cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING GERMINATION OF RHIZOMUCOR MIEHEI SPORANGIOSPORES

Spore concentration, tube culture age, nutrients, high temperature, and pH were studied to determine their effect on germination of Rhizomucor miehei sporangiospores. Germination was evaluated by incubating the spores for 6 hours at 45 C on a defined glucose-basal agar (aqueous solutions of nutrients were used to evaluate their effect on spore germination). The six spore concentrations tested did not affect the percent spore germination. A sharp drop in the percent spore germination occurred when spores were obtained from cultures incubated at 40 C for more than 10 days. Spores did not germinate in distilled water nor in solutions of KNO3 or vitamins. Spores did not germinate after being incubated in distilled water for 5 minutes at 65 C, for 2 hours at 60 C, or for 12 hours at 55 C, but not all of the spores were killed by these treatments. Percent germination was not affected when the pH of the buffered, liquid glucose-basal medium was between 4.5 and 7.
Influence of Honeycomb Core Thickness on Compressive Property of Nomex Honeycomb Sandwich Composites

Nomex honeycomb sandwich composites with different core thickness were prepared using NRH-2-48 aramid paper as core and carbon fiber laminates as panels.The effect of core thickness on compressive property was studied by compression testing,and the relationships of core thickness with buckling load and compressive breaking load were investigated.The results show that with the increase of core thickness,the buckling load and the breaking load of the composite increased.When the buckling load of composites was as high as the breaking load of the panel,the core thickness was the best.
The Tensile Behavior of High-Strength Carbon Fibers.

Carbon fibers exhibit exceptional properties such as high stiffness and specific strength, making them excellent reinforcements for composite materials. However, it is difficult to directly measure their tensile properties and estimates are often obtained by tensioning fiber bundles or composites. While these macro scale tests are informative for composite design, their results differ from that of direct testing of individual fibers. Furthermore, carbon filament strength also depends on other variables, including the test length, actual fiber diameter, and material flaw distribution. Single fiber tensile testing was performed on high-strength carbon fibers to determine the load and strain at failure. Scanning electron microscopy was also conducted to evaluate the fiber surface morphology and precisely measure each fiber’s diameter. Fiber strength was found to depend on the test gage length and in an effort to better understand the overall expected performance of these fibers at various lengths, statistical weak link scaling was performed. In addition, the true Young’s modulus was also determined by taking the system compliance into account. It was found that all properties (tensile strength, strain to failure, and Young’s modulus) matched very well with the manufacturers’ reported values at 20 mm gage lengths, but deviated significantly at other lengths.
Connecting algal taxonomic information to essential fatty acid content in agricultural streams

Abstract: Benthic algae comprise a diversity of taxonomic lineages and produce important biochemical compounds required by higher trophic levels. Chief among these compounds are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that aquatic consumers require for their metabolic and reproductive processes. However, habitat changes from anthropogenic activities, namely, agriculture, can affect not only which species of algae may be present but also the quantity and quality of EFAs they produce. This study aims to evaluate how benthic algal taxonomic composition and EFA concentrations vary in streams affected by agriculture and remediation through stream-associated best management practices (BMPs). The study was undertaken in the Upper Delaware River watershed in New York state, in which BMPs have been installed over multiple years (= BMP age). Some results indicate that BMPs were able to reduce effects of agriculture. Changes in benthic algal assemblages, the proportions of algal taxonomic groups, and in specific taxonomic memb...
Comparison to Other Input/Output Approaches

Throughout the book we employed a state-space approach with the help of the dissipativity concept, generalized in Chap. 8 to dynamic supply rates. In this final chapter, we make connections to other input/output approaches that treat dynamical systems as operators mapping inputs to outputs in function spaces. We start with classical input/output techniques, and next relate the dynamic supply rates of Chap. 8 to integral quadratic constraints (IQCs) . We conclude by pointing to further results that are complementary to those presented in the book.
Project organization, diverse knowledge, and innovation systems in the korean game software industry

This research was initiated in the belief that new product development requires the integration of diverse knowledge located in different units or organizations. In recent decades, evolutionary scholars have emphasized the importance of coherent systems and regional scientists have highlighted the importance of geographical proximity for easier transfer of tacit knowledge. Despite the strength of these explanations, they do not adequately address the balance between tacit and explicit knowledge, ignoring different types of knowledge conversion process (Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995). My research aims to bring a greater understanding of the integration of diverse knowledge for innovation achievements among different actors. Specifically, this thesis deals with project organization for new product development, exploring three main research areas: (1) company utilization of external companies and freelancers for project formation in relation to resource mobilization of companies; (2) types of knowledge conversion among employees within and between departments; and (3) the impacts of several meditating factors on clustering orientations of companies. These meditating factors include knowledge codification, IT technology for communication, and trust mechanisms that help to mobilize external knowledge and reduce friction among team members. In this study, data are collected from questionnaire survey (104 firms) and interviews with 34 persons in the Korean game industry. Probit model, tobit model, and OLS regression model were used. The main findings are as follows. First, codified knowledge—concept reports, prototypes, and manuals—is produced through externalization as a game development project is in progress. Second, among several indicators of internal capability of companies, the type of initial industry—whether game companies started their business in the game industry—and expenditures on the purchase of intellectual property rights from other cultural industries have significant and positive impacts on the utilization of external partners. Third, information communication technology has a significant, negative impact on clustering orientation of companies while reliance on "communities of practice" and "built-in trust" have significant, positive impacts on that.
Extracapsular Dissection vs Superficial Parotidectomy of Benign Parotid Lesions: Surgical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness Analysis

