cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MPN-433: Outcomes of COVID-19 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Single-Institution, Observational Study

Context Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are generally considered high risk for poor outcomes following COVID-19 infection. The CIBMTR observational report published by Sharma et al. found that recipients of allogeneic HSCT who contracted COVID-19 had poor overall survival with a 30-day mortality of 32%. However, there are relatively few other studies that evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on HSCT recipients, especially in the setting of in vivo T-cell depletion protocol. Objective This is a single-institution, retrospective analysis evaluating outcomes of HSCT recipients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and April 2021. Patients There were 21 patients at our institution who had undergone HSCT and subsequently contracted COVID-19. Their median age was 53 years at the time of diagnosis. Thirteen of the patients were Hispanic (61.9%). Six of the patients received match-related stem cells (28.6%), 7 received cells from match unrelated donors (33.3%), and 7 received cells from haploidentical donors (33.3%). Fifteen of the patients (71.4%) received myeloablative conditioning regimens, whereas 5 (23.8%) received reduced intensity or non-myeloablative regimens. One patient had received an autologous stem cell transplant. Our most common GVHD prophylaxis regimens were PTCy/Tacro/MMF (12 pts, 57.1%) and Tacro/MTX (6 pts, 28.5%). Results Our primary endpoint in this retrospective analysis was non-relapse mortality within 60 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Of the 21 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, 1 passed away 20 days after diagnosis, giving us a 4.8% case fatality rate. The median time of COVID-19 diagnosis post-transplant was 469 days. Sixteen of the 21 patients were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis (76.2%). Eight patients received steroids for treatment of COVID-19 (38.1%). Seven of the 21 patients (33.3%) were hospitalized for a median of 7 days (range, 5–17 days), with 2 requiring ICU level of care (9.5%). One patient was intubated and ultimately passed away. Conclusion Our data suggest that our HSCT recipients who contracted COVID-19 have had generally good short-term outcomes. Longer follow-up is required to determine if a COVID-19 diagnosis has any effect on long-term transplant related complications and outcomes in this population.
Social dominance orientation and differential affect toward immigrant origin groups: Evidence from three immigration-receiving countries

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that majority group members in immigration-receiving societies express differential levels of prejudice and stereotyping toward various immigrant origins. However, there is little research on whether this tendency to differentiate between more vs. less liked immigrant groups is informed by essential psychological motivations and systematically related to individual differences. In this paper, I test whether majority group members’ propensity to express greater differences in affect toward immigrant origins is associated with social dominance orientation. Using survey studies carried out in the Netherlands, the United States, and Britain, I demonstrate that majority group members’ tendency to express differential affect toward immigrant origins holds across national contexts. I also show that individual-level inclination to differentiate between more and less liked immigrant groups is consistently related to social dominance orientation in all three countries. Overall, my findings confirm the group-specific character of anti-immigration attitudes and highlight the role of social-dominance motivations in prejudice toward immigrants.
Factors Affecting in vivo SH and SV Mode Wave Propagation in vastus lateralis Muscle at Varying Knee Flexion Angles Using Ultrasonic Rotational 3D SWEI

We previously have demonstrated the use of ultrasonic rotational 3D SWEI to measure all three mechanical properties necessary to fully characterize the vastus lateralis muscle in vivo as an incompressible transversely isotropic material: transverse shear modulus $\mu_{T}$ , longitudinal shear modulus $\mu_{L}$ , and tensile anisotropy $\chi_{E}$ . In this work we investigate how varying knee flexion angle affects the mechanical properties of the vastus lateralis. As knee flexion angle increased, $\mu_{L},\ \chi_{E}$ , and $\chi_{\mu}((\mu_{L}-\mu_{T})/\mu_{T})$ all increased, while $\mu_{T}$ remained consistent across knee angles. At all nine knee flexion angles investigated in a healthy volunteer $\chi_{E} > \chi_{\mu}$ , indicating that these are independent parameters.
A Logit Analysis of Participation in Tennessee's Forest Stewardship Program

This study determines the likely effect of cost-share incentives on participation in the Tennessee forest Stewardship Program and identifies other factors that may contribute to participation. A random utility model is used to determine the probability that a landowner will choose to participate in the program. A binary choice model is specified to represent the dichotomous decision and a logit procedure is used to fit the model. Data are obtained from mail surveys of 4,000 randomly selected landowners. Results indicate that attitudes and knowledge of forestry programs may be more influential in a landowner's decision to participate than monetary incentives.
Cumulative effect of double-site mutations of human epidermal growth factor on receptor binding.

