cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deployment infectious disease threats: IDCRP initiatives and vision forward.

Background Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to health and readiness of military personnel deployed globally during wartime and peacekeeping activities. Surveillance and improvement in mitigation through research of infectious disease threats remain an integral part of Force Health Protection. Herein, we review research efforts of the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program related to deployment and travel-related infections. Methods The objectives of the Deployment and Travel-Related Infections Research Area are to (1) provide epidemiologic and clinical data, including pathogen-specific estimates of disease incidence among deployed troops, (2) execute clinical trials and effectiveness studies to improve recommendations regarding prevention and treatment of infections during deployment, and (3) evaluate the knowledge and practice patterns of health care providers engaged in deployment/travel medicine and the impact on outcomes. The centerpiece protocol of the research area is the Deployment and Travel-Related Infectious Disease Risk Assessment, Outcomes, and Prevention Strategies cohort study (TravMil), which was initiated in 2010 and collects data on a broad range of deployment-related infections. Results To date, 4,154 deployed military personnel and traveling Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries have been enrolled in TravMil. Surveillance data collected through the TravMil study provide assessment of deployment and travel-related infectious disease threats, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. The incidence of travelers' diarrhea, influenza-like illness, and undifferentiated febrile illness is 20.48%, 9.34%, and 6.16%, respectively. The cohort study also provides necessary infrastructure to execute clinical trials. The TrEAT TD clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of single-dose antibiotic therapy for travelers' diarrhea in the deployed setting. When compared to levofloxacin, azithromycin was not inferior; however, inferiority was not demonstrated with use of single dose of rifaximin. The trial findings supported the development of a deployment-related health guideline for the management of acute diarrheal disease. A clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of rifaximin for prevention for travelers' diarrhea (Prevent TD) is underway. Conclusions The research area has proven its ability to conduct impactful research, including the development of field-expedient diagnostics, the largest DoD multi-site travelers' diarrhea randomized control trial in peacetime and combat settings, and informed Force Health Protection guidance. The research area continues to provide surveillance data to military commands via an established collaborative network of military treatment facilities, DoD laboratories (both within and outside the continental United States), foreign militaries, and academia. The conduct of clinical and translational research in a deployment setting presents significant challenges, most notably in recruitment/enrollment and compliance with study-related procedures during deployment.
Habitability of the marine serpentinite subsurface: a case study of the Lost City hydrothermal field.

The Lost City hydrothermal field is a dramatic example of the biological potential of serpentinization. Microbial life is prevalent throughout the Lost City chimneys, powered by the hydrogen gas and organic molecules produced by serpentinization and its associated geochemical reactions. Microbial life in the serpentinite subsurface below the Lost City chimneys, however, is unlikely to be as dense or active. The marine serpentinite subsurface poses serious challenges for microbial activity, including low porosities, the combination of stressors of elevated temperature, high pH and a lack of bioavailable ∑CO2. A better understanding of the biological opportunities and challenges in serpentinizing systems would provide important insights into the total habitable volume of Earth's crust and for the potential of the origin and persistence of life in Earth's subsurface environments. Furthermore, the limitations to life in serpentinizing subsurface environments on Earth have significant implications for the habitability of subsurface environments on ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus. Here, we review the requirements and limitations of life in serpentinizing systems, informed by our research at the Lost City and the underwater mountain on which it resides, the Atlantis Massif. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Serpentinite in the Earth System'.
Binding of a viral IRES to the 40S subunit occurs in two successive steps mediated by eS25

The mechanism for how internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) recruit ribosomes to initiate translation of an mRNA is not completely understood. We investigated how a 40S subunit was recruited by the cricket paralysis virus intergenic region (CrPV IGR) IRES to form a stable 40S-IRES complex. Kinetic binding studies revealed that formation of the complex between the CrPV IGR and the 40S subunit consisted of two-steps: an initial fast binding step of the IRES to the 40S ribosomal subunit, followed by a slow unimolecular reaction consistent with a conformational change that stabilized the complex. We further showed that the ribosomal protein S25 (eS25), which is required by functionally and structurally diverse IRESs, impacts both steps of the complex formation. Mutations in eS25 that reduced CrPV IGR IRES activity either decreased 40S-IRES complex formation, or increased the rate of the conformational change that was required to form a stable 40S-IRES complex. Our data are consistent with a model in which eS25 facilitates initial binding of the CrPV IGR IRES to the 40S while ensuring that the conformational change stabilizing the 40S-IRES complex does not occur prematurely.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma Arising in Gastrocystoplasty.

