of Zubov (1943) and Defant (1949), which assumes that during mixing the potential energy of a water column is reduced to the minimum consistent with the confinement of the mixing to a surface mixed layer, which lies over an otherwise unchanged initial profile. In the present work, this method is compared with one based on a second one-dimensional model ( Ball , 1960; Kraus and Turner , 1967), which assumes that entrainment by penetrative convection conserves the potential energy and helps to produce a very steep halocline below the mixed layer. The results clearly show that some penetrative convection takes place in the Arctic Ocean, though they are not conclusive as to the amount of energy recovered by entrainment or the relative importance of horizontal advection. Slow upwelling and occasional very intense wind mixing may play an important role in the upward transport of salt from the Atlantic Water (at intermediate depths) into the Arctic Surface Water.
Safety protocols for interventional MRI.

Rationale and Objectives To review magnetic resonance safety protocols and supplement them for interventional applications. Materials and Methods The American College of Radiology White Papers on MR Safety are summarized. Elements relevant to interventional MR procedures are emphasized. Additional policies and procedures specifically for interventional MR applications covering safety, training, and MR compatibility are proposed. Results A comprehensive operational policy for an interventional MR department is proposed. The policies and procedures helped our department perform over 400 surgeries and maintain a perfect safety record for 5 years. Conclusion Interventional MR departments can operate safely but require policies and procedures beyond those required for diagnostic MR departments.
Group psychotherapy with pathological gamblers

This paper reviews some of the group therapy techniques utilized in the authors' work with pathological gamblers. These conceptual tools ranged from rational-emotive psychotherapy to Zen philosophy which provided a background and foundation for working with pathological gamblers. Many therapeutic and antitherapeutic beliefs and behaviors of gamblers are discussed including narcissism, manipulative behavior, and rejection of Gamblers Anonymous. Each technique, behavior or belief discussed is explained in terms of how each affects the group process and how each is managed in group therapy.
Icon, index, and symbol in the visual arts

I AM now engaged in a study of the semantics of the pictorial image. Nearly all our philosophical, psychological, and historical analyses of meaning have been confined to spoken and written language. In most cases, IndoEuropean languages alone have supplied examples of modes of reference, functions of communication, and specifications of human thought and expression. We have come to know a good deal about these languages and thus-within these confines-about the meanings of "meaning." Or, as the Oxford philosophers of the present day would put it, we are becoming increasingly aware of the logic of language, of the conventions governing the employment of verbal expressions, the rules for playing language games. AUTHOR'S NOTE. This paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetics in Indianapolis during October 1954. 49
Rating the Raters: Conflicts of Interest in the Credit Rating Firms

The major credit rating agencies contributed substantially to the sub-prime mortgage crisis by giving their highest rating (AAA) to most of the collateralized debt obligations (CDO) securities that were backed by these sub-prime mortgages. Because the rating agencies are compensated by the issuers whose CDO bonds they rate, this relationship creates a prima facie conflict of interest, one that is compounded when the rating agency also consults for the issuers on designing the CDOs. While Congress and the Securities Exchange Commission investigate possible wrongdoing, various reforms have been proposed. This article analyzes these conflicts of interest and the cognate corporate governance issues. It then categorizes and critiques several of the reform proposals—which range in severity from requiring more disclosure to the suspension of the rating agency's license.
Sensitivity of the US corn belt to climate change and elevated CO2: I. Corn and soybean yields

Abstract Climate models indicate that increasing atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases could alter climate globally. The EPIC (Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator) model was used to examine the sensitivity of corn and soybean yields over the US corn belt to changes in temperature, precipitation, wind, and atmospheric CO2 concentration. A statistically representative sample of 100 corn and soybean production sites was selected from the 1987 National Resources Inventory (NRI). One-hundred-year simulations were run for each site under 36 different climate/CO2 scenarios. The results were area weighted according to the NRI area expansion factors to produce a regionally aggregated estimate of yields. EPIC did an excellent job of reproducing current regional mean expected yields under the baseline scenario. There were 3% decreases in both corn and soybean yields in response to a 2°C temperature increase at baseline precipitation levels, with larger and smaller temperature effects under drier and wetter conditions, respectively. Crop yields increased and decreased in response to increases and decreases of 10% or 20% precipitation. A 10% precipitation increase roughly balanced the negative effect of the 2°C temperature increase. Whether the precipitation changes resulted from altered precipitation event frequency or amount per event had little effect on mean crop yields; however interannual yield variability was higher when precipitation decreases were due to frequency rather than intensity. The opposite was true, though to a lesser extent, for precipitation increases. Potential evapotranspiration responded linearly to changes in mean wind speed, leading to modest changes of 1–3 days of water stress per growing season, yield increases of up to 2% for decreased wind, and yield decreases of up to 6% for increased wind. Elevated CO2 concentrations of 625 ppmv gave the greatest yield increases, + 17% for corn and + 27% for soybean at baseline temperature and precipitation levels. The relative CO2 effect was larger under drier conditions.
Scanning electron microscopic study of chylomicrons incubated with lipoprotein lipase