Abstract Using site-directed mutagenesis, it was previously found that mutation of the individual residues Tyr13, Tyr22, Ile23, or Leu26 in the amino-terminal domain or of the highly conserved Leu47 in the carboxyl-terminal domain of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), resulted in significantly decreased receptor binding affinity. In the present study, the single-site hEGF mutants Tyr13-->His, Tyr22-->Asp, Ile23-->Thr, and Leu26-->Gly were genetically combined with the Leu47-->Ala hEGF mutant to produce a series of double-site mutant hEGF gene products having alterations simultaneously at two sites, in separate domains, within the same hEGF molecule. Similarly, the combination of the single-site hEGF mutants Tyr13-->His and Ile23-->Thr generated a double-site mutant having two mutations within the same domain. Finally, combination of the hEGF mutation Ile23-->Ala with Leu23-->Ala altered two side chains located in close proximity within the large beta-sheet region of the molecule. Analysis of the relative receptor binding affinities, determined by radioreceptor competition assays of the various single- and double-site hEGF mutants, demonstrated that mutation at any one site does not substantially alter the effect of mutation at the second site in the molecule. The cumulative effect of simultaneous mutations on relative receptor binding affinity confirms the importance of residues, including those in the large amino-terminal beta-sheet, in receptor binding, and indicates that each of the separate sites functions essentially independently in the interaction of the hEGF molecule with its receptor.
Greater anterior cingulate activation and connectivity in response to visual and auditory high-calorie food cues in binge eating: Preliminary findings

Obese individuals show altered neural responses to high-calorie food cues. Individuals with binge eating [BE], who exhibit heightened impulsivity and emotionality, may show a related but distinct pattern of irregular neural responses. However, few neuroimaging studies have compared BE and non-BE groups. To examine neural responses to food cues in BE, 10 women with BE and 10 women without BE (non-BE) who were matched for obesity (5 obese and 5 lean in each group) underwent fMRI scanning during presentation of visual (picture) and auditory (spoken word) cues representing high energy density (ED) foods, low-ED foods, and non-foods. We then compared regional brain activation in BE vs. non-BE groups for high-ED vs. low-ED foods. To explore differences in functional connectivity, we also compared psychophysiologic interactions [PPI] with dorsal anterior cingulate cortex [dACC] for BE vs. non-BE groups. Region of interest (ROI) analyses revealed that the BE group showed more activation than the non-BE group in the dACC, with no activation differences in the striatum or orbitofrontal cortex [OFC]. Exploratory PPI analyses revealed a trend towards greater functional connectivity with dACC in the insula, cerebellum, and supramarginal gyrus in the BE vs. non-BE group. Our results suggest that women with BE show hyper-responsivity in the dACC as well as increased coupling with other brain regions when presented with high-ED cues. These differences are independent of body weight, and appear to be associated with the BE phenotype.
Jeff Smith, Ferguson in Black and White (Amazon Kindle Single, 2014). Radley Balko, Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces (New York, NY: Perseus Books, 2013).

The August 19, 2014, shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown at the hands of a Ferguson police officer sparked a series of protests, discussions, and debates that far transcended the boundaries...
Abortifacient efficacy of intravaginal prostaglandin F2α

Abstract The efficacy of intravaginal prostaglandin F 2α in the induction of abortion was assessed in 20 women between 12 and 16 weeks' gestation. Nineteen patients aborted within 29 hours. The average time from intial dose to abortion of the fetus was 16 hours. Significant but self-limiting untoward effects included emesis, diarrhea, and fever. Prostaglandin F 2α is an effective abortifacient, but untoward effects may limit its use as a self-administered abortifacient.
Spectral Evolution of the Navier-Stokes Equations for Low Order Couplings of Fourier Modes

The complex spacio-temporal development of turbulent flow has its origins in the nonlinear inertial couplings of the Navier-Stokes equations. At high Reynolds numbers these couplings lead to the continuous exchange of energy among a wide range of spacial scales and the creation of new scales. It is this process of scale generation and energy exchange which we discuss in this paper. Space necessarily limits the paper to primary results, and many interesting details must unfortunately await future publication.
THE DECREASE IN PHYSICS ENROLLMENT

We discuss and analyze the fact that physics is generally losing its ability to captivate students who may possess the potential to enhance the quality of our future in this age of technology. We have tried to investigate the reasons behind this low enrollment in the light of the results of a few surveys with the undergraduate students in different physics courses and in current relevant college programs. It is not an exclusively descriptive issue, so our analysis is a way to delineate the details of the matter leading to the suggestions for future improvements.
Relativistic MHD simulations of core-collapse GRB jets: 3D instabilities and magnetic dissipation

