cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Route of hysterectomy during minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy does not affect postoperative outcomes.

Hysterectomy can be performed during sacrocolpopexy, but there are limited studies comparing the effect of route of hysterectomy on adverse events. We hypothesized there would be no difference in adverse events or patient-reported outcomes in women who underwent minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy with either vaginal or supracervical hysterectomy. This was a retrospective chart review with a cross-sectional survey component sent to all consenting patients. Patients were identified by procedure code for sacrocolpopexy and hysterectomy from January 2005 to June 2016. Of the 161 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria, 116 underwent supracervical and 45 vaginal hysterectomy. Overall incidence of perioperative adverse events was low. Vaginal hysterectomy cases were faster (276 vs. 324 min, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of postoperative stress incontinence (22 vs. 9%, p = 0.03). Thirty-one (19%) of all subjects had recurrent prolapse; 10 (6%) underwent repeat surgery. Three (1%) subjects had a mesh exposure (no difference between groups), all treated conservatively. Ninety-six (60%) subjects responded to the survey with a median follow-up of 56 (9–134) months. Ninety-one percent (87) of respondents reported being better since surgery, and 91% (87) reported they would choose the surgery again. Twenty-eight percent (27) reported a surgery-related complication including pain, urinary and bowel symptoms; 8% (8) reported evaluation for recurrent prolapse symptoms, all treated conservatively; 4% (4) of respondents reported a mesh exposure. Incidence of adverse events is low and not different between patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy with concurrent supracervical or vaginal hysterectomy. One in three patients report pelvic floor symptoms postoperatively, but long-term satisfaction is high.
Category III: Atypical

A subgroup of specimens exists within pulmonary cytopathology which demonstrate cytomorphologic features beyond that seen in typical benign and reactive conditions but lack the degree of cellular changes warranting a diagnosis of suspicious for malignancy; such cases are best categorized as “atypical.” Although these cases are associated with a considerable risk of malignancy in follow-up studies, a significant percentage are a result of profound inflammatory conditions, acute and chronic lung injury, and treatment effects. The cytomorphologic criteria for designation of specimens as “atypical” are described and illustrated.
“Friends-and-Neighbors” Mobilization: A Field Experimental Replication and Extension

Key [1949. Southern Politics in State and Nation. New York: A.A. Knopf] observed voters tend to support local candidates at higher rates, a phenomenon he termed “friends-and-neighbors” voting. In a recent study, Panagopoulos et al. [2017. Political Behavior 39(4): 865–82] deployed a nonpartisan randomized field experiment to show that voters in the September 2014 primary election for state senate in Massachusetts were mobilized on the basis of shared geography. County ties and, to a lesser extent, hometown ties between voters and candidates have the capacity to drive voters to the polls. We partnered with a national party organization to conduct a similar, partisan experiment in the November 2014 general election for the Pennsylvania state senate. We find localism cues can stimulate voting in elections, including in neighboring communities that lie beyond the towns and counties in which the target candidate resided, at least among voters favorably disposed to a candidate and even when voters reside in the home county of the opponent.
Tumor margin assessment using frozen sections can be improved by paired-agent imaging (Conference Presentation)

During resection of head and neck cancers, surgeons collect multiple small tissue samples from the excision wound bed for “frozen section” analysis by a clinical pathologist to determine clear margins. However, this process is disruptive to work flow, time-consuming, and expensive. We have validated Paired-Agent Imaging (PAI) in in vivo xenograft models using epidermal growth factor receptor and demonstrated that PAI exhibits higher diagnostic accuracy targeted agent alone – tested in both fresh tissue (~3-mm) and frozen sections (10-m). Here PAI will be extended to screening of tissue biopsies to quantify tumor burden in comparison to standard frozen section pathology.
RNA Binding Protein Methods

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical regulators of transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene expression in eukaryotic organisms. The central role of these molecules in RNA metabolism has been clearly shown; however, the mechanisms involved in RNA cargo identification and selection are not clearly understood. The sequence and structure of RBPs as well as their target RNA molecules are essential to their ability to interact. However, it is clear that cellular context is also important to RBP–RNA association and the metabolic consequences of this association. This article discusses known interactions of RBPs and RNAs, the functional significance of these interactions, and methods available for their investigation.
Reduction of Opioids Prescribed Upon Discharge After Total Knee Arthroplasty Significantly Reduces Consumption: A Prospective Study Comparing Two States.