The effects of lipolysis on the structure of chylomicrons were studied with the scanning electron microscope using rat chylomicrons incubated with purified bovine milk lipoprotein lipase for 20 minutes at pH 8.1. Since the amount of albumin added to the medium was limited, some of the free fatty acids and partial glycerides formed by lipolysis accumulated in the chylomicrons. Lipolyzed chylomicrons fixed with OSO4 at pH 7.4 appeared in scanning electron micrographs as spheres with multiply idented irregular surfaces, while those fixed at pH 5.5, AS WELL AS CONTROL CHYLOMICRONS FIXED AT BOTH PHs, appeared as spheres with smooth surfaces. Sections of OSO4-fixed specimens, viewed with the transmission electron microscope, showed that the core of lipolyzed chylomicrons fixed at pH 7.4 contained numerous circular electron-lucent areas at the periphery, thus accounting for the indented surfaces observed above, while the core surfaces of the other specimens were circular and smooth. These findings confirm an earlier report that aqueous spaces form in chylomicrons during lipolysis when albumin in the medium is limited, and that the aqueous spaces disappear when specimens are prepared at pH 5.5 for microscopy. Thin sections of specimens that had been prepared for scanning electron microscopy showed that the gold-palladium coating was desposited directly on the indented surface of the lipid core of lipolyzed chylomicrons fixed at pH 7.4. It is concluded that vacuum dehydration during specimen preparation ruptures the outer wall of the aqueous spaces in lipolyzed chylomicrons and thereby exposes the interior of the spaces to gold-palladium coating and viewing with the scanning electron microscope.
Estimating viability of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) directed at mRNA encoding amyloglucosidase.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine if reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) directed at mRNA encoding the enzyme amyloglucosidase (CPAG) could serve as a indicator for C. parvum oocyst viability. Oocysts were stored for 1–11 months in the refrigerator and at monthly intervals extracted for total RNA for RT-PCR analysis. An aliquot of these C. parvum oocysts was inoculated into neonatal mice which were necropsied 4 days later for ileal tissue that was analyzed by semi-quantitative PCR to determine the level of parasite replication. The CPAG RT-PCR assay detected RNA from as few as 103 C. parvum oocysts. An effect of storage time on both RT-PCR signal and mouse infectivity was observed. RNA from oocysts stored for 1–7 months, unlike oocysts stored for 9 or 11 months, contained CPAG mRNA that was detectable by RT-PCR. A gradual decrease in the RT-PCR signal intensity was observed between 5 and 7 months storage. The intensity of RT-PCR product from oocysts and the signal from semi-quantitative PCR of ileal tissue DNA from mice infected with these same aged oocysts were comparable. The RT-PCR assay of CPAG mRNA in cultured cells infected with viable C. parvum oocysts first detected expression at 12 h with highest expression levels observed at 48 h post-infection. These results indicate that CPAG RT-PCR may be useful for differentiating viable from non-viable C. parvum oocysts and for studying the expression of the gene for amyloglucosidase in vitro.
When Do Governments Promote Women's Rights? A Framework for the Comparative Analysis of Sex Equality Policy

This essay proposes a framework to analyze cross-national variation in women’s legal rights. To explore the distinct logics of policy change, we disaggregate sex equality policies on two dimensions: 1) whether they improve the status of women as a group or alleviate gender-based class inequalities, and 2) whether or not they challenge the doctrine of organized religion and the codified tradition of major cultural groups. We show that policies promoting gender equality seek fundamental social change and therefore challenge historical patterns of state-society interaction concerning relations between the state and the market; the respective authority of the state, religion, and cultural groups; and the contours of citizenship. Different issues, however, challenge different aspects of these relations. What’s more, the priorities, strategies, and effectiveness of advocates and opponents of change (including women’s movements, left parties, international NGOs, and organized religion) are shaped by state capacity, policy legacies, international vulnerability, and the degree of democracy.
Metabolism of lysine in isolated swine renal cortical tubules subjected to variations in extracellular pH, bicarbonate and CO2