Relativistic jets naturally occur in astrophysical systems that involve accretion onto compact objects, such as core collapse of massive stars in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and accretion onto supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN). It is generally accepted that these jets are powered electromagnetically, by the magnetised rotation of a central compact object. However, how they produce the observed emission and survive the propagation for many orders of magnitude in distance without being disrupted by current-driven non-axisymmetric instabilities is the subject of active debate. We carry out time-dependent 3D relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of relativistic, Poynting flux dominated jets. The jets are launched self-consistently by the rotation of a strongly magnetised central compact object. This determines the natural degree of azimuthal magnetic field winding, a crucial factor that controls jet stability. We find that the jets are susceptible to two types of instability: (i) a global, external kink mode that grows on long time scales and causes the jets to bodily bend sideways. Whereas this mode does not cause jet disruption over the simulated distances, it substantially reduces jet propagation speed. We show, via an analytic model, that the growth of the external kink mode depends on the slope of the ambient medium density profile. In flat density distributions characteristic of galactic cores, an AGN jet may stall, whereas in stellar envelopes the external kink weakens as the jet propagates outward; (ii) a local, internal kink mode that grows over short time scales and causes small-angle magnetic reconnection and conversion of about half of jet electromagnetic energy flux into heat. Based on the robustness and energetics of the internal kink mode, we suggest that this instability is the main dissipation mechanism responsible for powering GRB prompt emission.
Terfenadine (seldane®): A new drug for restoring sensitivity to multidrug resistant cancer cells☆

In our efforts to identify clinically effective drugs for reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein, we tested terfenadine for anti-MDR activity because it appeared to sensitize a patient to doxorubicin and because it met structural requirements defined for this activity. Terfenadine sensitized MCF-7/ADR human breast cancer cells and L1210/VMDRC.06 murine leukemia cells to doxorubicin. At concentrations < or = 10 microM, terfenadine decreased the IC50 to doxorubicin by up to 25-fold against MCF-7/ADR cells and completely restored sensitivity to L1210/VMDRC.06 cells. The drug had no effect on the sensitive, parental cell lines and enhanced activity of other drugs affected by the MDR phenotype. Terfenadine was as potent as trans-flupenthixol, one of the most active modulators of MDR. The mechanism of action of terfenadine appeared to be due to inhibition of the function of P-glycoprotein since it augmented the accumulation of doxorubicin and inhibited the efflux of rhodamine 123 from MDR lines but had no effect on drug accumulation or efflux in sensitive cells. Terfenadine displaced azidopine from P-glycoprotein, but at concentrations higher than expected based on its overall potency. Since terfenadine is clinically available, has numerous structural derivatives available for study, and has a relatively low toxicity profile, this drug and drugs of its class should be evaluated for future clinical trials.
Social workers and interprofessional practice: Perceptions from within

Abstract Background This article presents findings of a national study of social workers employed in interprofessional agencies. Interprofessional settings include agencies such as schools, hospitals, prisons, community centers, nursing homes, employment assistance, and religious organizations, in which social work is not the dominant profession. Interprofessional practice involves blending professional skill, values and knowledge across disciplines. Purpose This study is designed to explore the challenges faced and opportunities offered for social workers in interprofessional settings. Method An Internet-based survey was used to reach a broad spectrum of social work practitioners and educators (975 deliverable, 426 completed) across the United States. The primary variables concerned social workers' judgments and perceptions about interprofessional practice. Discussion Findings paint a positive picture of the "fit" between social work and interprofessional settings. Conclusion The results are instructive and support other studies over the past 10 years which have found positive outcomes for social workers in interprofessional settings.
Standing data disproves biomechanical mechanism for balance-based torso-weighting.

Abstract Objective To test a proposed mechanism for the effect of balance-based torso-weighting (BBTW) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls. The mechanism to be tested is that application of light weights to the trunk may result in a biomechanical shift of postural sway in the direction of weighting, mechanically facilitating maintenance of the center of mass over the base of support. Design Nonrandomized controlled trial. Setting Motion analysis laboratory. Participants Participants with MS (n=20; average Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.1) and controls matched for sex, age, height, and weight (n=18). Intervention Light weights strategically placed according to the BBTW protocol were applied to all participants after at least 3 walking trials and 10 seconds of quiet standing with feet together and eyes open and then eyes closed. Measures were repeated after weighting. Main Outcome Measure Forceplate center of pressure (COP) changes >1 standard error of measurement. Results With BBTW, people with MS had larger maximum changes in COP than healthy controls in the left-right direction but not in the anterior-posterior direction. COP changes >1 standard error of measurement occurred in the same direction of weighting 20% of the time (95% confidence interval, 5–34), ranging from 10% to 28% across conditions and directions of postural sway. Direction of greatest weight placement did not match the direction of change in the average COP in most participants with MS or the healthy controls in eyes open or eyes closed conditions ( P Conclusions If BBTW worked via a biomechanical shift of the center of mass, COP changes should match the direction of greatest weighting with BBTW. Our data allowed us to reject this hypothesis. Future research may explore alternative mechanisms of action underlying this intervention.
Negotiating family‐centered early education: A multidimensional assessment of interests and needs

Reform efforts in early childhood education highlight recommendations to adopt more family‐centered practices, including greater family support functions. Yet, there is little research on the processes through which schools develop family‐centered programs that are responsive to the participating children and families. This study examines program development priorities from the perspectives of school staff and families. Fifty‐three (53) school staff members and one hundred and ninety (190) family members responded to quantitative and qualitative surveys to describe their beliefs about the strategies that two urban public schools should undertake in developing family‐centered early childhood programs. Results revealed important differences between the staff and family perspectives. Staff advocated direct methods of assisting families, such as parent education, and expressed comparatively little consideration for informal aspects of family support (e.g., informal staff‐parent relationships; parent‐child rec...
High affinity binding to profilin by a covalently constrained, soluble mimic of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate micelles.

