cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing for Bartonella ssp. DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with inflammatory central nervous system disease

Background Neurobartonellosis occurs in people. The role these organisms might play in inflammatory brain disease of dogs is unclear. Hypothesis/objectives That Bartonella spp. DNA would be amplified more commonly from the CSF of dogs with inflammatory disease compared to those with noninflammatory disease. To report the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in dogs with and without inflammatory CNS disease with a commercially available PCR assay. Animals Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 172 dogs from either Washington State University or Colorado State University. Methods Retrospective study. A search was performed of all medical records from dogs with CSF samples submitted to CSU's Center for Companion Animal Studies or Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from CSU or WSU for Toxoplasma or Neospora PCR assay. Increased CSF nucleated cell counts and an adequate volume of CSF must have been present to evaluate Bartonella spp. by PCR assay. Results Inflammatory CNS disease was confirmed in 65 dogs, none of which were positive for Bartonella spp. DNA. Of the other 107 dogs, one was positive for B. henselae DNA. The CSF from this dog contained red blood cells. Conclusions and clinical importance Failure to amplify Bartonella spp. DNA from the CSF of the dogs with inflammatory disease suggests the organism was not involved in the etiology of the disease, the organism was in the CNS tissues but not in the CSF, or the organism was present but in quantities undetectable by this PCR assay. The combination of PCR and culture is the most sensitive way to detect Bartonella spp. and the use of that technique should be considered in future studies.
Impact of Merchandize and Services Trade on Economic Growth of Pakistan

Trade comprises both merchandize and services trade. However, the former has over eclipsed the latter. Today services trade has also emerged an important component of international trade. Recent studies show that services trade is rapidly growing which assigns relative importance to services trade in developing economies. This study focused on Pakistan and empirically compared services and merchandise trade for the period 2001-2016. Model-I provided robust results. Merchandised trade has positive and significant impact on economic growth of Pakistan. Trade promotion not only depends on domestic economic conditions but also on favourable global economic scenario. Model-II estimation results are visibly different from that of Model-I. Services trade has negative impact on economic growth. Services exports have remained well below services imports that culminated in negative impact on economic growth. Pakistan policy makers may address the services trade seriously in order take care of adverse services trade balance that could be made possible by exploring weak areas of services exports with emphasis on innovation and information technology development.
Outcomes of Weaning Trial from Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Using Inflow-Outflow Bridging

Purpose The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiogenic shock support is increasing. Because the recovery period differs from patient to patient, a standard protocol for the timing and strategy of ECMO weaning-off is not well established. Inadequate length of ECMO support can critically affect a patient's outcome, so the evaluation of proper ECMO weaning-off is warranted. A longer weaning trial is preferred to rule out delayed cardiogenic shock, however a long low-flow ECMO wean presents the risk of ECMO thrombosis . At our center, an inflow-outflow bridging technique is aggressively used to evaluate hemodynamics and respiratory status while weaning patients off of ECMO. It allows us to simulate an off-ECMO status for an extended period of time, but is reversible and does not require ECMO discontinuation. Here, we analyzed the outcomes of our inflow-outflow bridging technique for ECMO weaning. Methods This is a single-center retrospective study of patients on veno-arterial ECMO from May 2016 to August 2018. 14 patients on whom we used the inflow-outflow bridging technique were analyzed. The pre-ECMO demographics, ECMO weaning success vs. abortion rates, post-ECMO survival to discharge and complications were analyzed. Figure 1 displays the technique. The outflow cannula is clamped, and then intermittently un-clamped to flash the cannula under proper anticoagulation . Results 14 weaning trials were performed on 14 patients. 12 patients had ECMO weaning-off and decannulation (85.7%). 2 patients underwent a weaning trial, but were deemed unsuitable for ECMO discontinuation (14.3%). 0 patients had stroke/distal embolism or bleeding complications due to ECMO weaning trial. Successful wean sensitivity was 100.0%. Conclusion Our ECMO weaning-off trial highlighted satisfactory rates of screening for ECMO wean. Further larger research will help to clarify our weaning sensitivity and develop an adequate protocol.
Pitfalls in Geriatric Prescribing: Antidepressants and Extreme Sedation

In this study, a case is presented in which initiation of an antidepressant drug was associated with an episode of extreme sedation. This case provides an opportunity to highlight possible pitfalls in geriatric prescribing.
Feminism and Revolution: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Since the stirring of ‘second-wave’ feminism a half century ago, the movement has become progressively more inclusive and systemic. Early on, Marxist-feminists argued that true women’s liberation required transcending both patriarchy and capitalism, and thus a politics at once feminist and anti-classist was essential. Soon, they, too, were challenged to broaden their theory and practice to acknowledge oppressions arising from race, nationality, sexual orientation, and other sources of identity and social location. Addressing this challenge gave birth to a solidarity politics within feminism rooted in intersectionality and manifest both within the movement and in its relationship with other movements. Importantly, this new politics offers ways for individuals to engage in radical social change now by creating new practices and institutions in the solidarity economy. An implacable and inclusive feminism remains essential for building the larger solidarity politics and economics we need for a Great Transition that eliminates oppression of all kinds.
Dysregulation of 1-carbon metabolism and muscle atrophy: potential roles of forkhead box O proteins and PPARγ co-activator-1α.

Homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid but an important metabolic intermediate is generated as an integral component for the “1-carbon metabolism” during normal physiology. It is catabolized ...
Effect of Cultural Diversity in Communication on Project Success Within Multinational Construction Companies in the United Arab Emirates

All industries rely on communication and its effectiveness to run a system of subcontracting. There are many subcontractors in the construction industry that are involved in processes, such as design, plumbing, electrical, and project management. Communication facilitates cooperation, but when it is ineffective, then it leads to poor performance. The situation is even more critical in a culturally diverse environment, such as the UAE construction industry. This study sought to investigate the risks that ineffective communication can have on a construction industry by using the UAE as a case study. The researcher collected secondary data by conducting an in-depth analysis of past studies. Also, the qualitative analysis of the information led to the realization that communication failure could cause sub-contractor failure, scope changes, design changes, ineffective knowledge transfer, poor stakeholder engagement, time differences, and geographical distance.
Lies, Sex, and Suicide: Teaching Fundamental Accounting Concepts with Sordid Tales from the Seamier Side of Accounting History

ABSTRACT The Academy of Accounting Historians has as its motto the Latin proverb praetera illuminet postera, the past illuminates the future. It is an apt motto in many ways. Certainly, many though...
Management of Common Bile Duct Stones in the Presence of Prior Roux-en-Y

Roux-en-Y (RNY) intestinal anatomy is increasingly common among several unique patient populations. RNY gastric bypass for weight loss is the prototypical example. RNY foregut anatomy precludes facile transoral access to the papilla by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and alternative techniques to access must be established for biliary access to treat stones and other disease processes. The technique used for management of choledocholithiasis in the presence of RNY depends on several factors, including the clinical stability of the patient, stone size, local equipment availability, and technical expertise of proceduralists. This chapter reviews the current endoscopic, percutaneous, surgical, and various hybrid techniques which are available to treat stones and biliary diseases after prior RNY.
"My good friends on the other side of the aisle aren't bothered by those facts": U.S. State legislators' use of evidence in making policy on abortion.

Abstract Objective In recent years, U.S. states have passed many restrictive abortion policies with a rationale of protecting health and safety, in apparent contravention of abundant scientific evidence on abortion safety. This study explored whether and how state legislators use scientific evidence when deciding abortion policy. Study Design We conducted 29 semi-structured interviews with state legislators and their aides in Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia in March through July 2017. We recruited via e-mail to members of all health-related committees of the General Assembly in each state, plus sponsors and co-sponsors of 2017 abortion bills, with follow-up via phone and in person. We conducted iterative thematic analysis of all interview transcripts. Results We found no cases of lawmakers’ decisions on abortion being shifted by evidence. However, some lawmakers used evidence in simplified form to support their claims on abortion. Lawmakers gave credence to evidence they received from trusted sources, and that which supported their pre-existing policy preferences. Personal stories appeared more convincing than evidence, with participants drawing broad conclusions from anecdotes. Democrats and Republicans had different views on bias in evidence. Conclusions In this sample, evidence did not drive state legislators’ policymaking on abortion. However, evidence did help inform high-level understanding of abortion, if such evidence supported legislators’ pre-existing policy preferences. This work may help public health practitioners and researchers develop more realistic expectations for how research interacts with policymaking. Implications of this work To increase the utility of research, reproductive health researchers and practitioners should 1) work with established intermediaries to convey findings to lawmakers; 2) present stories that illustrate research findings; and 3) consider the evidence needs of the judicial branch, in addition to those of legislators.
Abstract 072: Being Mindful Is Associated With Being More Physically Active: A Study Of Stage B Heart Failure Patients

Background: Being mindful in daily life appears to be relevant to maintain adequate psychological and physical health. An active lifestyle is essential to maintain cardiovascular health, prevent di...
Import Competition and Job Displacement: Evidence from US Manufacturing, 1981-1999

The relationship between import competition and job displacement is examined using Displaced Worker Survey data and industry-level trade quantity and price data. Analysis is undertaken for the full manufacturing workforce and for various worker types. Heterogeneity in employment effects across worker types is first reported here. Import competition is found to increase displacement rates for high school graduates, workers who have completed some college, non-union workers and workers aged 44 years or less. Increased exports, business cycle upturns and positive domestic demand shifts are all found to temper the job displacing effects of rising import competition.
Recyclic: A VR Model Hybrid for A Futuristic Sustainable City

