cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotools for Determining the Genetics of Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases and Expediting Research Translation Into Effective Countermeasures

Infectious diseases, like most human diseases, are affected by complex polymorphic and nonpolymorphic interactive traits that influence host–pathogen interactions and modulate disease phenotype. It is well established that host genetic variability strongly affects susceptibility to infectious diseases and can significantly potentiate the severity of their clinical manifestations. The same individual could be highly susceptible to a particular infection yet completely resistant to another—ultimately these complex genetic variations ensure that some of us will be selected to survive catastrophic biological threats and help protect our species from extinction. As a result of global environmental, social and political changes, we are facing real danger that could result from major natural, deliberate, or accidental biological threats. The best means of protection against these impending threats is to be better prepared. To do so, we need to gain a deeper understanding of how our genotypes modulate our susceptibility and reaction to specific infectious agents, because this information helps us to better understand disease mechanism. Our research has been focused on linking specific genotypes to susceptibility phenotypes and delineating pathways and molecular events that modulate host resistance or susceptibility to specific infectious pathogens. Inasmuch as it is quite difficult to conduct certain infectious disease studies in humans, there has been a critical need for small animal models for infectious diseases. Appreciating the limitations of the existing models, we have developed several novel and complementary mouse models that can be used to gain a better understanding of complex disease mechanisms and reveal the interactive network(s) that lead to eradication of the infection or to serious pathology caused by our overzealous response to it. Recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains are a powerful tool for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) and interactive gene networks modulating infectious disease phenotypes. Data generated using the RI reference population provides a roadmap for the disease that helps focus hypotheses and expedite the process of discovery and forward research translation. Potential diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines suggested from the RI mice studies can also be tested in our fully humanized mouse model, where the mouse immune system has been replaced with a human immune system. Together, these models provide valuable preclinical information and allow the screening for vaccine efficacy or adverse effects, to focus and expedite the translation of research into effective countermeasures in major biological threats.
Revision Surgery Following Spinal Osteotomy

Spinal deformities, including both sagittal and coronal plane deformities, may lead to debilitating symptoms. Patients suffering from significant spinal misalignment may present with pain, loss of functional capacity, muscle fatigue, aesthetic concerns, deteriorating self-image, and reduced ambulatory capacity. In adults, deformities of the sagittal plane are most commonly associated with symptoms severe enough to warrant major reconstruction of the spinal column. There are many causes of sagittal malalignment including ankylosing spondylitis, lumbar degenerative disease, posttraumatic kyphosis, deterioration of an old idiopathic scoliosis, and deformity adjacent to a prior spinal fusion [1–3]. Since 1945, when Smith-Peterson et al. [4] first described a vertebral osteotomy procedure, osteotomies have increased in prevalence and evolved in complexity to provide an effective means of correction for most rigid spinal deformities. Many spinal osteotomy techniques have been described including Smith-Peterson osteotomy (SPO) [1, 4–6], pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) [1, 2, 5, 6], cervical extension osteotomy [1, 7], vertebral column resection (VCR) [1, 6, 8], and the anterior/posterior osteotomy procedure [9, 10]. Each type of osteotomy techniques has specific indications. Careful planning is required to determine the optimal approach for each patient. Osteotomy procedures, used alone or in combination, provide powerful tools for the treatment of complex and rigid spinal deformities. Spinal osteotomy procedures are generally complex and invasive procedures that involve substantial risks which must be weighed carefully against the potential benefits in each clinical situation.
Liquid Water at Low Temperature: Clues for Biology?

Although H2O has been the topic of considerable research since the beginning of the century, the peculiar physical properties are still not well understood. First we discuss some of the anomalies of this ‘complex fluid’. Then we describe a qualitative interpretation in terms of percolation concepts. Finally, we discuss recent experiments and simulations relating to the hypothesis that, in addition to the known critical point in water, there exists a ‘second’ critical point at low temperatures. In particular, we discuss very recent measurements of the compression-induced melting and decompression-induced melting lines of high-pressure forms of ice. We show how knowledge of these lines enables one to obtain an approximation for the Gibbs potential G(P, T) and the equation of state V(P, T) for water, both of which are consistent with the possible continuity of liquid water and the amorphous forms of solid water.
What Is “Good” Research? Revealing the Paradigmatic Tensions in Quantitative Criticalist Work

If quantitative criticalism is thought to be a bridge between positivist epistemologies prevalent in quantitative work and social constructionism often found in critical qualitative work, then this bridge is fraught with challenges and tensions. This chapter examines the methodological issues, questions, and tensions that emerged from a research team project. What constitutes “good” research? To what extent do we take our critical perspective in our analysis? Is quantitative criticalism a coming together of different research paradigms? What training is essential for quantitative criticalist work? These critical methodological questions require some frank discussion as we move forward in developing research designs that incorporate quantitative criticalism and in training new researchers.
Anxiety, Depression and the 4.0