Abstract Gastric cancer is a rare long-term complication in gastrocystoplasty. We report 2 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and review the literature for similar cases. A total of 14 cases are identified. The majority of patients are males, presented with hematuria, and developed cancer at a younger age, more than 10 years after gastrocystoplasty. Long-term follow up information was limited, but 5 patients (36%) died within 5 years of diagnosis. Annual surveillance for malignancy may not be effective due to its rarity. However, symptomatic patients, particularly those 10 years after the surgery, warrant detailed evaluation to rule out neoplastic transformation.
Self-Care in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

This article summarizes the psychometric evaluation of the Chronic Illness Assessment Interview for Sickle Cell Disease (CIAI-SCD), an instrument based on a model of self-care for adult patients with chronic medical conditions. The CIAI-SCD was administered to 104 adults with sickle cell disease. A factor analysis identified three factors that reflected the psychological constructs of Personal Satisfaction and Perceived Control (Factor 1), Feeling Concerned and Worried (Factor 2), and Feeling Supported (Factor 3). Preliminary evidence for the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity, and construct validity of the CIAI-SCD was obtained. After further refinement and validation, the CIAI-SCD may be a useful tool for assessing factors related to self-care skills among adults with sickle cell disease.
ECMO Simulation in Infants, Children, and Adolescents

ECMO is a treatment modality for critically ill infants, children, and adolescents. As ECMO is high-risk, low-frequency, and complex, through a variety of lenses, it is ideal to rehearse and practice using medical simulation. Many of the processes, nuances, and complications related to pediatric ECMO (and therefore, ECMO simulation) are not too dissimilar from those in neonatal or adult populations, with the greatest similarities between pediatric and adult patients. Unlike neonates or adults, ECMO and ECMO simulation for children ranging from 29 days of age through 18 years of age can be more difficult to master, from both a clinical and an educational standpoint, due to the wide variations in potential patient age and size, which dictates preferred cannula size, weight-based ideal flows, and “normal” vital signs. This chapter is designed to outline how pediatric ECMO and ECMO simulation are different than neonates or adults and to best prepare ECMO educators to select and conduct pediatric ECMO simulations at their local institution.
Interplay Between Endocrine Disruptors and Immunity: Implications for Diseases of Autoreactive Etiology

The sex-bias of disease susceptibility has remained a puzzling aspect of several autoimmune conditions, including post-infection viral autoimmunity. In the last half of the twentieth century, the incidence rate of female-biased autoimmunity has steadily increased independent of medical advances. This has suggested a role for environmental factors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals, which have been described to interfere with endocrine signaling. Endocrine involvement in the proper function of innate and adaptive immunity has also been defined, however, these two areas have rarely been reviewed in correlation. In addition, studies addressing the effects of endocrine disruptors have reported findings resulting from a broad range of exposure doses, schedules and models. This experimental heterogeneity adds confusion and may mislead the translation of findings to human health. Our work will normalize results across experiments and provide a necessary summary relevant to human exposure. Through a novel approach, we describe how different categories of ubiquitously used environmental endocrine disruptors interfere with immune relevant endocrine signaling and contribute to autoimmunity. We hope this review will guide identification of mechanisms and concentration-dependent EDC effects important not only for the sex-bias of autoimmunity, but also for other conditions of immune dysfunction, including post-infection autoreactivity such as may arise following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes Simplex virus.
Students’ Verbalized Metacognition During Computerized Learning

Students in computerized learning environments often direct their own learning processes, which requires metacognitive awareness of what should be learned next. We investigated a novel method of measuring verbalized metacognition by applying natural language processing (NLP) to transcripts of interviews conducted in a classroom with 99 middle school students who were using a computerized learning environment. We iteratively adapted the NLP method for the linguistic characteristics of these interviews, then applied it to study three research questions regarding the relationships between verbalized metacognition and measures of 1) learning, 2) confusion, and 3) metacognitive problem-solving strategies. Verbalized metacognition was not directly related to learning, but was related to confusion and metacognitive problem-solving strategies. Results also suggested that interviews themselves may improve learning by encouraging metacognition. We discuss implications for designing computerized environments that support self-regulated learning through metacognition.
Understanding Ridesplitting Behavior with Interpretable Machine Learning Models Using Chicago Transportation Network Company Data

As congestion levels increase in cities, it is important to analyze people’s choices of different services provided by transportation network companies (TNCs). Using machine learning techniques in ...
Neurologic and developmental considerations in children with medical complexity

Children with medical complexity are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental conditions. Signs or symptoms of neurodevelopmental conditions may be more apparent in the context of a medical illness or hospitalization. Thus, primary care, front-line subspecialty and hospital-based pediatricians are encouraged to be on the alert for these conditions from infancy through adolescence. Medical and mental health issues must be considered in the differential diagnoses when children with neurodevelopmental conditions present with a change or regression in their behavior. Management of maladaptive behaviors includes managing the underlying medical and mental health conditions that are contributing to the behavior, environmental supports, behavior therapy interventions, communication and other skills building support for the child, as well as judicious use of medication when necessary.
Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. Indigenous to Wastewater Have Slower Free Chlorine Disinfection Rates than Their Laboratory-Cultured Counterparts

