cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Anatomy of Carotid and Vertebral Arteries

Arterial supply to the brain is from the internal carotid arteries and from the vertebral arteries coursing on either side of the neck. These arteries arise as branches of the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries. The latter are also called supra-aortic trunks and arise from the arch of the aorta. The brachiocephalic trunk divides into the right subclavian artery and the right common carotid artery (CCA). Each CCA divides near the angle of the jaw into the external and internal carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery divides into the anterior and middle cerebral artery which supplies anterior two-thirds of the brain.
Infant Language Production and Parenting Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract The current study examined the indirect effect of the use of behavioral parenting skills following the Infant Behavior Program, a brief, home-based adaptation of the child-directed interaction phase of parent–child interaction therapy, on infant language production. Participants were 60 infants (55% male, mean age 13.47 ± 1.31 months) and their caregivers, who were recruited at a large urban pediatric primary care clinic and were included if their scores exceeded the 75th percentile on a brief screener of early behavior problems. Families were randomly assigned to receive the infant behavior program or standard pediatric primary care. Results demonstrated a significant indirect effect of caregivers’ use of positive parenting skills (i.e., praise, reflections, and behavior descriptions) on the relation between group and infant total utterances at the 6-month follow-up, such that infants whose caregivers increased their use of positive parenting skills following the intervention showed greater increases in language production. These findings extend previous research examining parenting skills as a mechanism of change in infant language production, and highlight the potential for an early parenting intervention to target behavior and language simultaneously during a critical period in language development.
Performance of Fluorescent Cell-Labeling Dyes under Simulated Europa Mission Radiation Doses.

We investigated the performance of several commonly used fluorescent dyes after exposure to a simulated Europa mission total ionizing radiation dose of 300 krad (3 kGy) applied using a 60Co source. Dyes irradiated in aqueous solution or as lyophilized powders were evaluated for absorbance and emission spectra, quantum yield, and where appropriate, ability to label cells or nucleic acids. Although some dyes showed significant increase or decrease in quantum yield with the dose, their spectra and cell-labeling properties remained essentially unchanged after irradiation in powder form. Irradiation in aqueous solution led to significantly greater changes, including a large blue shift in the DNA intercalator propidium iodide. These results suggest that many fluorescent probes are appropriate for use in astrobiological missions to Europa, but that SYTO9 and propidium iodide should be used with caution or not mixed with each other, as is commonly done in “Live/Dead” labeling applications.
Babesia gibsoni cytochrome b mutations in canine blood samples submitted to a US veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Background Babesiosis caused by Babesia gibsoni is recognized throughout the world and can be difficult to treat. Resistance to atovaquone is associated with mutations in the B. gibsoni mitochondrial genome, specifically the M128 position of cytochrome b (cytb). The prevalence of cytb mutations in North America has not been reported. Hypothesis/objectives The objective of our study was to describe the prevalence of cytb M128 mutations in B. gibsoni in canine blood samples submitted to a US veterinary diagnostic laboratory. A secondary objective was to determine whether or not some dogs had wild-type cytb in our initial samples then had M128 mutations detected in follow-up samples. Animals One-Hundred seventy-four dogs that tested positive for the presence of B. gibsoni between 2012 and 2017. Methods Case series of consecutive samples submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Partial B. gibsoni cytb genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and screened for the presence of mutations at the M128 position. Results The overall prevalence of M128 mutants was 3.5% (6/173 dogs) in the initial samples. The incidence of new cytb mutants in dogs that tested positive for B. gibsoni, which then had follow-up testing, was 12.1% (5/41). Conclusions and Clinic Importance: Our study reaffirms that B. gibsoni infection is widespread and most commonly detected in American Staffordshire Terrier/American Pit Bull Terrier dogs (128/174, 74% of the infected dogs in our study). The prevalence of cytb mutations does not warrant pretreatment genotyping.
The Wall Friction Properties of Pharmaceutical Powders, Blends, and Granulations.

