cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Impact on Young Arthroplasty Surgeons.

Abstract Background The current coronavirus crisis, COVID-19, has affected all orthopedic surgeons. Surgeons at early stages of their career are at risk of being affected differently than their more established counterparts. Methods We conducted an online survey for members of the Young Arthroplasty Group to determine what effects this had on their current practice. Results Nearly 40% of our surveyed group responded ranging from residents, fellows, and early career surgeons. All groups had been affected by the crisis, with different impacts on each subgroup. Conclusion COVID-19 had significant impact on young surgeons affecting their compensation, redeployment, and career advancement. Available resources should be offered to this group, where available, to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
Examination of quantitative methods for analyzing data from concept inventories

Analyzing student learning gains through an equity lens depends on the type of equity embedded in the research questions.
Colombia's Victims' Law: Transitional Justice in a Time of Violent Conflict?

In June 2011, Colombia passed the most ambitious reparations law in its history, formally recognizing the consequences of the ongoing internal conflict. This law marks a significant re-thinking of transitional justice – the processes by which countries strive to achieve truth, justice, and reconciliation after periods of prolonged conflict and marginalization.Transitional justice processes traditionally begin after a profound political shift has already taken place. For example, in South Africa, the process started when apartheid ended and the African National Congress came to power. In East Timor, it began with independence. In contrast, in Colombia, the conflict and its effects are still ongoing, presenting a new model of implementation. Over the past forty years in Colombia, guerrillas, paramilitaries, and state security forces have been fighting for economic and political control over resource-rich areas of the country and land critical to drug trafficking rings.Though the conflict is longstanding, in the past two decades violence and displacements have increased significantly. In the last fifteen to twenty-five years alone, 1.8 million hectares of land have been abandoned or seized and an estimated 5.2 million people have been displaced, making Colombia the country with the second most internally displaced persons (“IDPs”) in the world, behind only Sudan. The so-called Victims’ Law (“Ley de Victimas”) is the government’s first serious attempt to address the conflict and its effects through legal mechanisms. It provides a series of rights for victims—rights to reparation, truth, and justice—and also establishes accountability for the various perpetrators involved. Most significantly, the Victim’s Law declares a right of restitution for those who have been dispossessed of their land or who have been forced to abandon it. This Recent Development aims to explore the Victims’ Law as an innovative beginning to a process of transitional justice within a context where no significant political or social change has occurred. Colombia finds itself in a unique position in trying to reverse the damages caused by a conflict that has not only not ended, but is in fact intensifying and increasing in complexity. While the context poses distinctive obstacles to a successful reparations process in Colombia, the Victims’ Law also has limitations. This Recent Development will discuss the law and highlight several of its groundbreaking features. It will also identify some of the challenges its implementation will likely entail.
Disaster management during tropical storm Karen: the story of Trinidad extension

The purpose of this study was to investigate the weather-related disaster preparedness and response strategies of agricultural extension professionals in Trinidad during Tropical Storm Karen (TSK). Trinidad faces perennial flooding, and Trinidad extension professionals have often been involved in the management of weather-related disasters. TSK was contextualized as a case study, and a qualitative approach was used to investigate the lived experiences of the extension professionals who directly assisted with managing the event. Semi-structured interview data were collected, along with concept maps and participant-rendered drawings. Each interview was compared with the participant's concept map and drawing, while the constant comparative technique was used to evaluate the interview data among the participants to derive themes. Data were collected remotely using internet platforms due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Findings indicated that disaster preparedness was strategized through field activities, including collecting data and providing disaster advice to clients. Disaster responsiveness was strategized through field actions, primarily through field evaluations for subsidy claims. In addition, related to disaster response, extension professionals faced various challenges in responding to TSK, most notably, the inability to access appropriate transportation. The findings of this study can guide the government of Trinidad and Tobago in bolstering the disaster management strategies of the country, as well as inform regional disaster management plans in other Caribbean countries.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Cancer Stage at Diagnosis, Presentation, and Patient Management.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in breast cancer management forcing clinicians to potentially alter treatment recommendations. This study compared breast cancer stage at diagnosis and rates of neoadjuvant therapy among women presenting to our institution before and during COVID-19. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients with a new breast cancer diagnosis from March 2020-August 2020 (during-COVID-19) were compared with March 2019-August 2019 (pre-COVID-19). We compared stage at diagnosis, clinical/demographic features, and neoadjuvant therapy use between the time periods. RESULTS: A total of 573 patients included: 376 pre-COVID-19, 197 during-COVID-19. Method of cancer detection was by imaging in 66% versus 63% and by physical findings/symptoms in 34% versus 37% of patients comparing pre-COVID-19 to during-COVID-19, p = 0.47. Overall clinical prognostic stage did not differ significantly (p = 0.39) between the time periods, nor did cM1 disease (2% in each period); 23% pre-COVID-19 and 27% during-COVID-19 presented with cN+ disease (p = 0.38). Neoadjuvant therapy use was significantly higher during-COVID-19 (39%) versus pre-COVID-19 (29%, p = 0.02) driven by increased neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) use (7% to 16%, p = 0.002), whereas neoadjuvant chemotherapy use did not change (22% vs. 23%, p = 0.72). In HR+/HER2- disease, NET use increased from 10% pre-COVID-19 to 23% during-COVID-19 (p = 0.001) with a significant increase in stage I patients (7 to 22%, p < 0.001) and nonsignificant increases in stage II (18 to 23%, p = 0.63) and stage III (9 to 29%, p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer stage at diagnosis did not differ significantly during-COVID-19 compared with pre-COVID-19. More patients during-COVID-19 were treated with NET, which was significantly increased in stage I HR+/HER2- disease.
The Role of the Nucleus Reuniens in Regulating Contextual Conditioning with the Predator Odor TMT