ABSTRACT Nontraditional women are a growing presence on college campuses. This study identifies a cohort group of nontraditional women who were high achievers academically, yet sought counseling for depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems. While these clients initially sought only symptom relief, the counselors saw underlying problems they felt needed to be addressed. A short-term counseling model was utilized that offered symptom relief and laid the foundation for longer-term counseling upon referral. Results of the ex post facto study indicate significant gains for the women in self-esteem and satisfaction with family life, as well as symptom relief for depression and anxiety. Data show this model offers symptom relief while beginning to address associated underlying issues.
Location prediction and queries for tracking moving objects

Our Mobitrack prototype is intended to serve as a platform, or a toolkit for developing moving-objects-database type of applications. The system is the third in a three-layer architecture. The first layer is an object relational DBMS. The database stores the information about each moving object, including its plan of motion. The second layer is a GIS that adds capabilities and user interface primitives for storing, querying, and manipulating geographic information. The third layer, Mobitrack, adds temporal capabilities, capabilities of managing the uncertainty that is inherent in future motion plans, capabilities for location prediction, and a simulation testbed. Currently, Mobitrack runs on both Unix and MS Windows. On both platforms Mobitrack uses the Arc-View GIS. It uses the Informix DBMS on Unix, and DBAccess on MS Windows.
Functional Limitations of Patients with End-Stage Ankle Arthrosis:

Background: Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the leading causes of disability among adults in the United States. The purpose of this report was to describe the self-reported functional ...
Aberrant Levels of miRNAs in Bone Marrow Microenvironment and Peripheral Blood of Myeloma Patients and Disease Progression

The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment of multiple myeloma (MM) is reported to play a role in the biology of disease. In this study, we found that the extracellular BM microenvironment in MM contains a unique miRNA signature detectable by miRNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR, which is partially represented in the peripheral blood. Eleven miRNAs were significantly decreased in both BM and serum of MM patients in comparison with controls. Evaluation of these miRNAs in plasma of a separate cohort of MM patients and controls confirmed significantly aberrant levels of let-7a, let-7b, let-7i, miR-15b, miR-16, and miR-20a in both serum and plasma. We then studied the myeloma precursor diseases and found that a subset of the MM miRNAs exhibited aberrant expression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering myeloma. miRNA analysis of enriched CD138+ plasma cells from MM and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance found that most of the validated MM BM signature miRNAs were significantly decreased in MM plasma cells. Gene expression profiling indicated that multiple targets of the decreased miRNAs found increased expression in MM plasma cells, including ATF2, HRAS, HDAC4, TGFB1, TGFBR1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. The findings suggest that these miRNAs are detectable in aberrant levels in the peripheral blood of patients with plasma cell proliferation and may play a role in aberrant plasma cell proliferation and disease progression.
Perceptions of Marriage and Family Life of Young Adults with and without Histories of Parental Divorce

Data were collected on 94 undergraduate students with and without histories of parental divorce. Analysis indicated that between groups there were few differences in ideals and future aspirations about marriage and family life.
Secondary Teachers' Classroom Assessment and Grading Practices

What variables do secondary teachers use to assign grades? What is the relationship between classroom assessment practices and grading? Is the form of classroom assessment related to grade level, subject area, and student ability?
Infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation:unusual postnatal computed tomographic features

We present a surgically proven case of infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined hyperintense mass with a hypointense septum in the left infradiaphragmatic region. Postdelivery computed tomography (CT) and 3-month follow-up CT showed replacement of intralesional cystic areas by solid content. Such unusual postnatal CT changes, to our knowledge, have not been previously documented.
Radiation sensitization of human cancer cells in vivo by inhibiting the activity of PI3K using LY294002.

Abstract Purpose Multiple genetic alterations such as in Ras or EGFR can result in sustained signaling through PI3K. Our previous experiments have shown that resistance to radiation results from PI3K activity in cells in culture. Here we examined whether inhibition of PI3K in vivo would sensitize tumors to radiation. Methods and materials The human bladder cancer cell line T24 has amplified and mutated H-Ras resulting in sustained PI3K activity and phosphorylation of the downstream target of PI3K, Akt. Nude mice bearing T24 tumor cell xenografts were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, radiation alone, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 alone, or combined LY294002 and radiation. The LY294002 was delivered intraperitoneally to the mice. Downregulation of Akt was documented by Western blot analysis of tumor lysates. In vivo sensitization was measured using clonogenic assays or regrowth assays. Results A dose of 100 mg/kg of LY294002, but not 50 mg/kg, consistently eliminated the phosphorylation of Akt. This inhibition was transient, and Akt activity returned after 30 min. This dose resulted in severe respiratory depression and lethargy resolving without lethality. It is not possible to tell whether these side effects of LY294002 were mechanism-based or idiosyncratic. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 by itself had minimal antitumor effect. The combination of LY294002 and radiation resulted in significant and synergistic reduction in clonogenicity and growth delay. Conclusions Inhibition of PI3K by LY294002 can synergistically enhance radiation efficacy. This acts as a proof of principle that inhibition of the Ras to PI3K pathway could be useful clinically.
Dendritic cell vaccines--hopeful or hopeless?

