cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific hemodynamic effects of PGE2 and PGF1α in the canine lung

The differential effects of two pulmonary vasoconstrictors, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) on capillary pressure and the distribution of vascular resistance were studied in isolated, blood perfused canine lung lobes. Each lobe was inflated to a constant airway pressure (3 cmH2O) and perfused in Zone III conditions at constant flow (431 +/- 36 ml/min). Pulmonary arterial and venous pressures were measured at the inflow and outflow orifices, respectively. Pulmonary capillary pressure (Pc) was determined via a double occlusion technique and pre- and postcapillary resistances calculated. PGE2 and PGF1 alpha, administered as rapid intra-arterial boluses (10-300 micrograms), increased arterial pressure in a dose-dependent fashion. However, at each dose, the increase in vascular resistance was more pronounced in postcapillary segments. The increase in postcapillary resistance was 5 and 3.5 times greater than the increase in precapillary resistance at the highest dose of PGE2 and PGF1 alpha used in this study, respectively (300 micrograms). As a result, Pc measured at the peak of the vascular response increased by 2 to 19 cmH2O over control values with PGE2 and by 5 to 13 cmH2O over control values with PGF1 alpha as the prostaglandin dose was varied from 10 to 300 micrograms. We conclude that the predominant effect of these prostanoids is to increase postcapillary resistance and pulmonary capillary pressure.
Genetics of the "umbrella" branching habit in Capsicum annuum L.

Three inbred lines, MSU 78-101, MSU 79-221 and MSU 74-230 were used to determine the inheritance of the “umbrella” branching habit in peppers. MSU 79-221, with the umbrella phenotype, was crossed with MSU 78-191 (dwarf) and MSU 74-230 (indeterminate growth habit). Segregating populations were separated on the basis of plant growth habit and fruit bearing habit. Genetic analyses suggested that the umbrella phenotype was controlled by three major recessive genes, ct and dt determining plant habit, and fa determining fruit bearing habit. When the dominant alleles Dt and Ct were in the dominant homozygous or heterozygous condition an indeterminate phenotype was produced. Su, a dominant suppressor gene, apparently acts to suppress the epistatic action of the Ct gene. Modifiers were involved in the control of branching in the umbrella plants. Linkage also was noted between the genes for indeterminate plant habit and non-clustered bearing habit. The information derived from this study will allow the plant breeder to design an efficient breeding program for the development of pepper cultivars suitable for mechanical harvesting systems.
Differential modification of the (Na + +K + )-dependent ATPase by dimethylsulfoxide.

1. 1. Dimethylsulfoxide reversibly inhibited the (Na+ + K+)-dependent ATPase activity of a brain microsomal enzyme preparation, but stimulated the associated K+-dependent phosphatase activity; this disparate effect was not caused by two other lipophilic agents, Lubrol-W and propanol. 2. 2. For the ATPase dimethylsulfoxide reduced the concentration for half-maximal activation, K0,5, for NaCl, but increased it for KCl; in both cases V was decreased. Since both V and Km for ATP were also decreased in parallel, it thus appeared that dimethylsulfoxide was an uncompetitive inhibitor to ATP and Na+, perhaps acting to modify a stage following their reaction with the enzyme, and thereby altering the apparent affinity for K+. 3. 3. With the phosphatase, however, dimethylsulfoxide reduced K0,5 for KCl and increased V. But in the presence of CTP and NaCl, which have been shown to modify the phosphatase reaction to resemble more closely the ATPase, dimethylsulfoxide then increased K0,5 for KCl although V was still increased. The stimulation of the phosphatase could be accounted for by a decrease in Km for the substrate, nitrophenylphosphate. 4. 4. The effects on apparent affinity for K+ thus represent an action of dimethylsulfoxide dependent both on the route of substrate entry (Na+-dependent for the ATPase, K+-dependent for the phosphatase) and the reaction history (prior interaction with nucleotide plus Na+, or not). If dimethylsulfoxide acts by selecting or modifying intermediary reaction conformations (or their analogues), then the variable cation affinity shown for such intermediate stages may bear on the cyclical changes in affinity proposed to accompany the hydrolytic process.
From the Sea to Silent Spring

Deftly crafted, Souder's biography of naturalist and environmentalist Rachel Carson focuses on her writing career.
Two Structural and Functional Domains of MESD Required for Proper Folding and Trafficking of LRP5/6.