Abstract Background Opioids prescribed for acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) play a contributing role in the number of opioid pills in circulation. At the height of an opioid epidemic in the United States, opioids are increasingly diverted, misused, and abused. Therefore, many states have enacted narcotic regulations in an attempt to curb opioid diversion and misuse. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of stricter state prescribing regulations on opioid consumption following TKA. Methods In total, 165 opioid-naive patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA at a single institution with a standardized perioperative pain protocol were reviewed. Seventy-one patients (group 1) resided in a state with strict opioid regulations that limit the initial number of pills dispensed and refills, whereas 92 patients (group 2) resided in another state without quantity and refill regulations. Patient demographics were similar between the 2 groups. Mean age was 64 and mean body mass index was 32 kg/m2. Opioid consumption, quantity, and refill patterns were collected for 6 weeks following surgery. Results The average oral morphine equivalents consumed during the 6 weeks postsurgery were significantly lower in group 1 at 446.3 ± 266.3 mg (range 10-992) compared to group 2 at 622.6 ± 313.7 mg (range 20-1416) (P Conclusion Based on our results, the institution of state regulations aimed at decreasing the quantity and refills of postoperative opioids led patients to consume less opioids following TKA. Many patients are prescribed more opioids than they require which increases their consumption and can increase the risk for diversion, addiction, and misuse. Level of Evidence Level III; retrospective comparative cohort study.
Safety and efficacy of gamma-secretase inhibitor nirogacestat (PF-03084014) in desmoid tumor: Report of four pediatric/young adult cases.

Systemic therapy for pediatric desmoid tumors has been challenged by a lack of high-quality clinical evidence and potential adverse effects. The gamma-secretase inhibitor nirogacestat has shown promising efficacy in adults. We report four cases of pediatric and young adult desmoid tumor patients (three with familial adenomatous polyposis [FAP] syndrome) who received nirogacestat on compassionate use. After a median of 13.5 months (range 6-18), three had durable benefit: a complete response (Case 1); a partial response (Case 2); stable disease (Case 3). The fourth had disease progression after a partial response. No patient experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse events.
High gene space divergence contrasts with frozen vegetative architecture in the moss family Funariaceae

A new paradigm has slowly emerged regarding the diversification of bryophytes, with inferences from molecular data highlighting a dynamic evolution of their genome. However, comparative studies of expressed genes among closely related taxa is so far missing. Here we contrast the dimensions of the vegetative transcriptome of Funaria hygrometrica and Physcomitrium pyriforme against the genome of their relative, Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens. These three species of Funariaceae share highly conserved vegetative bodies, and are partially sympatric, growing on mineral soil in mostly temperate regions. We analyzed the vegetative gametophytic transcriptome of F. hygrometrica and P. pyriforme and mapped short reads, transcripts, and proteins to the genome and gene space of P. patens. Only about half of the transcripts of F. hygrometrica map to their ortholog in P. patens, whereas at least 90% of those of P. pyriforme align to loci in P. patens. Such divergence is unexpected given the high morphological similarity of the gametophyte but reflects the estimated times of divergence of F. hygrometrica and P. pyriforme from P. patens, namely 55 and 20 mya, respectively. The newly sampled transcriptomes bear signatures of at least one, rather ancient, whole genome duplication (WGD), which may be shared with one reported for P. patens. The transcriptomes of F. hygrometrica and P. pyriforme reveal significant contractions or expansions of different gene families. While transcriptomes offer only an incomplete estimate of the gene space, the high number of transcripts obtained suggest a significant divergence in gene sequences, and gene number among the three species, indicative of a rather strong, dynamic genome evolution, shaped in part by whole, partial or localized genome duplication. The gene ontology of their specific and rapidly-evolving protein families, suggests that the evolution of the Funariaceae may have been driven by the diversification of metabolic genes that may optimize the adaptations to environmental conditions, a hypothesis well in line with ecological patterns in the genetic diversity and structure in seed plants.
SU(4) instantons on Calabi-Yau threefolds with Z(2) x Z(2) fundamental group

Structure group SU(4) gauge vacua of both weakly and strongly coupled heterotic superstring theory compactified on torus-fibered Calabi-Yau threefolds Z with 2 × 2 fundamental group are presented. This is accomplished by constructing invariant, stable, holomorphic rank four vector bundles on the simply connected cover of Z. Such bundles can descend either to Hermite-Yang-Mills instantons on Z or to twisted gauge fields satisfying the Hermite-Yang-Mills equation corrected by a non-trivial flat B-field. It is shown that large families of such instantons satisfy the constraints imposed by particle physics phenomenology. The discrete parameter spaces of those families are presented, as well as a lower bound on the dimension of the continuous moduli of any such vacuum. In conjunction with 2 × 2 Wilson lines, these SU(4) gauge vacua can lead to standard-like models at low energy with an additional U(1)B−L symmetry. This U(1)B−L symmetry is very helpful in naturally suppressing nucleon decay.
Role of inflammatory biomarkers in the prediction of ICU admission and mortality in patients with COVID-19