Abstract Rationale Experiencing intrusive distressing memories of a traumatic event(s) is a prominent symptom profile for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms associated with this symptom profile can be invaluable for effective treatment for PTSD. Objectives Here, we investigated the functional role of the nucleus reuniens (RE), a midline thalamic in modulating stressor-related memory. Methods Female Long Evans rats were implanted with a cannula aimed at the RE. The RE was pharmacologically inactivated via muscimol (0.5 mM) prior to exposure to the predator odor stressor trimethylthiazoline (TMT; synthetically derived fox feces component) or water (controls) in a distinct context with bedding material (Experiment 1) or no bedding (Experiment 2). To measure context reactivity, the index of the contextual memory, 2 weeks following exposure to TMT, rats were re-exposed to the TMT-paired context (in the absence of TMT). Results In Experiment 1, during context re-exposure (with bedding), inactivation of the RE had no effect on context reactivity. In Experiment 2, during context re-exposure (no bedding), rats previous exposed to TMT showed decreased immobility compared to controls, indicating reactivity to the context and likely related to increased exploration of the environment. Rats in the TMT group that received RE inactivation showed increased immobility relative to rats that received aCSF, suggesting that muscimol pre-treatment blunted context reactivity. Conclusion In conclusion, recruitment of the RE in stressor-related contextual memory appears to be dependent on the contextual environment and whether the animal is able to engage in different stress coping strategies.
Local density of states in a vortex at the surface of a topological insulator in a magnetic field

Fermion bound states at the center of the core of a vortex in a two-dimensional superconductor are investigated by analytically solving the Bogoliubov–de Gennes equations in a magnetic field. The metallic surface states of a strong topological insulator become superconducting via proximity effect with an s-wave superconductor. Due to the magnetic field, the states undergo Landau quantization. A zero-energy Majorana state arises for the Landau level $$n=0$$ together with an equally spaced ( $$\Delta ^2_{\infty }/E_F$$ ) sequence of fermion excitations. The spin-momentum locking due to the Rashba spin–orbit coupling is key to the formation of the Majorana state. Extending previous results in zero magnetic field, we present analytical expressions for the energy spectrum and the wave functions of the bound states in a finite magnetic field. The solutions consist of harmonic oscillator wave functions (associated Laguerre polynomials) times a function that falls off exponentially with distance $$\rho $$ from the core of the vortex as $$\exp [-\int _0^{\rho } d\rho ' \Delta (\rho ')/v_F]$$ . An analytic expression for the local density of states (LDOS) for the bound states is obtained. It depends on two length scales, $$1/k_F$$ and the magnetic length, $$l_H$$ , and the angular momentum index $$\mu $$ . The particle-hole symmetry is broken in the LDOS as a consequence of the spin–orbit coupling and the chirality of the vortex. We also discuss the spin polarization of the bound states.
The associations of maternal/paternal modeling, self-efficacy, and ethnic fit on math/science achievement among Latinx students.

Abstract Introduction This paper examined individual, family, and peer roles in promoting Latinx youths’ math and science performance. The role of maternal/paternal modeling in education was examined as shaping academic self-efficacy and, in turn, math/science grades among a population considered at risk of low academic achievement. Moreover, the study tested the moderating roles of class ethnic fit (i.e., feelings of fit based on having same-ethnic peers in class) and gender. Method Cross-sectional data came from a southwestern U.S. sample of Latinx adolescents (N = 329; 54% female, Mage = 13.69 years, SD = 0.56) who reported on maternal/paternal educational modeling, academic self-efficacy, math/science grades, class ethnic fit, and gender. Results Adolescents' perceptions of maternal modeling, but not paternal, related to higher levels of academic self-efficacy which, in turn, related to higher math/science performance. Moderation results revealed: (a) for adolescents who perceived low science class ethnic fit, high levels of parental modeling related to higher levels of academic self-efficacy which, in turn, were related to higher science grades, and (b) maternal modeling positively related to girls', but not boys', academic self-efficacy and paternal modeling positively related to girls', but not boys’, math/science performance. Conclusions These results suggest maternal modeling is a promotive factor, supporting Latinx youths’ academic self-efficacy which, in turn, related to math/science grades. Additionally, a negative direct relation between maternal modeling and science grades suggests maternal modeling generally support academic self-efficacy, but not necessarily science attainment. These associations are nuanced as they are informed by context and parent-child gender.
Enacting Positive Social Change: A Civic Wealth Creation Stakeholder Engagement Framework:

Entrepreneurship is an innovative solution for many businesses, communities, governments, nonprofits, and social innovators to address societal issues, such as poverty and social injustice. Civic w...
Trends and Outcomes of Cardiac Transplantation in the Lowest Urgency Candidates.