Importance The clinical implications of extracapsular dissection over superficial parotidectomy are controversial and limited in data on cost-effectiveness. Objective To compare extracapsular dissection with superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors with respect to surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective medical record review and cost-effectiveness analysis performed from August 2012 to November 2015 at a tertiary care institution. Adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions were included. Exposures Treatment by extracapsular dissection or superficial parotidectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences in postoperative complication rates and health services outcomes, including procedure time, anesthesia time, length of stay, and charges for surgeon, anesthesia, operating room, and hospital. Results A total of 46 parotidectomies consisting of 26 extracapsular dissections and 20 superficial parotidectomies met criteria. Of the 46 patients, 33 were women. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 83 years. Lesion features were similar between groups with most being pleomorphic adenoma. Procedure time (effect size, −1.31; 95% CI, −1.93 to −0.65), anesthesia time (effect size, −1.37; 95% CI, −1.99 to −0.70), and length of stay (effect size, −0.66; 95% CI, −1.25 to −0.05) were significantly shorter for extracapsular dissection compared with superficial parotidectomy. Moreover, anesthesia (effect size, −1.55; 95% CI, −2.19 to −0.86), operating room (effect size, −1.09; 95% CI, −1.69 to −0.45), and total hospital charges (effect size, −1.13; 95% CI, −1.74 to −0.49) were significantly less for extracapsular dissection while remaining charges, including surgeon, showed no difference. Finally, facial nerve weakness, great auricular nerve dysesthesia, and other relevant postoperative complications were comparable between groups. Conclusions and Relevance In the hands of an experienced surgeon, extracapsular dissection is a shorter, less costly, and equally safe alternative to traditional superficial parotidectomy when treating benign parotid lesions. Further follow-up is needed to ensure these perceived advantages are maintained over time.
Pneumococcal Community-Acquired Pneumonia Detected by Serotype-Specific Urinary Antigen Detection Assays

Background Streptococcus pneumoniae is considered the leading bacterial cause of pneumonia in adults. Yet, it was not commonly detected by traditional culture-based and conventional urinary testing in a recent multicenter etiology study of adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We used novel serotype-specific urinary antigen detection (SSUAD) assays to determine whether pneumococcal cases were missed by traditional testing. Methods We studied adult patients hospitalized with CAP at 5 hospitals in Chicago and Nashville (2010-2012) and enrolled in the Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community (EPIC) study. Traditional diagnostic testing included blood and sputum cultures and conventional urine antigen detection (ie, BinaxNOW). We applied SSUAD assays that target serotypes included in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to stored residual urine specimens. Results Among 1736 patients with SSUAD and ≥1 traditional pneumococcal test performed, we identified 169 (9.7%) cases of pneumococcal CAP. Traditional tests identified 93 (5.4%) and SSUAD identified 76 (4.4%) additional cases. Among 14 PCV13-serotype cases identified by culture, SSUAD correctly identified the same serotype in all of them. Cases identified by SSUAD vs traditional tests were similar in most demographic and clinical characteristics, although disease severity and procalcitonin concentration were highest among those with positive blood cultures. The proportion of pneumonia cases caused by serotypes exclusively covered by PCV13 was not significantly different between the first and second July-June study periods (6.4% vs 4.0%). Conclusions Although restricted to the detection of only 13 serotypes, SSUAD testing substantially increased the detection of pneumococcal pneumonia among adults hospitalized with CAP.
The Historical (Dis)Continuity of the Catalan Language and the Linguistic Creation of the Spanish Empire: Ausiàs March in the Early Modern Period

This chapter demonstrates how the editions, translations and commentaries of Ausias March’s poetry in the Early Modern Period contributed to the linguistic construction of the Spanish Empire. At the end of the fifteenth century, the historical unity and continuity of the Catalan language fell under political scrutiny. While examples of this linguistic identity crisis appear throughout the fifteenth century, one of the clearest examples of linguistic rupture is observed in the sixteenth century, when the Valencian poet Ausias March (1400–1459) became one of the most highly regarded poets of the Iberian Peninsula. The study, printing, and editing of his work constituted an important field of interpretation of the continuity of the Catalan language from the Middle Ages to the sixteenth century, and its relationship with Medieval and Early Modern Occitan. Interpreting and naming March’s language implied either supporting or opposing the continuity of the Catalan language through its relationship with Occitan. This chapter describes how the ideological (dis)continuity of Catalan and Occitan could be exploited either to support or to problematize the idea of Castilian as the exclusive language and the voice of anonymity of the growing Spanish Empire.
Operando Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals Mechanics of Structural Water Driven Battery-to-Pseudocapacitor Transition.