Most published data on chlorine disinfection of bacteria are from experiments conducted using reference-strain bacteria cultured in a laboratory. However, indigenous environmental bacteria, such as...
Sensitive information: A review and research agenda: Research Articles

A basic challenge for intelligence and security informatics is exploring the ways in which humans categorize or classify “sensitive” information. Research and practice support the critical nature of categorization frameworks, yet there are a number of different ways humans conceptualize sensitive information. In this paper we review some of the dilemmas associated with classification of sensitive information, present different classification approaches, and then identify alternative propositions related to factors that influence judgments about degree of sensitivity. We conclude with directions for future research. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies of onion root respiration: II. The effect of temperature on the apparent diffusion coefficient in different segments of the root tip

Abstract The Gerard-Fenn equation for diffusion into a cylinder was used to calculate the apparent diffusion coefficient oxygen in each of three segments of onion root tip at each of the four temperatures described in the first paper of this series. These coefficients were then used to determine the activation energy of diffusion (log D vs 1/T graphs) with the result that those for the two most apical zones of root agreed closely with the theoretical value. Certain coefficients were also used to calculate the distance to which oxygen penetrates the root when the external pressure of oxygen is limiting. From these values it was shown that the rate of oxygen consumption across the radius of the root is not perfectly linear (as the Gerard-Fenn equation demands) but the departure from linearity is not sufficient to completely invalidate the results.
Modeling coupled degradation, sorption, and transport of 17β‐estradiol in undisturbed soil

[1] The presence of 17β-estradiol in the environment, even at parts-per-trillion concentrations, raises significant concern regarding the health of aquatic organisms. Once 17β-estradiol is released into the environment from human and animal sources, its fate and transport is controlled by factors such as sorption and transformation, which need to be understood to fully assess potential exposures. The objective of this study was first to discern, through controlled batch experiments, the simultaneous transformation (i.e., chemical and biological) of natural estrogenic compounds and their mass exchange between the aqueous and solid phase (i.e., reversible and irreversible sorption sites). In addition, a model was developed that used a series of first-order expressions to describe the various fate and transport processes of parent and metabolite estrogens in the nonequilibrium batch experiments. A global optimization method was used to estimate the parameters of this nonequilibrium batch model. The model provided a good description of the data, and the parameter estimates were reliable. The batch studies parameter estimates were then incorporated into a convective-dispersive model to describe two undisturbed column experiments. The consistency of parameter estimates between the batch and column experiments indicated a high capability and reliability of this model and the parameter values.
The scaling of data sensing schemes for high speed cache design in sub-0.18 /spl mu/m technologies

Small signal differential data sensing for on-chip cache design is evaluated from the perspective of technology scaling. Maintaining the delay scaling trend and high area efficiency is getting more difficult with the conventional scheme as Si process technology moves beyond 0.18 /spl mu/m. An alternative design scheme with large signal sensing is proposed and proven to be a viable design alternative in the deep sub-micron regime.
Trapping migrating zooplankton

We have developed a method to determine if individual zooplankton make short-duration migrations, on the order of meters to tens of meters in vertical extent, between food-rich surface water and deeper, food-poor water. To do this, we developed a zooplankton trapping system, consisting of paired traps to catch zooplankton migrating downward and an inverted ring net to catch zooplankton migrating upward. These two trap systems were deployed simultaneously with the openings at the same depth, to catch zooplankton crossing a particular depth horizon, and samples were immediately sorted to make morphological and physiological measurements of individuals. Initial tests showed that there were differences in the ability to capture upward- and downward-migrating marine zooplankton. In addition, physiological (gut contents) and morphological (prosome length) characteristics of individual copepods differed between those moving in opposite directions. These data support the hypothesis that copepods make repeated nighttime forays between deeper, food-poor water and the near-surface, food-rich waters. This is part of an ongoing study on the variability of this behavior in different conditions and over seasonal cycles, but the method may be applicable to other pelagic environments, to explore various ecological questions.
A review of equine mucocutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Summary Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 20% of all equine mucocutaneous (MC) tumours and continues to present a therapeutic challenge to practitioners. Most MC-SCC are locally invasive and slow to metastasise, but metastasis to local lymph nodes is not uncommon. The most common location for MC-SCC is the periorbital region, with the eyelid most commonly affected. Although only 13% of MC-SCC involves the external genitalia, MC-SCC is the most common neoplasm of male genitalia. Equine caballus papillomavirus-2 has recently been linked to MC-SCC and may prove to be necessary for tumour development. Risk factors may include chronic exposure to ultraviolet light and chronic skin irritation. Horses developing genital MC-SCC tend to be older compared to those with periorbital MC-SCC. Histopathology is required for definitive diagnosis of MC-SCC, although horse phenotype and lesion location may suggest MC-SCC. Several treatment modalities have been successful in eliminating or managing MC-SCC, with surgical excision and intratumoural chemotherapy yielding the best results. Other treatment options including cryotherapy, hyperthermia, radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy are often used as adjunctive therapies. Early recognition of tumours and prompt intervention are associated with a positive outcome.
Feedback stabilized pseudospark switch for fast rise marx generator application