Background Due to discrepancies between donor supply and recipient demand, the cardiac transplantation process aims to prioritize the most medically urgent patients. It remains unknown how recipients with the lowest medical urgency compare to others in the allocation process. We aimed to examine differences in clinical characteristics, organ allocation patterns, and outcomes between cardiac transplantation candidates with the lowest and highest medical urgency. Methods and Results We performed a retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Patients listed for cardiac transplantation between January 2011 and May 2020 were stratified according to status at time of transplantation. Baseline recipient and donor characteristics, waitlist survival, and post-transplantation outcomes were compared in the years before and after the 2018 allocation system change. Lower urgency patients in the old system were older (58.5 vs. 56 years) and more likely female (54.4% vs. 23.8%) compared to the highest urgency patients, and these trends persisted in the new system (p<0.001, all). Donors for the lowest urgency patients were more likely older, female, or have a history of CMV, hepatitis C, or diabetes (p<0.01, all). The lowest urgency patients had longer waitlist times, and under the new allocation system received organs from shorter distances with decreased ischemic times (178 vs. 269 miles, 3.1 vs 3.5 hours, p<0,001, all). There was no difference in post-transplantation survival (p<0.01, all). Conclusions Patients transplanted as lower urgency receive hearts from donors with additional comorbidities compared to higher urgency patients, but outcomes are similar at one year.
Contrast-enhanced CT facilitates rapid, non-destructive assessment of cartilage and bone properties of the human metacarpal

Summary Objective The aim of this work is to establish the human metacarpal as a new whole joint surface early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) model that enables comparisons of articular cartilage and subchondral bone through high resolution contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) imaging, mechanical testing, and biochemical analysis. Design The fourth metacarpal was obtained from 12 human cadaveric donors and baseline μCT imaging was followed by indentation testing. The samples were then immersed in anionic (Ioxaglate) and cationic (CA4+) iodinated contrast agent solutions followed by CECT. Cartilage GAG content and distribution was measured using the 1,9 dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and Safranin-O histology staining. Linear regression was performed to compare cartilage and subchondral bone properties. Results Strong and significant positive correlations were observed between CA4+ CECT attenuation and both GAG content ( R 2 = 0.86) and equilibrium modulus ( R 2 = 0.84), while correlations using Ioxaglate were insignificant ( R 2 ≤ 0.24, P > 0.05). Subchondral bone plate (SBP) thickness negatively and significantly correlated with SBP mineral density ( R 2 = 0.49). Cartilage GAG content significantly correlated with several trabecular bone properties, including positive correlations with bone volume fraction (%BV/TV, R 2 = 0.67), trabecular number (Tb.N, R 2 = 0.60), and trabecular thickness ( R 2 = 0.42), and negative relationships with structural model index (SMI, R 2 = 0.78) and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp, R 2 = 0.56). Similarly, equilibrium modulus correlated positively with %BV/TV ( R 2 = 0.50), Tb.N ( R 2 = 0.59) and negatively with Tb.Sp ( R 2 = 0.55) and SMI ( R 2 = 0.60). Conclusion This study establishes the human metacarpal as a new early-stage OA model suitable for rapid, high resolution CECT imaging, mechanical testing, and biochemical analysis of the cartilage and subchondral bone, and for examining their inter-relationships.
Stormwater Treatment Systems

Certain stormwater treatment devices reduce pollutant loads by effecting a reduction in contaminant concentration, without modifying the flows that they process (e.g., filters and screens). Performance ratings for such devices are normally defined in terms of a removal efficiency at a specific flow or hydraulic loading rate. Actual performance, however, will vary from storm to storm, depending on the inherent variations in storm runoff characteristics. A statistical method of analysis is described that estimates the long-term performance efficiency of treatment devices subjected to the varying rainfall-runoff process. Treatment processes with removal efficiencies sensitive to flow and influent concentration are analyzed. Issues addressed include the effect of flow bypass, flow and concentration variation between and within storms, and the implications of flow-concentration correlations in the storm runoff or combined sewer overflow. Treatment performances predicted by the statistical method are compared with results predicted by simulation modeling techniques.
Effect of microwaves on microorganisms in foods.