Phosphoinositide (PI) lipids are essential regulators of a wide variety of cellular functions. We present here the preparation of a multivalent analogue of a phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) micelle containing only the polar headgroup portion of this lipid. We show that this dendrimer binds to the cytoskeletal protein profilin with an affinity indistinguishable from that of PIP2, despite the fact that profilin discriminates between PIP2 and its monomeric hydrolysis product inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) under physiological conditions. These data demonstrate that the diacylglycerol (DAG) moiety of PIP2 is not required for high-affinity binding and suggest that profilin uses multivalency as a key means to distinguish between the intact lipid and IP3. The class of soluble membrane analogues described here is likely to have broad applicability in the study of protein·PI interactions.
Climatic Implications of the Late Quaternary Alluvial Record of a Small Drainage Basin in the Central Great Plains

Four late-Quaternary alluvial fills and terraces are recognized in Wolf Creek basin, a small (163 km2) drainage in the Kansas River system of the central Great Plains. Two terraces were created during the late Pleistocene: the T-4 is a fill-top terrace underlain by sand and gravel fill (Fill I), and the T-3 is a strath terrace cut on the Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone. Both Fill II (early Holocene) and Fill III (late Holocene) are exposed beneath the T-2, a Holocene fill-top terrace. The T-1 complex, consisting of one cut and three fill-top terraces, is underlain by Fills III and IV. A poorly developed floodplain (T-0) has formed within the past 1000 yr. As valleys in Wolf Creek basin filled during the early Holocene, an interval of soil formation occurred about 6800 yr B.P. Early Holocene fill has been found only in the basin's upper reaches, indicating that extensive erosion during the middle Holocene removed most early-Holocene fill from the middle and lower reaches of the basin. Valley filling between 5000 and 1000 yr B.P. was interrupted by soil formation about 1800, 1500, and 1200 yr B.P. As much as 6 m of entrenchment has occurred in the past 1000 yr. Holocene events in Wolf Creek basin correlate well with those in other localities in the central Great Plains, indicating that widespread changes in climate, along with adjustments driven by complex response, influenced fluvial activity.
Analysis of highly disfavored processes through pathway-specific correlated fluorescence

A new method is described for the detection of disfavored reaction pathways. The approach combines organic synthesis, to independently prepare reactant and product, with the low detection limits of confocally adjusted fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Selective detection of disfavored products is achieved by designing a system in which the analyte displays a unique absorption and emission of light. This was accomplished through application of a substance-selective intramolecular charge transfer. The power of this technique was demonstrated by monitoring the progress of the thermal retro-[2+2]-cycloaddition. In conjunction with concurrent 1H-NMR monitoring, the relative abundance of major and disfavored reaction products can be determined and used to calculate the energetics of processes disfavored by more than 5 kcal/mol.
Computer-Aided Emergency Telecommunications For the Deaf

Computer-aided telecommunications provide deaf teletypewriter users with 24-hour toll-free access to emergency services. An interface and software link the deaf caller's teletypewriter (TDD) with a microprocessor by reducing and inverting voltage levels between the two devices. This system facilitates rapid transmission of linguistically controlled triage questions to meet the communication needs of deaf patients.
Does the “Chitty Effect” Occur in Peromyscus?

I tested for the “Chitty Effect” in white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus , by looking for the presence of a large-bodied, dominant, genetic morph in peak populations. Large-sized animals were present primarily during high, but not low, densities. However, large-sized males nested with females less often than did small males and they were not dominant to small males. Body mass of offspring was not correlated with that of their mothers, and thus, large size was not a unique genetic morph. Large-sized animals were older than small animals having survived through two breeding seasons under conditions of high availability of food. The occurrence of large-sized animals in this fluctuating population of Peromyscus was similar to that proposed by Chitty (1958, Cold Springs Harbor Symposium on Quantitative Biology, 22:99-113) for microtines, but whether it was analogous or not may be conjectural until comparable studies are conducted on Microtus .
Multifunctional Hydrogels that Promote Osteogenic Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Through Stimulation and Sequestering of Bone Morphogenic Protein 2