The presence of structural water in tungsten oxides leads to a transition in the energy storage mechanism from battery-type intercalation (limited by solid state diffusion) to pseudocapacitance (limited by surface kinetics). Here, we demonstrate that these electrochemical mechanisms are linked to the mechanical response of the materials during intercalation of protons and present a pathway to utilize the mechanical coupling for local studies of electrochemistry. Operando atomic force microscopy dilatometry is used to measure the deformation of redox-active energy storage materials and to link the local nanoscale deformation to the electrochemical redox process. This technique reveals that the local mechanical deformation of the hydrated tungsten oxide is smaller and more gradual than the anhydrous oxide and occurs without hysteresis during the intercalation and deintercalation processes. The ability of layered materials with confined structural water to minimize mechanical deformation likely contributes t...
Role of insulin receptors in the expression of prostaglandin E1 binding activity in platelets.

Aggregation of platelets induced by agonists like thrombin, ADP, 1-epinephrine or collagen is believed to be critically important not only in the normal blood coagulation process (1), but platelet hyperactivity has been shown to be crucially important in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic heart disease (2). Studies have demonstrated increased platelet released products (3), aggregates of platelets in the circulation (4), and enhanced aggregation of platelets (2) in patients with acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. The aggregation of platelets is counterbalanced by several humoral factors which include prostanoids like prostacyclin (PGI2) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). These prostaglandins inhibit platelet aggregation by increasing intracellular cyclic AMP level through the activation of adenylate cyclase in these cells (5), and are believed to play a significant role in the prevention of thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
A miRaculous new therapy in myeloma

In this issue of Blood , Morelli et al describe a novel method for targeting cancers with dysregulated c-MYC (MYC), such as multiple myeloma, by inhibiting the micro-RNA 17-92 (miR-17-92) cluster through degradation of its precursor RNA. 1
Ventricular Ectopy and Arrhythmia Characteristics for Persons Living with HIV and Uninfected Controls.

Background:Persons with HIV have elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the risk of ventricular ectopy and ventricular tachycardia (VE/VT) for HIV-infected (HIV+) perso...
Community Cultural Wealth Pedagogies: Cultivating Autoethnographic Counternarratives and Migration Capital:

Pedagogies employing critical traditions have increasingly been used to ameliorate achievement disparities and centralize issues of power in the education of Students of Color. In this study, I tra...
An Age-Based Approach to Anterior Shoulder Instability in Patients Under 40 Years Old: Analysis of a US Population.

Background:While a large volume of literature has focused on risk factors for anterior shoulder instability, the rates of recurrence are inconsistent and require additional population-based epidemi...
Factors affecting risky cybersecurity behaviors by U.S. workers: An exploratory study

Abstract Behavioral determinants of cybersecurity have gained greater attention among information technology experts in recent years. However, drivers of risky cybersecurity behavior have not been widely studied. This exploratory study examines the extent to which risky cybersecurity behavior is predicted by factors of cybersecurity-related avoidance behavior. Self-reported risky cybersecurity behavior was examined in light of technology threat avoidance factors in a sample of 184 working adults in the United States. Risky behaviors were measured using the instrument by Hadlington (2017), previously used by researchers to measure behavioral associations with non-technology threat avoidance-related items. Hierarchical regression noted significant predictive associations between several technology threat avoidance factors and self-reported risky cybersecurity behavior: perceived susceptibility (p = .027), perceived cost (p = .003), and self-efficacy (p = .043). Combined, these variables explained 9.4% of the adjusted variance in levels of risky cybersecurity behavior (p = .001). Effect size calculations revealed predictive impacts in the low-medium range. Age was also confirmed as a confounding covariate (p = .045). The impact findings uniquely distinguish this study from previous works. Findings also infer that training in protective behavior can mitigate a significant portion of risky cybersecurity behavior.
A multi-dimensional adoption approach for improved sorghum varieties in eastern Kenya: a climate change adaptation perspective

In this era of changing climatic conditions, agricultural technology developers continue to promote suitable innovations to cushion and improve resilience of smallholder farmers against adverse eff...
Options and outcomes of soft tissue reconstruction in patients undergoing surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer

Abstract Reconstruction of extensive perineal defects following oncological surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer poses functional as well as esthetic challenges. Good communication between the colorectal and reconstructive surgeon is essential to achieve a successful reconstruction. The reconstructive ladder includes a wide variety of options for the management of these defects; however, the best reconstructive option depends on defect characteristics, progression of disease, tissues involved, patient co-morbidities, past surgical history, prior radiation therapy, and the technical expertise of the reconstructive surgeon. In all cases, the necessity of skin coverage, as well as vascularized tissue to obliterate dead space, is required to close the defect and minimize the risk of complications.
Performance of a commercially available multiplex platform in the assessment of circulating cytokines and chemokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Abstract Background/objective Cytokines and chemokines (cytokines) are central to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, with increasing use of multiplex immunoassays in clinical/research settings. Rheumatoid factor (RF) may interfere with assay outcomes by nonspecifically binding detection analytes. We evaluated the performance of a commercially available multiplex platform, including assessment of the impact of RF depletion. Methods Forty-five cytokines were tested using Meso Scale Discovery V-PLEX™ and samples from 40 RA and 40 osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Select samples were depleted of RF using a commercial binder. Performance was assessed using intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), percent change following RF depletion, and disease discrimination. Values above or below quantification thresholds were imputed. Results Of the 45 cytokines analyzed, 31 yielded CVs 30%. ICCs universally exceeded 0.85 with the exception of eight analytes. RF depletion altered cytokine values by 30%) only seen for one analyte. Twenty-three cytokines differed significantly based on measurement in plasma vs. serum. Three analytes were higher in the serum of RA vs. OA (IL-10, IP-10, TNFα), and none were significantly greater in OA vs. RA. Seventeen analytes required imputation for >50% of the samples tested, primarily related to concentrations below the lower limit of quantification threshold. Conclusion The results from this commercially available multiplex assay were generally highly reproducible and interference induced by RF only meaningfully impacted the quantification of five of the analytes examined.
Judicial Climate Engagement

Courts in key climate change cases have abdicated their constitutional responsibility to protect a prejudiced and disenfranchised group (non-voting minors and future generations) and remedy an insidious pathology in public discourse and the political process: the industry-funded climate disinformation campaign. This article posits that the abdication results from courts’ uneasiness about displacing the prerogatives of democratically elected bodies. This uneasiness is misplaced. Court engagement with climate cases would strengthen democracy in accord with widely accepted justifications for countermajoritarian judicial review. This article first describes in detail how courts exhibit a frustrating reticence to accept jurisdiction over cases that present questions relating to core climate policy, such as whether large emitters or fossil fuel producers have common law liability for climate harms and whether the government has a common law or constitutional duty to address climate change. In not a single case raising such claims (and they number well over thirty) has a court permitted the case to proceed to trial. Courts dismiss these claims under the mantle of a variety of justiciability doctrines (standing, political question doctrine, displacement); these doctrines often serve as vessels for courts to exercise judicial restraint and courts’ language and reasoning in the climate cases confirms that the courts are, indeed, motivated by concerns of judicial overreach. The article then offers a positive account for why judicial engagement in the climate cases is consistent with our system of democracy, even as understood by seminal scholars who define relatively narrow boundaries for countermajoritarian judicial review, by situating arguments for judicial review in climate cases within the work of John Hart Ely, Jurgen Habermas, and Frank Michelman.
Toughness enhancing mechanisms in age hardened Fe–Mn–Al–C steels

Abstract Continued research on advanced high strength steels is an important step in reducing weight and fuel consumption of modern vehicles. Fe–Mn–Al–C steels that have increased concentrations of both Al and Mn, are currently under development to achieve these goals. Alloys with sufficiently high Al and C contents are precipitation hardenable, strengthening the steel by forming nano-sized κ-carbide precipitates, (Fe,Mn)3AlC. In this study, the toughness and phase stability of a Fe–Mn–Al–C steel was investigated by examining evolution of the γ-austenite matrix and κ-carbide precipitates using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission election microscopy (TEM), and synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction (SR-XRD). Impact toughness was examined using hardness and Charpy impact testing, and results are compared with CALPHAD predictions. This study illuminates proposed mechanisms for simultaneously improving strength and toughness in age-hardenable Fe–Mn–Al–C steels by examining the effect of various heat treatments on the γ-austenite matrix and κ-carbide precipitates.
From Helmets to Savings and Inheritance Taxes: Regulatory Intensity, Information Revelation, and Internalities

It seems obvious that regulation requires the revelation of private information, because legal interventions can do harm when they are designed with insufficient information about individuals’ preferences and other variables. Nevertheless, academic observers and lawmakers often identify a market failure or constituent need and then proceed to favor a specific legal intervention as if its intensity were of little significance. The right intensity, or even a level that does more good than harm, can be difficult to determine. It is apparent that regulation is more likely to improve social welfare when its intensity reflects accurate information about the costs and benefits it generates. At the same time, if revelation imposes emotional or other costs, then welfare can be improved if law camouflages true preferences. One aim of this Article is to add self-revelation to the calculus surrounding government intervention. Consequently, the focus is on internalities—that is, the class of problems in which intervention might be sought to deal with problems of self-control, broadly defined. Internality-driven interventions expose the need for one kind of information revelation because the essence of the interventionist claim is that the present self seeks to constrain the future self. But how do we evaluate the costs imposed on the future self and how do we assess the benefits to either self? Aspiring nonsmokers, for example, might seek help in the form of taxes or bans on cigarettes, but how do we know how high or extensive those restrictions should be? Part I begins by comparing the revelation problems inherent in government spending on public goods with those attached to
Dramatic Expression in Rameau's Tragédie en Musique: Between Tradition and Enlightenment