How the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) folding machinery coordinates general and specialized chaperones during protein translation and folding remains an important unanswered question. Here, we show two structural domains in MESD, a specialized chaperone for LRP5/6, carry out dual functions. The chaperone domain forms a complex with the immature receptor, maintaining the β-propeller (BP) domain in an interaction competent state for epidermal growth factor-repeat binding. This promotes proper folding of the BP domain, causing a binding switch from the chaperone domain to the escort domain. The escort complex ensures LRP5/6 safe-trafficking from the ER to the Golgi by preventing premature ligand-binding. Inside the Golgi, the BP domain may contain a histidine switch, regulating MESD dissociation and retrieval. Together, we generate a plausible cell biology picture of the MESD/LRP5/6 pathway, suggesting that it is the specialized chaperones, MESD, that serves as the folding template to drive proper folding and safe trafficking of large multidomain proteins LRP5/6.
Compartmentalization of Bacterial Antigens: Differential Effects on Priming of CD8 T Cells and Protective Immunity

Bacterial pathogens synthesize numerous proteins that are either secreted or localized within bacterial cells. To address the impact of antigen compartmentalization on T cell immunity, we constructed recombinant Listeria monocytogenes that express a model CD8T cell epitope as a secreted or nonsecreted fusion protein. Both forms of the antigen, either secreted into the host cell cytoplasm or retained within bacterial cells, efficiently prime CD8 T cell responses. However, epitope-specific CD8 T cells confer protection only against bacteria secreting the antigen but not against the bacteria expressing the nonsecreted form of the same antigen. This dichotomy as a result of antigen compartmentalization suggests that bacterial antigens are presented by multiple MHC class I pathways to prime CD8 T cells, but only the endogenous pathway provides target antigens for CD8 T cell-mediated protective immunity.
Wavelength-dependent scattering in spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

The particle sizing capabilities of light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) and the spatial localization of optical coherence tomography (OCT) are brought together in a new modality known as scattering-mode spectroscopic OCT. An analysis is presented of the spectral dependence of the light collected in spectroscopic OCT for samples comprised of spherical particles. Many factors are considered including the effects of scatterer size, interference between the fields scattered from closely adjacent scatterers, and the numerical aperture of the OCT system. The modulation of the spectrum of the incident light by scattering of a plane wave from a single sphere is a good indicator of particle size and composition. However, it is shown in this work that the sharp focusing of fields causes the spectral signature to shift and the presence of multiple scatterers has dramatic modulation effects on the spectra. Approaches for accurately matching physical structure with the observed signals under various conditions are discussed.
Boreholes in the Middle Devonian blastoid Heteroschisma and their implications for gastropod drilling

Abstract Boreholes in over 100 specimens of the Devonian blastoid Heteroschisma and the presence of the gastropod Platyceras (Orthonychia) sp. attached to a specimen of Heteroschisma subtruncatus (Hall 1858) suggest that platyceratid gastropods were capable of drilling their hosts at least as early as the Middle Devonian and thus represent the first known gastropods to have evolved this ability. The presence of similar holes in numerous other Devonian and Mississippian blastoids and the occurrence of several additional examples of platyceratids attached to blastoids indicate that the interaction between gastropods and blastoids was not infrequent; as in the case of the gastropod/crinoid interaction, this relationship is interpreted as having been parasitic rather than predatory. The parasitic, drilling platyceratids may have been a factor in the Paleozoic precursor of the Mesozoic marine revolution: some of the anti-predatory defenses of crinoids described from the Late Paleozoic may have been strategies of avoiding platyceratid infestation.
Antifolate Activity of Isoaminopterin in HeLa Cells

Abstract The antifolate activity and the transport characteristics of isoaminopterin (IA) in HeLa cells were studied and compared with those of methotrexate (MTX). Both IA and MTX inhibited the incorporation of [2-14C]deoxyuridine into HeLa cell DNA by 50% at a concentration of 0.09 μM by 8 h postaddition of the compounds. Unlike MTX, the inhibition of DNA synthesis by IA was time dependent and reached a maximum at 24 h. IA-induced inhibition was due to interference with folate metabolism, since it could be completely reversed with N5-formyl-tetrahydrofolate. Competitive transport experiments between IA and either radiolabeled MTX or radiolabeled folate showed that IA preferentially uses the reduced folate/MTX transport system. IA inhibited MTX uptake by 50% at a concentration of 6.8 μM but had a negligible effect on folate transport.
Transport of water vapor in the tropical tropopause layer

[1] A trajectory model coupled to a simple micro-physical model is used to explore the observed relationship between convection, water vapor and cirrus clouds in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). Horizontal transport associated with the local Hadley circulation leads to water vapor minima in the winter hemisphere separated from the convective regions and the region of minimum temperatures. These spatial signatures are consistent with observations of water vapor and cirrus in the TTL from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE). In the simulations, one third of observed ice is formed due to horizontal transport through cold regions. Applied variations in temperature over time scales longer than a few hours, similar to gravity wave induced perturbations, act to lower the simulated water vapor.
Implosive Therapy for the Treatment of Combat-Related PTSD

Implosive therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is based on the principle of exposing the patient to trauma-related cues until there is a reduction in the anxiety associated with the cues. It is a relatively specialized procedure regarding which few clinicians receive extensive supervised training, despite the numerous case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. The present paper addresses a number of procedural issues and offers guidelines for conducting implosive therapy with traumatized combat veterans. Elements of controversy regarding the application of implosive therapy are discussed.
Missiles, rockets, and space flight