The extracellular environment controls many cellular activities thereby linking external material cues to internal cell function. By better understanding these processes, synthetic extracellular material niches can be tailored to present cells with highly regulated physical and/or chemical cues that promote or suppress selected cell functions. Here, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels were functionalized with fluvastatin-releasing grafts and growth factor binding heparin domains to enable the dynamic exchange of information between the material and cells from the outside-in and inside-out (i.e., bidirectional signaling). By incorporating a fluvastatin-releasing graft and carefully controlling the dose and temporal release, materials were designed to promote bone morphogenic protein (BMP2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). When the release of fluvastatin was controlled to occur over 2 weeks, BMP2 and ALP production was increased 2.2-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively, at day 28 compared to hMSCs cultured in the absence of fluvastatin. By introducing a heparin functionality into the gel to sequester and localize the hMSC-produced BMP2, the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs was further augmented over fluvastatin delivery alone. Osteopontin and core binding factor α1 gene expression was 6-fold and 4-fold greater for hMSCs exposed to fluvastatin in the presence of the heparin functionalities, respectively. These results demonstrate how multifunctional gels that interact with cells in a bidirectional manner can efficiently promote selected cell functions, such as the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
Distribution of Acarapis woodi (Rennie)

A. R. Brimblecombe and C. Roff state in Nature of May 6, p. 561, that “Mites determined as Acarapis woodi (Rennie) were found recently on one of the escorts with a queen bee (Apis mellifera L.) from California”. They also report that subsequent surveys indicated that this particular mite was found on bees from other States of the United States, and was widespread in Queensland.
Microsatellite marker of interferon-gamma receptor 1 gene correlates with infection following major trauma.

Abstract Background: This study hypothesizes that predicted polymorphism of the interferon-γ receptor 1 gene may play an important role in infection after trauma as supported by microsatellite analysis. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral leukocytes of 38 trauma patients with Injury Severity Scores greater than 16. D6S471, a microsatellite marker on chromosome 6 near interferon-γ receptor 1, was amplified with polymerase chain reaction, and genotypes were determined. Results: The mean Injury Severity Score was 32, and 63% of patients (24 of 38) developed major infection. Three alleles and 5 genotypes were identified for D6S471. Twenty-six percent of patients (10 of 38) had genotype AA, all of whom developed major infection (P =.004). Genotype BB accounted for 57% of the uninfected population (8 of 14) but only 21% of the infected group (P =.028). Allele A had a frequency of 33%, of which 22 alleles (88%) were found in infected patients (P =.001). In addition, allele B accounted for 61% of the uninfected group (17 of 28) but only 23% (11 of 48) of the infected group (P =.001). Allele C demonstrated no correlation. Conclusions: Microsatellite polymorphism correlates strongly with infection. These findings portend polymorphism in the receptor itself and thereby represent a genetic basis for the development of infection. We suggest this identifies a high-risk group who could benefit from more specific therapy that may have the potential to overcome this receptor insufficiency. (Surgery 2000;128:301-5.)
Interpreting Advertiser Intent in Sponsored Search

Search engines derive revenue by displaying sponsored results along with organic results in response to user queries. In general, search engines run a per-query, on-line auction amongst interested advertisers to select sponsored results to display. In doing so, they must carefully balance the revenue derived from sponsored results against potential degradation in user experience due to less-relevant results. Hence, major search engines attempt to analyze the relevance of potential sponsored results to the user's query using supervised learning algorithms. Past work has employed a bag-of-words approach using features extracted from both the query and potential sponsored result to train the ranker.We show that using features that capture the advertiser's intent can significantly improve the performance of relevance ranking. In particular, we consider the ad keyword the advertiser submits as part of the auction process as a direct expression of intent. We leverage the search engine itself to interpret the ad keyword by submitting the ad keyword as an independent query and incorporating the results as features when determining the relevance of the advertiser's sponsored result to the user's original query. We achieve 43.2% improvement in precision-recall AUC over the best previously published baseline and 2.7% improvement in the production system of a large search engine.
Evidence for homoclinic orbits as a precursor to chaos in a magnetic pendulum

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented which supports the theory that homoclinic orbits in a Poincare map associated with a phase space flow are precursors of chaotic motion. A permanent magnet rotor in crossed steady and time-varying magnetic field is shown to satisfy a set of third order differential equations analogous to the forced pendulum or to a particle in a combined periodic and travelling wave force field. Critical values of magnetic torque and forcing frequency are measured for chaotic oscillations of the rotor and are found to be consistent with a lower bound for the existence of homoclinic orbits derived by the method of Melnikov. The fractal nature of the strange attractor is revealed by a Poincare map triggered by the angular position of the rotor. Numerical simulations using the model also agree well with both theoretical and experimental criteria for chaos.
Effects of restoration techniques on breeding birds in a thermally-impacted bottomland hardwood forest

