cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered neutrophil function induced by serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by immunoglobulin deposition and inflammation in several organs (1). It is not clear whether these deposits, presumably in the form of immune complexes, are ingested and/or degraded by phagocytic cells. Uptake and “processing” of antigen by phagocytic cells appear necessary for lymphocytes to respond to antigen (14). Thus defects in cell mediated immunity which have been demonstrated in patients with SLE (1,9,11) may be due, in part, to defects in phagocytosis. Although leukocytes from patients with SLE exhibit impaired phagocytic activity (4), other factors have been implicated to explain the decrease in this cellular function. Thus a decrease in IgM antibody titers to bacterial antigens (2), leukopenia (13) and low levels in serum of critical complement components (16) might account for impaired phagocytosis. Recent in vitro studies have indicated the presence of a factor(s) in sera from patients with SLE which suppresses the phagocytic function of normal macrophages (18) and neutrophils (20). In the neutrophil studies, only some of the SLE sera were tested in the presence of autologous serum.
Effects of Hypoxia on Heart Activity in Diving, Flying, and Land Birds

Isolated hearts of chickens, diving ducks, and pigeons were made hypoxic by substituting 95% N2 for O2 for as long as 8 min.
Sexuality and Intellectual Disabilities: A Guide for Professionals

This book provides a concise overview of sexuality and gender identity in clients with intellectual disabilities for therapists, social workers, educators, and healthcare providers. It captures the social, political, and legal environment of the late 2010s and bridges the gap between research and practice, with engaging case examples drawn from the author’s own practice. Guidance on everyday issues like dating and sex education is juxtaposed with material on complex, current issues in topics like LGBTQ inclusion and sexual offending. User-friendly "toolboxes" provide brief guides to practical issues like using trans-friendly language and providing family interventions. Accessible enough for students and trainees, but thorough enough for veteran clinicians, this book explores issues that professionals face in providing competent care through the lens of justice and inclusion.
Non-fluctuating Unilateral Vestibular Loss

Ablative insults to the vestibular sensory organ and/or the vestibular nerves result in a physiologic deficit of peripheral vestibular input to the brain. Unilateral physiologic change within the dynamic vestibular system results in the development of clinically apparent symptoms such as vertigo, motion-exacerbating dizziness, and visual disturbance. Insults that present either as an isolated event or as a progressive process ending in destruction of remaining ipsilateral vestibular function can be grouped into a category of physiological disorders referred to as a non-fluctuating unilateral vestibular loss. The loss of peripheral input leads to the activation of central vestibular compensatory mechanisms. Patients often present with vestibular symptoms during acute insults, but the intensity of the symptoms lessens during the compensation process. When central compensation is complete, patients with non-fluctuating unilateral vestibular loss are often asymptomatic. Impaired or delayed compensation will result in a chronic vestibulopathy with concomitant symptoms. Crucial aspects of the management of patients with these disorders include assessing the etiology of the vestibular loss, identifying impediments to compensatory mechanisms, and maximizing the central compensation process. This chapter assesses a variety of conditions, ranging from infectious to iatrogenic, that cause a non-fluctuating unilateral vestibular loss with attention given to the underlying pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and treatment options for common conditions within this category.
Danon disease: Gender differences in presentation and outcomes

Abstract Background Danon disease (DD) is a rare X-linked autophagic vacuolar myopathy, characterized by high penetrance and severe cardiomyopathy. Because of its rarity, the natural history (NH) is uncertain. Objectives We aimed to describe disease variability and outcomes through a systematic review of all published DD cases. Methods Among 83 manuscripts in MEDLINE and EMBASE on DD cases published until October 2017, we identified 146 patients with positive genetic testing for DD or positive muscle biopsy in a relative of a genetically diagnosed proband. Results 56 females and 90 males were identified. 92.5% of patients had cardiac abnormalities. Females presented with either hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, 70.3%) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, 29.3%) whereas males presented with HCM 96.2% of the time. The composite outcome of death, heart transplant or ventricular assist devices occurred equally in both sexes (32% of females and 37% of males, p = 0.60) but later in females (median age 38 years) than in males (median age 21 years, p Conclusions In this first systematic review of DD, we confirmed the severe morbidity and mortality associated with disease in both sexes. Women presented with both HCM and DCM and generally with isolated cardiac disease, whereas in men DD usually presented as HCM and was frequently multi-systemic. Further prospective NH studies will be required to confirm these findings.
Canine and Feline Patients Referred Exclusively for Acupuncture and Herbs: A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Abstract Acupuncture and the administration of herbal supplements are increasingly used in veterinary practice, but no retrospective studies have examined patient characteristics and treatment interventions in a population of dogs and cats presenting exclusively for such therapies. This two-year retrospective analysis of 161 referrals to an integrative medicine service at an academic teaching hospital found that dogs were more frequently treated than cats (91.9% vs. 8.1%, respectively) and that small animal patients most frequently were presented for musculoskeletal (26.7%), neurologic (16.8%), oncologic (14.9%), and dermatologic (10.6%) conditions. Cats were older than treated dogs (12.7 ± 3.7 vs. 9.5 ± 4.3 years) and more likely to be treated for oncologic complaints (odds ratio = 5.6). Patients received acupuncture (95.4%), herbal supplements (76.4%), acupuncture with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (electroacupuncture, 26.1%), and/or cyanocobalamin injections in acupuncture points (pharmacopuncture, 23.6%). Some differences were detected between treatment groups. This retrospective analysis provides a foundation for designing future prospective studies using acupuncture and herbs in dogs and cats.
The Spatial Distribution of Urban Consumer Service Firms: Evidence from Yelp Reviews