Background: Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology and prognosis of severe COVID-19. Inflammatory biomarkers may guide the clinician in making treatment decisions as well as in the allocation of resources. Objective: This study aimed to assess how levels of inflammatory biomarkers predict disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 by testing a predictive scoring model developed by Zhou et al and further refining the model in a population of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Study Design and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to ten Virginia hospitals from January 1, 2020, to June 15, 2020. Inflammatory markers including CRP, D-Dimer, ferritin, N/L ratio, and procalcitonin were studied and logistic regression models were applied to ascertain the risk of ICU admission and mortality with elevated markers. Results: Data from a total of 701 patients were analyzed. In bivariate tests age, CRP, D-Dimer, and N/L ratio were associated with in-hospital mortality as well as admission to the ICU. Procalcitonin was associated with admission to the ICU but not mortality. Males and African Americans were more likely to require ICU-level care. In final models, age and CRP were significantly associated with mortality (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.08, and OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10 respectively) as well as ICU admissions (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03 and OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06 respectively). The previously established composite scores of CRP, D-Dimer, and N/L ratio were predictive of mortality (Area under the curve [AUC] 0.69 for multiplicative score) as well as ICU admissions (AUC 0.61 for multiplicative score). However, improved accuracy was obtained with age and CRP for predicting mortality (AUC 0.77) and ICU admission (AUC 0.62). Conclusions: CRP and age appear to be the strongest predictors for ICU admission and mortality compared to D-Dimer, Ferritin, Procalcitonin, and N/L ratio in patients with COVID-19.
Cannabis use companions' gender and sexual orientation: Associations with problematic cannabis use in a sample of sexual minorities assigned female at birth.

Abstract Background Sexual minority women (SMW) are at heightened risk for problematic cannabis use compared to heterosexual women. Social learning theory posits that characteristics of one’s cannabis use companions influence problematic use. However, most research on cannabis use among sexual minorities has focused on minority stress and not social learning theory. As such, the current study tested whether characteristics of one’s cannabis use companions (gender and sexual orientation) were associated with changes in problematic use among cisgender SMW and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth. Methods We utilized three waves of data (six-months between waves) from 321 cisgender SMW and sexual minority non-binary individuals assigned female at birth who participated in a larger study and reported using cannabis during at least one wave. We examined the prospective associations between using cannabis with five groups (SMW, sexual minority men, non-binary individuals, heterosexual women, and heterosexual men) and changes in problematic use six-months later. We also examined whether participant gender (cisgender woman vs. non-binary individual) moderated these associations. Results Among cisgender SMW and sexual minority non-binary individuals, using cannabis with SMW and non-binary individuals, but not with sexual minority men, heterosexual men, or women, was associated with increases in problematic use six-months later. Gender did not moderate any associations between using cannabis with any group and problematic use. Conclusions Consistent with social learning theory, using cannabis with similar others was associated with increases in problematic use among cisgender SMW and sexual minority non-binary individuals. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these effects.
A Scoping Review of the Economic Burden of Non-Cancerous Genitourinary Conditions.

Abstract Objective : To provide a scoping review of the economic burden of non-cancerous genitourinary conditions (NCGUCs). Methods : A scoping review of the literature surrounding the economic costs associated with NCGUCs was conducted for literature published between 1990-2020. The articles were screened and relevant articles were selected for review. These articles were abstracted with information pertaining to the costs surrounding NCGUCs. A descriptive analysis of the data was conducted. Results : We found 3298 articles in our scoping review. Of these, we found 38 relevant articles related to pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse, interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, nocturia, urinary tract infections, urolithiasis, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia, overactive bladder, and erectile dysfunction of which the data is reviewed. Conclusion : Although the data in estimating the economic burden is limited, existing evidence demonstrates a significant component of health care spending on NCGUCs. Much of the spending is out-of-pocket and indirect costs that are difficult to measure which may increase the magnitude of the costs. There is a need for future research that takes a holistic look at the economic impact of NCGUCs.
Boat to bowl: Resilience through network rewiring of a community-supported fishery amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Fisheries are coupled human-natural systems locally, regionally, and globally However, human-nature interactions within and between adjacent and distant systems (metacouplings) are rarely studied in fisheries despite their prevalence and policy relevance We filled this knowledge gap by using network models to identify how the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has rewired couplings and reshaped resilience of Fishadelphia, a community-supported fishery program (CSF) in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, USA As abstractions illustrating interactions among supply-chain actors, networks are helpful for characterizing flows and assessing resilience to disturbances such as those induced by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic Since Fall 2018, 18 seafood (finfish and shellfish) species totaling 6273 lbs have flowed from harvesters (n = 4), to processors (n = 2), to a distributor, to retailers (n = 2), and finally to customers (n = 183) The pandemic reduced the number of seafood harvesters and processors (−50%), seafood flow quantity (−25%), species diversity in the marketplace (−67%), and species per supplier (−50%) before stopping flows in mid-March 2020, when Fishadelphia closed for 3 months Models of network optimality indicated that the pandemic fragmented metacouplings that previously allowed multiple seafood suppliers to provide diverse products to customers However, demand-side resilience increased through dispersed, socially distanced, efficient seafood delivery that expanded the customer base and generally increased customer satisfaction This resilience dichotomy-wherein the post-closure network was less resilient than the pre-closure network in supply-side species diversity, but more resilient in demand-side social distancing, delivery efficiency, and customer satisfaction-has implications for rewiring networks to sustain CSFs and other local food systems amid ecological and social disturbances © 2021 The Author(s) Published by IOP Publishing Ltd
Arginine vasopressin facilitates reversal and impairs retention of a brightness discrimination in albino rats