Microwave cooking has increased in popularity in recent years. Since the time to process food is much shorter than with conventional methods, questions have been raised as to the microbial safety of foods cooked with microwaves. The first part of this review includes discussions on the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of foods in relation to destruction of microorganisms in microwave-cooked foods, the mechanism of microwave destruction of microorganisms and viewpoints on the thermal and nonthermal destruction of microorganisms. The second part includes data on the effect of time and temperature on microorganisms in microwave-cooked foods, the effect of microwave destruction of microorganisms in different food systems and the effect of microwaves on different bacteria. The last section includes discussions of destruction of microorganisms by microwave cooking of meats, poultry and egg products, dairy products, cereal products, fruit products, vegetables and miscellaneous foods. We observed that (a) microwave heating of food is more "food dependent" than conventional heating, (b) the manufacturer-recommended microwave treatment time for some foods may not destroy high levels of bacteria, (c) use of microwaves in combination with other conventional heating methods results in more uniform heating in foods and destruction of bacteria, (d) heat generated by microwaves kills naturally-occurring microorganisms as long as the size and type of food are carefully correlated with exposure time, (e) microwaves exert different killing effects on individual bacterial species and (f) the question of thermal versus nonthermal effects of microwaves on microorganisms has not been settled. We believe microwave heating is an important method for processing of foods at home, in institutions and in commercial operations. The process is acceptable from the standpoint of food spoilage and food safety as long as the users understand the limitations and possibilities of microwave heating and are aware of some of the major points presented in this review.
Abstract 135: Angiogenic Factors and Response to Intensive Medical Management in Atherosclerotic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis

Introduction: Intracranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease (ICASD) is the most common cause of stroke worldwide accounting for 33-67% of stroke in countries with predominantly Asian, Hispanic, and Black populations and at least 10% of all strokes in the US. In this study we test the hypothesis that circulating angiogenic factor profiles are associated with response to medical management. Methods: This is a prospective cohort of participants in the Angiogenic Factors in Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (ANFIS) Study, age 30-80, with a diagnosis of 70-99% ICASD of a major intracranial artery. All patients had optimization of medical management. Failure of medical treatment was defined as presence of TIA or strokes within 30 days of enrollment. Angiogenic factors were isolated in peripheral blood: HBEGF, VEGF, VEGF-D, TGFB1, TGFB2, PDGFAA, PDGFBB, Endostatin, Angiostatin, and VEGFR2. A correlation matrix was used to group highly correlated factors. Multivariable logistic-regression models were prepared to estimate risk of medical management failure. Results: Thirty patients (53% female) age 28-86 (mean 62.5) were enrolled. There were 10 (33.3%) failures of medical management. Age, gender, ethnicity and race were not significantly different between responders and failures of medical treatment. The multivariate analysis showed that higher VEGFD levels were associated with reduced failure (OR=0.26 95%CI 0.06-0.63, p=0.02) and higher HBEGF was associated with increased failure (OR=2.52 95%CI 1.28-7.34, p=0.03). The multivariate logistic model including VEGFD, HBEGF, female sex and black race had 90% sensitivity and 75% specificity (AUC 0.87) in predicting failure of management. Conclusion: In patients with severe (>70%) ICASD, elevated circulating HBEGF levels were associated with failure of medical treatment, while elevated circulating VEGFD levels were associated with protection from TIA/stroke. Further evaluation of the role of these factors in stroke prevention and potential collateral formation could elucidate new pathways for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
Alpha coincidence detection for the assay of actinides

Interferences in both decay counting and mass counting techniques limit their application for some environmental monitoring applications. For example, 238U interferes with 238Pu in mass spectrometry measurements, while in conventional alpha spectroscopy measurements it is nearly impossible to separate 238Pu from 241Am and 239Pu from 240Pu. These interferences are typically resolved by using chemical separation and/or different measurement techniques for different isotopes. We are investigating radiation detector concepts to simultaneously assay these four isotopes with minimal sample preparation by exploiting radiation signatures measured in coincidence with the predominate alpha decays of these isotopes. Particles in coincidence with the alpha decay include conversion electrons, gamma rays, x-rays, and Auger electrons. Each decay has a unique energy distribution enabling the separation of the isotopes. We are exploring two basic detector concepts to achieve these goals: a silicon-based design and a gas-detector design. The silicon system provides the potential for higher energy resolution at the cost of lower efficiency compared to a gas detector. In this paper, we will describe our evaluation of the different detector concepts, which will include estimations of potential detection efficiency, ability to resolve the isotopes, sample preparation and equipment requirements.
Ethological isolation of plants. 2. Odour selection by honeybees.