LESS THAN A QUARTER of a century ago, there was no semblance of a rocket or guided missile industry; today, there exists a multibillion-dollar business employing a sizable fraction of the Nation's most skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians. This industry has brought into being, in the relatively short span of some dozen years or so, some of the most sophisticated and complex mechanical and electrical systems yet conceived by man. There exist today target-seeking missiles for military applications, and vehicles for exploring cislunar space, not to mention the highly automated ancillary devices and equipment required to support operations and missions which existed in the realm of fantasy only several decades ago.
Evaluation and development of gas chromatographic procedures for the determination of γ-hydroxybutyric acid and γ-butyrolactone in plasma

Abstract The available methods of analysis for GHB and GBL were examined, and a modified gas chromatographic procedure was developed which improved upon the recovery of drug from plasma. It was shown also that the literature method which claimed to be a differential assay for GBL and GHB is not specific. Thus, previous reports describing intact GBL levels might not be reliable.
Composite membranes based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) and SDBS-adsorbed graphene oxide for direct methanol fuel cells

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) adsorbed graphene oxide (GO) has been used as a filler to modify sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). The incorporation of SDBS-GO greatly increases the ion-exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, and proton conductivity, while it reduces the methanol permeability through the SPEEK membranes. With well controlled contents of SDBS-GO, the composite membranes exhibit higher IEC, water uptake, and proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability than Nafion® 112, making them attractive as proton exchange membranes (PEMs). These superior characteristics make the composite membranes with optimized SDBS-GO contents exhibit superior performance in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) compared to the plain SPEEK or Nafion® 112 membranes.
The value of college: drafted high school baseball players.

This article investigates the decision of high school athletes to pursue college educations or play professional sports immediately after high school. Using salary, draft, and playing data for Majo...
Early Schooling: The Handicap of Being Poor and Male

In trying to understand the origin of gender differences favoring girls in reading skills, analysts have examined mainly the performance of students who are in the same grade, with samples pooled across socioeconomic status (SES). Using a longitudinal sample in Baltimore, where all students in a randomly selected panel are the same age and are followed from the beginning of the first grade, the authors found that the early reading skills of boys who are receiving meal subsidies-those who are disadvantaged-are lower than those of girls. Among children who are not on meal subsidies, boys do about the same as girls. This gender gap that emerges over the elementary school years is explained in terms of the higher retention rate of disadvantaged boys, which traces back to teachers' low ratings of classroom behavior and reading skills for boys on meal subsidies and to their parents' lower expectations for boys' school performance. The longitudinal design of this study, the early point from which children are followed (age 6), and the attention given to SES differences in how parents and teachers treat boys are key dif ferences between this research and other studies of gender differences in reading compre hension. The discussion points up the critical nature of the first-grade transition in relation to the gender gap and some of its long-term implications.
THE IMPACT OF MOTIVATION AND CAUSATION AND EFFECTUATION APPROACHES ON EXIT STRATEGIES

ABSTRACT Although exit is a central part of the entrepreneurial process, most of the entrepreneurship literature has focused on the entry and growth phases of a business. Our research examines the extent to which the entrepreneur’s personal motivations and venture development processes impact exit strategies. Specifically we examine the link between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and causation and effectuation processes and an entrepreneur’s intended exit strategy. Our results indicate that extrinsically-motivated entrepreneurs are more likely to consider an IPO strategy and less likely to consider an independent sale. Intrinsically-motivated entrepreneurs are less likely to consider an IPO or liquidation and more likely to intend to exit through an independent sale. Entrepreneurs employing causation processes are more likely to consider an IPO strategy and less likely to intend to exit via liquidation. The sub-dimensions of effectuation are differentially related to exit strategies. Experimentation is positively related to an IPO strategy while affordable loss is positively, and flexibility negatively, related to liquidation.
Space-time receiver for multi-rate CDMA systems: multi-code and variable spreading length access methods comparison

Linear space-time multiuser detectors are proposed for CDMA systems which support users transmitting at different bit rates. The performance of the LMMSE space-time dual-rate receiver is studied in the context of two multi-rate access methods: multi-code (MC) access where high data rate users multiplex information streams onto multiple codes, and variable spreading length (VSL) access where signature sequences of different lengths are assigned to users with different data rates. Simulation results show that the proposed LMMSE space-time dual-rate receiver can significantly enhance the multimedia services that can be provided by multi-rate CDMA systems, and the VSL access system offers a distinct advantage over the MC system.
Tourette's Syndrome and Psychopathology in a Child Psychiatry Setting