A growing literature employs distance-based measures of localization to assess the spatial distribution of firms with a focus on manufacturing across a country. We analyze the spatial concentration of a variety of consumer services firms in the Phoenix, AZ area using geo-referenced Yelp data from over 29,000 establishments. Results from a K-density approach indicate substantial localization and service differentiation among localized firms. Firm concentration varies across service cost and quality; higher quality/cost establishments tend to cluster. Our results further understanding of the modern urban landscape as cities are increasingly centers of consumption.
Psychological safety and near miss events in radiation oncology.

231Background: Near miss events, defined as harm averted due to chance, are learning opportunities in radiation oncology. Psychological safety is a feature of a learning environment characterized b...
Enumeration in time is irresistibly event-based

One of the most fundamental questions that can be asked about any process concerns the underlying units over which it operates. And this is true not just for artificial processes (such as functions in a computer program that only take specific kinds of arguments) but for mental processes. Over what units does the process of enumeration operate? Recent work has demonstrated that in visuospatial arrays, these units are often irresistibly discrete objects. When enumerating the number of discs in a display, for example, observers underestimate to a greater degree when the discs are spatially segmented (e.g., by connecting pairs of discs with lines): you try to enumerate discs, but your mind can't help enumerating dumbbells. This phenomenon has previously been limited to static displays, but of course our experience of the world is inherently dynamic. Is enumeration in time similarly based on discrete events? To find out, we had observers enumerate the number of notes in quick musical sequences. Observers underestimated to a greater degree when the notes were temporally segmented (into discrete musical phrases, based on pitch-range shifts), even while carefully controlling for both duration and the overall range and heterogeneity of pitches. Observers tried to enumerate notes, but their minds couldn't help enumerating musical phrases - since those are the events they experienced. These results thus demonstrate how discrete events are prominent in our mental lives, and how the units that constitute discrete events are not entirely under our conscious, intentional control.
Exploration of the Structural Space in 4(3H)-Quinazolinone Antibacterials

We report herein the syntheses of 79 derivatives of the 4(3H)-quinazolinones and their structure-activity relationship (SAR) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Twenty one analogs were further evaluated in in vitro assays. Subsequent investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties singled out compound 73 ((E)-3-(5-carboxy-2-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-cyanostyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one) for further study. The compound synergized with piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) both in vitro and in vivo in a clinically relevant mouse model of MRSA infection. The TZP combination lacks activity against MRSA, yet it synergized with compound 73 to kill MRSA in a bactericidal manner. The synergy is rationalized by the ability of the quinazolinones to bind to the allosteric site of penicillin-binding protein (PBP)2a, resulting in opening of the active site, whereby the β-lactam antibiotic now is enabled to bind to the active site in its mechanism of action. The combination effectively treats MRSA infection, for which many antibiotics (including TZP) have faced clinical obsolescence.
Evaluation of a Phenobarbital-Based Protocol for Severe Alcohol Withdrawal in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: Phenobarbital offers several possible advantages to benzodiazepines including a longer half-life and anti-glutamate activity, and is an alternative for the treatment of alcohol withdraw...
A Tensor-based Localization Framework Exploiting Phase Interferometry Measurements

In this paper, a framework for localization of multiple co-channel transmitters using phase difference measurements between two antennas mounted on sensors of a sensor network is proposed. To pursue localization, we equip each sensor with two antennas and we use temporal cross-correlations between the received signals of the two antennas to extract the phase differences between each antenna pairs, named as phase interferometry measurements (PIMs), provoked by each transmitters using tensor decomposition. We calculate Cramer-Rao lower bound of error of localization using PIMs. Our simulation results show that highly accurate estimations can be achieved using PIMs. We also compare the accuracy of our proposed technique with a sensor network that exploits highly directional linear array antennas and show that our proposed technique can perform similar to a network that employs very large antenna arrays.
Photonic paper: Multiscale assembly of reflective cellulose sheets in Lunaria annua