Abstract The effects of an acute disturbance of acid-base variables -- pH, HCO 3 − and pCO 2 - - on the metabolism of lysine were investigated using isolated porcine renal cortical tubules. Three concentrations of HCO 3 − (12.7, 22.6 and 34.9 mM) and three levels of pH (7.20, 7.41 and 7.63) of incubation media were used to evaluate the effects of these variables on uptake and metabolism of L-[U- 14 C lysine. Freshly isolated tubules were incubated in modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer for 30 min in the presence of labelled substrate. Increasing pH resulted in higher rates of lysine degradation as measured by 14 CO 2 evolution during incubation, but did not alter the concentration of tubular free LYS. Increasing HCO 3 − concentration resulted in an 80% increase in the accumulation of tubular free LYS but no change in the evolution of 14 CO 2 . The experiments suggest that acute disturbance of acid-base balance may alter the renal metabolism of lysine.
A CALL TO ARMS: A SOCIAL MOVEMENTS PERSPECTIVE ON “ISSUE” SURFACING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The objective of this paper is to present a preliminary model of the emergence of an “issue”, initiated by the thought of an individual, communicated via the internet, modified and embraced by new ...
Revisiting a Statistical Shortcoming when Fitting the Langmuir Model to Sorption Data

The Langmuir model is commonly used for describing the sorption behavior of reactive solutes to surfaces and is often fit to sorption data using nonlinear least squares regression. An important assumption of least squares regression is that the predictor variable is error free. In the case of sorption data, this assumption is not valid, and therefore the potential for parameter bias exists. Although alternative regression methods exist that either explicitly account for error in the predictor variable (Model II regression) or minimize the error in the predictor variable, these methods are not commonly used. Therefore, this paper more fully explores the differences in fitted parameters and model fits between these different data fitting methods by fitting P sorption data collected on 26 different soil samples using three different regression methods. For a majority of soils tested in this study, the differences in model fits between the three regression methods were not statistically significant. Statistical differences were observed in over a third of the soils, however, suggesting that errors in the predictor variable may be large enough to produce biased parameter estimates. These results suggest that multiple regression methods should be used when fitting the Langmuir model to sorption data to better assess the potential impact of error on model fits.
Collagen-Binding Peptidoglycans Inhibit MMP Mediated Collagen Degradation and Reduce Dermal Scarring

Scarring of the skin is a large unmet clinical problem that is of high patient concern and impact. Wound healing is complex and involves numerous pathways that are highly orchestrated, leaving the skin sealed, but with abnormal organization and composition of tissue components, namely collagen and proteoglycans, that are then remodeled over time. To improve healing and reduce or eliminate scarring, more rapid restoration of healthy tissue composition and organization offers a unique approach for development of new therapeutics. A synthetic collagen-binding peptidoglycan has been developed that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 and 13 (MMP-1 and MMP-13) mediated collagen degradation. We investigated the synthetic peptidoglycan in a rat incisional model in which a single dose was delivered in a hyaluronic acid (HA) vehicle at the time of surgery prior to wound closure. The peptidoglycan treatment resulted in a significant reduction in scar tissue at 21 days as measured by histology and visual analysis. Improved collagen architecture of the treated wounds was demonstrated by increased tensile strength and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of collagen fibril diameters compared to untreated and HA controls. The peptidoglycan's mechanism of action includes masking existing collagen and inhibiting MMP-mediated collagen degradation while modulating collagen organization. The peptidoglycan can be synthesized at low cost with unique design control, and together with demonstrated preclinical efficacy in reducing scarring, warrants further investigation for dermal wound healing.
Structure and Protein Composition of a Basal-Body Scaffold (“Cage”) in the Hypotrich Ciliate Euplotes