SummaryThe behaviour of honeybees (Apis mellifera) foraging in a patch of artificial flowers was studied experimentally with colour and odour as manipulated variables. Honeybees associated food with colour and/or odour and established individually constant foraging patterns. In a patch of colour-dimorphic flowers some bees were constant to yellow and some to blue flowers when all flowers provided clove-scented rewards. The colour-constancy of individual bees was not altered when the scent of all rewards was changed to peppermint. However, when the scent of only one colour morph was changed, some bees remained constant to colour, whereas others switched colour attachment and remained constant to odour. In a patch of uniformly coloured but odour-dimorphic flowers some bees were constant to peppermint-scented and some were constant to cinnamon-scented flowers. A change in the colour of all flowers did not reduce the level of odour-constant foraging. Individual constancy to either colour or to odour can be su...
Mediterranean diet and essential tremor. A case-control study.

Background: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been related to lower Alzheimer’s disease risk. Some dietary factors have been studied in patients with essential t
Requirement for human red blood cells in inactivation of C3b in immune complexes and enhancement of binding to spleen cells.

We showed previously that soluble immune complexes (IC) added to normal human serum and unseparated autologous blood cells bind predominantly to red blood cells (RBC) bearing C3b receptors. RBC-associated IC are processed both by C3b/C4b inactivator (I) cleavage of C3b and by alternative pathway-dependent C3b generation, and are returned to the serum in a modified form. In the present study, soluble IC were prepared by using 125I-BSA and guinea pig anti-BSA, and were treated with diluted human serum to optimize sustained C3b-dependent binding to human RBC. This binding to RBC could not be abrogated by preincubation of IC with heat-inactivated human serum or purified serum regulatory proteins, I and beta 1H (H), but after binding, pretreated IC dissociated. When IC were prepared with serum containing 125I-C3, treatment with I + H did not release labeled C3 from the complexes. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) of 125I-C3b in IC showed similar labeled peaks whether IC were pretreated with buffer or with I + H or were bound to RBC without pretreatment. In contrast, when IC containing 125I-C3b were exposed to I + RBC, nearly 70% of the label was released from the IC. The released material analyzed by SDS-PAGE showed major 125I-C3 peaks corresponding in m.w. to free beta-chain and alpha 1 cleavage products of 30,000 to 33,000 daltons. IC in undiluted serum after incubation with RBC gave less binding to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes than after incubation without RBC, but notably more binding to guinea pig spleen cells and human lymphoblastoid cells. These findings argue that exposure to serum regulatory proteins does not prevent subsequent binding of experimental IC to RBC, that RBC binding promotes degradation of C3b in IC which proceeds beyond iC3b, and that this I-mediated breakdown renders IC reactive with spleen cells.
Pretending as Imaginative Rehearsal for Cultural Conformity

Pretend play and pretense develop in distinct phases of childhood as ontogenetically adaptive responses to pressures specific to those phases, and may have evolved in different periods of human ancestry. These are pressures to assimilate cultural artifacts, norms, roles, and behavioral scripts. The playful and creative elements in both forms of pretending are dictated by the variable, open-ended, and evolving nature and function of the cultural tasks they handle. The resulting creativity of the adult intellect is likely to be a distant and indirect by-product of temporary and specific ontogenetic responses to temporary and specific ontogenetic challenges, particularly cultural ones.
Observations on the effects of four weeks of heavy marihuana smoking on group interaction and individual behavior

Abstract The clinical effects of intensive marihuana smoking on physically and mentally healthy male volunteers were studied in group sessions during a marihuana research project. The study was divided into three periods: presmoking, “wash-out” (4 weeks); smoking (4 weeks); and postsmoking, “wash-out” (4 weeks). Subjects exhibited mild referentiality because of confinement and observation even before smoking began. With light smoking, subjects reported pleasurable effects and enhanced sensitivity. group cohesiveness increased. With heavy smoking subjects became apathetic and withdrawn and markedly referential. This disappeared completely when smoking ceased. Subjects were felt to be clinically hyperirritable during the first week of withdrawal. This disappeared completely after the first withdrawal week. Because of conflicting opinions about the effects of abstinence after chronic heavy use, it is felt that improved design of mood rating scales is needed.
Influence of Hypomyces infection and excision on amino acid and 3-O-methylglucose uptake by squash hypocotyls

Abstract Uptake of 2-aminoisobutyrate by squash (Cucurbita maxima) hypocotyls exhibited a multiphasic isotherm, evidence for a membrane carrier system. Accumulation against concentration gradients and sensitivity to a respiratory uncoupling agent suggests that 2-aminoisobutyrate uptake depends upon metabolic energy. Uptake of 2-aminoisobutyrate and natural l -amino acids by hypocotyls are occasionally stimulated by infection by Hypomyces solani f. sp. cucurbitae while 3-O-methylglucose uptake and respiration are stimulated consistently. Squash mosaic had no influence on changes in host metabolite uptake or hypocotyl respiratory increases associated with Hypomyces infection. Aging greatly stimulated uptake of both amino acids and 3-O-methylglucose by excised hypocotyl tissue. Because of differences in patterns of changes of uptake of amino acids in response to aging and Hypomyces infection, it appears that physiological responses of squash hypocotyls to excision and infection are different.
A numerical study of the lateral migration and deformation of drops and leukocytes in a rectangular microchannel