Bright, iridescent colors observed in nature are often caused by light interference within nanoscale periodic lattices, inspiring numerous strategies for coloration devoid of inorganic pigments. Here, we describe and characterize the septum of the Lunaria annua plant that generates large (multicentimeter), freestanding iridescent sheets, with distinctive silvery-white reflective appearance. This originates from the thin-film assembly of cellulose fibers in the cells of the septum that induce thin-film interference-like colors at the microscale, thus accounting for the structure's overall silvery-white reflectance at the macroscale. These cells further assemble into two thin layers, resulting in a mechanically robust, iridescent septum, which is also significantly light due to its high air porosity (>70%) arising from the cells' hollow-core structure. This combination of hierarchical structure comprising mechanical and optical function can inspire technological classes of devices and interfaces based on robust, light, and spectrally responsive natural substrates.
Training Physician Assistant Students to Provide Evidence-Based, Holistic, Patient-Driven Care: a Novel Curriculum

Lifestyle and behavior modifications are the primary preventative strategies to mitigate the growing morbidity, mortality, and cost of chronic disease in the USA (Trilk et al., American Journal of Preventive Medicine 56:e169-e175, 2019); hence, there have been multiple calls to train all healthcare professionals in lifestyle medicine (LM). This paper describes and evaluates the implementation of a novel Whole Health/lifestyle medicine (WH-LM) education initiative for physician assistant (PA) students embedded within a clinical rotation at the VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS). Students demonstrated increased knowledge of WH-LM principles and increased self-efficacy in utilizing these principles following training.
Early events in light chain aggregation at physiological pH reveal new insights on assembly, stability, and aggregate dissociation.

Early events in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloid formation are especially important as some early intermediates formed during the aggregation reaction are cytotoxic and play a critical role ...
Agonism of the α7-acetylcholine receptor/PI3K/Akt pathway promotes neuronal survival after subarachnoid hemorrhage in mice.

Abstract Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in severe neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Since the nicotinic acetylcholine α7 receptors (α7-AChR) are involved in neuronal function and survival, we investigated if stimulation of α7-AChR would promote neuronal survival and improve behavioral outcome following SAH in mice. Male mice subjected to SAH were treated with either galantamine (α7-AChR agonist) or vehicle. Neurobehavioral testing was performed 24 h after SAH, and mice were euthanized for analysis of neuronal cell death or a cell survival (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. Neuron cell cultures were subjected to hemoglobin toxicity to assess the direct effects of α7-AChR agonism independent of other cells. Treatment with the α7-AChR agonist promoted neuronal survival and improved functional outcomes 24 h post-SAH. The improved outcomes corresponded with increased PI3K/Akt activity. Antagonism of α7-AChR or PI3K effectively reversed galantamine's beneficial effects. Tissue from α7-AChR knockout mice confirmed α7-AChR's role in neuronal survival after SAH. Data from the neuronal cell culture experiment supported a direct effect of α7-AChR agonism in promoting cell survival. Our findings indicate that α7-AChR is a therapeutic target following SAH which can promote neuronal survival, thereby improving neurobehavioral outcome. Thus, the clinically relevant α7-AChR agonist, galantamine, might be a potential candidate for human use to improve outcome after SAH.
Violations of Fairness in Social Science Research: The Case of Same-Sex Marriage and Parenting

Progressives and conservatives agree upon the importance of procedural fairness. Accordingly, this article examines the quality of social science research in the area of same-sex parenting. A variety of research principles have been violated on a regular basis, yet research results have often been accepted at face value by both professional social science organizations and judicial authorities. Examples are presented of how basic so-called facts, such as how many children are being raised by same-sex parents, have been extraordinarily incorrect; how nonrandom, convenience samples have been accepted, even though random, national samples have existed for many years; how sample designs have been corrupted; and how erroneous statistical analyses have been conducted. It appears that in many cases the role of politics has overridden scientific common sense and standard methodological protocols, damaging the credibility of social scientists, the field of social science, and the integrity of many social science professional organizations. The acceptance of such inferior research, both in general and in terms of specific journal article results, as long as it appeared to support politically correct objectives, suggests the use of an approach to science whereby the ends justify the means, an approach that may ultimately undermine public trust in social science and in judicial decisions that are based on such faulty research.
Gender, Human Security and the United Nations: Security Language as a Political Framework for Women

1. Women, Peace and Security: An Introduction 2. Women's Activism in the Context of the Security Debate: Theoretical Underpinnings 3. The Security Framework in Practice: The Case of SCR 1325 4. Women and Children: Comparative Frameworks and Strategies within the Council 5. The United Nations Development Fund for Women: Working Its Way into the Security Sector 6. The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission: A Litmus Test for Assessing the Status of Women and Security 7. Conclusion References
Earthquake Response of Offshore Platforms

The response and performance of conventional offshore platforms subjected to intense earthquake ground motions is a topic of vital concern to the offshore energy industry. The platforms discussed are steel, tubular-membered, truss-framed structures supported by tubular piles and conductors. Elastic and inelastic response, and platform system element characteristics are considered. An offshore platform system, if properly designed and carefully proportioned according to API RP 2A guidelines, can develop earthquake resistance which equals or exceeds that of comparable conventional onshore building structures.
Formation of the transverse nerve in moth embryos. II. Stereotyped growth by the axons of identified neuroendocrine neurons.