ABSTRACT Prior investigations of psychopathology among children with Tourette's syndrome (TS) have rarely used child psychiatry samples and sophisticated personality instruments. Objective To produce an objectively derived composite TS personality profile and to determine the rate of particular problems in a TS psychiatry sample compared with children without TS from the same clinical practice. Method Children (n = 33) referred to child psychiatrists because of emotional and behavior problems who were subsequently also found to meet DSM-III-R criteria for TS were assessed by the Personality Inventory for Children. Results Children with TS expressed high rates of psychopathology overall (composite 2.7 SD elevated) with depression, anxiety, and peculiar behavior having the highest values; depression occurred most frequently (73%), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (55%) was no more common than among comparison group children and conduct problems (18%) were rarer. “Depression, anxiety, tension, and excessive worry” were characteristic of the actuarially derived modal TS personality. Conclusions The prevalence and manifestations of psychopathology of children with TS in a child psychiatry practice are not identical with those reported in the literature. Child psychiatrists should be particularly vigilant of depressive symptoms and expect to encounter relatively few conduct problems compared with children without TS. Establishing “local prevalence rates” for children with TS seeking psychiatric evaluation can help guide the diagnostician and make diagnosis more assured.
Telithromycin: a new ketolide antimicrobial for treatment of respiratory tract infections.

Telithromycin is a new ketolide antimicrobial, specifically developed for the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections. It has a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity against common respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pyogenes. It also has activity against atypical pathogens, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Telithromycin maintains activity against β-lactam and macrolide-resistant respiratory tract pathogens and does not appear to induce cross-resistance to other members of the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) group of antimicrobials. It demonstrates bactericidal activity against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae and has a prolonged concentration-dependent post-antibiotic effect (PAE) in vitro. The drug has favourable pharmacokinetics following oral administration. It is well absorbed, achieves good plasma levels and is highly concentrated in pul...
Interaction integral procedures for 3-D curved cracks including surface tractions

This study examines a two-state interaction integral for the direct computation of mixed-mode stress intensity factors along curved cracks under remote mechanical loads and applied crack-face tractions. We investigate the accuracy of stress intensity factors computed along planar, curved cracks in homogeneous materials using a simplified interaction integral that omits terms to reflect specifically the effects of local crack-front curvature. We examine the significance of the crack-face traction term in the interaction integral, and demonstrate the benefit of a simple, exact numerical integration procedure to evaluate the integral for one class of three-dimensional elements. The work also discusses two approaches to compute auxiliary, interaction integral quantities along cracks discretized by linear and curved elements. Comparisons of numerical results with analytical solutions for stress intensity factors verify the accuracy of the proposed interaction integral procedures.
Eflornithine Alters Changes in Vascular Responsiveness Associated with Coarctation Hypertension

This study examined the temporal effects of the polyamine synthesis inhibitor eflornithine (alpha-difluoromethylornithine) on vascular responses to KCI, norepinephrine, sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine in aortic rings from coarctation hypertensive rats. Coarctation hypertension reduced the contractile response of aortic rings to KCI and norepinephrine, increased sensitivity (reduced the EC50 value) to norepinephrine and attenuated relaxation to acetylcholine by 14 days of hypertension. Treatment of coarctation hypertensive rats with eflornithine resulted in a normalization of the contractile intensity to KCI and norepinephrine and relaxations to acetylcholine by 14 days of hypertension. Responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar in all groups at all time points. Hyperresponsiveness to norepinephrine produced by coarctation of the aorta was not affected by eflornithine. These studies indicate that normalization of vascular function can occur in the presence of significantly elevated blood pressure upon chronic administration of eflornithine. This functional normalization correlates with eflornithine-mediated regression of structural abnormalities normally associated with pressure overload hypertension.
ESTIMA, a tool for EST management in a multi-project environment

Background Single-pass, partial sequencing of complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries generates thousands of chromatograms that are processed into high quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and then assembled into contigs representative of putative genes. Usually, to be of value, ESTs and contigs must be associated with meaningful annotations, and made available to end-users.
Effect of household children on adult ED smokers' motivation to quit

Abstract Objective We hypothesized adult parenting smokers in the emergency department (ED) have a higher interest in quitting and may be more amenable to tobacco cessation counseling than smokers without children. Study Design Cross-sectional survey study of adult smokers in 8 US academic EDs. Results One thousand one hundred sixty-eight smokers enrolled, 441 (37.8%) with household children (total of 973 exposed children). Compared to smokers without household children, smokers with children were younger (mean age, 37.4 vs 42.8 years), more female (60.3% vs 40.3%), and nonwhite (57.5% vs 44.5%) (all P P = .31). Parenting smokers were more interested in quitting (mean Ladder of Contemplation score, 4.8 vs 5.1 [ P = .02]), felt it more important to quit (median score, 9 vs 8 [ P = .01]), and more confident to quit (7 vs 6 [ P = .004]) than nonparenting smokers. Smoking inside the home was banned by 45% of smokers with children vs 30% without household children ( P Conclusions Adult ED parenting smokers are interested in quitting and taking steps to limit their children's secondhand smoke exposure. Asking adult ED smokers about household children may enhance motivation to quit.
Space-time signal processing for wireless communications: a survey