Created as part of Microsoft and MasterpieceVR's "VR Influencers" Initiative where VR Artists were invited to design 3D models for a futuristic sustainable city and designed using a Samsung Odyssey WMR Headset, "Recyclic" is a strange hybrid imagining how city planners and architects might envision a future mix of function and aesthetics, with this dual-purpose artwork embodying a combination of wind energy generator and public sculpture/creature. It's left up to the audience to determine if the creature design is intended to reflect an inert or alive hybrid - is it a mecho-organic splice? A robotic turbine critter perhaps? Or maybe it's instead a strange mythological, or dream-like, monument. Its name derives from a combination of the words “recycle” and “cyclical”, and one theoretical purpose it has is wind energy capture, while illustrating how recycled materials can be repurposed to create aesthetically pleasing objects that embody a reuse ethos. At present, this virtual artwork is only a prototype of a potential physical rendering.
Muscles in the Movies: Perfecting the Art of Illusion

Muscles in the Movies represents the first, in-depth, historical study into the evolution of muscularity and film. The scale of this endeavour is the first thing that immediately impresses the read...
Estimating System OSNR With a Digital Coherent Transceiver

We demonstrate a technique of evaluating optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) associated with an optical carrier in a fiber-optic system using a commercial coherent optical transceiver equipped with digital signal processing capability. The procedure of measuring noises caused by the transmitter and the receiver is outlined, and these transceiver-related noises need to be taken into account in order to accurately evaluate the system OSNR. Through digital polarization-demultiplexing and polarization nulling in the receiver, it is possible to extract the noise underneath the optical signal, and to measure the tilt of the ASE noise spectrum within the optical signal bandwidth.
Technology-Enabled Care and Artificial Intelligence in Kidney Transplantation.

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and technology-enabled remote patient care have evolved rapidly and have now been incorporated into many aspects of medical care. Transplantation is fortunate to have large data sets upon which machine learning algorithms can be constructed. AI are now available to improve pretransplant management, donor selection, and post-operative management of transplant patients. Changes in patient and donor characteristics warrant new approaches to listing and organ acceptance practices. Machine learning has been employed to optimize donor selection to identify patients likely to benefit from transplantation of higher risk organs, increasing organ discard and reducing waitlist mortality. These models have greater precisions and predictive ability than currently employed metrics including the Kidney Donor Profile Index and the expected posttransplant survival models. After transplant, AI tools have been developed to optimize immunosuppression management, track patients adherence, and assess graft survival. AI and technology-enabled management tools are now available throughout the transplant journey. Unfortunately, those are frequently not available at the point of decision (patient listing, organ acceptance, posttransplant clinic), limiting utilization. Incorporation of these tools into the EMR, the Donor Net® organ offer system, and mobile devices is vital to ensure widespread adoption.
External Modulator-Based Automatic Tuning of Reconfigurable Silicon Photonic 4 th -Order APF-based Pole/Zero Filters

This paper presents an automatic monitor-based tuning of an APF-based pole/zero optical filter using an external modulator. The proposed algorithm uses a modulator to tune the filter center frequency instead of a tunable laser.
Differential growth rates and in vitro drug susceptibility to currently used drugs for multiple isolates of Naegleria fowleri

The free-living amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, which typically dwells within warm, freshwater environments, can opportunistically cause Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease with a mortality rate of >98%, even with the administration of the best available drug regimens. The lack of positive outcomes for PAM has prompted a push for the discovery and development of more effective therapeutics, but most studies only utilize one or two clinical isolates in their drug discovery assays. The inability to assess possible heterogenic responses to drugs among isolates from varying geographical regions hinders progress in the field due to a lack of proven universal efficacy for novel therapeutics. Herein we conducted drug efficacy and growth rate determinations for 11 different clinical isolates, including one obtained from a successful treatment outcome, by applying a previously developed CellTiter-Glo 2.0 screening technique and flow cytometry. We found some significant differences in the susceptibility of these isolates to 7 of 8 different drugs tested, all of which comprise the cocktail that is recommended to physicians by the Centers for Disease Control. We also discovered significant variances in growth rates among isolates which draws attention to the dissidence among the amoebae populations collected from different patients. The findings of this study reiterate the need for inclusion of additional clinical isolates of varying genotypes in drug assays and highlight the necessity for more targeted therapeutics with universal efficacy across N. fowleri isolates. Our data establishes a needed baseline for drug susceptibility among clinical isolates and provides a segue for future combination therapy studies as well as research related to phenotypic or genetic differences that could shed light on mechanisms of action or predispositions to specific drugs.
DUB-ling down on B-cell malignancies

In this issue of Blood, Peterson et al demonstrate that inhibition of both Usp9x and Usp24 results in efficient degradation of Mcl-1, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of tumor growth in B-cell malignancies.
Simultaneous analysis of cellular RNA and DNA content.