We are interested in the cellular mechanisms that guide neuroendocrine axons to their neurohaemal target regions and that regulate the extent and positioning of their terminal arbor. The neurohaemal organ we have studied is the segmentally repeated transverse nerve of the moth Manduca. In the mature animal, two motor neurons and a heterogeneous set of identified neuroendocrine neurons project to this nerve; the latter release hormonal peptides from along its length. In the preceding report, we demonstrated that during embryogenesis, the position, trajectory and extent of the transverse nerve are anticipated by two sets of nonneuronal cells, the strap and the bridge. In this paper we show that four identified neuroendocrine neurons (L1 and B1-3), like the identified motor neurons before them, elaborate growth cones that use this preexisting scaffolding as a substrate for axonal elongation. Moreover, growth cone navigation by these neuroendocrine neurons is as precise and invariant as that displayed by the motor neurons. One feature that differentiates the behavior of the developing neuroendocrine cells from that of the motor neurons is a stereotyped interaction that the L1 and B1-3 axons undergo with an identified syncytial cell that lies in close proximity to the strap. Each neuroendocrine neuron specifically adheres to the syncytium by extending numerous filopodia, and an occasional large lamellopodium, over its surface. These contacts are maintained by the neuroendocrine axons after their growth cones have left the vicinity of the syncytium and proceeded into the strap/bridge complex. Adhesion to the syncytium is transient and specific to the neuroendocrine neurons: although motor neuron axons are present at this same time and place, they display no affinity for the syncytium. This distinction correlates with the fact that the neuroendocrine neurons go on to elaborate arbor within the confines of the transverse nerve, while the motor neurons do not. We suggest that the syncytium may act as a “fictive target” for these neurons to aid in the differentiation of features that are specific to their cellular phenotype.
The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving by Lisa Miller

The Spiritual Child is not a book about education per se. Nevertheless, author Lisa Miller offers in its pages a striking view of psychological development that, if taken seriously, stands to make ...
Rethinking the Scale of Literary History

Paper presented at the conference 'Literary Histories and the Development of Identities' sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada involving members of the I.C.L.A. Coordinating Committee at Queen's University, Canada, in the Fall of 2001.
Metabolic hydroxylations of trans-stilbene

1. A study was made of the hydroxylation of trans-stilbene in rabbits, guinea pigs and mice, as well as by rabbit liver microsomes. 2. In the rabbit in vivo, trans-stilbene is converted into 4-hydroxy-,4,4'-dihydroxy-,3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-stilbene, and hydroxylation plays a more significant role in the metabolism of trans-stilbene than has previously been reported. 3. Investigation of the hydroxylation of 4-hydroxystilbene in the rabbit in vivo demonstrated its ready conversion into 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene and established its intermediacy in the formation of this compound and the methylated analogues of 3,4-dihydroxystilbene. 4. Hydroxylation of trans-stilbene in the guinea pig was found to follow a pattern similar, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to that in the rabbit. 5. Studies in the mouse revealed only limited yields of 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene. 6. Studies of the hydroxylation of trans-stilbene and 4-hydroxystilbene by rabbit liver microsomes located two of the reactions that occur with these compounds in vivo. 7. Work with a solubilized liver-microsomal preparation provided evidence that ;stilbene hydroxylase' activity is not completely lost on solubilization, thus allowing for future microsomal enzyme-isolation studies.
Childhood Asthma: A Guide for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Providers

Pediatric asthma is a disease that is managed across outpatient physicians, hospitalists, critical care physicians, and emergency department (ED) physicians. Scoring systems may facilitate a rapid assessment of the child with asthma in the ED. Short-acting beta agonists are still the mainstay of therapy for acute exacerbations along with corticosteroids and ipratropium bromide. ED providers must also know the indications for noninvasive ventilation and intubation. Most patients can be treated and discharged from the ED after acute exacerbation, and should be given a plan for going home that provides educational material and emergency scenarios to help prevent future acute incidents.
Changes in defensive behaviors following olfactory bulbectomy in male and female rats

The present study examined if olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) altered defensive behaviors on the elevated plus-maze and the open-field differently in male and female rats. Similar increases in defensive behaviors in male and female rats were observed in both tests following OBX. No significant correlations were detected between defensive behaviors and activity, supporting the hypothesis that some behavioral changes following OBX may be due to decreased defensive behaviors and not increased activity.
Mechanisms of Polycomb gene silencing: knowns and unknowns