Design and operation of a compact floating housekeeping system for pseudospark switches in high-voltage multiswitch applications is presented. The system provides isolated power to the pseudospark reservoir heater, the keep-alive gas discharge and the high-voltage trigger pulse generator. The floating HV trigger pulse generator receives its external trigger command signal via an optical fiber. The keep-alive discharge current, representing the gas pressure in the pseudospark switch, is monitored via an optical fiber as well. Pseudospark switch operation in Marx generator applications depends on the precise adjustability of the trigger to main discharge delay. This delay, in turn, is a strong function of the gas pressure inside the switch. A feedback circuit, adjusting the heater current in response to change in the keep-alive current, stabilizes the pressure. Class-E high frequency power amplifiers provide the electric power for the floating assembly through ferrite core transformers that have 40 kV insulated secondary windings
Ultrasonically induced lung hemorrhage in young swine

Abstract Ten-day old swine were used in the final step of a study of the age dependence of the threshold for lung hemorrhage resulting from exposure to diagnostically relevant levels of pulsed ultrasound. A 2.3-MHz focused transducer (pulse length of 10 μs, 100-Hz pulse repetition frequency) was incremented vertically at several sites for a distance of 2 or 2.5 cm over the chest of the subject for a total exposure period of 16 or 20 min. The procedure was repeated at a total of four sites per animal. Animals were euthanized and lungs were scored by visual inspection for numbers and areas of gross hemorrhages. The threshold level for hemorrhage was approximately 1.3-MPa peak positive pressure in water at the surface of the animal or, at the surface of the lung, 0.8-MPa peak positive pressure, 0.8-MPa fundamental pressure, 0.7-MPa maximum negative pressure and 20 Wcm−2 pulse average intensity. These values are essentially the same as those reported previously for neonatal swine, and neonatal, juvenile and adult mice.
Effects of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib alone and in combination with chemotherapy in the A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cell line

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis. Despite advances in therapy, survival has improved only slightly. The 26S proteasome regulates multiple cellular processes through degradation of ubiquitin-tagged proteins. The proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib (Velcade, formerly PS-341), has been shown to be an active anticancer agent both in vitro and in vivo in multiple tumor types. To determine the molecular and cellular effects of the proteasome inhibitor in NSCLC as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of sequential treatment with bortezomib and gemcitabine/carboplatin (G/C) chemotherapy both in vitro and in vivo. All experiments were performed in the A549 NSCLC cell line. MTT assays were used to evaluate cytotoxicity. Western blotting evaluated protein levels. Measures of apoptosis included FACS analysis, DAPI staining and caspase-3 cleavage. Long-term cell viability was determined using an anchorage-dependent clonogenic assay. Sequential studies were performed in vitro and in vivo. Bortezomib increased p21waf1/cip1, induced G2/M arrest, and triggered a small amount of apoptosis. The apoptotic effect of G/C chemotherapy was eliminated when bortezomib was administered prior to the chemotherapy; however, it was accentuated when the bortezomib was given simultaneously or after the chemotherapy. Bortezomib improves efficacy in combination with gemcitabine and carboplatin in NSCLC, but sequential effects are important and must be considered when developing therapeutic regimens.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of phospholipids with fluorescence detection

Abstract Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) behavior of fluorescent labeled phospholipids (PLs) was studied. Molecular species of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) derivatized with fluorescein-, thiocarbamoyl-, pyrenesulfonyl-, and dimethylaminonaphthalenesulfonyl (dansyl)-fluorophores were separated on octadecylsilica with a mobile phase of acetonitrilemethanol- water in the presence of tetraalkylammonium phosphates (TAAPs). Under similar HPLC conditions, dansylated phosphatidylserines and PE plasmalogens (ether-linked PLs) were also resolved. Incorporation of the fluorescein moiety to the parent PE appeared to facilitate further resolution of its subcomponents. Subcomponents of dansylated PE derived from egg phosphatidylcholines were quantifiable. Effects of the type and concentration of TAAP on capacity factors of PL solutes were indicative of an ion-pair separation processes. HPLC with high-molecular-mass TAAPs favored the separation of the components that remained unresolved with mobile phases containing low-molecular- mass TAAPS. The HPLC-fluorescence detection method provided a useful approach to quantitative analyses of various PL structures. Compositions of PL subcomponents were determined directly from peak areas.
Sensitivity of photoacoustic microscopy