Abstract We evaluated the effects of revegetation techniques on breeding bird communities in a bottomland hardwood forest impacted by thermal effluent. In 1993, sections of the Pen Branch bottomland on the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, were herbicide-treated (glyphosate), burned, and planted; other sections were planted only while others were unaltered and served as controls. Few differences in the avian community occurred at 1 and 2 years post-treatment among treatments. Plots that were herbicide-treated, burned, and planted had greater species richness in 1994 and abundance in 1995 than sections that were planted only (P
Effects of accelerated tariff liberalization on the forest products sector: a global modeling approach

Abstract The objective of this study was to project the effects on the world forest sector of eliminating quickly all import tariffs. The projections were done for two scenarios: (1) progressive tariff reduction according to the current schedule of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; (2) complete elimination of all tariffs within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries. The projections were obtained with the global forest products model (GFPM), for the years 1998–2010. The model gave market equilibrium projections of quantities produced, consumed, imported and exported for each of 180 countries, and for 14 commodity groups, covering roundwood, sawnwood, wood-based panels, pulp and recycled fibers and paper and paperboard. The model also projected world equilibrium prices. The results showed that, with or without ATL agreement, the world consumption and trade of all forest products would continue to grow along the historical trends, and the world prices of forest products would increase moderately. With the elimination of tariffs in APEC countries, the projected world production and consumption of all products would change little (less than 0.5%). The tariff reduction effects would be larger for trade, and the commodity composition of world trade would shift from raw materials to more processed products. The timber harvest would change in a number of countries, but the net effect at the world scale would be small. While the US consumption and production of forest products would change little, the US would reduce its export of logs and increase exports of most processed products. The US timber harvest was expected to be indistinguishable compared to what it would be in the absence of the Accelerated Tariff Liberalization agreement.
Effect of Bolt Tightening and Joint Material on the Strength and Behavior of Composite Joints

This experimental study investigates the effect of the various combinations of bolt tightening and joint material on the strength and behavior of single lap, double bolted composite joints. The strength of the bolted joint is determined from a load-displacement test in which the joint members are pulled in the transverse direction relative to the bolts axis. Additionally, damage assessment is performed on the bearing surface between the shank of each bolt and the members of the joint. The bearing surface damage is examined using a Motic Microscope. Four tightening configurations are used in the testing of each joint. These configurations permit each bolt to be in either tight or loose conditions. The effect of joint material is also investigated, as well. Tested joints include composite-to-composite and composite-to-aluminum joint combination. The metric M8x1.25 bolts; Class 8.8 bolts are used in this study. Experimental results, data analysis, and conclusions are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The synthesis of a radioactive cytokinin with high specific activity

Abstract 6-benzylaminopurine-[p-1H-benzyl] at a specific activity of 10 Ci/mmol was synthesized by reacting p-bromo-6-benzylaminopurine with carrier-free tritium gas in the presence of 10% Pd/C. A radiochemical purity of 97% was obtained by a one-step purification of the tritiated reaction product using cellulose TLC. This simple procedure yields the highly active cytokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine, with tritium at near maximum specific activity in a known, stable position.
High-Dose Versus Low-Dose Ibandronate Decreases Risk of Clinical Fractures

Practice PearlIntermittently dosed ibandronate (po or IV) increases bone mineral density compared with daily low-dose ibandronate and results in fewer clinical fractures.
Interaction of activated natural killer cells with normal and tumor vessels in cranial Windows in mice

Abstract A mammary carcinoma, MCa IV, was grown in syngeneic C3H mice in a cranial window preparation which permitted the in vivo observation of the growth and microcirculation of the tumors. Fluorescently labeled activated natural killer (A-NK) cells were injected into the external carotid artery and their interactions with normal and tumor vessels were quantified by video microscopy. Cells which entered the tumor vessels adhered heterogeneously to these vessels, regardless of vessel size or blood flow rates and bound with an efficiency ranging from 0 to 82% of the incoming cell flux. Normal brain tissue showed significantly fewer binding cells per microscopic field (9 ± 5 vs 85 ± 27 cells/1.3 mm 2 ) and the few cells which were retained by the normal tissue were highly deformed, suggesting mechanical rather than adhesive entrapment. These studies indicate that A-NK cells bind in high numbers to segments of the vessels of mammary tumors growing in an intracranial site when administered through an arterial route; however, some tumor vessels may escape recognition by these cells. These findings suggest that A-NK cells may be used as carriers of genes for anti-cancer agents.
Validation of an activity-based data form developed to reflect interventions used by pediatric physical therapists.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to validate the Pediatric Physical Therapy Intervention Activities (PPTIA) data form when used by pediatric physical therapists to describe interventions used in the treatment of children with developmental disabilities. The form is based on use of the clinical
Broadband polarization interferometric time-integrating acousto-optic correlator for random noise radar