The review by Ridgway[[1]] offers a comprehensive synopsis of the history, development, and ramifications of dendritic cell technology and its overall impact on modern cancer care. The quest for th...
The Impact of an Early-Morning Radiologist Work Shift on the Timeliness of Communicating Urgent Imaging Findings on Portable Chest Radiography

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of staggered radiologist work shifts on the timeliness of communicating urgent imaging findings that are detected on portable overnight chest radiography of hospitalized patients. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective study that compared the interval between the acquisition and communication of urgent findings on portable overnight critical care chest radiography detected by an early-morning shift for radiologists (3 am to 11 am) with historical experience with a standard daytime shift (8 am to 5 pm) in the detection and communication of urgent findings in a similar patient population a year earlier. Results During a 4-month period, 6,448 portable chest radiographic studies were interpreted on the early-morning radiologist shift. Urgent findings requiring immediate communication were detected in 308 (4.8%) studies. The early-morning shift of radiologists, on average, communicated these findings 2 hours earlier compared with the historical control group ( P Conclusion Staggered radiologist work shifts that include an early-morning shift can improve the timeliness of reporting urgent findings on overnight portable chest radiography of hospitalized patients.
Now we number 33: women in ophthalmology at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in 2002.

In 1966, the Journal of the American Medical Women's Association published an essay by Bertha Offenbach 1 describing the current status of women ophthalmologists at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. In the 150-year history of the Infirmary, a total of only 4 women had been on the ophthalmology staff, and none had been accepted for residency training. Dr Offenbach, the sole woman at the time, was the fourth member of the group.
Aircraft Geometry Design and Optimization for Sonic Boom Reduction

An improved approach for conceptual supersonic aircraft design is developed and presented. The proposed approach consists of two basic elements: 1) geometry parameterization and discretization, and 2) improved linearized analyses. The geometry generation and discretization scheme creates arbitrarily refined, unstructured geometries quickly and efficiently. Improved linearized tools allow geometric effects to be better captured than existing linearized analysis. The geometry generation and improved linear analyses are coupled to a shape optimization procedure to obtain the geometric shape parameters that simultaneously optimize sonic boom intensity on the ground and lift to drag ratio. Results of this preliminary optimization are presented and discussed.
Search for X-ray polarization in Sco X-1.

X ray polarization from Sco X-1, noting spurious instrumental polarization due to cosmic ray anisotropy using X ray polarimeter
Does employee safety influence customer satisfaction? Evidence from the electric utility industry

Abstract Problem Research on workplace safety has not examined implications for business performance outcomes such as customer satisfaction. Method In a U.S. electric utility company, we surveyed 821 employees in 20 work groups, and also had access to archival safety data and the results of a customer satisfaction survey (n = 341). Results In geographically-based work units where there were more employee injuries (based on archival records), customers were less satisfied with the service they received. Safety climate, mediated by safety citizenship behaviors (SCBs), added to the predictive power of the group-level model, but these two constructs exerted their influence independently from actual injuries. In combination, two safety-related predictor paths (injuries and climate/SCB) explained 53% of the variance in customer satisfaction. Discussion Results offer preliminary evidence that workplace safety influences customer satisfaction, suggesting that there are likely spillover effects between the safety environment and the service environment. Additional research will be needed to assess the specific mechanisms that convert employee injuries into palpable results for customers. Impact on Industry Better safety climate and reductions in employee injuries have the potential to offer payoffs in terms of what customers experience.
PROPOXYPHENE-INDUCED HYPOGLYCEMIA IN RENAL FAILURE