This survey paper reviews space-time signal processing (STP) in mobile wireless communications. Space-time processing refers to manipulating signals that are received at or transmitted from an antenna array so as to improve performance. We focus on antenna arrays deployed at the base stations since such applications are of current practical interest. We first introduce channel and signal models for base station antennas, and present the different structures present in the channel model after sampling and stacking the received signals. We then present single user (SU) and multiple user (MU) space-time processing techniques for the reverse link. Our focus is on blind signal separation, and intersymbol/co-channel interference cancellation. We consider a number of recent advances in batch and adaptive blind space-time processing that show promise in solving these problems.
A MICROMACHINED GEOMETRIC MOIRÉ INTERFEROMETRIC FLOATING-ELEMENT SHEAR STRESS SENSOR

This paper presents the development of a floating-element shear stress sensor that permits the direct measurement of skin friction based on geometric Moir interferometry. The sensor was fabricated using an aligned wafer-bond/thin-back process producing optical gratings on the backside of a floating element and on the top surface of the support wafer. Experimental characterization indicates a static sensitivity of 0.26 microns/Pa, a resonant frequency of 1.7 kHz, and a noise floor of 6.2 mPa/(square root)Hz.
Using Different Memory Cutoffs to Assess Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective Although mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by performance on memory and other measures below expected normative values, neither a scientific rationale nor a consensus exists regarding which measures have the most use or the optimal cutoffs to use to establish impairment. Methods Different memory measures were administered to 80 normal community-dwelling subjects divided into two age groups. This provided conormed data on eight different memory indices by which to compare 23 nondemented clinically diagnosed patients with MCI who met all other criteria for Alzheimer disease (AD). Results On immediate memory for passages, delayed visual reproduction, object memory, and a measure sensitive to semantic interference, 70%–78% of patients with MCI were identified as impaired at 1.5 standard deviations or greater below expected levels. Conditional logistical regression for age-matched samples indicated that consideration of raw scores for these neuropsychologic tests in combination did not significantly change the odds of MCI diagnosis. When impairment relative to the total normal elderly sample was calculated based on one or more impairments at a 1.5 or greater cutoff, specificity fell below acceptable levels when more than three memory measures were considered. Conclusion An array of widely used neuropsychologic measures demonstrated utility in distinguishing patients with MCI-AD from cognitively normal community-dwelling elders. The appropriateness of more or less stringent cutoffs was highly influenced by the number of measures considered. These findings have important implications regarding the choice of cut points for impairment used for the diagnosis of MCI in both research and clinical settings.
Risk factors for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and prevention practices among US heterosexual adults: changes from 1990 to 1992.

OBJECTIVES. The National AIDS Behavioral Survey (1990-1992) of heterosexual adults (18-49 years) measured human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factors, condom use, and HIV antibody testing, with a focus on major "high-risk" cities. METHODS. A longitudinal survey was conducted. RESULTS. There was little reduction in the overall prevalence of HIV risk factors in the national or high-risk cities cohorts over time. Despite this picture of stability, approximately 39% of the population at risk for HIV because of multiple sexual partners turns over annually. There was little change in HIV test-seeking or in consistent condom use with primary sexual partners. Although the majority of at-risk respondents used condoms sporadically or not at all (65%), a significant increase in condom use was found among those reporting multiple sexual partners in both waves, particularly among Black heterosexuals. Data from other surveys and condom sales nationally support the findings. CONCLUSIONS. There is a need for a series...
Challenges for Service Science

Service science is still in a formative stage, with many basic ideas still in flux and significant disagreements about definitions and implications of basic concepts. This paper suggests directions for progress in relation to eight problematic areas within service science. It uses five typical medical services to question typical definitions of service and service system. It suggests that service science should not privilege servitizing over productizing; that a series of design dimensions whose endpoints are often associated with products or with services are more useful than yes/no distinctions between products and services; that the concept of “the customer” should be replaced with clearer identification of different groups and types of customers; that value co-production by customers and co-creation by providers are optional characteristics of services; that assumptions about the importance of the intentions and variability of service system participants should be clarified; and that better balance between analytical rigor and the spirit of service is often needed. As a starting point for addressing these challenges, the concluding section identifies premises underlying an integrated view of service marketing, service operations, and service computing.
PIM bandwidth requirements

This paper is concerned with experimental and theoretical bandwidths of pulse duration modulation signals. A theoretical evaluation of a hypothetical PDM system is examined and extropolated into the region of standard hardware. The presentation takes the form of curves depicting bandwidth requirements. A look at the mathematics of the PDM curves is taken to show the effect of sampling speed and data frequency. Experimental evaluations are presented in the form of spectrum photographs.
CITRUS FLUSHING PATTERNS, DIAPHORINA CITRI (HEMIPTERA: PSYLLIDAE) POPULATIONS AND PARASITISM BY TAMARIXIA RADIATA (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE) IN PUERTO RICO