Polycomb proteins form chromatin-modifying complexes that implement transcriptional silencing in higher eukaryotes. Hundreds of genes are silenced by Polycomb proteins, including dozens of genes that encode crucial developmental regulators in organisms ranging from plants to humans. Two main families of complexes, called Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2, are targeted to repressed regions. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of these complexes, including their potential mechanisms of gene silencing, the roles of chromatin modifications, their means of delivery to target genes and the functional distinctions among variant complexes. Emerging concepts include the existence of a Polycomb barrier to transcription elongation and the involvement of non-coding RNAs in the targeting of Polycomb complexes. These findings have an impact on the epigenetic programming of gene expression in many biological systems.
Differentiation of mycobacterial species and strains and the detection of common and specific antigens by micro two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis.

A “micro’ modification of a two-dimensional immunoelectrotic (2D-IEP) method (2) applicable for the differentiation of mycobacterial species and strains is described. The method has improved rapidity (3 1/2 hr) and economy of antiserum (1.4 ml), while retaining the sensitivity (29-60 precipitin curves) of the “macro” 2D-IEP system. With this system, it was possible to differentiate between the species and strains examined on the bases of the precipitin patterns obtained using a single high titer anti-mycobacterium antiserum. In order to differentiate which precipitin peak(s) represented unique antigens from common antigens, a modified Osserman 2D-IEP technique was employed. This permitted the detection of common, species specific, and strain specific antigens.
Employment of the P-Multiplier in Pile-Group Analysis

This paper discusses the variation of the P-multiplier (Pm) used with the p-y curve to assess the response of a pile group under lateral loads, which is a crucial topic for the design of bridge pile foundations. Pm is influenced by the site geotechnical conditions (i.e., soil profile, type and properties), pile front and side spacings, and pile-group deflection. The presented study shows the needs to incorporate these factors with the recommended sets of Pm to avoid any compromise or uncertainty when Pm is treated as a single (unique) value based only on pile spacings. The current study addresses these influential elements using the strain wedge (SW) model technique, suggested Pm values, and data collected from full-scale pile-group load tests. The experimental results show that Pm is not unique and must be assessed based on the site geotechnical conditions along with the pile-row front and side spacings. Because the employed Pm values must be a function of these influential factors, additional full- and ...
Neuregulin-ErbB4 signaling in the developing lung alveolus: a brief review

Lung immaturity is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants, especially those born <28 weeks gestation. Proper lung development from 23–28 weeks requires coordinated cell proliferation and differentiation. Infants born at this age are at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a lung disease characterized by insufficient surfactant production due to immaturity of the alveoli and its constituent cells in the lung. The ErbB4 receptor and its stimulation by neuregulin (NRG) plays a critical role in surfactant synthesis by alveolar type II epithelial cells. In this review, we first provide an introduction to normal human alveolar development, followed by a discussion of the neuregulin and ErbB4-mediated mechanisms regulating alveolar development and surfactant production.
Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis

Abstract Background: Coccidioides immitis is a soil-dwelling fungus found in arid regions of the Western Hemisphere. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is a histopathologic pattern that may be a reactive manifestation of diverse systemic diseases. Objective: Our purpose was to describe clinical and histopathologic findings in 5 patients who presented with interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Methods: Medical records and skin biopsy slides from 5 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: In each patient, edematous papules, nodules, and plaques developed abruptly during the onset of an acute febrile illness. Coccidioidomycosis was confirmed by serology. Skin biopsy specimens revealed interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with neutrophils, leukocytoclasis, and eosinophils. Fungal stains (5/5 cases) and fungal cultures (2/2 cases) revealed no organisms within the skin biopsy specimens. Conclusion: Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis may be a presenting feature of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and may possibly represent a reactive manifestation of the infection. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:840-5.)
Thrombospondin-1-CD47 blockade and exogenous nitrite enhance ischemic tissue survival, blood flow and angiogenesis via coupled NO-cGMP pathway activation