Cilia on the ventral surface of the hypotrich ciliate Euplotes are clustered into polykinetids or compound ciliary organelles, such as cirri or oral membranelles, used in locomotion and prey capture. A single polykinetid may contain more than 150 individual cilia; these emerge from basal bodies held in a closely spaced array within a scaffold or framework structure that has been referred to as a basal-body "cage". Cage structures were isolated free of cilia and basal bodies; the predominant component of such cages was found on polyacrylamide gels to be a 45-kDa polypeptide. Antisera were raised against this protein band and used for immunolocalizations at the light and electron microscope levels. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed the 45-kDa polypeptide to be localized exclusively to the bases of the ventral polykinetids. Immunogold staining of thin sections of intact cells further localized this reactivity to filaments of a double-layered dense lattice that appears to link adjoining basal bodies into ordered arrays within each polykinetid. Scanning electron microscopy of isolated cages reveals the lower or "basal" cage layer to be a fine lacey meshwork supporting the basal bodies at their proximal ends; adjoining basal bodies are held at their characteristic spacing by filaments of an upper or "medial" cage layer. The isolated cage thus resembles a miniature test-tube rack, able to accommodate varying arrangements of basal-body rows, depending on the particular type of polykinetid. Because of its clear and specific localization to the basal-body cages in Euplotes, we have termed this novel 45-kDa protein "cagein".
Role of regulatory T cells in tolerance to coagulation factors.

Summary. The immune response to coagulation factors VIII or IX, in particular formation of inhibitory antibodies, complicates treatment of hemophilia. Therefore, a number of recent studies in animal models have explored novel approaches toward induction of immune tolerance in protein or gene replacement therapy. Strong evidence has emerged that regulatory T cells (Treg) are an important component of the mechanism by which tolerance is maintained and inhibitor formation, a T help dependent response, is prevented. Limited data in patients also support this concept. In particular, CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg, whether naturally occurring or induced, have been invoked in suppression of antibody and of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to the therapeutic clotting factor. This review summarizes the data on this emerging concept of Treg-mediated regulation of the immune response in treatment of hemophilia, strategies and mechanisms of Treg induction and function, and the implications for development of immune tolerance protocols.
A numerical study of natural convection heat transfer in a vertically eccentric spherical annulus

Abstract The results of a numerical investigation of the natural convection process between isothermal vertically eccentric spheres with hotter inner core, are being presented. The Grashof and the Prandtl numbers have been kept constant at 4×104 and 10 respectively. Eccentricities varying from −0.75 to +0.75 have been studied. From the numerical solution, it is possible to explain the average results obtained previously for the regime where the steady crescent flow pattern exists. Negative eccentricities have been found to enhance convection while positive eccentricities have the reverse effect. Results also show that heat transfer actually increases slightly for very high positive eccentricities where conduction plays an important role.
Factors Influencing the Interpretation of FEV1 Declines Across the Working Shift

An analysis of variability within individuals was conducted for FEV1, obtained from subjects employed in the cottonseed industry. Individual SDs ranged from .020 to .428 L. The within-subject SD of the preshift-postshift difference ranged from .014 to .302 L. When within-subject variability of FEV1 was analyzed in relation to symptoms, smoking history, and shift, the only statistical difference occurred in the 14 bronchitic subjects (.141 L) relative to the 179 without bronchitis (.099 L), and the three subjects with byssinosis (.192 L) relative to those without symptoms (.102 L). Changes over the working shift were significantly different for evening relative to morning and night shifts, even though there was no significant difference in smoking status, symptoms, exposure, race, age, years employed in the mill, and work area. In addition, baseline measurements were not significantly related to shift. Therefore, the effect of individual variability, symptoms, and shift should be considered if an accurate classification of reactors based on change in FEV1 across the shift is to be obtained.
Natural occurrence of semi-α-carotenone☆

Abstract Semi-α-carotenone was shown for the first time to occur in nature, in fruits of Murraya exotica.
Branching Takes Nerve

Nerves control salivary gland function, a connection that traces back over 100 years to the classic experiments of Ivan Pavlov, who conditioned dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell. On page 1645 in this issue, Knox et al. report that the effect of nerves on these glands occurs much earlier than expected ( 1 ). Local nerves make intimate contact with the submandibular glands—the major source of saliva in mammals—as soon they begin to develop in the embryo, and influence how the organ grows and branches. Their finding may suggest new ways to regenerate salivary glands in cancer patients exposed to head and neck irradiation, and may also be relevant to the growth and regeneration of other organ systems.
Distributed power management algorithm for mobile ad hoc networks