Publisher Summary Acridine orange (AO) and pyronine Y (PY) are the two most common fluorochromes of RNA. Used either alone (AO) or in combination with the DNA specific fluorochrome Hoechst 33342 (PY), these dyes have found application primarily for simultaneous, correlated (bivariate) analysis of cellular RNA and DNA content. The mechanisms of interaction with nucleic acids, and in particular the spectral changes upon binding to DNA or RNA, are very much different for each of the dyes. This chapter describes the binding characteristics and the specific features of the respective methods, one based on the use of AO and another utilizing PY. AO is a unique fluorochrome in many respects. It is one of the most versatile dyes and can be used to stain a variety of different constituents of the cell. Because of the multitude and complexity of its interactions with different substrates, basic knowledge of the mechanisms of these interactions is required to successfully apply this dye in any staining reaction. PY binds by intercalation to ds nucleic acids. Its binding affinity to dsRNA is severalfold higher than to dsDNA.
Low-Temperature Irradiation of Beef and Methods for Evaluation of a Radappertization Process

An inoculated, irradiated beef pack (1,240 cans) was conducted for the determination of microbiological safety for unrestricted human consumption. Each can contained a mixture of 10(6) spores of each of 10 strains of Clostridium botulinum (5 type A and 5 type B), or a total of 10(7) spores/can. The cans were irradiated to various doses (100 cans/dose) with 60Co gamma rays at -30 +/- 10 C, incubated at 30 +/- 2 C for 6 months, and examined for swelling, toxicity, and recoverable botulinal cells. The minimal experimental sterilizing dose based on nonswollen, nontoxic sterile cans were 2.2 less than experimental sterilizing dose based on nonswollen, nontoxic sterile cans was 2.2 less than experimental sterilizing dose less than or equal to 2.6 Mrad. Using recoverable cells as the most stringent criterion of spoilage, and assuming the conventional simple exponential (without an initial shoulder) rate of spore kill, the "12D" dose was 3.7 Mrad when estimated on the basis of mixture of 10 strains totaling 10(7) spores/can, and 4.3 Mrad if it is assumed that each can of beef contained 10(6) spores of a single most resistant strain and all of these spores were of identical resistances. However, an analysis of the data by extreme value statistics indicated with 90% confidence that the spore death rate was not a simple exponential but might be a shifted exponential (with an initial shoulder), Weibull, lognormal, or normal, with a "12D" equivalent of about 3.0 Mrad regardless of the initial spore density per can. There was an apparent antagonism between the irradiated type A and B strains in the cans. Some of the cans contained type B toxin but did not include type B viable cells. Other cans had a mixture of type A and B toxins, but a large number of these cans did not yield recoverable type B cells. However, type A viable cells could always be demonstrated in those cans containing type A toxin.
New evidence on labor supply:: Employment versus hours elasticities by sex and marital status

Using the tri-annual micro panel data of the Survey of Income and Program Participation we estimate fixed effects labor supply models separating the extensive and intensive margins. The employment elasticity is +0.6 for single men versus +1.1 for married men; the employment elasticity is +2.4 for single women versus +1.8 for married women. The compensated hours worked elasticity is +0.4 for employed single and married men and +0.7 for employed single and married women. The implied aggregate employment elasticity of +1.5 and hours per employee elasticity of +0.5 indicate employment fluctuations account for three-fourths of wage-induced variation in labor hours.
Export diversification and international debt under terms-of-trade uncertainty

Abstract This paper proposes an intertemporal approach to export diversification in developing countries facing uncertain terms-of-trade. By incorporating international debt, by far the predominant source of LDC external financing today, the model provides a richer and more realistic framework than static models with no financial markets or models emphasizing international trade in equities. The approach is applied to a small developing country with a comparative advantage in a risky commodity to illustrate explicitly the relation between intertemporal substitution in consumption and diversification in production.
Multiple gestations: some public policy issues.