Tissue ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) remain sources of cell and tissue death. Inability to restore blood flow and limit reperfusion injury represents a challenge in surgical tissue repair and transplantation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a central regulator of blood flow, reperfusion signaling and angiogenesis. De novo NO synthesis requires oxygen and is limited in ischemic vascular territories. Nitrite (NO(2-)) has been discovered to convert to NO via heme-based reduction during hypoxia, providing a NO synthase independent and oxygen-independent NO source. Furthermore, blockade of the matrix protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) or its receptor CD47 has been shown to promote downstream NO signaling via soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and cGMP-dependant kinase. We hypothesized that nitrite would provide an ischemic NO source that could be potentiated by TSP1-CD47 blockade enhancing ischemic tissue survival, blood flow and angiogenesis. Both low dose nitrite and direct blockade of TSP1-CD47 interaction using antibodies or gene silencing increased acute blood flow and late tissue survival in ischemic full thickness flaps. Nitrite and TSP1 blockade both enhanced in vitro and in vivo angiogenic responses. The nitrite effect could be abolished by inhibition of sGC and cGMP signaling. Potential therapeutic synergy was tested in a more severe ischemic flap model. We found that combined therapy with nitrite and TSP1-CD47 blockade enhanced flap perfusion, survival and angiogenesis to a greater extent than either agent alone, providing approximately 100% flap survival. These data provide a new therapeutic paradigm for hypoxic NO signaling through enhanced cGMP mediated by TSP1-CD47 blockade and nitrite delivery.
Effects of client and counselor sex on client attendance at counseling

The present study examined the relationship between sex of client, sex of counselor, client's presenting problem, and the length of time the counseling dyad stayed together. Dyads engaged in personal counseling had significantly more sessions than dyads engaged in vocational counseling or test feedback. Clients receiving personal counseling were more likely to terminate unilaterally than clients receiving vocational counseling or test feedback.
Epinephrine sensitivity of blood vessel strips from salt-fed and castrated rats.

SummaryStrips were prepared from aortae of rats and their reactivity to epinephrine tested by means of a lever system that recorded shortening of the smooth muscle. A 2% salt diet increased the sensitivity of the vessel to 1-epinephrine in both sexes. Male aortae in all instances had greater sensitivity to epinephrine than those of females under the same conditions. Castration markedly increased the sensitivity to epinephrine in females, especially when the castrates were placed on the salt diet. In contrast, male aortae were not particularly changed by castration.
A quantitative study of GUI versus text-based object-oriented instruction

Introductory object-oriented programming is considered difficult to teach and a number of different methodologies have been proposed to address this difficulty. One method, which is reported in this paper, involves the use of graphical user interfaces (GUIpsilas). The research question developed for this study is as follows: Does any statistical difference exist in test scores between a control group using text-based object-oriented programming (OOP) and a test group using GUI-based OOP? To answer this research question, quantitative data was collected through the use of common questions on the final CS2 exam for both groups. Data was collected over a period of 3 class offerings for five multiple-choice questions and one question requiring programming. No statistical difference between the groups was found for either the 5 multiple-choice questions or the open programming question. An analysis of the final CS2 course letter grade showed no significant difference between the test and control groups. Further, students who participated in the first year of the study were tracked through data structures, the course which follows CS2 in the curriculum sequence. A statistical analysis of the final letter grade for found no significant statistical difference between control and test groups.
REMARKS ON ABSORPTIVE POTENTIALS AND HEAVY ION ELASTIC SCATTERING.

Abstract The nature of the gross structure in the optical model analysis of heavy ion elastic scattering is investigated. Further, the success of the double-resonance effect in reproducing intermediate structure is studied.
Conformational interconversion in protein crystals.

Abstract We present evidence that the structure of carbonmonoxy myoglobin crystals can be altered by lowering the pH. This structural change is monitored by the characteristic FeCO Raman modes at 508 and 491 cm −1 and is thought to involve a localized distal pocket transition from a “closed” conformation at pH 7 to a more “open” conformation at pH 4. These changes take place in the crystal without loss of intensity of a conformationally sensitive Raman mode at 252 cm −1 that signals a partial unfolding of the globin structure in solution. Quantitative studies, which monitor the open and closed populations as a function of laser photolysis, demonstrate that the interconversion rates ( k ± ) in solution at 298 K are fast compared to the photolysis and CO entry rates (i.e. k ± ⪢ 10 3 s −1 ), while in frozen samples the interconversion is much slower than the experimental time scale (minutes). Since the open conformation is a minority species at pH 7, rapid exchange in aqueous solution is a necessary condition for this species to play a functional role. In the crystal, the interconversion rates are slowed compared to solution and begin to approach the photolysis rate (i.e. k ± ~ 10 3 to 10 4 s −1 ). This indicates that the barriers for conformational exchange are increased in the crystal environment, compared to the solution, apparently due to the packing forces of the surrounding molecules. X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of MbCO crystals at high and low pH are needed to characterize the details of the structural changes and to test the hypothesis that closed and open distal pocket structures are associated with the 508 and 491 cm −1 FeCO modes.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome in pregnancy.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a serious sequelae of many serious illnesses during pregnancy.An understanding of acute respiratory distress syndrome is central to the proper care of a patient with the disorder. Acute respiratory distress syndrome results in diminished pulmonary compliance and respiratory shunt mediated hypoxemia. Furthermore, the initial pulmonary injury in acute respiratory distress syndrome may be further worsened by therapeutic hyperoxia and barotrauma. Limitation of peak-plateau airway pressure to less than 35 to 40 cm H 2 O may reduce barotrauma. Inflammatory mediator therapy may hold future promise in attenuation of lung injury induced by acute respiratory distress syndrome. Aggressive care may help those pregnant patients afflicted with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Observing desert dust devils with a pressure logger