ABSTRACT Objective To present a case of symptomatic hypoglycemia induced by propoxyphene. Methods The historical features, results of laboratory evaluations, and clinical course of a man with end-stage renal disease in whom hypoglycemia developed during treatment with propoxyphene are described. Results A 54-year-old man with chronic renal failure had recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia (plasma glucose level, 40 mg/dL). While he continued treatment with propoxyphene, 58 hours into a 72-hour fast the plasma glucose concentration was 38 mg/dL, in conjunction with a β-hydroxybutyric acid level of 0.9 mmol/L and inappropriately elevated plasma insulin, serum C-peptide, and proinsulin levels. A plasma drug screen was negative for sulfonylureas. A selective arterial calcium stimulation test yielded negative results. A 72-hour fast after discontinuation of propoxyphene therapy resulted in no hypoglycemia, and he experienced no hypoglycemic episodes for at least 2 years after withdrawal of the propoxyphene treatment. Conclusion The importance of obtaining a thorough medication history in a patient with renal failure and hypo-glycemic episodes is highlighted by this case of propoxyphene-induced hypoglycemia. The mechanism of this effect is not known, although non-μ receptor agonism or noncompetitive N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonism may have a role in causing hypoglycemia. (Endocr Pract. 2006;12:170-173)
The use of a radiofrequency unit for harvesting conjunctival autografts in pterygium surgery

Abstract Purpose To describe a simplified technique for harvesting a conjunctival autograft using a radiofrequency unit. Design Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Method The use of radiofrequency to harvest a thin, bloodless conjunctival autograft is described. A retrospective review of 171 primary pterygium procedures on 151 patients seen between April 1998 and December 2001 was done. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon (J.G.C.). All cases had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Results Surgery was completed successfully with no complications in all 171 cases. Recurrence was noted in only 8 cases (4.6%). Conclusions The use of radiofrequency to harvest a conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery is effective and safe.
Four-point bend interlaminar shear testing of uni- and multi-directional carbon/epoxy composite systems

Abstract Purpose of the paper is to investigate the possibility of extending the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) results obtained by four-point bend testing of unidirectional laminates to multidirectional laminates, such as cross-ply and quasi-isotropic, the testing of which is a common practice in the industry but has not been previously validated in the literature. An experimental database is gathered through the known modified version of the ASTM D2344 short beam test and the results show a surprising proximity of results for the three different fiber architectures for the same composite system. Various finite element analyses were developed using ANSYS ® software, allowing for better insight on the mechanics of delamination in four-point bending, and showed extremely good agreement with the experimental values. The final and most accurate model partially confirmed observations made by other authors, and includes the ‘skewed’ profile of the shear stress through the thickness and its variation along the length, the distribution of the shear stress across the width, the location of delamination initiation and propagation and maximum ILSS and the shear stress contour.
Innovative Service or Proselytizing: Exploring When Services Delivery Becomes a Platform for Unwanted Religious Persuasion

Since passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193), including section 104 (also known as Charitable Choice), social work scholars have responded by increasing their attention to spirituality and religion as areas for research that are important for social work practice. As a case in point, in a search of the Social Work Abstracts database before 1996, only 56 articles or books were published that included the terms "spirituality" or "religion" in their tides, keywords, or abstracts. In the past 10 years, however, the number increased nearly 300 percent to 153 publications (http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search? vid=1h Canda & Furman, 1999; Ellor, Netting, & Thibault, 1999). For our purposes, we understand religion to be a category for understanding the context of broad and diverse spiritual and sacerdotal practices engaged in by individuals and communities, and the organizations they form for these purposes (for example, congregations, denominations, religiously affiliated organizations). On the basis of the work of Sheridan and Bullis (1991), we define spirituality as a person's search for, as well as the expression or experience of, that which is ultimately meaningful. We primarily discuss spirituality to include religion because so many spiritual practices traditionally developed within the context of a religion; yet because we also recognize that so many contemporary spiritualities are practiced outside the confines of a specific religion, we are attentive to the role of spirituality apart from religion. A few articles in the 1980s set forth the possibility that social workers should at least recognize and appreciate spirituality as a component of client functioning with certain populations. Social work scholars did not even write the first few articles. Instead, Marty (1980), a professor of religious history, shared his concern that religious influences were becoming less recognizable in social work. Humphrey (1980), a professor of religion, highlighted the importance of religion for people living in Appalachia. He posited that social workers needed to respect how vital religion was to the identity and security of people living in that part of the country. …
DNA base sequence changes in spontaneous and ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutations of a chromosomally-integrated gene in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract A series of spontaneous and ethyl methanesulfonate-induced 6-thioguanine-resistant mutants were isolated in the CHO-10T5 cell line. This cell line was constructed by the introduction of a shuttle vector containing the Escherichia coli gpt gene into a hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficient derivative of the Chinese hamster cell line CHO-K1. Shuttle vector sequences were recovered from many of the mutant cell lines by the COS cell fusion technique and the DNA base sequence of the gpt genes was determined whenever possible. The base sequences were determined for gpt genes recovered from 29 spontaneous mutants. Of these 29 mutants, 9 have single base substitutions, 1 has a small duplication, 17 have simple deletions, 1 has a deletion with additional bases inserted at the deletion site, and 1 has no change in the gpt coding sequence. Many of the deletions were less than 20 basepairs in length and several occurred in a region previously observed to be a hotspot for spontaneous deletions. The generation of the deletion/insertion mutation may have involved a quasi-palindromic intermediate. A total of 59 ethyl methansesulfonate-induced mutants were isolated and vector sequences were recovered from 50 mutants. All 50 mutants sequenced had single base substitutions and most (45) were G:C to A:T transitions. While there were no strong hotspots in this collection of mutations, the site distribution was obviously nonrandom. Many of the G:C to A:T transitions either produced a nonsense codon or occurred at glycine codons.
Effects of anharmonicity on the Doppler broadening of neutron capture resonances