Building on its high spatial resolution, deep penetration depth and excellent image contrast, 3D photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) has grown tremendously since its first publication in 2005. Integrating optical excitation and acoustic detection, PAM has broken through both the optical diffusion and optical diffraction limits. PAM has 100% relative sensitivity to optical absorption (i.e., a given percentage change in the optical absorption coefficient yields the same percentage change in the photoacoustic amplitude), and its ultimate detection sensitivity is limited only by thermal noise. Focusing on the engineering aspects of PAM, this Review discusses the detection sensitivity of PAM, compares the detection efficiency of different PAM designs, and summarizes the imaging performance of various endogenous and exogenous contrast agents. It then describes representative PAM applications with high detection sensitivity, and outlines paths to further improvement.
Differential cross sections for single ionisation of He and D2 by fast protons

Differential cross sections for single ionisation of He and D2 by protons have been measured at impact energies of 3 and 6 MeV, and proton scattering angles between 0.1 and 1.0 mrad. A clear shoulder has been observed at an angle of 0.55 mrad. This feature in the differential cross sections is attributed to binary encounters between the protons and the quasi-free target electrons. The measured data are in good agreement in shape and magnitude with both a first Born approximation calculation of the ionisation and with a simple calculation of Rutherford scattering from free electrons.
Morphogenesis of sandfly fever viruses (Bunyaviridae family)

Abstract The events occurring in the morphogenesis of sandfly fever viruses have been examined by thin-section electron microscopy and by an analysis of the association of virus-specific polypeptides with membranes of infected cells. Two representative sandfly fever viruses have been studied, Karimabad virus (KV) and Punta Toro virus (PTV), which appeared indistinguishable both in terms of virion structure, as monitored by negative staining, and morphogenesis, as observed in thin sections of infected Vero cells. Ammonium molybdate negative staining of purified, glutaraldehyde-fixed virions revealed essentially spherical particles, 87 nm in diameter, in which the surface proteins were constructed into closely packed, hollow, cylindrical subunits measuring 10–11 nm in diameter and 9–10 nm in length. These surface units are located peripherally to a 7-nm membrane bilayer which surrounds a nucleoid of variable electron density. As seen in thin sections of infected cells, the assembly of these particles was first detected at 12 hr after infection, occurred exclusively at smooth membrane vesicles, and predominantly at membranes in, or adjacent to, Golgi cisternae. Morphologically mature particles were formed by continuous involution (budding) of modified membrane segments into the lumen of these vesicles. Viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP), which was not observed free in the cytoplasm, condensed at the cytoplasmic face of these vesicles at areas at which viral spike structures could be observed at the contralateral (luminal) face. Neither RNP nor spike structures could be observed on adjacent sections of the vesicular membrane, or other membranes, which were not directly involved in the assembly of a budding virion. Analysis of the viral polypeptides in unfractionated membrane vesicles prepared from infected cells demonstrated that KV-specific envelope and nucleocapsid proteins rapidly became membrane bound, whereas a nonstructural polypeptide was found only in cytoplasmic fractions. Chymotrypsin treatment of these vesicles has indicated that at least one viral glycoprotein is inserted into cellular membranes such that approximately 12% of its sequence remains at the cytoplasmic membrane face. Proteolytic removal of this sequence generated an immunoprecipitable, glycosylated fragment which was protected from further proteolysis by its orientation within the vesicle. These morphologic and biochemical data have been used to construct a model for the assembly of these viruses. Virus particles are released from infected cells by exocytosis, a process which does not appear to result in significant modification of cell surface membranes with viral antigens.
Megalodiscus temperatus: absorption and incorporation of tritiated tyrosine, thymidine, and adenosine.

Abstract Autoradiographic and liquid scintillation counting studies indicate adults of Megalodiscus temperatus can absorb large amounts of thymidine and adenosine, but use little of the thymidine in in vitro exposures of up to 72 hr. Labeling of worms exposed to 3H-adenosine in periods as short as 3 hr was achieved especially over young eggs, testes, and the ovary. Large amounts of tyrosine are found in the free amino acid pool of this worm but little is incorporated into tissues for exposure periods of up to 24 hr. Ligation experiments and autoradiograms of frozen-dried worms show thymidine and adenosine can enter via the tegument. Adenosine added to the exposure medium did not inhibit absorption of tyrosine but did markedly reduce the uptake of 3H-thymidine in 8-hr in vitro exposures. Bacteria adhering to the glycocalyx of M. temperatus were identified as Escherichia coli, but their role in uptake phenomena is unknown. The association of thymidine with the lymph vessels indicates a circulatory or excretory role for this system in M. temperatus. Adenosine was considered the best compound of the three to use for labeling cells for studies on the reproductive system.
Hemolytic disease of the fetus: a comparison of the Queenan and extended Liley methods