We describe a time-integrating acousto-optic correlator (TIAOC) developed for imaging and target detection using a wideband random-noise radar system. This novel polarization interferometric in-line TIAOC uses an intensity-modulated laser diode for the random noise reference and a polarization-switching, self-collimating acoustic shear-mode gallium phosphide (GaP) acousto-optic device for traveling-wave modulation of the radar returns. The time-integrated correlation output is detected on a 1-D charge-coupled device (CCD) detector array and calibrated and demodulated in real time to produce the complex radar range profile. The complex radar reflectivity is measured in more than 150 radar range bins in parallel on the 3000 pixels of the CCD, improving target acquisition speeds and sensitivities by 150 over previous serial analog correlator approaches. The polarization interferometric detection of the correlation using the undiffracted light as the reference allows us to use the full acousto-optic device (AOD) bandwidth as the system bandwidth. Also, the experimental result shows the fully complex random-noise signal correlation and coherent demodulation without an explicit carrier, demonstrating that optically processed random-noise radars do not need a stable local oscillator.
Lack of specific association of presenilin 1 (PS-1) protein with plaques and tangles in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Missense mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS-1) gene are causally related to the majority of familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease (FAD). PS-1 immunohistochemical expression in normal human brain and in brains with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has so far been controversial. Here, we report a study of PS-1 expression in brains, cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells using a panel of well characterized PS-1-specific antibodies. These antibodies were characterized by immunofluorescent staining of PS-1 transfectants followed by flow cytometric analysis. In human brain, widespread neuronal staining was observed. PS-1 immunoreactivity was primarily confined to neuronal cell bodies and proximal dendrites. Weaker staining of microglia was also detected, in accord with the finding of PS-1 immunoreactivity in monocytes. PS-1 expression is not particularly associated with neurons either containing or spared from neurofibrillary tangles, nor with senile plaques. The level of PS-1 expression does not differ between normal and AD brains. Immunoprecipitation from AD, FAD and control brains revealed only a 32 kDa N-terminal fragment and an 18–20 kDa C-terminal fragment. Little or no full length PS-1 was detected. The enriched presence of PS-1 in neurons implies an important role in neuronal function, however, the lack of apparent association of its expression with AD pathology signifies the need for a better understanding of its pathophysiological role.
638 NEUTROPHIL CHEMOTAXIS, PHAGOCYTOSIS, AND BACTERICIDE ACTIVITY IN NORMAL VOLUNTEERS RECEIVING PREDNISONE

To evaluate the in vivo effect of prednisone on neutrophil (PMN) functions, prednisone (40 mg./day) was given orally for 3 days to 8 normal volunteers. PMN chemotaxis toward activated serum and PMN random migration were measured in modified Boyden chambers. NBT reduction after stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate was measured by use of flow-cytophotometry. Phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of Staphylococcus aureus were determined by the method of Tan et al. Twenty-four hours and 72 hours after the first prednisone dose the average absolute number of PMNs increased by 64% and 41% respectively from the initial 3.31 ± 1.0 × 109/1 (mean ± 1 SD). Chemotaxis was significantly decreased after 24 hours (P < 0.005) while the 72-hour chemotaxis returned to normal values in 2 subjects and remained low in the remaining 4. The increased random migration of PMNs which was found in 2 volunteers was also suppressed during the study period. Although phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus remained unaffected, bactericidal activity 72 hours after the first prednisone dose was significantly diminished as compared to initial values or to the values of untreated paired controls (P < 0.02). This decrease in bactericidal activity was observed following 30 minutes but not 120 minutes of PMN-bacteria interaction. NBT reduction by PMNs was not impaired. Short-term treatment with prednisone interferes with PMN chemotaxis and bactericidal activity and may therefore compromise host-defense mechanisms.
Staphylococcus aureus: Biology, mechanisms of virulence, epidemiology

The prominence of Staphylococcus aureus as a cause of serious human infection has prompted extensive studies of the microbiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of staphylococci and staphylococcal infections. Staphylococci are of the family Micrococcaceae, although there are diverse genetic and phenotypic differences between them and other members of this family. Of the more than 20 species of staphylococci, only three are clinically significant: S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. saprophyticus. These species can be distinguished by coagulase production and novobiocin resistance. Staphylococci produce a variety of structural, enzymatic, and toxic products, which are associated with adherence, invasion, toxicity, and avoidance of host defense mechanisms. In addition, a variety of host characteristics increase susceptibility to staphylococcal infection. Staphylococci are an important cause of infection in hospitals and the community. Following the introduction of antimicrobials, staphylococci rapidly developed resistance. A penicillin-resistant specific phage type, designated 80/81, caused severe outbreaks of nosocomial disease in the 1950s and 1960s. Staphylococci recently acquired resistance to methicillin and other antimicrobials, and persist as important nosocomial pathogens. Although S. aureus is one of the earliest recognized and most studied human pathogens, it is a perplexing, ever-changing, recurring public health problem.
One-dimensional plasmons confined in bilayer graphene p-n junctions