Abstract Discovery of citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing in Brazil and Florida has elevated the vector psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), to key pest status in both regions. Detected in Puerto Rico within 3 years of first detection in Florida, the psyllid appeared to be relatively scarce in the Island’s limited citrus and alternate rutaceous host, orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata. Monthly surveys were conducted at 4 locations during 2004 through 2005 to evaluate citrus flushing patterns, psyllid densities, and prevalence of parasitism by Tamarixia radiata. Although low levels of D. citri are known to be established in the high, cool areas of Adjuntas, a total lack of psyllids at the particular study location was attributed to scarcity of flush except for a short period in Feb. Greatest and most prolonged production of new flush, highest psyllid numbers, and greatest incidence of parasitism occurred at Isabela, the most coastal location and the only one with irrigated citrus. Favorab...
Successful Implementation of an Automated Sedation Vacation Process in Intensive Care Units

This quality improvement initiative sought to develop a sedation vacation (SV) protocol to increase SV performance and ensure sustainability. A standardized, nurse-driven SV protocol within the electronic medical record was implemented in adult intensive care units (ICUs) at Boston Medical Center. For 6 months, data were collected on the number of assessments performed, SV completion, SV eligibility, and reason for exclusion. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay (LOS) and ventilator LOS. Of 1730 patient-days during this 6-month period, SV assessments were performed 70% (n = 1211) of the time. SVs were conducted on 60.0% (n = 726) during days in which an assessment occurred. There was no significant change in ICU LOS or ventilator LOS during the study period. This SV protocol attained a 70% adherence rate, which was sustained over the 6-month period. There were no significant changes in secondary outcomes.
Objective Self-Awareness

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the theory of objective self-awareness. It presents the theory of objective self-awareness as it stands presently: Conscious attention is viewed as dichotomous, having the property of being directed either toward the self or toward the environment. The direction of attention is guided by events that force attention inward, such as reflections of the self, and events that pull attention outward, such as distracting stimuli outside the self. Under objective self-awareness, the person will experience either negative or positive affect depending on whether attention is directed toward a negative or a positive discrepancy. The chapter illustrates the operation of a principle that is new to the theory. There are three studies relevant to this new proposition—two on self-esteem and one on attribution. Escaping objective self-awareness has been highlighted. The evolved theory of objective self-awareness has ramifications for three conceptual phenomena: (1) The initial reaction to self-focused attention is self-evaluation, which can be either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the nature of the salient within-self discrepancy; (2) The onset of self-focused attention generates attempts to avoid mirrors and similar stimuli, given that salient discrepancies are negative, and in experimentation, attention can be taken from the self through passive diversions as well as through motor activities; (3) If there is no escape from self-focusing stimuli, discrepancy reduction will then follow.
Evolution of Wave Packets in Stratified Baroclinic Basic Flow

So far, we have discussed only the dynamics of wave packet with the barotropic basic flow in a two-dimensional system. The baroclinicity of the basic flow is of great importance in geophysical fluids. Therefore, in this chapter we extend the previous results (Yang, 1988b,c) into a three-dimensional disturbance system with the baroclinic basic flow. The vorticity equation of motion and Ertel theorem are given in Section 7.2. The model is a three-dimensional stratified disturbance system with barotropic and baroclinic basic flow on the earth’s.δ-surface. The potential vorticity equation in a stratified geophysical flow is derived in Section 7.3. The equations determining the structure and its change are addressed in Section 7.4. Integral properties of this model are presented in Section 7.5. Sections 7.6 and 7.7 discuss the structures of wave packets and their changes on the zonal and meridional basic flow, respectively.
Direct dynamical evidence for the spin glass lower critical dimension 2<d(ℓ)<3.

A dynamical method is introduced to study the effect of dimensionality on phase transitions. Direct experimental measurements for the lower critical dimension for spin glasses is provided as an example. The method makes use of the spin glass correlation length $\ensuremath{\xi}(t,T)$. Once nucleated, it can become comparable to sample dimensions in convenient time and temperature ranges. Thin films of amorphous Ge:Mn alloys were prepared with thickness $\mathcal{L}\ensuremath{\approx}15.5\text{ }\mathrm{nm}$. Conventional behavior is observed as long as $\ensuremath{\xi}(t,T)l\mathcal{L}$. At the measurement time ${t}_{\text{co}}$, when $\ensuremath{\xi}({t}_{\text{co}},T)\ensuremath{\approx}\mathcal{L}$, the time dependence is observed to cross over to exponential. These results are interpreted using spin glass dynamics, and are consistent with a lower critical dimension for spin glasses, ${d}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, between $2l{d}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}l3$.
Vortex simulation of the three-dimensional wake behind a cube