Abstract The expression for the cross-section for the resonance capture of a neutron by an anharmonic crystal is derived. Starting with Lamb's original formula for the transition probability, the theory of cumulants is used to account for the noncommutativity of the displacement operators. The formalism of the damped quantum mechanical oscillator is used to represent the phonon damping. The shift and the frequency- and temperature-dependent phonon damping functions are evaluated using Krivoglaz's expressions. The expressions are general and can be used for capture and fission as well as for resonance scattering. The theory is applied to the 6.67 and 80.74 eV resonances of 238 U in UO 2 . The results are compared to the harmonic model. At room temperature, the anharmonic model gives a sharper line shape than the harmonic model, the difference in the wings is as much as 23% for the 6.67 eV resonance and 10.43% for the 80.74 eV resonance. At 1200 K, we observe the reverse trend. The cross section is less peaked and broader and the relative difference in the wings is 4.3% and 38% for the 6.67 and the 80.74 eV resonance respectively.
Aerodynamic and acoustic assessment in children following airway reconstruction: an assessment of feasibility.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of conducting aerodynamic and acoustic assessment in children following airway reconstruction. Underlying etiologies, co-morbidities and age related factors can present challenges for meaningful instrumental data collection in this population. Methods A chart review of 100 children who were seen for a complete voice evaluation at the Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center was conducted. Children who completed full or partial aerodynamic and acoustic protocols were identified. Data regarding the ability to participate in the assessment was tabulated, and vowel samples taken from the acoustic data were subjected to signal type classifications (e.g., Type I, II, III). Results Fifty-three children met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the chart review. Of those children, 58% (n = 31/53) were able to complete the full acoustic and aerodynamic protocols without any modification. In regards to the aerodynamic protocol alone, 64% (n = 34/53) could complete protocol. In regards to the acoustic protocol alone, 75% (n = 40/53) could complete the entire acoustic protocol without any modification. There were 32% (n = 17) who provided a Type I acoustic signal which was appropriate for measurement of F0. There was a significant correlation between age and ability to complete the protocol for both the aerodynamic (p = .007) and acoustic (p = .004) protocols. Conclusions This study demonstrated that a majority of children were capable of completing aerodynamic and acoustic protocols. A significant proportion of children in this study had severe dysphonia, precluding the ability to extract fundamental frequency. Although aerodynamic and acoustic measures are feasible for many patients in this population, the severity of dysphonias observed in these patients causes the use of these measures to be limited in some cases for documenting behavioral and surgical outcomes measures.
Eye movements and related behavioral responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the brain in free-swimming sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus.

Areas of the sunfish brain from which eye movements related to rolling about the longitudinal and interpupillary axes were elicited by electrical stimulation in anesthetized animals (acute preparation) were also tested in free-swimming fish (chronic preparation). Stimulation in the oculomotor complex resulted primarily in bilateral backward rotation of the eyes (acute preparation), and backward looping of the whole animal (chronic preparation). Stimulation near the trochlear nerves and nuclei evoked mostly bilateral forward rotation of the eyes (acute preparation), and downward pitching of the head (chronic preparation). Testing the cerebellum in the molecular area adjacent to the eminentia granulans resulted in conjugate lateral rolling of the eyes (acute preparation), and side-to-side tilts or wobbles (chronic preparation). Stimulation in the presumed vestibular area of the medulla triggered mainly conjugate lateral rolling of the eyes (acute preparation), and lateral rolling about the fish's long axis (chronic preparation). The results are discussed with respect to possible functional pathways involved in the mediation of behavioral responses to inputs from the otolith organs.
Optimal design of digital equivalents to analog filters