One microgram of arginine vasopressin (AVP) or a placebo was administered to male albino rats. Performance on the original learning, reversal learning, and retention of a black-white visual discrimination was assessed by means of both trials and errors to criterion. In Experiment 1, the rats were given AVP after original learning trials and prior to retention trials. In Experiment 2, the rats were given AVP prior to reversal trials and before retention trials. In Experiment 3, they were given AVP after original learning and then given a series of extinction trials. The results indicated that treatment with AVP after original learning trials facilitated performance during reversal learning but did not affect the rate of extinction. Treatment with AVP prior to reversal learning had no influence on performance during reversal learning. Finally, treatment with AVP impaired the 10-day retention of the discrimination learned during reversal training, that is, the black (+) discrimination. These findings are discussed in the context of their implications for the actions of vasopressin on selective attention and the possible independence of its actions on measures of attention and memory.
Changing Life Trajectories, Employment Challenges and Worker Health in Global Perspective

The forces of globalization, changing technology, combined with political and demographic changes are transforming the nature of work. In turn, changes in the demands and opportunities in new forms of work create new challenges to health and well-being. To understand more deeply how those changes in working life influence well-being we need to examine them in light of the unfolding careers of individuals over the course of their entire lives. Insights drawn from this perspective promise to inform more responsive policies and practices to improve health and well-being.
Time to analgesia for patients with painful extremity injuries transported to the emergency department by ambulance.

Abstract Objective To measure the time to analgesia for patients with painful, isolated extremity injuries brought to the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services (EMS). Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with isolated, painful extremity injuries during an 18-month period to a Level 1 trauma center. Medical records were reviewed by diagnostic codes for extremity injuries. Inclusion criteria: patients 18 years or older transported to the ED by EMS; isolated, painful extremity injuries; received parenteral analgesia in the ED or by EMS. Excluded: multiple trauma patients, interfacility transfers, hemodynamically unstable patients, head-injured patients, intoxicated patients, and patients with mental status changes. Data elements: age, sex, EMS arrival time, EMS medication time, hospital triage time, and ED medication time. All “times to analgesia” were calculated from the EMS arrival time on scene. Results Extremity injuries were identified in 706 patients. Of these, 104 patients with painful, isolated, extremity injuries met all inclusion criteria. Thirteen (12.5%) of 104 received analgesia by EMS during prehospital care. Ninety-one patients (88%) first received parenteral analgesia in the ED. The mean time to analgesia for EMS treated patients was 23 minutes (95% CI 16.7–30.2). Mean time to analgesia for patients treated in the ED was 113 minutes (95% CI 99.2–128.1). Mean time to analgesia after triage in this group was 75 minutes (95% CI 60.8–89.7). Conclusion In this study, patients received analgesia sooner when administered by EMS during prehospital care. There was a significant time delay after triage for patients first medicated in the ED.
Winners and losers from utility privatization in Argentina : lessons from a general equilibrium model

The authors assess the macroeconomic and distributional effects of the privatization that Argentina began in 1989 in gas, electricity, telecommunications, and water and sanitation. Using a computable general equilibrium model, they track the effects of the changes observed between 1993, the first year by which all the major privatizations had taken place, and 1995, the most recent year for which data are available. In an innovative use of the model, they also assess the importance of the regulator in determining the distribution of gains and losses from utility privatization among sectors and income groups. They conclude that when regulators are effective, the annual gains from the private operation of utilities are about $3.3 billion, or 1.25 percent of GDP, and that all income classes benefit. Ineffective regulation cuts the gains from the reform by $1 billion or 0.35 percent of GDP. This cut in gains represents an implicit tax of 16 percent on the average consumer, paid directly to the owner of the utility rather than to the government. For the poorest income classes, this implicit tax is about 20 percent, meaning that good regulation is in the interest of the poor. The authors also show that the privatization of utilities cannot be blamed for the significant increase in unemployment observed in Argentina since 1993. Effective regulation can lead to a decline in unemployment, and ineffective regulation leads to only a small increase in unemployment. But the gains from utility privatization were not sufficient to offset the negative efficiency and distributional impact on the economy of the Tequila effect, which increased unemployment dramatically by limiting access to credit for users and producers alike.
Enhancing electrical engineering students' communication skills-the baseline findings