A vortex-boundary element method (VBEM) has been developed for the direct simulation of high Reynolds number unsteady incompressible flow inside 3D domains. The VBEM is entirely grid-free in the fluid domain and eliminates the difficult task of volumetric meshing of complex geometries. Moreover, the Lagrangian evaluation of the convective processes permits the direct simulation of high Reynolds number flows virtually free of numerical diffusion. In this paper, the formulation and approach are briefly described, followed by the presentation of results from the simulation of flow over an impulsively started cubic bluff body. For the case of flow at Re = 100, based on the cube side and the free-stream velocity, an unsteady near-field wake is shown to develop in response to randomly introduced perturbations in the field. Additionally, the predictions exhibit the development of four oppositely-signed pairs of weak streamwise vortices near the four edges and within the downstream half of the cube. The stationary state results from the present computation are shown to compare well with an available finite difference solution. (Author)
Influence of ATM-Mediated DNA Damage Response on Genomic Variation in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Genome instability is a potential limitation to the research and therapeutic application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Observed genomic variations reflect the combined activities of DNA damage, cellular DNA damage response (DDR), and selection pressure in culture. To understand the contribution of DDR on the distribution of copy number variations (CNVs) in iPSCs, we mapped CNVs of iPSCs with mutations in the central DDR gene ATM onto genome organization landscapes defined by genome-wide replication timing profiles. We show that following reprogramming the early and late replicating genome is differentially affected by CNVs in ATM-deficient iPSCs relative to wild-type iPSCs. Specifically, the early replicating regions had increased CNV losses during retroviral (RV) reprogramming. This differential CNV distribution was not present after later passage or after episomal reprogramming. Comparison of different reprogramming methods in the setting of defective DDR reveals unique vulnerability of early replicating open chromatin to RV vectors.
Direct stimulation of human fibroblasts by nCeO2 in vitro is attenuated with an amorphous silica coating.

Nano-scaled cerium oxide (nCeO2) is used in a variety of applications, including use as a fuel additive, catalyst, and polishing agent, yet potential adverse health effects associated with nCeO2 exposure remain incompletely understood. Given the increasing utility and demand for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) such as nCeO2, “safety-by-design” approaches are currently being sought, meaning that the physicochemical properties (e.g., size and surface chemistry) of the ENMs are altered in an effort to maximize functionality while minimizing potential toxicity. In vivo studies have shown in a rat model that inhaled nCeO2 deposited deep in the lung and induced fibrosis. However, little is known about how the physicochemical properties of nCeO2, or the coating of the particles with a material such as amorphous silica (aSiO2), may affect the bio-activity of these particles. Thus, we hypothesized that the physicochemical properties of nCeO2 may explain its potential to induce fibrogenesis, and that a nano-thin aSiO2 coating on nCeO2 may counteract that effect. Primary normal human lung fibroblasts were treated at occupationally relevant doses with nCeO2 that was either left uncoated or was coated with aSiO2 (amsCeO2). Subsequently, fibroblasts were analyzed for known hallmarks of fibrogenesis, including cell proliferation and collagen production, as well as the formation of fibroblastic nodules. The results of this study are consistent with this hypothesis, as we found that nCeO2 directly induced significant production of collagen I and increased cell proliferation in vitro, while amsCeO2 did not. Furthermore, treatment of fibroblasts with nCeO2, but not amsCeO2, significantly induced the formation of fibroblastic nodules, a clear indicator of fibrogenicity. Such in vitro data is consistent with recent in vivo observations using the same nCeO2 nanoparticles and relevant doses. This effect appeared to be mediated through TGFβ signaling since chemical inhibition of the TGFβ receptor abolished these responses. These results indicate that differences in the physicochemical properties of nCeO2 may alter the fibrogenicity of this material, thus highlighting the potential benefits of “safety-by-design” strategies. In addition, this study provides an efficient in vitro method for testing the fibrogenicity of ENMs that strongly correlates with in vivo findings.
Protein Kinase C Regulates Rod Photoreceptor Differentiation Through Modulation of STAT3 Signaling

The molecular signals governing retinal development remain poorly understood, but some key molecules that play important roles have been identified. Activation of STAT3 by cytokines such as LIF and CNTF specifically blocks differentiation of rod photoreceptors. Here we test the hypothesis that PKC activation promotes development of rod photoreceptors by inhibiting STAT3. Explant cultures of mouse retina were used to study the effects of PKC activation on rod development. The expression of opsin, a rod specific marker, is induced at an early stage in retina explants cultured in the presence of PMA and this effect is prevented by the PKC inhibitor Go7874. Histological experiments show that there is expression of PKC beta1, but not PKC-alpha in the outer nuclear layer between E17.5 and PN5. In vitro data derived from cell lines shows that activation of PKC results in reduction of STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, inhibition of PKC results in increase STAT3 phosphorylation. We suggest that cross talk of signals between STAT3 and PKC may determine the differentiation of rods from retinal progeitors.
Conservative or immediate surgical management of Blunt renal injuries