Cynthia Verba's book explores the story of music's role in the French Enlightenment, focusing on dramatic expression in the musical tragedies of the composer-theorist Jean-Philippe Rameau. She reveals how his music achieves its highly moving effects through an interplay between rational design, especially tonal design, and the portrayal of feeling and how this results in a more nuanced portrayal of the heroine. Offering a new approach to understanding Rameau's role in the Enlightenment, Verba illuminates important aspects of the theory-practice relationship and shows how his music embraced Enlightenment values. At the heart of the study are three scene types that occur in all of Rameau's tragedies: confession of forbidden love, intense conflict and conflict resolution. In tracing changes in Rameau's treatment of these, Verba finds that while he maintained an allegiance to the traditional French operatic model, he constantly adapted it to accommodate his more enlightened views on musical expression.
Cardioversion and digitalis

Abstract The relation between digitalis-induced sensitivity to electric shock and acute changes in serum potassium was studied in 34 dogs. The median threshold to electric shock 30 minutes after recovery from digitalis-induced ventricular tachycardia was 1 w.sec. in control dogs and 200 w.sec. in dogs receiving potassium. In animals recovering from digitalis-induced sensitivity to electric shock, administration of glucose and insulin re-established shock sensitivity with a median threshold of 1 w.sec. Lowering of potassium acutely by glucose and insulin in undigitalized dogs did not reduce the threshold to electric shock. These studies suggest three successive phases of digitalis toxicity: (1) an overt phase of arrhythmia; (2) a latent phase in which toxicity is unmasked by electric shock; and (3) a latent phase in which the glycoside effect is demonstrated by a combination of potassium reduction and electric discharge reversed by an acute increase in serum potassium.
Two generations with familial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare multi-system disease characterised by the pentad of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, fever and neurologic changes. A hereditary form of recurrent familial TTP has been described, which usually presents in adolescence or early adulthood and can lead to recurrent or chronic relapsing TTP. Genetic analyses of patients with familial TTP have linked the disease to chromosome 9q34, and an increased incidence is seen in people with HLA-B40 group antigens. We describe here an 11-year-old Egyptian girl with no significant past medical history who presented with new onset of bruising, petechial rash, fatigue and fevers and was diagnosed with familial TTP. Further testing revealed that both the patient and her father had the HLA-B40 group antigen and also had ADAMTS-13 von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease deficiency as well as factor-H deficiency.
LIKES: Educating the Next Generation of Knowledge Society Builders

Although information technology (IT) is used extensively in the education of all disciplines, the computing-related fields are facing tremendous challenges, such as declining student enrollment and a lack of representation from minorities and women. Strengthening the connection between computing and other fields could help instructors to integrate IT in their teaching and to support the learning of students, who will become the next generation of Knowledge Society builders. Presently, this connection is weak due to the lack of interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual understanding among faculty in computing and other fields. Our ongoing effort entitled “Living in the KnowlEdge Society (LIKES) Community Building Project” aims to build a community that will define a socially-relevant way to make systemic changes in how computing and IT concepts are taught and applied in both computing and other fields. In this paper, we review previous efforts in this area and summarize our project’s achievements and lessons learned. We also provide recommendations on integrating IT into other curricula and on strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations.
Formation of ψ(+) and ψ(−) DNA

DNA molecules can be organized into ordered aggregates of opposite handedness by complexation with polylysine and other polypeptides; we have investigated the conditions under which ψ(+) and ψ(−) structures are produced with double-helical synthetic polynucleotides. Both poly(dGdC)·poly(dGdC) and poly(dAdT)·poly(dAdT) readily form ψ(−) structures with polylysine, although the method of preparation can alter the CD spectra. The GC copolymer, which is more susceptible to conversion into A or Z conformers, forms ψ(+) structures with lysine–alanine copolypeptides more readily than the AT copolymer. Nucleotide base modifications that favor the Z structure, such as bromination and methylation, also favor ψ(+) formation, and the Co(NH3)6Cl3 reagent that readily induces the Z structure also leads to ψ(+). Thus, the production of the ψ(+) structure seems to be frequently correlated with susceptibility to A or Z formation, although there are some cases in which the B conformer also leads to ψ(+). Polyethylene glycol generally produces a ψ(−) structure; the differentiation between ψ(+) and ψ(−) structures seems to require electrically charged polymers.
Delivery of siRNAs to Dendritic Cells Using DEC205-Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles to Inhibit Immune Responses