Objective: To compare the clinical utility of the Liley and Queenan methods to monitor the severity of fetal hemolytic disease. Methods: Amniotic fluid bilirubin was measured in specimens from 73 women sensitized to red blood cell antigens. Chloroform-extracted amniotic fluid was evaluated spectrophotometrically for bilirubin content by using the change-from-expected value of the optical density at 450 nm. Values in the four Queenan zones were compared with those of the four zones of the Liley graph (middle zone subdivided). Clinical utility and accuracy of the two methods were compared. Results: Treatment was based on interpretation of bilirubin values plotted on the Liley graph. Hydrops fetalis was not observed. The highest value for each patient was significantly more likely to be plotted in the highest zone using the Queenan method (23 of 73 compared with eight of 73 patients; P < .001). Overestimation of risk occurred with greater frequency when using the Queenan method (13 of 67 compared with seven of 67 patients; P = .031). Overestimation of risk by the Queenan method also was more likely at or before 28 weeks’ gestation (10 of 49 compared with four of 49 patients; P = .031). In nine cases (13%), the Queenan graph and method would have prompted unnecessary or premature umbilical vein sampling that was withheld using the Liley graph. Conclusion: The performance of the linearly extended Liley graph was superior to that of the Queenan graph, because the Queenan method frequently overestimated risk.
Pituitary Effect on Synthesis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Regenerating Rat Liver following Whole-body X-irradiation

WHOLE-BODY X-irradiation delivered within 6 hr. of hepatectomy will inhibit the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in regenerating liver. This inhibition has been elegantly demonstrated to be a result of the failure to synthesize certain enzymes concerned with the formation of DNA1. The nature of this inhibition of enzyme formation is suggested by two recent reports. Myers2 has reported that synthesis of DNA in regenerating liver is not completely inhibited following X-irradiation of liver only, and Benjamin and Yost3 have observed that the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation seen in liver mitochondria following whole-body irradiation is due to a pituitary stimulation with subsequent activation of the adrenal cortical hormones. These observations suggest that this interesting and rather unusual effect of low doses of whole-body X-irradiation on synthesis of DNA in the intact animal may be due to a pituitary stimulation which ultimately results in a decreased amount of energy being available for enzyme synthesis. The possibility of a pituitary effect on synthesis of DNA in regenerating liver following whole-body X-irradiation was confirmed in the experiments reported here.
A method for assessing causation of field exposure-response relationships.

Because associations between agents and environmental effects are not necessarily causal, it is necessary to assess causation before using such relationships in environmental management. The authors adapted epidemiological methods to assess general causal hypotheses. General causation establishes that an agent is capable of causing an effect. The method uses all relevant and good-quality evidence in a weight-of-evidence system. The system is credible due to its explicit a priori criteria. The evidence is organized in terms of six characteristics of causation: co–occurrence, preceding causation, interaction, alteration, sufficiency, and time order. The causal assessment proceeds through six steps that generate, organize, and score evidence to determine whether causation is adequately supported by the body of evidence. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:272–276. © 2012 SETAC
Even -NPIs in YES/NO Questions

It has been a long-standing puzzle that Negative Polarity Items appear to split into two subvarieties when their effect on the interpretation of questions is taken into account: while questions with any and ever can be used as unbiased requests of information, questions with so-called `minimizers', i.e. idioms like lift a finger and the faintest idea, are always biased towards a negative answer (cf. Ladusaw 1979). Focusing on yes/no questions, this paper presents a solution to this puzzle. Specifically it is shown that in virtue of containing even (cf. Heim 1984), minimizers, unlike any, trigger a presupposition, which reduces the set of the possible answers to a question to the singleton containing the negative answer.
The dependence of low-temperature ion mixing of Y/Si bilayers on nuclear energy deposition

Bilayers of yttrium and amorphous silicon were irradiated with 600‐keV Ar++, Kr++, and Xe++ ions at temperatures between 80 and 372 K. The mixing rates were considerably larger than rates predicted by a model based on overlapping thermal spikes, as well as predictions generated by an extension of the model to the case of nonoverlapping thermal spikes. However, the experimental mixing rates did exhibit a linear dependence on the nuclear energy deposited at the interface. This agrees qualitatively with the premise of nonoverlapping thermal spikes. We compare our results with other ion‐mixed medium‐Z, metal/metal systems which also show this tendency.
Effects of total parenteral nutrition and semi-starvation on the liver of beagle puppies

The effects on hepatic growth of fat-free TPN and semistarvation have been studied in newborn beagle puppies. Our data indicate that liver growth during TPN is characterized by normal deposition of protein and minerals, with increased glycogen and decreased lipid content. While the lipid pattern of TPN livers is normal, the phospholipid fraction contains an abnormal fatty acid pattern, consistent with the development of essential fatty acid deficiency. The exact physiologic significance of this is unknown, but it is tempting to speculate that changes in integrity of the hepatic cell membrane as a result of this abnormal fatty acid pattern might account for some of the clinical abnormalities of hepatic function during TPN.
Integrin β1 Signaling Is Necessary for Transforming Growth Factor-β Activation of p38MAPK and Epithelial Plasticity