Abstract When deformable particles (e.g., drops or living cells) are perfused through a flow channel, they drift into a specific lateral position that depends on their size and mechanical properties. This characteristic can be used for deformability-based particle sorting. Using a fully three-dimensional algorithm for viscoelastic drop dynamics, we study numerically the effects of particle size, bulk shear viscosity and elasticity, interfacial (or cortical) tension, and fluid inertia on lateral migration and deformation of small liquid drops and leukocytes (white blood cells) in a rectangular microfluidic flow chamber. Our numerical data show that there is an almost linear increase in the distance between the wall and the lateral equilibrium position of liquid drops or leukocytes with the particle diameter-to-channel height ratio increased from 0.1 to 0.5. Excluding the case of drops with high interfacial tension, an increase in bulk viscosity of these particles leads to a closer-to-wall equilibrium position. Overall, the results of this work indicate that (1) drops with different bulk viscosities can be efficiently separated in a rectangular microchannel if their interfacial tension is low or the flow rate is sufficiently high; and (2) the microfluidic technology is well suited for the separation of leukocytes with different cytoplasmic viscosities and relaxation times, but it is much less sensitive to cortical tension. This investigation opens up the possibility of using microfluidic systems for deformability-based flow cytometry.
Substance P and Bradykinin Are Natural Inhibitors of CD13/Aminopeptidase N

Abstract Aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2) is an important enzyme that is involved in the degradation of regulatory peptides including enkephalins. We report here that purified and native membrane-bound aminopeptidase N will sequentially and completely hydrolyze both Leu-enkephalin and Met-enkephalin from the amino terminus. Both purified pig aminopeptidase N and the enzyme on live HL60 cells displayed similar Km values for enkephalin. The naturally occurring neuropeptides substance P and bradykinin, and the morphine agonist, morphiceptin, were not hydrolyzed by aminopeptidase N and each inhibited the enzymatic activity. Each of these peptides contains a proline at the second residue. The Ki values for substance P (0.44 μM), bradykinin (9.4 μM), and morphiceptin (169 μM) were obtained with the enzyme on live HL60 cells. The values for the purified enzyme from pig were similar. The potent inhibition of aminopeptidase N by substance P and bradykinin suggests that these peptides may be natural inhibitors of the enzyme.
Promoting an Alcohol-Free Childhood: A Novel Home-Based Parenting Program.

Few alcohol prevention programs focus on elementary school-aged youth, yet children develop expectancies and norms about alcohol use during the elementary school years, and many elementary school children are allowed to have sips or tastes of alcohol at home. Research on consequences of early alcohol use indicates that it can put children at increased risk of alcohol use in adolescence. Parents need guidance to understand that there are risks associated with an early introduction to alcohol and that the best course is to keep children alcohol-free. In this article we describe an innovative, theory-based program called Mysteries, Max & Me – Discovering How to be Alcohol-Free! We elaborate the conceptual foundation of the program, delineate the alcohol-specific socialization objectives of the program, and describe the home-based intervention strategies used to engage parents and 9- to 10-year old children in alcohol use prevention activities. Our aims in reporting the details of this program are to encourag...
3D calculations of a fixed field alternating gradient synchrotron magnet

A spallation neutron source for materials science studies is being designed at Argonne and requires a fixed field alternating gradient (FFAG) synchrotron magnet. Electrostatic field calculations in three dimensions were made to obtain the unsaturated magnet pole shape. Details of these calculations are given concerning such things as: size of the problem and how to split it up, the number and shape of the finite elements, choosing the electrostatic potential correctly and selecting the potential of the desired pole.
Guanosine Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase I Expression and Enzymatic Activity Are Present in Caveolae of Endothelial Cells

Tetrahydrobiopterin is an essential cofactor required for the synthesis of NO. GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH I) is the rate-limiting enzyme for tetrahydrobiopterin production in endothelial cells, yet little is known about the subcellular localization of this enzyme. In this study, we demonstrated that GTPCH I is localized to caveolar membrane microdomains along with caveolin-1 and endothelial NO synthase. GTPCH I activity was detected in isolated caveolar membranes from cultured endothelial cells. Confocal and electron microscopy analyses confirmed GTPCH I colocalization with caveolin-1. Consistent with in vitro studies, GTPCH I activity was evident in isolated caveolar microdomains from lung homogenates of wild-type mice. Importantly, a 2-fold increase in GTPCH I activity was detected in the aortas of caveolin-1–deficient mice, suggesting that caveolin-1 may be involved in the control of GTPCH I enzymatic activity. Indeed, overexpression of caveolin-1 inhibits GTPCH I activity, and tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis is activated by the disruption of caveolae structure. These studies demonstrate that GTPCH I is targeted to caveolae microdomains in vascular endothelial cells, and tetrahydrobiopterin production occurs in close proximity to endothelial NO synthase. In addition, our findings provide new insights into the regulation of GTPCH I activity by the caveolar coat protein, caveolin-1.
Porous amorphous carbon models from periodic Gaussian chains of amorphous polymers

An algorithm has been developed to create structural models for amorphous carbons using Monte Carlo simulations in the canonical ensemble. The simulation method used follows the experimental preparation of nanoporous carbons (NPC) by pyrolysis from polyfurfuryl alcohol as a guideline. The resulting structure exhibits properties that compare favorably to those observed experimentally for real NPCs. These atomistic NPC models are approaching a realistic representation of NPCs used for gas separations and as such, are being used to study the diffusion of small gas molecules in these materials. Limitations of the method and possible improvements are discussed.
Congenital syphilis--breaking through the safety net.