In 1993, we initiated a five-year project to enhance the communication skills of electrical engineering students. For our 1994 presentation, we report selected findings of our initial surveys of electrical engineering students, and then we highlight the communication activities of recent graduates. Finally, we briefly describe the process that we will use in developing the products-hypertext applications, tutorials, and online help-for the Online Writing Center. >
Activity of Ptr ToxA fromPyrenophora tritici-repentisrequires host metabolism

Abstract Pyrenophora tritici-repentis , causal agent of tan spot of wheat, produces a cultivar-specific toxin (Ptr ToxA) required for high virulence. Sensitive wheat lines develop necrosis within 48 h of infiltration with nM levels of purified toxin, but the mechanism by which this occurs is not understood. The involvement of wheat metabolism in the action of Ptr ToxA was investigated here with a qualitative assay based on necrosis development and a more rapid and quantitative assay based on electrolyte leakage. Necrosis and electrolyte leakage failed to develop when toxin-treated wheat was incubated at 4 °C, but the inhibition of toxin action by cold was reversible. Necrosis developed when wheat was exposed to toxin for 8 h at 4 °C, then shifted to 20 °C for an additional 40 h. Electrolyte leakage was delayed by only 2 h in toxin-treated leaves held at 4 °C for 6 h then shifted to 20 °C, relative to leaves held at 20 °C throughout. Toxin-induced electrolyte leakage was reduced by the co-application of sodium vanadate, an inhibitor of H + -ATPases. However, the level of protection from electrolyte leakage by a single application of vanadate decreased as time increased, and the inhibitor failed to prevent necrosis development. Inhibitors of transcription (α-amanitin and cordycepin) and of translation (cycloheximide) each reduced the level of toxin-induced electrolyte leakage. Cycloheximide was the only inhibitor that prevented necrosis development when co-infiltrated with toxin. The data indicate that the action of Ptr ToxA requires active host processes including transcription, translation, and functional H + -ATPases.
Can an Exhaustible Resource Economy Be Sustainable

I focus on two alternative concepts of sustainability dominating the literature: (i) maximum permanently maintainable consumption level (Fisherian income) and (ii) the amount of consumption that leaves total value of wealth intact (Hicksian income). In the context of a pure exhaustible resource economy, I derive an explicit relationship between the two sustainability criteria and show that while such an economy is not sustainable in the former sense, it is in the latter sense provided social preferences are represented by a logarithmic utility function. I also derive the implications of the two concepts for greening of national income. Finally, I show the range of values of the parameters of the model for which the utilitarian optimal path can be close to paths satisfying the alternative sustainability criteria, suggesting that such outcomes are less likely for very poor resource-dependent countries than for the rich ones.
Near optimum delay-line detection filters for serial detection of MSK signals

A method for designing transversal delay-line filter approximations to the matched filter for the serial detection of minimum-shift keyed (MSK) modulated signals is given. Two configurations are characterized in terms of signal-to-noise ratio degradation at a bit error rate (BER) of 10 to the -6th. One is shown to depart less than 0.3 dB from the ideal matched filter performance when its parameter values are optimized. A lumped-element equivalent is also given and shown to provide a degradation of less than 0.4 dB at a BER of 10 to the -6th
Still in Search of a Unifying Principle: What Kennedy v. Louisiana and the Supreme Court’s Denial of the State’s Petition for Rehearing Signal for the Future

In Kennedy v. Louisiana, the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law that authorized the death penalty for the crime of child rape. The Court held, first, that 'there is a social consensus against capital punishment for the crime of child rape;' and, second, that in the Court’s own 'independent judgment' the penalty is disproportionate. Kennedy came under intense public scrutiny because a purported omission in the majority opinion was said to undermine the decision on its own terms. The State of Louisiana claimed that a recent change in military law invalidated the Court’s finding of a national consensus. It attempted to capitalize upon fresh media coverage and widespread confusion about the facts by filing a petition for rehearing with the Supreme Court. On October 1, 2008, the Court denied the request for a rehearing. This piece briefly explores: (I) the basis of the Court’s decision to reject the request for rehearing; and (II) the Kennedy decision’s implications for the Eighth Amendment’s future.
IgG Subclasses and Isotypes of VH4-34 Encoded Antibodies.