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) can induce epithelial to mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) in mammary epithelial cells. TGF-β-meditated EMT involves the stimulation of a number of signaling pathways by the sequential binding of the type II and type I serine/threonine kinase receptors, respectively. Integrins comprise a family of heterodimeric extracellular matrix receptors that mediate cell adhesion and intracellular signaling, hence making them crucial for EMT progression. In light of substantial evidence indicating TGF-β regulation of various β1 integrins and their extracellular matrix ligands, we examined the cross-talk between the TGF-β and integrin signal transduction pathways. Using an inducible system for the expression of a cytoplasmically truncated dominant negative TGF-β type II receptor, we blocked TGF-β-mediated growth inhibition, transcriptional activation, and EMT progression. Dominant negative TGF-β type II receptor expression inhibited TGF-β signaling to the SMAD and AKT pathways, but did not block TGF-β-mediated p38MAPK activation. Interestingly, blocking integrin β1 function inhibited TGF-β-mediated p38MAPK activation and EMT progression. Limiting p38MAPK activity through the expression of a dominant negative-p38MAPK also blocked TGF-β-mediated EMT. In summary, TGF-β-mediated p38MAPK activation is dependent on functional integrin β1, and p38MAPK activity is required but is not sufficient to induce EMT.
Thermoanalytical studies of flame-retardant polyester/ cotton textile blends: a comparison of THPC-urea-PVBr and THPOH ammonia treatments☆

Flame-retardant polyester/cotton fabrics are increasing in importance in the apparel and household fabrics market. Phosphorus-nitrogen flame-retardant systems developed for 100% cotton are not necessarily effective for polyester/cotton blends. Bromine effectively imparts flame-retardant properties of polyester resins. It has been theorized that systems containing both bromine and phosphorus should be suitable for polyester/cotton blends. A thermoanalytical study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of bromine in flame-retardant polyester/cotton blend fabrics. Fabrics having various ratios of polyester to cotton were treated with THPOHNH3, which is particularly effective on 100% cotton, and with THPC-urea-PVBr, which was designed for 50/50 polyester/cotton blends. For comparison, data are also presented on a 50/50 polyester blend fabric treated with THPOHNH3 and with THPC—urea flame retardants plus tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate in a two-step application. TG and DSC data were obtained in atmospheres of either nitrogen or air, using a DuPont 990 Thermal Analysis System2. The thermal changes are assigned to decompositions of cotton, polyester, char, and resin finish. A comparison is made of the effects caused by the different flame-retardant finishes. Ol values and FF 3-71 data are reported.
An automated method for discriminating aneugen‐ vs. clastogen‐induced micronuclei

A flow cytometric (FCM) procedure for quantitating micronucleated reticulocytes in mouse peripheral blood samples was evaluated for its ability to discriminate between aneugen- and clastogen-induced micronuclei (MN). In this experiment, BALB/c mice were injected with 0.9% saline, the model clastogen methyl methanesulfonate (100 mg/kg bw) or the aneugen vincristine (0.2 mg/kg bw). Peripheral blood samples were collected 48 hr after injection and were subsequently fixed and stained for flow cytometric analysis. The staining method utilized FITC-conjugated anti-CD71 to differentially label reticulocytes, and the nucleic acid dye propidium iodide to resolve erythrocyte populations with and without micronuclei. The frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes was determined by analyzing 10,000 total reticulocytes per blood sample. A second analysis was performed on each sample whereby the propidium iodide associated fluorescent signals of 250 MN were collected and graphed as a single-parameter histogram. The histogram statistic “median channel” was recorded for each sample and provided a quantitative description of MN distribution according to DNA content. Cumulatively, the results of this study suggest that 1) flow cytometry can be employed to measure the incidence of MN resulting from clastogenic or aneugenic activity, and 2) MN resulting from aneugenscan be discriminated from those arising spontaneously or from clastogen treatment based on flow cytometric analysis of DNA content. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 31:340–344, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Airway epithelial cells: ‘Bicarbonate in’≠‘Bicarbonate out’

The importance of intracellular and extracellular pH to physiological function is unquestioned. There are few scenarios in which pathological processes do not include aberrant pH. For example, cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that adversely affects airways and other epithelia throughout the body, is associated with secretions that have abnormally low pH. Although the contributions of CO2 and HCO3− to acid–base balance have been known for well over a century and carbonic anhydrase was described first in The Journal of Physiology (Meldrum & Roughton 2012) some 80 years ago, much remains to be learned regarding the molecular and biophysical mechanisms that account for HCO3− transport and the resulting buffering capacity and pH regulation in most body compartments.
The oxygen cost of minor changes in heat balance of small newborn infants.