"Almost certainly preventable, the occurrence of a case of congenital syphilis can usually be attributed to ignorance or neglect."1 This statement, made by Platou in his exhaustive description of t...
Direction-Projection-Permutation for High-Dimensional Hypothesis Tests

High-dimensional low sample size (HDLSS) data are becoming increasingly common in statistical applications. When the data can be partitioned into two classes, a basic task is to construct a classifier that can assign objects to the correct class. Binary linear classifiers have been shown to be especially useful in HDLSS settings and preferable to more complicated classifiers because of their ease of interpretability. We propose a computational tool called direction-projection-permutation (DiProPerm), which rigorously assesses whether a binary linear classifier is detecting statistically significant differences between two high-dimensional distributions. The basic idea behind DiProPerm involves working directly with the one-dimensional projections of the data induced by binary linear classifier. Theoretical properties of DiProPerm are studied under the HDLSS asymptotic regime whereby dimension diverges to infinity while sample size remains fixed. We show that certain variations of DiProPerm are consistent ...
Tracheal occlusion-evoked respiratory load compensation and inhibitory neurotransmitter expression in rats

Respiratory load compensation is a sensory-motor reflex generated in the brain stem respiratory neural network. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is thought to be the primary structure to process the respiratory load-related afferent activity and contribute to the modification of the breathing pattern by sending efferent projections to other structures in the brain stem respiratory neural network. The sensory pathway and motor responses of respiratory load compensation have been studied extensively; however, the mechanism of neurogenesis of load compensation is still unknown. A variety of studies has shown that inhibitory interconnections among the brain stem respiratory groups play critical roles for the genesis of respiratory rhythm and pattern. The purpose of this study was to examine whether inhibitory glycinergic neurons in the NTS were activated by external and transient tracheal occlusions (ETTO) in anesthetized animals. The results showed that ETTO produced load compensation responses with increased inspiratory, expiratory, and total breath time, as well as elevated activation of inhibitory glycinergic neurons in the caudal NTS (cNTS) and intermediate NTS (iNTS). Vagotomized animals receiving transient respiratory loads did not exhibit these load compensation responses. In addition, vagotomy significantly reduced the activation of inhibitory glycinergic neurons in the cNTS and iNTS. The results suggest that these activated inhibitory glycinergic neurons in the NTS might be essential for the neurogenesis of load compensation responses in anesthetized animals.
Fast Food Linked to Asthma and Allergies in Children

Fast food originated in the 1950s and now pervades almost every community in the world. Fast food is easy to get, affordable, tasty, and appealing to most children. Eating fast food has been linked to childhood obesity, but what about asthma, eczema, and allergies? Prior studies have explored the
Low interface state density at an epitaxial ZnSe/epitaxial GaAs interface

The capacitance‐voltage (C‐V) and the current‐voltage characteristics of metal/ZnSe/p‐GaAs capacitors have been investigated; both epitaxial layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. In the capacitor structures highly resistive, stoichiometric ZnSe functioned as the pseudoinsulator on the doped GaAs layers. The capacitance‐voltage measurements demonstrated that the capacitors could be biased from accumulation through depletion, and into deep depletion, with current in the range of 10−8 A cm−2. Very little frequency dispersion was observed in the C‐V data when measured from 1 kHz to 1 MHz. From the high‐frequency C‐V curve, the surface state density as a function of position in the GaAs band gap was determined. Surface state densities were comparable to densities reported for (Al,Ga)As/GaAs heterojunctions.
Improving in-vitro tests for the diagnosis of food hypersensitivity

Food hypersensitivity reactions affect up to 8% of children under 3 years of age and approximately 2.5% of the general United States population. Food allergic disorders may be subdivided into either IgE-mediated or cell-mediated reactions. The diagnostic ‘gold standard’ of ‘symptomatic’ food allergi
The psychometric properties of five scoring methods applied to the script concordance test.