AbstractFrom 1969 to 1981, 1,176 blunt renal injuries were recorded in 1,166 patients (10 patients had bilateral injuries). Conservative management of 27 patients with severe renal injuries resulted in a delayed renal operation in 30 per cent and total renal loss in 22 per cent. A review of the published series of the conservative management of patients with severe renal injuries (laceration, rupture and pedide injury) shows a renal surgery rate of 13 to 68 per cent, a renal loss rate of 3 to 33 per cent and a significant complication/renal surgery rate of 13 to 76 per cent. In our patients 88 per cent with severe renal injuries had associated injuries and 73 per cent of these underwent immediate laparotomy for intra-abdominal injury. Immediate renal surgery in 59 patients with severe renal injuries resulted in a nephrectomy rate of 6.5 per cent of 31 renal lacerations, 100 per cent of 14 renal ruptures and 50 per cent of 14 pedide injuries. Of the 14 patients with pedicle injuries 6 (43 per cent) had imm...
Factors influencing the survival of outmigrating juvenile salmonids through multiple dam passages: an individual‐based approach

Substantial declines of Pacific salmon populations have occurred over the past several decades related to large-scale anthropogenic and climatic changes in freshwater and marine environments. In the Columbia River Basin, migrating juvenile salmonids may pass as many as eight large-scale hydropower projects before reaching the ocean; however, the cumulative effects of multiple dam passages are largely unknown. Using acoustic transmitters and an extensive system of hydrophone arrays in the Lower Columbia River, we calculated the survival of yearling Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (O. mykiss) passing one, two, or three dams. We applied a unique index of biological characteristics and environmental exposures, experienced by each fish individually as it migrated downstream, in order to examine which factors most influence salmonid survival. High outflow volumes led to involuntary spill in 2011 and created an environment of supersaturated dissolved gas concentrations. In this environment, migrating smolt survival was strongly influenced by barometric pressure, fish velocity, and water temperature. The effect of these variables on survival was compounded by multiple dam passages compared to fish passing a single dam. Despite spatial isolation between dams in the Lower Columbia River hydrosystem, migrating smolt appear to experience cumulative effects akin to a press disturbance. In general, Chinook salmon and steelhead respond similarly in terms of survival rates and responses to altered environmental conditions. Management actions that limit dissolved gas concentrations in years of high flow will benefit migrating salmonids at this life stage.
Regression in thin melanoma is associated with nodal recurrence after a negative sentinel node biopsy.

Prognostic markers for nodal metastasis in thin melanoma patients are debated. We present a single institution study looking at factors predictive of nodal disease in thin melanoma patients. Retrospective review from 1997 to 2012 identified 252 patients with thin melanoma (≤1 mm) who underwent a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Node-positive patients included positive SLNB patients and negative SLNB patients who developed a nodal recurrence (false-negative SLNB). Clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with nodal status and outcome. Median follow-up was 45.5 months. Twelve of 252 patients (4.8%) were node-positive including six positive SLNB (2.4%) and six false-negative SLNB (2.4%) patients. No clinicopathologic factors were significantly correlated with nodal disease. For the six false-negative SLNB patients, median time to nodal recurrence was 37.5 months. Regression was seen in only 16% of cases, but the rate increased to 60% for false-negative SLNB cases. Both age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17; P = 0.02) and regression (OR: 8.33, 95% CI: 1.34–52.63; P = 0.02) were significantly associated with nodal recurrence after a negative SLNB on univariable analysis. Nodal disease in thin melanoma patients was seen in 4.8% of cases. Although regression was not correlated with nodal metastasis, it was correlated with a false-negative SLNB. Patients with thin melanoma and regression may need more intensive surveillance after a negative SLNB. Further study is needed to determine if the same immune mechanisms that result in regression in primary tumors also lead to regression in lymph nodes, which may decrease detection of melanoma nodal metastases.
Money and Other Signifiers

The public masquerade I call the “Gaingiin Society” consists of ranked spirit-masks which afford men a measure of veiled agency in village space. Divided into seven named age-grades, each one initiated its junior grade into its mask when they fulfilled certain obligations. The most senior masks used to be exchanged in return for younger men’s wives’ sexual services. In 1988, money was substituted for sexual intercourse during a grade-taking rite. This substitution took place in the broader context in which modern tokens of value, such as fiberglass boats and outboard motors, have replaced archaic forms of Murik material culture, like outrigger canoes. The semantic extensions of Murik meaning that some of them have received—such as cars being called canoes—give voice to a fairly equivocal dialogue in which men’s alienation has doubled.
Update and Analysis of Current Boiler Operations Used for the Generation of Steam Heat and Electricity

According to the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the number of boilers in the U.S. devoted to the production of steam, electricity, and heat is approximately 1.5 million. This study analyzes boilers burning natural gas, coal, wood, oil, or other fuels to recover thermal energy in the form of steam or hot water to produce electricity or heat. The focus of this research paper will be to assess the compliance status of the boilers which were in the original EPA major source Boiler MACT group to provide insight into the current operating status of these boiler units.