Summary Measurements of gaseous metabolism small newborn infants whose anterior abdominal skin temperatures were stabilized at fixed levels (35, 36 and 37°C) for 15 to 25 hours revealed that mean oxygen consumption was lowest in the 36°C condition. From the oxygen cost of small departures in heat balance it is suggested that a “neutral thermal state” small neonates may be achieved when environmental conditions are adjusted to maintain the abdominal skin temperature between 36 and 37°C. The deep body temperature in the “neutral thermal state” is lower in these very small babies than is generally considered to be a normal deep body temperature in human subjects. The relationship between temperature and metabolism in undergrown as compared with normally grown infants should be investigated further.
Quantitative mass spectrometry

The basic principle in quantitative analysis by mass spectrometry is the measurement of a signal representative of the mass of the analyte relative to a known amount of an internal mass standard. To ensure that the signal is representative of the particular substance to be measured and not a result of some other substance in the biological matrix, a range of analytical methods have been employed. Combination of mass spectrometry with chromatographic (gas or liquid) separations and selective chemical derivatization frequently allows quantification of substances at the ppm and ppb level. Below the ppb level, new problems arise due to mass spectrometric sensitivity and chromatographic separation resolution with resulting debate regarding the specificity and significance of quantitative data. Successful high sensitivity (ppt) plasma analysis of the pineal hormone melatonin is described and critically compared with conflicting analytical data. A second area of application of quantitative mass spectrometry is the establishment of absolute or definitive reference measurements which require rigorous error minimization. Conflicting results published by two laboratories regarding methods for the definitive measurement of serum cholesterol are compared.
Ceramide: a novel second messenger

Abstract Sphingomyelin used to be considered only as a structural molecule of the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. However, in the last five years it has become clear that sphingomyelin is rapidly degraded and resynthesized in a pathway that could function in signal transduction. Indeed, it is now known that this pathway plays a role in signal transduction for at least one cytokine, tumour necrosis factor α. It seems possible that other cell surface receptors will also utilize this pathway for signalling.
Progressive nodular fibrosis of the skin: altered procollagen and collagenase expression by cultured fibroblasts.

Abstract A 33-year-old man presented with a spontaneous progressive cutaneous tumor-like fibrosis involving the right leg and buttock. Histologically the deep dermis was composed of numerous fibroblasts and dense bands of collagen, suggesting that the lesion might be related to an abnormality in collagen metabolism. Fibroblast cultures were established from the affected and normal-appearing skin. The growth rate of the lesional cells was essentially equal to that of control cells. The synthesis of procollagen was ∼3.5-fold increased in the cells derived from the nodules when compared with control fibroblasts ( p p p
An IL-1 Family Member Requires Caspase-1 Processing and Signals through the ST2 Receptor

Activation of ST2, an orphan member of the IL-1 receptor family for 16 years, drives T helper type 2 (T H 2) responses. The cytokine IL-33 is the specific ligand for ST2. IL-33 recapitulates much of the existing data that ST2 promotes T H 2-type responses. The caspase-1 processing of precursor IL-33 provides a therapeutic target to control allergic diseases.
Experimental spinal cord injury: MR correlation to intensity of injury.

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to determine the association between lesion length measured on MRI and the severity of mechanical injury in a rat model of spinal cord trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a modified Allen weight drop injury and killed 4 h after injury. Their fixed, exercised cords were studied with MRI at 1.9 T. RESULTS There were strong correlations between lesion length on MR images and weight drop height and square root of drop height (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.0001 and r2 = 0.63, p < 0.0001, respectively). The lesion length differences were significant versus controls for all drop heights at p values of < or = 0.002 and for the 2.5 cm animals versus the 5 and 15 cm animals (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0002, respectively), but the lengths of the 5 vs. 15 cm groups only approached significance (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION These results suggest that lesion length determined on MR images is a reliable indicator of the severity of trauma among animals subjected to weight drop injury.
An interface for mutual disambiguation of recognition errors in a multimodal navigational assistant

Users often have tasks that can be accomplished with the aid of multiple media --- for example with text, sound and pictures. For example, communicating an urban navigation route can be expressed with pictures and text. Today's mobile devices have multimedia capabilities; cell phones have cameras, displays, sound output, and (soon) speech recognition. Potentially, these multimedia capabilities can be used for multimedia-intensive tasks, but two things stand in the way. First, recognition of visual input and speech recognition still remain unreliable. Second, the mechanics of integrating multiple media and recognition systems remains daunting for users. We address both these issues in a system, MARCO, multimodal agent for route construction. MARCO collects route information by taking pictures of landmarks, accompanied by verbal directions. We combine results from off-the-shelf speech recognition and optical character recognition to achieve better recognition of route landmarks than either recognition system alone. MARCO automatically produces an illustrated, step-by-step guide to the route.
Presidential Agenda Setting: Influences on the Emphasis of Foreign Policy

Presidential power is significantly augmented by the ability to influence the political agenda. However, we know little about the factors leading presidents to pursue particular issues over others....