VH4-34 gene encoded autoantibodies are elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in other diseases associated with B-cell hyperproliferation/dysfunction. One of the autoantigens recognized by VH4-34-encoded antibodies are branched/linear poly N-acetyl lactosamine chains. Since the anti-carbohydrate response in humans is dominated by the IgG2 subclass, here we tested whether VH4-34 encoded IgG showed similar subclass segregation. Serum samples from SLE, infectious mononucleosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hepatitis-C were analyzed. Levels of VH4-34-encoded IgM and IgA isotypes were also tested. VH4-34-IgM and IgA were elevated in all four clinical conditions. VH4-34-IgG was detected in the IgG1 and IgG3 subclass but not in the IgG2 and IgG4 subclass. Interestingly, VH4-34-IgG3 was also detected in serum samples of normal healthy adults. These observations are discussed in context of the VH4-34 gene regulation. VH4-34 repertoire development is of interest since it is the only human VH gene profoundly overrepresented in the naive repertoire but counter-selected for antibody secretion. VH4-34 B-cell could thus become a unique tool to inspect germinal center independent/dependent pathways of subclass and isotype-specific antibody secretion.
Hormones in the Middle

Hormones and Animal Social Behavior . By Elizabeth Adkins-Regan Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2005. 429 pp. $79.50, £51.95. ISBN 0-691-09246-X. Paper, $45, £29.95. ISBN 0-691-09247-8. Monographs in Behavior and Ecology. Writing for researchers and graduate students, the writer examines the connections between steroid and peptide hormones and the social behavior of animals.
A semi-classical model for breakup reactions of light nuclei: 4He(p, pn)3He

Abstract We introduce a new model for single-nucleon knockout reactions on light nuclei that includes multiple-scattering effects. We focus on 4 He since the energy and angular distributions of the neutrons and 3 He from the inelastic reaction 4 He(p, pn) 3 He are of astrophysical interest in the problems of accreting neutron stars, solar flares, hot ( kT ∼ MeV) plasmas, and cosmic-ray interactions with the interstellar medium. We have performed a semi-classical, Monte Carlo calculation for proton energies ranging from just above the reaction threshold (25.72 MeV) to just below the free nucleon-nucleon π production threshold (280 MeV). Our model involves only two free parameters, one that suppresses the nucleon-nucleon scattering cross sections, and another that weights the occurrence of multiple scattering. These two free parameters are fixed by comparison to a subset of the experimental data. Once fixed, the model provides total cross sections and detailed energy-angle distributions that are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data. We show that excluding multiple scattering between the outgoing nucleons and the residual nucleus leads to strong disagreement with the experimental data. We describe how to implement these results in the context of a larger problem.
Separating spatial and temporal sources of variation for model testing in precision agriculture

The application of crop simulation models in precision agriculture research appears to require only the specification of some input parameters and then running the model for each desired location in a field. Reports in the extensive literature on modeling have described independent tests for different cultivars, soil types and weather, and these have been presumed to validate the model performance in general. However, most of these tests have evaluated model performance for simulating mean yields for multiple plots in yield trials or in other large-area studies. Precision agriculture requires models to simulate not only the mean, but also the spatial variation in yield. No consensus has emerged about how to test model performance rigorously, or what level of performance is sufficient. In addition, many measures of goodness of fit between the observed and simulated data (i.e., model performance) depend on the range of variation in the observed data. If, for example, inter-annual and spatial sources of variation are combined in a test, poor performance in one might be masked by good performance in the other. Our objectives are to: (1) examine research aims that are common in precision agriculture, (2) discuss expectations of model performance, and (3) compare several traditional and some alternative measures of model performance. These measures of performance are explained with examples that illustrate their limitations and strengths. The risk of relying on a test that combines spatial and temporal data was shown with data where the overall fit was good (r 2 > 0.8), but the fit within any year was zero. Information gained using these methods can both guide and help to build confidence in future modeling efforts in precision agriculture.
The Roots of Educational Technology

Abstract This paper traces the roots of edtech back through the behavioural sciences and the theorising of educationalists. The author concludes that the process of educational technology must not be guided solely by the criterion of efficiency but by a view that sees education as a means of dealing with the whole person. In developing this view the author examines the ancestors of educational technology, the emergence of visual instruction and the relationship of audiovisual aids to educational technology.
Sulfite oxidizing enzymes