Due to their ability to knock down the expression of any gene, siRNAs have been heralded as ideal candidates for treating a wide variety of diseases, including those involving “undruggable” targets. However, the therapeutic potential of siRNAs remains severely limited by a lack of effective delivery vehicles. Recently, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing ionizable cationic lipids have been developed for hepatic siRNA delivery. However, their suitability for delivery to other cell types has not been determined. We have modified LNPs for preferential targeting to dendritic cells (DCs), central regulators of immune responses. To achieve directed delivery, we coated LNPs with a single-chain antibody (scFv; DEC-LNPs), specific to murine DEC205, which is highly expressed on distinct DC subsets. Here we show that injection of siRNAs encapsulated in DEC-LNPs are preferentially delivered to DEC205+ DCs. Gene knockdown following uptake of DEC-LNPs containing siRNAs specific for the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86 dramatically decreases gene expression levels. We demonstrate the functionality of this knockdown with a mixed lymphocyte response (MLR). Overall, we report that injection of LNPs modified to restrict their uptake to a distinct cell population can confer profound gene knockdown, sufficient to inhibit powerful immune responses like the MLR.
Stretchable micro-electrode array [for retinal prosthesis]

This paper focuses on the design considerations, fabrication processes, and preliminary testing of a retinal prosthesis that has the potential to aid in vision restoration to millions of blind patients. We are developing an implantable, stretchable micro-electrode array using polymer-based microfabrication techniques. The device will serve as the interface between an electronic imaging system and the human eye, directly stimulating retinal neurons via thin film conducting traces and electroplated electrodes. The metal features are embedded within a thin (/spl sim/50 /spl mu/m) substrate fabricated using poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), a biocompatible elastomeric material that has high oxygen permeability and low water permeability. The conformable nature of PDMS is critical for ensuring uniform contact with the curved surface of the retina. To fabricate the device, we developed unique processes for metalizing PDMS to produce robust traces capable of maintaining conductivity when stretched (strain = 7%, SD 1), and for selectively passivating the conductive elements. An in situ substrate curvature measurement taken while curing the PDMS revealed a tensile residual strain of 10%, explaining the stretchable nature of the thin metalized devices.
Lo global en lo local: Afro ecuatorianos; fútbol y literatura

Este ensayo presenta un examen critico de la globalizacion y la identidad afroascendiente a traves de un analisis de las poblaciones afroecuatorianas costeras y montanosas de Esmeraldas y el valle del Chota-Mira. Aunque homogeneizada en el imaginario popular como un solo grupo racial / etnico, las dos regiones son, de hecho, historica y culturalmente distintas. Teniendo esto en cuenta, tambien considero como su similitud (en cuanto a su relacion con la naturaleza y, especificamente, el rio, como se alude en la novela de Adalberto Ortiz Juyungo), informa entendimientos afroecuatorianos de globalizacion. Esto tiene implicaciones en como podemos entender y enfocarnos en la globalizacion, asi como la cuestion de la identidad en la era global y los afroascendientes.
A very high density bulk micromachined capacitive tactile imager

This paper reports the design and fabrication of very high density planar capacitive tactile imagers intended for eventual use in live-scan fingerprinting. Prototype 16/spl times/16-element arrays have been fabricated with both 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) and 500 dpi spatial resolution. Each pixel is formed by the intersection of metal column lines on glass and p/sup +/ silicon row electrodes that are suspended by dual angular beams. Fabrication is achieved using a simple 7-mask high-yield dissolved-wafer process. The 300 dpi and 500 dpi tactile imagers have a force sensitivity of 150 N/m and 90 N/m, respectively; this can be easily adjusted by varying the beam thicknesses.
New models of school management in South Africa: Licence for change or loophole for separatism?

(1993). New models of school management in South Africa: Licence for change or loophole for separatism? British Journal of Educational Studies: Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 287-301.
Requirements for segmented correctors for diffraction-limited performance in the human eye

Wavefront correctors have yet to provide diffraction-limited imaging through the human eye's ocular media for large pupils (>/= 6 mm).To guide future improvements in corrector designs that might enable such imaging, we have modeled the performance of segmented piston correctors in conjunction with measured wave aberration data of normal human eyes (mean=34.2 yr; stdev= 10.6 yr). The model included the effects of pupil size and wavelength in addition to dispersion, phase wrapping, and number and arrangement of facets in the corrector. Results indicate that </= 100x100 facets are needed to reach diffraction-limited performance for pupils up to 8 mm (extrapolated) at 0.6 microm wavelength. Required facet density for the eye was found to be substantially higher at the pupil's edge than at its center, which is in stark contrast to the requirements for correcting atmospheric turbulence. Substantially more facets are required at shorter wavelengths with performance highly sensitive to facet fill. In polychromatic light, the performance of segmented correctors based on liquid crystal technology was limited by the naturally occurring longitudinal chromatic aberration of the eye rather than phase wrapping and dispersion of the liquid crystal. Required facets to correct defocus alone was found highly sensitive to pupil size and decentration.
597 IRON (Fe) ABSORPTION IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR (THAL MAJ) AND THE EFFECTS OF TEA AS A CHELATING AGENT