Multiple gestations, or multifetal pregnancies,raise a number of significant policy questionsconcerning the well being of women and the wellbeing of the children fetuses might become.Important questions for feminists pertain notonly to multifetal pregnancy itself, but alsoto the medical interventions associated withthese pregnancies. In this paper, we addressthe questions of how many embryos should betransferred in assisted reproduction, how manyfetuses should remain in a multiple gestation,who should make these decisions, and the needto protect women from overexposure to exogenoushormones. Although we focus on assistedreproduction in the United States, we believethat our suggestions are applicable to othercountries where the technology is comparable.
The Role of the Environment in Socio-Economic Status and Obesity

Publisher Summary Rather than encouraging individuals to eat more healthily or to exercise more, perhaps it would be more useful to try to improve the availability, quality, and prices of healthy foodstuffs in poor localities or to improve the availability of sports grounds and green spaces there. Obesity does not occur randomly in populations. It has been shown that lower socio-economic status (SES) persons are more likely to be overweight and their physical environment may play a role. This chapter primarily aims to identify obesogenic environmental factors that are plausible underlying mechanisms for the linkage between SES and obesity. The chapter is organized according to the energy balance equation. It focuses first on caloric intake and then on energy expenditure. It examines the ecological contexts of food consumption and physical activity, and then ties these contexts to SES. In each section, it briefly reviews evidence of the importance of ecological context for caloric intake or energy expenditure and then examines how contextual factors are linked to SES. This is followed by a summary and conclusion. Two major environmental factors embedded within SES have implications for caloric intake: availability of healthy food and affordability of food.
Iliopsoas Irritation as Presentation of Head-Neck Corrosion After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Series

Corrosion of modular components at the femoral neck remains a complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The authors have found the iliopsoas sign (pain on resisted flexion of the hip) to be suggestive of femoral component corrosion. These cases represented 8 of 120 revision hip arthroplasties (7%) performed at the authors' institution. After the revisions, all iliopsoas tendonitis symptoms resolved. Based on the authors' experience and the recent literature, they recommend that the iliopsoas sign or presentation of a sterile iliopsoas abscess in a previously well-functioning THA be concern for corrosion of the femoral component of the total hip.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (an overview)

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia is a serious side effect of a drug that is widely used in clinical practice. All patients exposed to heparin, administered by any route or at any dose, are at varying risk of developing HIT and its potentially devastating thrombotic complications. There are two clinical forms of HIT, type I and type II. Type I HIT, is a non-immunologic response, while type II HIT is an immunologic response to heparin therapy. Type I HIT is not associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and is characterized by reversible thrombocytopenia. Type II HIT occurs in approximately 1 to 3% of patients receiving unfractionated heparin. Type II HIT is more severe because of the increased risk of thrombotic events. Venous and arterial thromboembolic complications may lead to amputation, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death.
Analyzing temporal characteristics of check-in data

There is a surge in the use of location activity in social media, in particular to broadcast the change of physical whereabouts. We are interested in analyzing the temporal characteristics of check-ins data from the user's perspective and also at the aggregate level for detecting patterns. In this paper we conduct a large study using check-in data from Facebook to analyze different temporal characteristics in four venue categories (restaurants, movies, shopping, and get-away). We present the results of such study and outline application areas where the conjunction of location and temporal-aware data can help in new search scenarios.
Factors associated with delays to surgical presentation in North-West Cameroon

Background Few studies have examined critically the delays in definitive management for surgical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates factors contributing to delays at Mbingo Baptist Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Cameroon. Methods During a 6-week period, we randomly interviewed 220 patients (39.2%) admitted to the surgical or orthopedic service and/or their caregivers. All patients >age 15 years admitted with a diagnosis of cancer or urgent operative condition (defined as requiring a definitive operation within 48 hours of admission) including trauma were interviewed. Delay was defined as receiving treatment >7 days after symptoms appeared in the urgent cohort and >1 month for the cancer cohort. Results In the urgent cohort, 60.3% patients had delays >7 days to hospital presentation. Compared with nondelayed patients, delayed patients were more likely to have sought care >1 day after symptoms appeared (45.4% vs 6.3%, P P = .0007). Of all patients who received previous care, those with delays, compared those with no delays, visited ≥2 other providers (50.5% vs 18.8%, P P = .026), and felt no improvement after this care (80.4% vs 61.0%, P = .003). In the cancer cohort, 100% experienced >1 month delay. 100% had received medical care prior to arriving at Mbingo Baptist Hospital, 81.4% sought care from at least 3 different facilities, and none believed this care addressed their health concerns. Conclusion Significant delays most often were caused by time spent on previous failed attempts at care. This information can be used to inform policy discussions about optimal health care organization within the country.
Reversible sol–gel transitions of aqueous dispersions of silica nanoparticles grafted with diblock copolymer brushes composed of a thermosensitive inner block and a charged outer block