Purpose The Script Concordance Test (SCT) is designed to measure cognitive ability related to successful clinical decision making. An SCT’s usefulness for medical education depends on establishing its construct validity. The SCT’s present construct relates examinee’s scores to experts’ response patterns, which does not require a single-best-answer format. Because medical education assessments do require a single best answer, the authors compared the psychometric properties of two aggregate scoring methods with three single-best-answer scoring methods for an SCT. Method A nephrology SCT was developed and administered to 85 examinees. Examinees’ scores derived from a key developed using eight experts and a traditional aggregate scoring method on a five-point Likertbased scale were compared with four alternate scoring methods (one method eliminated the multipoint Likert-type scale and three eliminated the Likert-type scale and employed single-best-answer scoring). Results Two of the four alternate scoring methods performed as well as the traditional Likerttype aggregate scoring method. Scores from all five methods were highly intercorrelated. In addition, each method produced scores similarly correlated with level of experience, and none exhibited an intermediate effect. Conclusions
Identification and isolation of a unique esterase from the medium of non-embryogenic cell line of cultured carrot cells

A unique esterase isozyme ‘z’ with very low electrophoretic mobility on the anionic polyacrylamide gel (PAGE) was found in the medium of a non-embryogenic (Ca-4) line of cultured carrot (Daucus carota L.) cells. The protein corresponding to this esterase isozyme ‘z’ was purified by electroelution from preparative PAGE and the esterase migrated as a single band with an apparent Mr of 35 000 on SDS-PAGE. The purified esterase isozyme ‘z’ exhibited at least 350-fold higher specific activity than that in the total medium proteins.
ATTENUATION OF ULTRASONIC INTERFACE WAVES ON METAL-POLYMER-METAL BOUNDARIES

The measured sensitivity of interface wave attenuation to defects near the bondline and to variations in the viscosity of the adhesive layer was compared with theoretical changes predicted by the Rokhin model. Differential interferometric optical measurements of interface wave attenuation due to defects near glass polymer metal boundaries are discussed. Pitch catch and pulse echo methods which use variable angle wedge transducers to generate and receive modified interface waves and to measure large bondline defects and adhesive viscosity are described.
Plasmatocyte spreading peptide induces spreading of plasmatocytes but represses spreading of granulocytes.

In most Lepidoptera, plasmatocytes and granulocytes are the two hemocyte classes capable of adhering to foreign targets. Previously, we identified plasmatocyte spreading peptide (PSP1) from the moth Pseudoplusia includens and reported that it induced plasmatocytes to rapidly spread on foreign surfaces. Here we examine whether the response of plasmatocytes to PSP1 was influenced by cell density or culture conditions, and whether PSP1 affected the adhesive state of granulocytes. Plasmatocyte spreading rates were clearly affected by cell density in the absence of PSP1 but spreading was density independent in the presence of PSP1. PSP1 also induced plasmatocytes in agarose-coated culture wells to form homotypic aggregations rather than spread on the surface of culture wells. In contrast, granulocytes rapidly spread in a density independent manner in the absence of PSP1, but were dose-dependently inhibited from spreading by the addition of peptide. An anti-PSP1 polyclonal antibody neutralized the spreading activity of synthetic PSP1. This antibody also neutralized the plasmatocyte spreading activity of granulocyte-conditioned medium, and significantly delayed plasmatocyte spreading when cells were cultured at a high density in unconditioned medium. These results suggested that the spreading activity derived from granulocytes is due in part to PSP1. Pretreatment of plasmatocytes with trypsin had no effect on PSP1-induced aggregation but PSP1-induced aggregations were readily dissociated by trypsin. This suggested that PSP1 is not an adhesion factor but induces adhesion by stimulating a change in the cell surface of plasmatocytes. Synthetic PSP1 also induced aggregation of plasmatocytes from other Lepidoptera indicating that regulation of hemocyte activity by PSP1-related peptides may be widespread. Arch.
The calcium ATPase SERCA2 regulates desmoplakin dynamics and intercellular adhesive strength through modulation of PKCα signaling

Darier's disease (DD) is an inherited autosomal-dominant skin disorder characterized histologically by loss of adhesion between keratinocytes. DD is typically caused by mutations in sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 2 (SERCA2), a major regulator of intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis in the skin. However, a defined role for SERCA2 in regulating intercellular adhesion remains poorly understood. We found that diminution of SERCA2 function by pharmacological inhibition or siRNA silencing in multiple human epidermal-derived cell lines was sufficient to disrupt desmosome assembly and weaken intercellular adhesive strength. Specifically, SERCA2-deficient cells exhibited up to a 60% reduction in border translocation of desmoplakin (DP), the desmosomal cytolinker protein necessary for intermediate filament (IF) anchorage to sites of robust cell-cell adhesion. In addition, loss of SERCA2 impaired the membrane translocation of protein kinase C α (PKCα), a known regulator of DP-IF association and desmosome assembly, to the plasma membrane by up to 70%. Exogenous activation of PKCα in SERCA2-deficient cells was sufficient to rescue the defective DP localization, desmosome assembly, and intercellular adhesive strength to levels comparable to controls. Our findings indicate that SERCA2-deficiency is sufficient to impede desmosome assembly and weaken intercellular adhesive strength via a PKCα-dependent mechanism, implicating SERCA2 as a novel regulator of PKCα signaling.