Dietary Fe may represent a significant risk in thalassemia. The optimum hemoglobin (Hb) level to suppress Fe absorption is unclear. Tea has been thought to be a potential chelator of dietary Fe (GUT 16:193, 1975) but has not been evaluated in thal maj. To examine this problem, 5 subjects with thal maj and one with thal intermedia (int) were studied with oral Fe absorption tests utilizing 1 μC 59Fe and the whole body counting method. Subjects were studied every 2 weeks as the Hb was allowed to vary from >13g/dl to 8g/dl. Fe was administered with a standard meal + 8 oz H2O. The effect of tea was evaluated by substituting tea for the H2O at lower levels of Hb in 3 subjects with thal maj and 1 with thal int. In each subject as the Hb fell, Fe absorption progressively increased. For subjects with thal maj, Fe absorptions varied from a low of 1.1% to a maximum of 16.5%. The subject with thal int demonstrated Fe absorptions of 10, 24, 28, 33 and 41% at Hb levels of 10.8, 10.4, 10.2, 10.0 and 9.0g/dl respectively. The nucleated RBC count/μ1 accurately reflected Fe absorption (R=0.82, p 12-13g/dl are necessary to suppress Fe absorption and that tea may be useful in the chelation of dietary Fe.
The possible antiferromagnetic symmetry groups of azurite

Abstract Starting with the magnetic point group symmetry obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques and the x -ray space group, Shubnikov group theory is employed to determine the possible antiferromagnetic symmetry groups of the monoclinic crystal azurite.
A Structured Approach to Resource Allocation

Allocating limited resources among competing candidates is an important problem in management. In this paper, we describe a structured and flexible approach to resource allocation using logic-evolved decision (LED) analysis. LED analysis uses logic models to generate an exhaustive set of competing alternatives and the inferential model that is used for preference ordering of these alternatives. The inferential models can use data in numerical, linguistic, or mixed forms; uncertainty in the evaluation results can be expressed using probabilistic- or linguistic-based methods. We illustrate the use of LED analysis for an allocation problem with numerical input data and for an allocation problem with only linguistic input data.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Simulations of the frequency response of implantable glucose sensors

The response of enzyme electrode glucose sensors implanted in tissues to physiologic blood glucose oscillations is simulated. Models describe both oxygen-based and peroxide-based glucose sensors in spatially homogeneous medium simulating some mass transfer properties of tissue. Pass-through ratios and delays are reported as a function of frequency for the oxygen-based sensor, and the effects on continuous blood glucose monitoring are illustrated using data from the literature. Certain peroxide-based sensor designs may produce common signals for different glucose concentrations, a characteristic not found in oxygen-based sensors. The dynamic response depends on the frequency of glucose oscillation and is sensitive to sensor type, enzyme activity, and diffusional resistance.
Hematology of β-thalassemia trait-age-related developmental aspects and intrafamilial correlations.

β-thalassemia trait is a frequent cause of microcytic anemia in Mediterranean children. Because striking age-related changes occur in hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume during childhood, we assessed developmental hematologic characteristics of 132 patients≤18 years of age with β-thalassemia trait. Thirty-nine kindred were studied to examine intrafamilial correlations of hematologic abnormalities. Patients with β-thalassemia trait demonstrated Hgb values about 2 gm/dl below normal standards, with a progressive rise with age paralleling normal trends. Thalassemic MCV values showed a far greater deviation from normal than Hgb levels. In contrast to normal developmental trends which show a sharp increase in the first five years of life, the MCV in thalassemia trait showed no age-related increase prior to adolescence. No age-related changes in hemoglobin A 2 levels were noted. Kindred studies demonstrate a correlation of the degree of anemia, microcytosis, and elevated hemoglobin A 2 levels in affected family members (r=0.318 P P P 2 levels suggest that these characteristics are genetically determined.
Peace Corps Projects at the University of Massachusetts

concerning the number of trainees, the starting date and duration of the program. All that seemed firmly established at this date was that the trainees were to serve in West Africa (Ivory Coast, Niger, Senegal), that the target language was French, and that the special skills were Physical Education and Coaching, Agricultural Extension, and Rural Community Development. Involved in the total program would be the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Agriculture and the School of Physical Education.
Biotechnical and other factors affecting orthognathic surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a rapidly growing biotechnologic interaction involving alterations of facial form and dental occlusion. This article describes some of the important and complex psychological, sociological, ethical, and public policy issues involved. Advances in the latter issues are necessary for advancement of the field.
Hereditary pancreatitis: dilemmas in differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach.

Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is a rare, heterogeneous familial disease and should be suspected in any patient who has suffered at least two attacks of acute pancreatitis for which there is no underlying cause and unexplained chronic pancreatitis with a family history in a first- or second-degree relative. Genetic factors have been implied in cases of familial chronic pancreatitis. The most common PRSS1 mutations worldwide are the R122H and N29I variants. HP usually appears with an acute, a recurrent acute, and a chronic phase, referring to the inflammation of the pancreas and the symptoms’ onset and duration. The clinical features of acute pancreatitis begin in childhood and last less than 6 months. HP carries a 50–70-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer within 7–30 years of disease onset. HP diagnosis is defined by the presence of a detected cationic trypsinogen gene mutation (with or without clinical or radiological manifestations of chronic pancreatitis) or when the patient’s family satisfies the requirements of the EUROPAC. With regard to the therapeutic approach, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and analgesics are offered to control pain. In addition, endoscopic and surgical intersections are reserved for all relevant complications. Unfortunately, surgical removal of affected pancreatic tissue does not necessarily guarantee the patient’s long-term survival. Furthermore, the prognostic factors and the efficacy of extended resection remain controversial.
Versatile H+ Beam Chopper System at LAMPF

The H+ chopper system at LAMPF provides two modes (A and B) of beam chopping. Mode A provides single micropulses separated by 1 ?s or more. Mode B provides a single pulse 50 ns to 10 ?s long at the LAMPF repetition rate of 120 Hz. The mode of operation is selected with coaxial relays which can switch during the dead time between LAMPF macropulses. The chopper consists of 1-m-long push-pull helical-wound slow-wave deflecting structures having an axial pulse velocity of 0.04c, which matches the velocity of the proton beam. The helix ground-planes are biased by a pulser providing push-pull 500-V pulses to deflect the H+ beam from the injection channel. In chopping mode A, the helical windings are driven by push-pull, 1000-V, 5-ns pulses delivered by a circuit utilizing avalanche transistors and planar triodes. In mode B, the helical windings are driven by push-pull, 1000-V, 50-ns to 10-?s long pulses, produced by a circuit utilizing beam-power tetrodes and fast SCRs. In both modes, these pulses cancel the ground-plane bias and permit beam pulses to be delivered to the linac.
Incidence and duration of lactose malabsorption in children hospitalized with acute enteritis: Study in a well-nourished urban population

3. Centers for Disease Control: Toxic shock syndrome. MMWR 29:441, 1980. 4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Pressure Task Force: Report of the Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children. Pediatrics 59:797, 1977. 5. Wagner MA, Batts DH, Colville JM, Lauter CB: Hypocalcemia and toxic shock syndrome (letter). Lancet 1:1208, 1981. 6. Nusser R, Rowe P, Frierson JG, Murphy C: Hypocalcemia in toxic shock syndrome (letter). Ann Intern Med 95:124, 1981. 7. Bergdoll MS, Crass BA, Reiser RF, Robbins RN, Davis JP: A new staphlococcal enterotoxin, enterotoxin F, associated with toxic shock syndrome Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Lancet 1:1017, i981. 8. Altemeier WA, Lewis SA, Schlievert PM, et al: Staphylococcus aureus associated with toxic shock syndrome: Phage typing and toxin capability testing. Ann Intern Med 96: (part 2):978, 1982. 9. Scbutzer SS, Fischetti VA, Zabriskie JB: Toxic shock syndrome and lysogeny in Staphylococcus aureus. Science 220:316, I983. 10. Edwards KM, Dundon C, Aitemeier WA: Bacterial tracheitis as a complication of viral croup. Pediatr Infect Dis 2:390, 1983. 11. Jones R, Santos JI, Overall JC: Bacterial tracheitis. JAMA 242:721, 1979. 12. Liston SL, Gehrz RC, Jarvis CW: Bacterial tracheitis. Arch Otolaryngol 107:561, 1981.
Mental disorders and help seeking in a rural impoverished population

Objective:This study examined the impact of an in-home screening and educational intervention on help seeking among rural impoverished individuals with untreated mental disorders. The effect of including a significant other in the intervention and reasons for not seeking help were explored.Method:The sample was randomly selected from households in nine rural counties in Virginia. The short form of the CIDI was used to screen 646 adult residents. Respondents who screened positive were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) no intervention, 2) an educational intervention, or 3) the educational intervention with a significant other. A list of local sources of health and mental health care was distributed. At one-month post interview, respondents were telephoned to inquire about help seeking.Results:Almost one-third (32.4%) of these respondents screened positive for at least one disorder. Five hundred and sixty-six (87.6%) were successfully followed up, and thirty-three of the 566 (5.8%) reported that t...
Rules, Organizations, and Governments

Social scientists generally accept a Hobbesian conception of government as a coercive rule enforcer. This paper challenges the idea that the essential feature of government is its ability to coerce, and argues instead that the essential feature of government is its ability to coordinate. Governments are defined as organizations that publicly signify agreements. The utility of the new perspective is demonstrated by reconsidering how societies acquire the ability to create and enforce impersonal rules, rules that treat everyone the same, as the process of modern political and economic development gets under way.