We report in this article that aqueous dispersions of thermosensitive diblock copolymer brush-grafted 17 nm silica nanoparticles (hairy NPs) can undergo in situ, reversible sol–gel transitions in response to temperature changes. The brushes consisted of a thermosensitive poly(methoxydi(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (PDEGMMA) inner block and a charge-carrying, poly(DEGMMA-co-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium iodide) outer block, which were prepared by a one-pot, surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization and subsequent quaternization of tertiary amine moieties in the second block with iodomethane. Above a critical concentration, the aqueous dispersion of hairy NPs with an appropriate block copolymer composition exhibited a reversible transition from a free flowing liquid to a free standing hydrogel upon cooling from elevated temperatures, which was driven by the lower critical solution temperature transition of the thermosensitive inner block of hairy NPs as confirmed by dynamic light scattering study. At the same concentration of hairy NPs, the sol–gel transition temperature was higher when the highly hydrated, charged outer block was longer. The transition temperature decreased with decreasing the concentration of hairy NPs in the dispersion; reversible gelation was achieved with a concentration of hairy NPs in water as low as 5.5 wt%. Interestingly, the LCST transition of the inner thermosensitive PDEGMMA block disappeared and no sol–gel transition was observed in the studied temperature range when the charged outer block was sufficiently long.
Influences of School Latino Composition and Linguistic Acculturation on a Prevention Program for Youths

This study examined how ethnic composition and linguistic acculturation within schools affected the efficacy of a youth substance use prevention model program. Data come from a randomized trial of the keepin' it REAL program, using a predominantly Mexican American sample of middle school students in Phoenix, Arizona. Schools were randomly assigned to a control group or to one of three culturally tailored intervention versions. We hypothesized that school ethnic and linguistic acculturation composition (percent Latino, percent non-English speaking at home) and individual level of linguistic acculturation jointly would moderate the efficacy of the prevention program, as indicated by students' alcohol, marijuana, and cigarette use. Using multilevel linear modeling and multiple imputation techniques to manage clustered data and attrition, results showed that desired program effects varied by the linguistic acculturation level of the school, the program version, and individual acculturation level. The Latino intervention version was more efficacious in schools with larger percentages of non-English speaking families, but only among less linguistically acculturated Latino students. There were no significant school level program effects connected to the percentage of Latino students at school, the other versions of the program, or among more linguistically acculturated students.
Pilot assessment of the subtelomeric regions of children with autism: detection of a 2q deletion.

Purpose: Autism is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in reciprocal social interaction, language and communication, and by the presence of stereotypical behaviors. The disorder is a complex genetic trait with no known predisposing genes. We report the results of a pilot project to screen for aberrations in the gene-rich subtelomeric chromosomal regions of a cohort of children with autism. Methods: For our pilot project, we used a multiprobe system that includes probes for the subtelomeric regions of all human chromosomes. We assessed the subtelomeric regions of chromosomes from 10 children with a diagnosis of autism. Results: The screen identified one child with an apparent deletion of the subtelomeric region of chromosome 2q; nine children and pooled control samples yielded normal results. The deletion in our patient was confirmed with two other subtelomeric probes and a targeted cytogenetic study revealed a subtle difference in appearance for one chromosome 2 homologue. Conclusion: There have been several reports of children with dysmorphic features, autistic behaviors, and 2q deletions detectable with standard cytogenetic techniques. It may be that the distal region of chromosome 2q harbors a gene or genes that may predispose to autism.
Antibiotic Activity of Seaweed Extracts. II. Rbotdomela larix

Ether extracts of the marine red alga, Rbodomela larix, inhibit the growth of several species of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens in vitro. Present evidence suggests that the active fraction of the Rbodomela extracts may be a brominated phenolic compound. Attempts are being made to purify the compound.
Relations between identity in young adulthood and intimacy at midlife.

This study examines the relation between the development of ego identity by young adulthood and the establishment and maintenance of stable and enduring intimate interpersonal relationships by midlife. This relation was investigated further in order to discover how it might differ between men and women. The Identity Scale was first cross-validated with other personality measures before being related to subsequent intimacy patterns. The achievement of ego identity was found to be important for the establishment (for men) and stability (for women) of marital relationships. Additional sex differences in happiness and spheres of life satisfaction were also explored. These differences suggest differing developmental courses for young men and women as they establish themselves in the adult world.
The Jewish question revisited Marx, Derrida and ethnic nationalism

The question of nationalism as spoken about in contem porary circles is structurally the same as Marx's 'Jewish Question'. Through a reading of Marx's early writings, particularly the 'Jewish Question' essay, guided by Derrida's Specters of Marx and Benedict Anderson's Imagined Communities, it is possible to begin to rethink the nationalist question. In this light, nationalism emerges as the byproduct of the reduction of heterogeneous 'people' into a homo geneous 'state'; such 'excessive' voices occupy an ontological space outside of the categories within which the state operates, and thus return, in Derrida's terms, to 'haunt' it. When the nationalist ques tion is viewed in this way, contemporary solutions that depend on reproducing this reduction are called into question.
Vertical channeling of pyridine molecules ejected in ion bombardment experiments