Abstract. A commercial pressure logger has been adapted for long-term field use. Its flash memory affords the large data volume to allow months of pressure measurements to be acquired at the rapid cadence (>1 Hz) required to detect dust devils, small dust-laden convective vortices observed in arid regions. The power consumption of the unit is studied and battery and solar/battery options evaluated for long-term observations. A two-month long field test is described, and several example dust devil encounters are examined. In addition, a periodic (~20 min) convective signature is observed, and some lessons in operations and correction of data for temperature drift are reported. The unit shows promise for obtaining good statistics on dust devil pressure drops, to permit comparison with Mars lander measurements, and for array measurements.
Effects of BMI and task parameters on postural sway during simulated small parts assembly.

Postural stability is critical for ensuring a safe workplace. Employees with poor stability are more prone to falls and injuries while at work. In this study, postural sway of participants in different obesity categories was evaluated while performing an assembly workstation task. The study included three workstations: those designed for the 5th, 50th and 95th percentile workers based on anthropometric data tables. Force plates were used to study the differences in postural sway in both the medial–lateral and anterior–posterior directions. The results revealed that the obese class 1 and obese class 2 groups’ anterior–posterior sway was significantly larger than that of the normal weight groups while performing assembly work tasks. Also, pace type (self-paced or time-paced) and workstation (5th, 50th and 95th percentile) significantly affected the postural sway. The postural sway was not affected by gender differences. Workstations should be designed to accommodate the increased postural sway of obese workers.
Utilization of Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines as a System for the Molecular Modeling of Autism

In order to provide an alternative approach for understanding the biology and genetics of autism, we performed statistical analysis of gene expression profiles of lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from children with autism and their families. The goal was to assess the feasibility of using this model in identifying autism-associated genes. Replicate microarray experiments demonstrated that expression data from the cell lines were consistent and highly reproducible. Further analyses identified differentially expressed genes between cell lines derived from children with autism and those derived from their normally developing siblings. These genes were then used to identify biochemical pathways potentially involved in autism. This study suggests that lymphoblastoid cell lines may be a viable tool for identifying genes associated with autism.
“Selling the Farm to Buy the Cow”: The Narrativized Consequences of “Black Names” From Within the African American Community

This article examines how “Black names” have become a trope for deficit beliefs about Black people in the United States and about Blackness more broadly. In data from two qualitative studies conducted with one group of African American secondary students and second group of African American alumni from a historically black college, participants’ narratives of everyday life reflect the impact of racialization and the extent to which members of both groups attempt to circumvent racialization in their personal and professional lives. The authors identify naming as a cultural right that is threatened within the Black community. They use the principle tenets of Critical Race Theory (CRT) alongside discussions of “race” in a sociolinguistic analysis of participants’ discussions of race and naming. The authors take up CRT’s call for narrative as a critical component for revealing and analyzing the significance and impact of race. Findings from the study illustrate that African Americans struggle with naming and ...
Single coronary artery originating from the right pulmonary artery

An infant with a single coronary artery originating from the right pulmonary artery branch is the subject of this report. He survived to the age of one month possibly because of the association of two ventricular septal defects. While the pulmonary vascular resistance remained high, perfusion of the heart muscle was accomplished due to the pulmonary hypertension. The electrocardiogram did not show typical signs of infarction, but poor left ventricular contractility was observed by echocardiogram. The diagnosis was made postmortem. This specific coronary malformation has not been previously described and needs to be included in the classification of congenital coronary arteries anomalies.
Lettuce chlorosis virus : A new whitefly-transmitted closterovirus

A previously undescribed viras disease of lettuce, sugarbeets, other crop and weed hosts was found in the southwest desert regions of U.S.A. Affected lettuce and sugarbeet hosts exhibited interveinal yellowing, stunting, rolling, and brittleness of affected leaves. Since 1990, yellowing symptoms on desert lettuce and sugarbeet were shown to be induced by a mixture of lettuce infectious yellows viras (LIYV) and this previously undescribed viras termed lettuce chlorosis viras (LCV). LCV is a closterovirus with flexuous, filamentous particles 800–850 nm long. The viras is transmitted efficiently by bothBemisia biotypes. LCV differs significantly from LIYV and other previously described viruses in host range (LCV does not infect the Cucurbitaceae), insect transmission, and serology.
Improved Predictive Inference for Responses Based on Location Parameter Median from the Rayleigh Model Given a Doubly Censored Sample

The purpose of this article is to investigate the predictive inference for responses from the location parameter mean as well as from the median given a doubly censored sample from the two-parameter Rayleigh model. The predictive results by Khan et al. (2010) are used to obtain the predictive inference for responses from the median, where Khan et al. (2010) obtained the future estimates from the mean. A numerical example representing 66 liver cancer patients is used for predictive analysis. It is concluded that the predictive inference from the median gives precise results as compared with the location parameter mean.
Energetic rationale for an unexpected and abrupt reversal of guanidinium chloride-induced unfolding of peptide deformylase.