In this paper, we propose a distributed power management algorithm that will adaptively optimize network performance, reduce interference and preserve network connectivity with changing physical environment and network topology. The physical environment is modeled with log-distance path loss model, log-normal shadowing model and rayleigh fading model. Interference is a prominent problem in multi-user dense wireless network. The proposed algorithm will co-operatively reduce inter-node interference in the network by restricting the node to increase its transmission power indiscriminately. Further, most of the routing algorithms only utilize bi-directional links. Therefore, uni-directional links can be a major source of interference. The algorithm will try to either prevent such uni-directional links or convert them into bi-directional links to route packet if necessary. Therefore with the changing network conditions and the physical environment, the proposed algorithm decides on an optimum coverage area for a node to reduce interference, provide better link qualities, improve spatial reuse, lower number of retransmissions thus improving network capacity and energy efficiency i.e. battery capacity. We will show that the algorithm provides stronger connected and more reliable network improving network performance. It reduces fluctuation in node connectivity even significantly reducing the time node is completely disconnected from the network due to changes in the network and the environment.
Population dynamics of pond zooplankton, I. Diaptomus pallidus Herrick

The simultaneous and lag relationships between 27 environmental variables and seven population components of a perennial calanoid copepod were examined by simple and partial correlations and stepwise regression. The analyses consistently explained more than 70% of the variation of a population component. The multiple correlation coefficient (R) usually was highest in no lag or in 3-week or 4-week lag except for clutch size in which R was highest in 1-week lag. Population control, egg-bearing, and clutch size were affected primarily by environmental components categorized as weather; food apparently was relatively minor in affecting population control or reproduction.
Dispersion tailoring and soliton propagation in Si waveguides

We show that the dispersion in SOI waveguides can be tailored to reduce the zero-dispersion wavelength below 1.5 mum. Simulations indicate soliton-like propagation of 130-fs pulses at 1.55 mum inside such a device.
Occlusal force transfer by removable partial denture designs for a radical maxillectomy

Several removable partial denture retainers were tested on a photoelastic cast of a human maxilla that had undergone a surgical resection through the midline. The conclusions based on the results of these tests are as follows. Physiologic adjustment of all the designs tested revealed a dramatic reduction in stresses when the framework were placed into position. Under load, the physiologically adjusted frameworks produced less potentially damaging stresses in the supporting structures than the unadjusted frameworks. High stresses were located at the premolar region for all the designs. Lingual retainers produced higher stress concentration than buccal retainers. In the anterior region, the I-bar retainer with a cingulum rest was the best combination for transmitting the occlusal forces along the long axis of the tooth. From the perspective of the equitability of stress transfer, the tested designs from best to worse are infrabulge I-bar retainer, either buccal or lingual retention; light wire circumferential retainer with buccal retention; and the circumferential cast buccal retention, swing-lock system.
Uptake and Excretion of Cesium134 and Potassium42 in Lactating Dairy Cows

Summary Eight lactating dairy cows were each given 1 mc. of Cs 134 and 6 mc. of K 42 in a single oral dose. An average of 6.7% of the Cs 134 and 4.2% of the K 42 were secreted into milk in 66 hr. Corresponding values for urinary excretion were 19.0 and 38.0%. Averages of 10.5, 30.0, and 32.7% of the cesium 134 were found in milk, urine, and feces, respectively, in 210 hr. The variation in Cs 134 and K 12 secreted into milk can largely be explained on the basis of differing milk yields, with concentration remaining somewhat constant. The concentration of Cs 134 and K 42 in urine and the volume of urine are both highly variable.
Low levels of prostagiandins in human milk after purification by high performance liquid chromatography

In order to validate methodology for quantifying arachidonic acid metabolites in human milk, we measured five prostaglandin, (PGs) using radioimmunoassay (RIA): PGE2, PGF2α, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1α (6KF1α) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (DHKF2α). RIA was performed after extraction with C18 Sep-Pak cartridge and/or further purification with reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (rp-HPLC). Recovery was monitored throughout the purification steps. Confirming findings of previously reported studies, we found PGE and the PGF2α metabolite, DHKF2α to be the major PGs in extracted human milk. After HPLC purification, however, no predominant PG was found, and the PG levels, especially those of PGE2 and DHKF2α, were considerably lower than levels in the extracted sample. A noteworthy finding was the presence of immunoreactive substances in HPLC fractions not within the area of the PG peak; this suggests that the decreased levels of PGs in human milk measured by RIA after rp-HPLC are due to the elimination of the nonspecific immunoreactive materials present in the sample.