Abstract Recent secondary ion mass spectrometry experiments of organic molecules on metal surfaces show that the bonding geometry of the molecule on the surface is reflected in the polar angle distributions. Specifically, the polar distribution of pyridine molecules ejected from a σ-bonded configuration on a Ag{111} is narrower than the polar distribution of benzene molecules ejected from a π-bonded configuration. Classical dynamics calculations presented here identify a new channeling mechanism in which the σ-bonded pyridine molecules on the surface focus the ejection direction of other pyridine molecules.
Intraspecific gene flow in bread wheat as affected by reproductive biology and pollination ecology of wheat flowers

Gene flow is transfer of genetic information between populations of the same or different species. Gene flow in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurs via pollen or seed dispersal. Under normal conditions, gene flow between wheat cultivars is negligible due to selfing of flowers. Factors such as reproductive biology and environmental conditions at vegetative and reproductive stages bring variation in the extent of gene flow. Cultivars with open florets during pollination may have increased gene flow. High or low humidity or temperature during anthesis may decrease gene flow. Although pollen movement has been observed 1000 m from the source, substantial outcrossing beyond 30 m was not observed. Rigorous and systematic gene flow studies in wheat are absent from the scientific literature. Gene flow data could establish an appropriate isolation distance between cultivars and genetically modified (GM) plants or hybrids.
Absorption And Scattering Properties Of Elemental Filters For X-Ray Beams

Suppression of the low energy component of diagnostic x-ray spectra is achieved in most cases by using aluminum filtration. The use of heavier elements alone or in conjunction with aluminum has been suggested to improve image contrast and reduce radiation dose. Previous studies have attempted to determine the optimum x-ray filter on the basis of the total attenuation coefficients alone. In this study we characterize x-ray filters by accounting for their absorption and scattering properties. Our results show that the standard aluminum filters produce scatter radiation which can account for 10-15% of all scatter. This effect is especially significant in radiographic procedures such as mammography, where scattered photons contribute to a reduction in radiographic contrast and lesion detectability. Heavier filters such as lead can reduce this scatter component by as much as 80%. Coherent scattering at an angle from 0 to 15° is responsible for the major portion of the scatter from aluminum filters at small scatter angles. This is demonstrated by the ratio of the scatter cross-section in a small volume element in the forward direction to the total cross-section for both coherent and incoherent scattering. We have concluded that an optimum filter can be selected on the basis of its ratio of the photoelectric to scatter components of attenuation. This criterion may also be extended to tissue compensating filters used in radiography for exposure equalization and computed tomography filters.
Systemic Embolization from Thrombus in Normal Left Ventricles

It is extremely rare for a thrombus to form in a normal functioning left ventricle. We present two patients in whom this occurred without any plausable explanation. In both instances the patients presented with systemic emboli and had no heart disease or hypercoagulable state. The diagnosis was made by two-dimensional echocardiography and subsequently confirmed during surgery.
Custom vs conventional PRK: a prospective, randomized, contralateral eye comparison of postoperative visual function.

PURPOSE To determine whether VISX S4 (VISX Inc) custom photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) results in better visual outcomes than VISX S4 conventional PRK. METHODS Photorefractive keratectomy was performed on 80 eyes from 40 patients in this randomized, prospective, contralateral eye study. Dominant eyes were randomized to one group with the fellow eye receiving the alternate treatment. Primary outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), contrast sensitivity, and root-mean-square (RMS) higher order aberrations. RESULTS Mean UDVA was -0.023±0.099 (20/19) in the custom group and -0.044±0.080 (20/18) in the conventional group 6 months after surgery (P=.293). Mean CDVA was -0.073±0.067 (20/17) in the custom group and -0.079±0.071 (20/17) in the conventional group 6 months after surgery (P=.659). Total higher order aberration RMS and spherical aberration increased in both groups compared to preoperative values (P<.05). Coma increased in the conventional group (P<.05) whereas it was similar to preoperative values in the custom group. No significant differences were noted in induction of trefoil. CONCLUSIONS Custom and conventional PRK were shown to be safe and effective with excellent visual acuity and contrast sensitivity performance at 6 and 12 months. Conventional PRK induced more coma than custom PRK; however, this did not seem to correlate with clinical outcomes.
Just a Little Talk With Jesus: The Portrayal of Jesus in NBC's The Book of Daniel

NBC's short-lived show The Book of Daniel sparked intense controversy and outrage among many Christians. Much of the criticism centered on the show's portrayal of Jesus. However, the show's creators contended that it was a reverent depiction. This study analyzes the Jesus character in the show and argues that despite the criticism it was actually a positive depiction of Jesus. Four roles of Jesus in the show are explored: moral conscience, advice-giver, comforter, and inspiration. Implications discussed deal with the cultural battle over how Jesus is depicted and insights this analysis of The Book of Daniel offers for that debate.
Comparison of cockroach allergenic activity in whole body and fecal extracts