The proposed optimal algorithm for the digitizing of analog filters is based on two existing filter design methods: the extended window design (EWD) and the matched-pole (MP) frequency sampling design. The latter is closely related to the filter design with iterative weighted least squares (WLS). The optimization is performed with an original MP design that yields an equiripple digitizing error. Then, a drastic reduction of the digitizing error is achieved through the introduction of a fractional time shift that minimizes the magnitude of the equiripple error within a given frequency interval. The optimal parameters thus obtained can be used to generate the EWD equations, together with a variable fractional delay output, as described in an earlier paper. Finally, in contrast to the WLS procedure, which relies on a “good guess” of the weighting function, the MP optimization is straightforward.
Genital Tract Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Shedding and Inflammation and HIV-1 env Diversity in Perinatal HIV-1 Transmission

This study sought to identify genital tract characteristics associated with vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 DNA and RNA, HIV-1 env diversity, and inflammatory cells were quantified in cervicovaginal lavages (CVLs) of 24 women enrolled in the Women and Infants Transmission Study; 7 women transmitted HIV-1 perinatally. Vaginal candidiasis, HIV-1 culture positivity, levels of HIV-1 DNA and cell-free RNA, and HIV-1 env diversity were significantly higher in the CVLs of transmitters. CVL HIV-1 DNA levels correlated with higher levels of inflammatory cells and cell-free HIV-1 RNA. Of subjects with paired blood and CVL specimens, there was more HIV-1 env heterogeneity between blood and CVLs in transmitters than in nontransmitters. In summary, increased HIV-1 shedding is correlated with a more complex population of HIV-1 quasispecies in the genital tracts of parturient women, which may increase the probability that a fetotropic strain is transmitted.
Ozone-induced changes in host-plant suitability: interactions of Keiferia lycopersicella and Lycopersicon esculentum

Tomato pinworms,Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham), survived better and developed faster on tomato plants,Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., damaged by ozone than on plants not subjected to ozone fumigation. Other measures of fitness, including survival during pupation, sex ratio of adults, female longevity, and fecundity, were not affected. Analyses of ozonated foliage at zero, two, and seven days following fumigation demonstrated a transient but significant increase (18–24%) in soluble protein concentration. Although the concentration of the total free amino acids in ozonated foliage did not increase significantly, significant changes were observed in at least 10 specific amino acids, some of which are critical for either insect development or the production of plant defensive chemicals. A reduction in total nitrogen in ozonated foliage at seven days postfumigation indicated that nitrogen was being translocated to other portions of the plant. The implications of increases in assimilable forms of nitrogen in ozonated foliage, which lead to improved host-plant suitability for insect herbivores, are discussed both in relation to some current ecological theories and in regard to pest-management strategies.
A comparison of succinic dehydrogenase activity in brain homogenates of Bermuda shore fishes relative to body weight and activity.

Abstract 1. 1. Succinic dehydrogenase activity of the brain of 13 species of fish was measured. 2. 2. Enzyme activity was independent of body wt in 4 species in which comparisons were made. 3. 3. An inverse relationship exists between interspecific body wt and succinic dehydrogenase brain activity per g wt. 4. 4. A positive correlation exists between behavioral activity of species and enzyme activity.
Phase-locked InGaAsP laser array with diffraction coupling

A phase-locked array of InGaAsP lasers has been fabricated for the first time. The array utilized diffraction coupling between 10 adjacent lasers to achieve phase locking. Threshold current as low as 200 mA is obtained for arrays with 250 μm cavity length. Smooth single-lobe far field patterns with beam divergence as narrow as 3° have been achieved.
Front-loading off double-umbrella devices, a new technique for umbrella delivery for closing cardiovascular defects

In all, 22 defects (6 atrial septal, 13 ventricular septal, 2 patent ductus arteriosus and 1 coronary artery fistula) in 17 patients were closed with double umbrella using a new delivery technique, front-loading. The umbrella was loaded in the sheath outside the body and then advanced with-out use of the rigid pod to the defect. The defect was successfully closed in all 17 patients, including 5 in whom standard delivery techniques were unsuccessful. Front-loading enables the double umbrella to be delivered through a smaller long sheath than does the standard technique, and enables the flexible umbrella rather than the rigid pod to be advanced through curves in the sheath, and may improve delivery of double-umbrella devices to inaccessible parts of the circulation.
Chronic Gaucher's disease

Summary A case of Gaucher's disease is reported in a white boy of Jewish race. Changes in the blood, bones, and spleen have been demonstrated. Normal blood lipoid values were obtained, as well as the normal values for calcium and phosphorus. On the other hand, the cholesterol esters and phosphatase values were decreased. The ingestion of milk containing 20 per cent cream was followed by a normal fat tolerance curve. The galactose tolerance test and bromsulphalein test gave normal responses. The phenolsulphonephthalein test showed a normal rate of excretion. Liver extract administered by mouth over a five-year period, as well as other measures enumerated, failed to cause a reduction in the size of the liver and spleen and resulted in only a temporary improvement in the secondary anemia.
The Penn State Safety Floor: Part II--Reduction of fall-related peak impact forces on the femur.