Sulfite oxidizing enzymes are essential mononuclear molybdenum (Mo) proteins involved in sulfur metabolism of animals, plants and bacteria. There are three such enzymes presently known: (1) sulfite oxidase (SO) in animals, (2) SO in plants, and (3) sulfite dehydrogenase (SDH) in bacteria. X-ray crystal structures of enzymes from all three sources (chicken SO, Arabidopsis thaliana SO, and Starkeya novella SDH) show nearly identical square pyramidal coordination around the Mo atom, even though the overall structures of the proteins and the presence of additional cofactors vary. This structural information provides a molecular basis for studying the role of specific amino acids in catalysis. Animal SO catalyzes the final step in the degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids and is critical in detoxifying excess sulfite. Human SO deficiency is a fatal genetic disorder that leads to early death, and impaired SO activity is implicated in sulfite neurotoxicity. Animal SO and bacterial SDH contain both Mo and heme domains, whereas plant SO only has the Mo domain. Intraprotein electron transfer (IET) between the Mo and Fe centers in animal SO and bacterial SDH is a key step in the catalysis, which can be studied by laser flash photolysis in the presence of deazariboflavin. IET studies on animal SO and bacterial SDH clearly demonstrate the similarities and differences between these two types of sulfite oxidizing enzymes. Conformational change is involved in the IET of animal SO, in which electrostatic interactions may play a major role in guiding the docking of the heme domain to the Mo domain prior to electron transfer. In contrast, IET measurements for SDH demonstrate that IET occurs directly through the protein medium, which is distinctly different from that in animal SO. Point mutations in human SO can result in significantly impaired IET or no IET, thus rationalizing their fatal effects. The recent developments in our understanding of sulfite oxidizing enzyme mechanisms that are driven by a combination of molecular biology, rapid kinetics, pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and computational techniques are the subject of this review.
The causes and correlates of crime committed by the elderly.

There is a need to understand the variables that influence the illegal behavior of older persons, and whether these predictors differ from those of younger age groups. This article attempts to address these issues through a review of the relevant literature. An analysis of elderly-specific theories of crime provides few suggestions where one might anticipate different predictors for older versus younger persons. And a comparison of research on youths with results from surveys of the general population indicates that the causes and correlates of crime generally do not change as individuals grow older.
Remarks on rotational-energy contributions to the kinetic energies of deep inelastic reaction products

It is pointed out that unambiguous division of kinetic energies of deep inelastic reactions produced into contributions from rotational and Coulomb energy cannot be made from measurements of the fragment energies at a single bombarding energy. (AIP)
Functional characteristics and differential expression of class II DR, DS, and SB antigens on human melanoma cell lines

Abstract Although most cultured melanoma cell lines express DR Class II molecules, many of these do not also express the DS (MB) Class II molecules as detected by a monoclonal antibody specific for DS. Cells lacking either DR or DS molecules or both could only be induced to express DR antigens in rare cases by combined incubations with azacytidine and Interleukin-2 conditioned medium, although the expression of DR molecules on fibroblasts or U937 monocytes could more easily be induced under the same culture conditions. Melanoma cells expressing DR antigens could function in antigen presentation for the histocompatibility antigens themselves and for DR specific presentation of TNP determinants to allogeneic T-cells sensitized to TNP modified lymphocytes and showing restriction in their responses to the specificity of the DR molecules expressed on the original, autologous senzitizing cells. DR positive melanoma cells could not, however, be demonstrated to function in the presentation of any of the soluble antigens tested. All DR positive melanoma cells also expressed SB antigens, but these were not detected on DR negative melanoma cells. These studies collectively indicate that the expression of Class II histocompatibility antigens on diverse cell types is subject to differential regulatory control and is associated with differences in their functional activities.
Adaptive cellular response to hyperthermia: 31P-NMR studies

Dynamic intracellular ATP and Pi levels were measured non-invasively for Chinese hamster V79 cells by 31P-NMR under conditions of thermotolerance and heat-shock protein induction. High densities of cells were embedded in agarose strands, placed within a standard NMR sample tube, and perfused with medium maintained either at 37 or 43 degrees C at pH 7.35. Cell survival and heat-shock protein synthesis were assessed either from parallel monolayer cultures or cells dislodged from the agarose strands post-treatment. Thermotolerance (heat resistance) and heat-shock protein synthesis was induced by a 1 h exposure to 43 degrees C followed by incubation for 5 h at 37 degrees C. After the 5 h incubation at 37 degrees C, marked thermal resistance was observed in regard to survival with concomitant synthesis of two major heat-shock proteins at 70 and 103 kDa. Studies were also conducted where tolerance and heat-shock protein synthesis were partially inhibited by depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH) prior to and during heat treatment. Dynamic measurement of intracellular ATP of cells heated with or without GSH depletion revealed no change in steady-state levels immediately after heating or during the 5 h post-heating incubation at 37 degrees C where thermotolerance and heat-shock proteins develop. These data are consistent with other reported data for mammalian cells and indicate that the steady-state ATP levels in mammalian cells remain unchanged during and after the acquisition of the thermotolerant state.
Relationship of carbohydrate intolerance to serum lipoprotein profiles in childhood. The Bogalusa Heart Study