Gapless spectrum of graphene allows easy spatial separation of electrons and holes with an external in-plane electric field. Guided collective plasmon modes can propagate along the separation line, with the amplitude decaying with the distance to it. Their spectrum and direction of propagation can be controlled with the strength and direction of in-plane electric field. In the case of a bilayer graphene additional control is possible by the perpendicular electric field that opens a gap in the band spectrum of electrons. We investigate guided plasmon spectra in bilayer $p\ensuremath{-}n$ junctions using hydrodynamics of charged electron liquid.
A Study of the Tensile Deformation and Fracture Behavior of Commercially Pure Titanium and Titanium Alloy: Influence of Orientation and Microstructure

In this paper, the tensile deformation and fracture behavior of commercially pure titanium and the titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) are presented and briefly discussed. Samples of both commercially pure titanium and the Ti-6Al-4V alloy were prepared from the as-provided plate stock along both the longitudinal and transverse orientations. The specimens were then deformed to failure in uniaxial tension. The intrinsic influence of material composition and test specimen orientation on microstructure, tensile properties, and resultant fracture behavior of the two materials is presented. The conjoint influence of intrinsic microstructural features, nature of loading, and specimen orientation on tensile properties of commercially pure titanium and the Ti-6Al-4V alloy is highlighted. The fracture behavior of the two materials is discussed taking into consideration the nature of loading, specimen orientation, and the role and contribution of intrinsic microstructural effects.
OVEREXPRESSION OF HUMAN GLUTATHIONE REDUCTASE (GR) PROTECTS CHINESE HAMSTER OVARY (CHO) CELLS AGAINST INJURY FROM OXIDANTS GENERATED INTRACELLULARLY. ♦ 1026

We generated cells with increased activities of GR by transfection of CHO cells with the cDNA for human GR, with and without a mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS). Clones G20 and GL13 showed higher GR activities (G20, 164 mU/mg pro; GL13, 184) than did CHO cells (28). GL13 cells, transfected with hGR with MTS cDNA had higher mitochondrial GR activities (434) than did G20 cells transfected with only hGR cDNA (56) or CHO cells (48). GSH concentrations were increased in both transfected cell lines, while GSSG concentrations did not change. Previous studies revealed that overexpression of GR in mitochondria is more protective against t-butyl hydroperoxide than extramitochondrial GR, but the effects of oxidants added extracellularly might not give an accurate assessment of protection against oxidants generated intracellularly, which we investigated in the present studies. Incubation of CHO and G20 cells with 0.1mM diquat caused increased release of LDH to the media beginning at 50 h and half-maximal release was observed at 60 h. In GL13 cells the effects of diquat were delayed by 20 h, and these cells showed little LDH leakage when the CHO and G20 cells showed almost complete cell death. These studies show that enhanced GR activities in mitochondria protect against the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species generated intracellularly. Supported by GM44263 and a summer research fellowship (to VRR) by the Society for Pediatric Research.
Macrophage-like effector of spontaneous cytotoxicity from the shark.

Abstract The effector of spontaneous cytotoxicity from shark peripheral blood has been shown to be a macrophage-like cell. Effector cells are isolated by centrifugation over Lymphocyte Separation Medium, adherence to glass, Percoll density gradient centrifugation and adherence to fibronectin sequentially. Effector cells are adherent to glass, sediment to densities of 1.048–1.052 g/ml and are adherent to fibronectin. The isolated effectors represent less than 1% of the peripheral blood leukocytes, and exhibit potent cytotoxic capability, both spontaneous and in the presence of phytohemagglutinin. In addition, the activity of these cells is resistant to 3000 rads gamma irradiation. Although nurse sharks have natural antibody to trinitrophenol, spontaneously cytotoxic cells are incapable of killing trinitrophenol modified targets indicating that natural antibody is not required for reactivity, and that natural antibody and spontaneous effectors do not have the same repertoire. However, cold target inhibition studies showed that these effector cells can recognize four of five human lymphomyeloid targets. It is concluded that the spontaneous, extracellular killing by the macrophage-like effector most closely resembles that of activated mammalian tumoricidal macrophages with the exception that they do not appear to require in vitro activation.
The genus Keithia.

Dr. J. J. Davis has been good enough to place in my hands for study material of a discomycetous fungus parasitic on Thuja, which was collected by him in Wisconsin. It was first found July 14, 1908, at Mellen, Ashland Co., about twenty-five miles from Lake Superior, where, at two points along Bad River, Thuja was found bearing the fungus but not very abundantly. In July, I909, the fungus was again met with in Oconto Co., in the Green Bay district, where it was very abundant on the same host. It seems probable, therefore, that the parasite is rather widely distributed in the northern part of Wisconsin. Examination of the fungus showed its affinities to be with the genus Keithia Sacc., and it was named provisionally K. thujina Durand.' At that time I had not seen specimens of K. tetraspora, a European form, the typical and only described species of the genus. More recently, however, authentic material of that and of another allied species has become available which enables me to present the following account of this little-known parasitic