Peptide deformylase (PDF) catalyzes the removal of formyl group from the N-terminal methionine residues of nascent proteins in prokaryotes, and this enzyme is a high priority target for antibiotic design. In pursuit of delineating the structural–functional features of Escherichia coli PDF (EcPDF), we investigated the mechanistic pathway for the guanidinium chloride (GdmCl)-induced unfolding of the enzyme by monitoring the secondary structural changes via CD spectroscopy. The experimental data revealed that EcPDF is a highly stable enzyme, and it undergoes slow denaturation in the presence of varying concentrations of GdmCl. The most interesting aspect of these studies has been the abrupt reversal of the unfolding pathway at low to moderate concentrations of the denaturant, but not at high concentration. An energetic rationale for such an unprecedented feature in protein chemistry is offered.
Enhancement of melanocyte development from piebald neural crest by a favorable tissue environment.

Abstract The melanocyte-forming capacity of trunk neural crest along the anterior/posterior axis was analyzed in normal and piebald 9-day mouse embryos. Neural tubes containing neural crest cells from the level of somite 3 to 24 were divided into three sections and grafted in combination with skin to 2.5-day chick embryos. Eleven-day normal skin was joined with normal and with piebald neural tube sections, and 16-day skin from W W embryos was joined with piebald neural tubes. Combination grafts of all neural tube sections from normal embryos produced pigment with 11-day skin, whereas less than half the grafts formed pigment when piebald neural tubes were joined with 11-day skin. When piebald neural tubes were joined with 16-day skin, over 90% of the grafts formed pigment. These results do not support the hypothesis that white-spotting in piebald mice is a result of organization within the neural crest of preprogrammed viable and inviable clones of cells. The suggestion that white-spotting results from a genetic elimination of certain progenitor melanoblasts in piebald embryos is also not supported. The evidence does favor the view that substantial numbers of defective melanoblasts migrate from the neural crest in piebald embryos and that their survival or differentiation is favored only in certain tissue environments.
PMA8: DEVELOPMENT OF A CHRONIC DISEASE INDICATOR USING A MANAGED CARE POPULATION

OBJECTIVES: Accurate determination of disease prevalence in large patient populations is difficult. The objective of this research was to use pharmacy data to develop an index that estimates the presence and number of chronic diseases in a managed care population. METHODS: An expert panel evaluated 246 specific medication classes as to their likelihood to be indicative of a chronic disease. Those classes identified were then compared against medical records from two random samples of persons 18 years of age or older continuously enrolled for at least one year in a health maintenance organization. One sample was drawn from all eligible persons (n = 137), while the other sample was restricted to individuals 50 years of age or greater (n = 138). A cumulative number of chronic conditions was designated the chronic disease index (CDI). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for those conditions with prevalence greater than 10% based upon medical record review. RESULTS: The expert panel designated 54 drug classes as containing medications used to treat chronic conditions. A total of 5640 medications were dispensed over a 1 year period for the 275 subjects. The average total number of chronic conditions via medical record review was 2.89 + 2.07, compared to 1.33 + 1.21 chronic conditions estimated by medication use. The CDI correlated well with the number of chronic conditions found via record review (r = 0.735, p < 0.0001). The specificity of pharmacy records to indicate the presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, and diabetes was 79.9%, 99.0%, 90.2%, and 99.6%, respectively. The sensitivity was 90.9%, 49.9%, 77.5%, and 62.2% for hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, and diabetes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CDI correlates well with documented chronic conditions. Pharmacy data can be useful in identifying persons with diagnoses of hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, and diabetes.
POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF LOW BACK PAIN DUE TO WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION

Abstract The investigators describe their multifaceted approach to the study of the relationship between whole-body vibration and low back pain.In vitroexperiments, using percutaneous pin-mounted accelerometers have shown that the natural frequency is at 4·5 Hz. The frequency response was affected by posture, seating, and seat-back inclination. The response appears to be largely determined by the rocking of the pelvis. Electromyographic studies have shown that muscle fatigue occurs under whole body vibration. After whole body vibration exposure the muscle response to a sudden load has greater latency. Vehicle driving may be a reason for low back pain or herniated nucleus pulposus. Prolonged seating exposure, coupled with the whole body vibration should be reduced for those recovering from these problems. Vibration attenuating seats, and correct ergonomic layout of the cabs may reduce the risks of recurrence.