Abstract Three hundred-eighty-eight children were selected from a total community and biracial (black-white) population for a special in-depth study related to serum lipoproteins and carbohydrate metabolism. Based on two previous serum lipoprotein determinations of high and/or low β and pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol, they were stratified into four groups. A glucose tolerance test was performed for fasting, 30-minute, and one-hour glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium. Observations of height, weight, and triceps skinfold were also obtained on the children. Children in the high β-lipoprotein cholesterol groups tended to have higher glucose levels and were more obese than the other groups, while children in the high pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol group tended to have high insulin levels follosing the glucose load. Fasting blood levels were not appreciably different in the various groups, but after the glucose load an unusually high insulin secretory response occurred in black children, especially black girls. Black girls also demonstrated somewhat lower blood sugars than the other race-sex groups. The insulin/glucose ratios were dramatically different in the black children, especially black girls. These differences were particularly noted in the groups with the high pre-β-lipoprotein. Black children also tended to have higher insulin/free fatty acid ratios during the glucose tolerance test. These differences persisted even after adjusting for obesity. Although not significant, calcium levels consistently decreased in all groups following a glucose load. The observation of racial contrasts in glucose and insulin responses are interesting. While black girls appear to show low glucose and high insulin responses to a glucose load, low and delayed insulin response along with high glucose response occur in whites, especially white girls. Since white children have greater body fat content, these observations suggest more insulin resistance in white children. Even at low levels of obesity, subtle carbohydrate lipid metabolic aberrations are found in children having high levels of serum lipoproteins. A persistence of these conditions could contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary artery disease.
Thermal instability in power transistor structures

Thermal instability in power transistor structures, considering effects of design, emitter and base resistance at high currents
Nonlinear dynamics in periodically repeated sets of directional solidification cells.

Numerical simulations of two-dimensional, spatially periodic cellular structures in directional solidification of a binary alloy show the existence of multiple steady-state, traveling-wave, and spatiotemporally chaotic structures in samples that admit up to eight cells. This variety of dynamics is observed within a small range of dimensionless growth rate P above the critical value P c and transitions occur on long time scales; both phenomena are linked to the shallow neutral stability curve, which controls the initial formation of cells
The child's eye: memories of growing up with cystic fibrosis

This qualitative study used a grounded theory approach to explore adolescent conceptualizations of their chronic illness experience and related life events. A purposive sample of 20 adolescents (12-18 years of age) with cystic fibrosis were interviewed. Adolescents used three protective strategies for reducing a sense of difference from peers: (1) keeping secrets, (2) hiding visible differences, and (3) discovering a new baseline. "Good friends" were a critical source of support and decreased the importance of differences in their social world. Interventions should focus on strategies for dealing with difficult peer situations and the negative reactions of others.
Simulation of Enhanced Backscattering of Light by Rigorously Solving Maxwell’s Equations

We report a direct simulation of enhanced backscattering of light by numerically solving Maxwell's equations without heuristic approximations. Furthermore, this new technique is robust and applicable to arbitrary geometries not amenable by other simulation techniques.
Mirror Blank Manufacturing for the Emerging Market

The historic market for large mirror blanks can be characterized as a "custom" market, which now appears to be evolving toward higher volumes, multiple modules, and lower mass for application in both land-based telescopes and in space systems. Corning Glass Works is currently evaluating alternatives that would evolve the manufacturing processes to keep pace with the emerging market. An overview of some of the considerations, including alternatives as to types of glass, initial glass form, glass utilization, equipment and mechanization, frit versus fusion bonding, etc. is presented.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ionophore-mediated calcium influx effects on the post-synaptic muscle fibre membrane

THE physiological chemotransmitter acetylcholine and its structural analogues such as carbamylcholine are capable of producing a sustained blockade of neuromuscular transmission when applied to the neuromuscular junction for prolonged periods. This neuromuscular blockade is not due to a depolarisation of the postsynaptic muscle fibre membrane but rather is generally ascribed to the inactivation, or ‘desensitisation’ of cholinergic receptor molecules in the postsynaptic membrane1,2. Various kinetic models involving agonist, and receptor molecules postulated to exist in different conformational states, have been proposed to account for the time course of the desensitisation process2,3. These models do not incorporate the acceleration of desensitisation by calcium ions4,5 and they do not predict correctly the observed effects of certain cholinergic antagonists on desensitisation. Consequently, alternative models for desensitisation have been proposed. In one of them calcium ions accumulate at the interior surface of the post-synaptic membrane and bind to the cholinergic receptors, thereby causing desensitisation by producing or sustaining some inactive receptor conformation6. We tested the model for desensitisation which involves internal calcium binding. This was accomplished by facilitating calcium ion flux across the post-synaptic membrane using the divalent cation ionophore A23187, while simultaneously producing a rapid desensitisation with iontophoretic application of carbamylcholine. Our results provide further evidence that calcium ions are a significant factor in the molecular mechanism of desensitisation.