The goal of this study was to develop and validate a finite element model (FEM) for use in the design of a flooring system that would provide a stable walking surface during normal locomotion but would also deform elastically under higher loads, such as those resulting from falls. The new flooring system is designed to reduce the peak force on the femoral neck during a lateral fall onto the hip. The new flooring system is passive in nature and exhibits two distinct stiffnesses. During normal activities, the floor remains essentially rigid. Upon impact, the floor collapses and becomes significantly softer. The flooring system consists of a multitude of columns supporting a continuous walking surface. The columns were designed to remain stiff up to a specific load and, after exceeding this load, to deform elastically. The flooring returns to its original shape after impact. Part I of this study presented finite element and experimental results demonstrating that the floor deflection during normal walking remained less than 2 mm. To facilitate the floor's development further, a nonlinear finite element model simulating the transient-impact response of a human hip against various floor configurations was developed. Nonlinearities included in the finite element models were: changing topology of deformable-body-to-deformable-body contact, snap-through buckling, soft tissue stiffness and damping, and large deformations. Experimental models developed for validating the finite element model included an anthropomorphic hip, an impact delivery mechanism, a data collection system, and four hand-fabricated floor tiles. The finite element model discussed in this study is shown to capture experimentally observed trends in peak femoral neck force reduction as a function of flooring design parameters. This study also indicates that a floor can be designed that deflects minimally during walking and reduces the peak force on the femoral neck during a fall-related impact by 15.2 percent. Language: en
Depressive Disorders Related to Female Reproductive Transitions

Depression is rapidly becoming a major health concern. Recent estimates rank it as the fourth leading cause of disease burden worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Women have a risk of experiencing depressive illnesses that is twice that of men. Women with depression also typically experience greater functional impairment. The incidence of depression dramatically increases during the reproductive years, which correspond to ages 25 to 44 years. During this time frame, women may experience several reproductive milestones or transitional events such as menarche, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, and perimenopause/menopause. These transitions evoke neuroendocrinologic changes that appear to influence the risk for depressive episodes. Common disorders associated with these hormonal fluctuations include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and depression in the perimenopausal transition. Although the specific pathophysiologic association is still unclear...
Opposite modulation of lymph node cell and spleen cell responses to mitogens by muramyl dipeptide and its desmethyl analog

Abstract N-acetylmuramyl- l -alanyl- d -isoglutamine (MDP), the minimal structure necessary for adjuvant activity of mycobacterial cell wall preparations, was evaluated as an immunostimulant in mice. MDP treatment, which increased carbon clearance and nonspecific resistance to lethal Klebsiella challenge, induced lymph node cellular hyperplasia (4-fold). In contrast, spleen and resident peritoneal cell recovery was comparable to controls. Lymph node cells (LNC) from MDP-treated mice had enhanced [3H]thymidine uptake in unstimulated (4-fold) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5-fold)-, concanavalin A (Con A) (2-fold)-, and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (1.5-fold)-stimulated cultures. In contrast, spleen cells exhibited depressed responses when stimulated with LPS (2-fold), Con A (2- to 5-fold), and PHA (3-fold). Depressed responses of spleen cells to mitogens were demonstrated over a range of mitogen concentrations. The desmethyl analog produced similar effects, although spleen cells were not as hyporeactive. Opposing modulations of the immune system by MDP resembles that reported after BCG infection, and correlates with increased nonspecific host resistance to microbial challenge.
Effects of trout on the diel periodicity of drifting in baetid mayflies

Some benthic invertebrates in streams make frequent, short journeys downstream in the water column (=drifting). In most streams there are larger numbers of invertebrates in the drift at night than during the day. We tested the hypothesis that nocturnal drifting is a response to avoid predation from fish that feed in the water column during the day. We surveyed diel patterns of drifting by nymphs of the mayfly Baetis coelestis in several streams containing (n=5) and lacking (n=7) populations of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Drifting was more nocturnal in the presence of trout (85% of daily drift occurred at night) than in their absence (50% of daily drift occurred at night). This shift in periodicity is due to reduced daytime drifting in streams with trout, because at a given nighttime drift density, the daytime drift density of B. coelestis was lower in streams occupied by trout than in troutless streams. Large size classes of B. coelestis were underrepresented in the daytime drift in trout streams compared to nighttime drift in trout streams, and to both day and night drift in troutless streams. Differences in daytime drift density between streams with and without trout were the result of differences in mayfly drift behaviour among streams because predation rates by trout were too low to significantly reduce densities of drifting B. coelestis. We tested for rapid (over 3 days) phenotypic responses to trout presence by adding trout in cages to three of the troutless streams. Nighttime drifting was unaffected by the addition of trout, but daytime drift densities were reduced by 28% below cages containing trout relative to control cages (lacking trout) placed upstream. Drift responses were measured 15 m downstream of the cages suggesting that mayflies detected trout using chemical cues. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that infrequent daytime drifting is an avoidance response to fish that feed in the water column during the day. Avoidance is more pronounced in large individuals and is, at least partially, a phenotypic response mediated by chemical cues.
A study of cellular transport with the fluorescent amino acid, aminonaphthylalanine