Previous studies have established cockroach allergens as important sensitizing agents in the induction/exacerbation of urban asthma. The present investigation compared saline extracts of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) whole bodies and feces and German cockroach (Blattella germanica) whole bodies and feces as important sources of allergens. All extracts were tested before or after gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 columns (fraction 2) as previously described. Skin test studies of 69 subjects with asthma with extracts of American or German cockroaches demonstrated a significant correlation of reactivity to whole body and fecal extracts for both species. Direct RASTs of 13 sera from cockroach skin test-positive subjects were generally greater to both German whole body extracts (GWBEs) and German fecal extracts (GFEs) as compared to American whole body and fecal extracts. There was a good correlation of RAST reactivity to GWBE with GFE. RAST inhibition demonstrated that GFE contained most of the allergenic activity present in GWBE. These studies demonstrate the allergenic similarities of cockroach whole body and fecal extracts and suggest that cockroach feces are an important sensitizing agent in atopic asthma.
Histopathology of Idiopathic Chronic Recurrent Vertigo

Vestibular neuritis is a degenerative neuropathy of the peripheral vestibular system. The etiology of this condition is uncertain, although it is generally believed to be viral. A small percentage of patients with vestibular neuritis have chronic recurrent episodes of vertigo. Detailed cytologic descriptions of acute or chronic vestibular neuritis are lacking, and no previous studies have reported evidence of chronic inflammation in human temporal bone specimens. The authors of this study examined temporal bone specimens from three patients with a history of chronic recurrent vertigo of unknown cause. Varying degrees of inflammation and destruction were seen in the vestibular system, and mild involvement of the cochlear system was noted. These findings are consistent with postinfectious inflammatory changes of the cochlear-vestibular system analogous to a postinfectious syndrome involving the central nervous system.
Quantifying pollution inflow and outflow over East Asia in spring with regional and global models

Abstract. Understanding the exchange processes between the atmospheric boundary layer and the free troposphere is crucial for estimating hemispheric transport of air pollution. Most studies of hemispheric air pollution transport have taken a large-scale perspective using global chemical transport models with fairly coarse spatial and temporal resolutions. In support of United Nations Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (TF HTAP; www.htap.org ), this study employs two high-resolution atmospheric chemistry models (WRF-Chem and CMAQ; 36×36 km) driven with chemical boundary conditions from a global model (MOZART; 1.9×1.9°) to examine the role of fine-scale transport and chemistry processes in controlling pollution export and import over the Asian continent in spring (March 2001). Our analysis indicates the importance of rapid venting through deep convection that develops along the leading edge of frontal system convergence bands, which are not adequately resolved in either of two global models compared with TRACE-P aircraft observations during a frontal event. Both regional model simulations and observations show that frontal outflows of CO, O3 and PAN can extend to the upper troposphere (6–9 km). Pollution plumes in the global MOZART model are typically diluted and insufficiently lofted to higher altitudes where they can undergo more efficient transport in stronger winds. We use sensitivity simulations that perturb chemical boundary conditions in the CMAQ regional model to estimate that the O3 production over East Asia (EA) driven by PAN decomposition contributes 20% of the spatial averaged total O3 response to European (EU) emission perturbations in March, and occasionally contributes approximately 50% of the total O3 response in subsiding plumes at mountain observatories (at approximately 2 km altitude). The response to decomposing PAN of EU origin is strongly affected by the O3 formation chemical regimes, which vary with the model chemical mechanism and NOx/VOC emissions. Our high-resolution models demonstrate a large spatial variability (by up to a factor of 6) in the response of local O3 to 20% reductions in EU anthropogenic O3 precursor emissions. The response in the highly populated Asian megacities is 40–50% lower in our high-resolution models than the global model, suggesting that the source-receptor relationships inferred from the global coarse-resolution models likely overestimate health impacts associated with intercontinental O3 transport. Our results highlight the important roles of rapid convective transport, orographic forcing, urban photochemistry and heterogeneous boundary layer processes in controlling intercontinental transport; these processes may not be well resolved in the large-scale models.
Fluid handling and environmental management for automated 3-D cell culturing

This paper reports on the development of three subsystems to automate the process of three dimensional cell culturing. Conventional cell culturing is a manual process in which cells are grown in a controlled environment and eventually harvested for testing purposes. The large amount of human labor necessary in this process creates opportunity for human error that limits cell culture quality. Taking steps towards automation involved the design and implementation of three subsystems: one for environmental management; another for fluid handling; and a third for controls and communication. Following development of the subsystems, a series of tests were performed to validate functionality and provide a basis for complete integration of all systems. Complete automation of the process will solve several challenges encountered during traditional cell culturing including tight control of the growth environment, eliminating contamination, maintaining many cultures simultaneously, and maintaining consistency and quality.