Abstract Fluorescent positional isomers of aminonaphthylalanine were shown to be actively transported by Sarcoma 37 mouse ascites cells. After concentrative uptake by the cells, the fluorescence of the amino acid inside the cells showed the same excitation and emission spectra, the same quantum yield, the same temperature coefficient, and essentially the same degree of polarization as did the fluorescence of the amino acids in aqueous solution. Comparison of these results with data obtained from fluorescent compounds known to bind to macromolecules and whose parameters of fluorescence did change inside the cells suggests that the concentrative aspects of amino acid uptake are not due to binding onto macromolecules within the cell.
Formation of a new quinone methide intermediate during the oxidative transformation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acids: implication for eumelanin biosynthesis.

Oxidation of dopa and dopamine requires a net removal six electrons to produce indolequinones, the monomeric precursors of eumelanin pigment. On the other hand, their 6-fluoroderivatives suffer only four-electron oxidation to yield the same products (M. E. Rice, B. Mogaddam, C. R. Creveling, and K. L. Kirk, Anal. Chem. 59, 1534–1536, 1987). Taking advantage of this novel fluorochemistry, we reexamined the oxidative mechanism of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 6-fluoro-3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid to throw more light on the nature of reactive intermediates formed during the reaction. Enzymatic or chemical oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid generated the transient o-quinone which exhibited rapid intramolecular cyclization and side chain modification to produce 2,5,6-trihydrobenzofuran and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, respectively. However, when 6-fluoro-3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid was oxidized either by tyrosinase or by sodium periodate, the resultant quinone uniquely exhibited only cyclization coupled with loss of fluoride ion. This clean reaction allowed us to establish the structures of the transient reactive intermediates. Two interconvertable isomeric forms of the product were isolated and characterized from the reaction mixture. If the oxidation was carried out in water, a yellow quinolactone accumulated in the reaction mixture. This compound was instantaneously converted to a purple quinone methide upon addition of a trace amount of sodium phosphate. Passage through a C18 HPLC column caused the reverse transformation. The structures of these products were established by semiempirical molecular orbital calculations and NMR spectrometry. Comparison of the oxidation mechanisms of melanin precursors, dopa and dopamine, with that of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acids reveals that a similar quinone methide intermediate is likely to be formed during eumelanin biosynthesis.
Technique and Measurement of Radiation Background in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during and after the Teapot Series

Radiation background intensity has been monitored in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on a continuous, 24-hour basis since February 1, 1955. This paper describes the techniques used in the measurements. As an example, the increase in total dose received in Albuquerque due to the Teapot tests (atomic test series in Nevada, spring of 1955), over what the dose would have been had there been no tests, is determined to be 4.5 milliroentgens (mr).
Reduced subendocardial myocardial perfusion as one mechanism for congestive heart failure.

One mechanism for the eventual decompensation of the hypertrophied to the failing heart may involve inadequate myocardial perfusion. In support of this concept are studies in experimental models of both right and left ventricular hypertrophy and failure. These studies demonstrate blunted reactive hyperemic responses to brief periods of coronary artery occlusion, and reduced vasodilation in response to adenosine, when the most severe impairment in coronary reserve occurs in the subendocardium. During exercise, in the hypertrophied and failing heart, the normal coronary vasodilator response is also blunted. Although endocardial/epicardial blood flow ratios are depressed in congestive heart failure under baseline conditions, the endocardial/epicardial ratio decreases further with stress, e.g., during either adenosine or reactive hyperemia. These data suggest that one mechanism of failure of the severely hypertrophied heart may involve inadequate coronary perfusion to the subendocardium.
Photodegradation of Aroclor 1254 using diethylamine and simulated sunlight

Abstract Photodegradation of Aroclor 1254 was studied using simulated sunlight and a photosensitizer — diethylamine. Diethylamine was added to aqueous Aroclor 1254 for promoting dechlorination of PCB using a xenon lamp. The degradation rate of Aroclor 1254 congeners was 4.74 ± 1.51 × 10−9 mol l−1 h−1. The half lives of 5 major congeners of Aroclor 1254 (66, 101, 110, 118, and 138) ranged from 30.31 to 52.11 h. Degradation of congener 101 was 5 time faster with simulated than with natural sunlight.