Abstract Data from wall friction testing and physical property characterization of over 100 pharmaceutical powders, blends, and granulations have been analyzed. The analyses focused on data for stainless steel surfaces with the most common finishes for pharmaceutical powder processing equipment, either a 2B cold rolled mill finish or an electropolished 2B surface. Active pharmaceutical ingredients exhibited the highest friction against these surfaces, whereas active granulations exhibited the least friction. The typical (median) wall friction angle for an active blend on 2B stainless steel was 22° versus 18° for an active granulation. Typical wall friction values on electropolished 2B surfaces were about 17° and 12° for active blends and granulations, respectively. Blends typically exhibited larger wall friction angles than the granulations suggesting that simple blends will usually require hoppers or bins with steeper walls to achieve mass flow. Lower wall friction angles were consistently observed against the smoother electropolished 2B surface, and, thus, the wall surface finish should be considered when designing bins and hoppers for use with pharmaceutical powders. The wall friction angles of blends and granulations did not show any definite trend as the percentage of active pharmaceutical ingredient increased.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid regulates P. gingivalis-induced inflammation and migration in human gingival fibroblasts via MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway.

Abstract Chronic periodontitis is associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection. Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a critical component of the extracellular matrix, exhibits anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of various molecular weights of HA (30, 300 and 1300 kDa) on P. gingivalis-induced inflammatory and wound-healing responses in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Cell cytotoxicity and proliferation were assessed by Lactate dehydrogenase and MTT assays, respectively. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4 and IL-10. Cell migration was evaluated with a scratch wound healing assay. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), IкBα, p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were analyzed with Western blotting. The results showed that P. gingivalis (1.6 × 106 CFU/mL) and HA (1, 2, 5 and 10 mg/mL) exhibited no toxicity to the HGFs. The 1300 kDa HA inhibited P. gingivalis-induced IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4 and IL-10 production in a dose-dependent manner, while the 30 and 300 kDa HA did not have an effect. Meanwhile, cell migration was significantly promoted by the 30 and 1300 kDa HA. Furthermore, the 1300 kDa HA inhibited NF-κB expression, IκBα degradation and P. gingivalis-induced ERK and P38 activation. Therefore, our study suggests that high molecular weight HA may have beneficial effects on periodontal inflammation and oral wounds.
LSTM for Anomaly-Based Network Intrusion Detection

Due to the massive amount of the network traffic, attackers have a great chance to cause a huge damage to the network system or its users. Intrusion detection plays an important role in ensuring security for the system by detecting the attacks and the malicious activities. In this paper, we utilize CIDDS dataset and apply a deep learning approach, Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM), to implement intrusion detection system. This research achieves a reasonable accuracy of 0.85.
Patterns of Cyclist and Pedestrian Street Crossing Behavior and Safety on an Urban Greenway

Greenways are linear open spaces, which are often used as trails for pedestrians and cyclists, but junctions with roads are a safety concern and act as a potential impediment to active transportation. This study evaluated crossing behavior patterns and safety at greenway–road junctions in New Orleans, LA. Crossing behaviors, safety and motor vehicle behavior were collected using direct observation methods. Intercept surveys were conducted to assess greenway use and safety perceptions. Logistic and negative binomial regression were used to assess the relationships between crossing signal (rectangular rapid flash beacon) activation and motor vehicle behavior. Fewer unsafe crossings occurred when the crossing signals were activated for cyclists and pedestrians (p-values of 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). There was no association between pedestrian use of crossing signals and motor vehicle stopping behavior but cyclists had significantly higher odds of motor vehicles failing to stop when the signal was activated (OR 5.12, 95% CI 2.86–9.16). The activation of rectangular rapid flash beacons at urban greenway junctions with roads did not influence motor vehicle behavior. Differences in crossing safety by signal use cannot be attributed to the signal’s influence on motor vehicle stopping behavior.
A Framework for Collapse Vulnerability Assessment of Steel Beams Subjected to Increasing Loads and Nonuniform Longitudinal Temperature

AbstractSteel beams are susceptible to large deformation and capacity reduction when subjected to elevated temperatures. Determination of collapse loads for structural steel members under fire is c...
Alzheimer’s disease: label-free fluorescence shows increases in indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) activity in affected areas of the brain

Abnormal tryptophan metabolism is a major factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, understanding the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), enzymes that causes increased tryptophan metabolism down the kynurenine pathway, is crucial. Tissue samples from the hippocampus, Brodmann’s area 9 (BA 9) and Brodmann’s area 17 (BA 17) from Alzheimer’s patients, from patients with psychosis and from age-matched, normal controls (total of 47 samples) were studied. An update on the optical properties of Alzheimer’s tissues, utilizing tryptophan/kynurenine ratios, is reported. Ratios of tryptophan/kynurenine were decreased in the hippocampus and BA 9 in patients with Alzheimer’s, consistent with increased neuroinflammation and IDO and/or TDO activity in these areas.
Tuberculosis, involucramientos políticos y espacios biosociales en Bolivia

High tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in Bolivia has been a major concern for the national health service as well as for the international health bureaucracy. Based on an ethnography of medical encounters conducted in Bolivia between 2009 and 2013, in this article I discuss the emergence of biosocial spaces in clinical contexts, focusing on those mediated by biomedical authority and technology where TB diagnosed patients engage in treatment. By looking at the intersections between medical discourses and associative practices linked to the scientific and biotechnological fields, I analyze the therapeutic experience of a highly pathologized population, such as the aymara indigenous peoples who suffer from TB, to suggest that healing becomes a process that questions current citizenship frameworks and sociality models. Furthermore, I propose that the biomedical developments of TB treatment show how a natural ““objective”” infectious disease is integrated into the national mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion by framing this illness within the social constructions of race and ethnicity.
Determinants of Persistent High Utilizers in U.S. Adults Using Nationally Representative Data

High utilizers of health care are those individuals in the upper tail of the distribution each year. The main purpose of our work is to identify determinants of persistent high utilizers in adults,...
Autism and Advance Directives: Determining Capability and the Use of Health-Care Tools to Aid in Effective Communication and Decision-Making:

With the growing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reaching the age of consent, health-care providers must be prepared to bridge gaps in their knowledge of ASD. This is especially true for clinicians who may have to determine if a person with ASD has the capacity to engage in end-of-life decision making, complete advance directives, or act as a surrogate decision maker for someone else. This paper provides an overview of the unique characteristics of autism as related to the communication, cognitive processing, and the capability to participate in advance care planning and, when acting as a surrogate decision maker, to consider the values and preferences of others. In addition, we examine the roles and responsibilities of clinician as facilitator of shared health-care decision making communication with the individual who has autism. Consideration is given to determining capacity, planning for atypical responses, the impact or lack of influence of the framing effect, and strategies for presenting information. Finally, we will offer health-care providers information and examples for adapting their existing end-of-life decision-making tools and conversation guides to meet the communication needs of persons with ASD.
Contactless electromodulation for the characterization of semiconductor surfaces/interfaces

Modulation spectroscopy (particularly contactless modes) is a major tool for the study and characterization of semiconductor microstructures (quantum wells, superlattices, etc.), surfaces/interfaces (heterojunctions, semiconductor/vacuum, semiconductor/metal, semiconductor/electrolyte) and also for the evaluation of process-induced damage at surfaces/interfaces. In addition, it is also valuable for the characterization of device structures. A particularly useful form of modulation spectroscopy is electromodulation since it often yields the sharpest structure (third-derivative in the case of bulk/thin film material) and is sensitive to surface/interface electric fields. Furthermore, it can be performed in contactless modes [photoreflectance (PR) and contactless electroreflectance (CER)] that require no special mounting of the sample. This talk will discuss some recent applications of PR and CER to the characterization of a number of surfaces/interfaces.
Aristotle and the Priority of Actuality

Aristotle’s book of metaphysical headaches, Metaphysics B, includes this dilemma(6. 1002b32–1003a5):1
Abstract IA01: Strategies for targeted and immune therapy in melanoma

Melanoma cells activate pathways that are also activated in proliferating fibroblasts, endothelial cells, or even inflammatory and immune cells. The tumor-secreted proteins and expressed cell surface receptors are associated with growth, migration, invasion, and antiapoptosis. Then there is a group of molecules that is not associated with the phenotype of differentiated cells in skin or tumor stroma but that represents re-expressed developmental genes. Several developmental pathway genes, such as those associated with noncanonical Wnt or Notch signaling, are commonly found on stem cells from the dermis that can give rise to melanocytes and on melanoma cells, but they are absent from or not activated in epidermal melanocytes. We have recently identified a G protein-coupled receptor, LPAR1, that is highly activated in neural crest-like stem cells and melanoma cells and absent from melanocytes. Expression is associated with resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition. When other subpopulations of melanoma cells were characterized that were associated with resistance to BRAF, MEK, or ERK small-molecule inhibitors, their major common property was very slow proliferation, which was in contrast to the bulk of the tumor cells. These “label-retaining cells,” characterized by expression of the H3K4 demethylase JARID1B and the protease SERPIN E2, and the EGF and NGF receptors, are not only drug resistant but also highly invasive in vitro and in experimental animal model. Nonproliferating, drug-resistant malignant cells may pre-exist in tumors. As the majority of melanoma cells are killed by kinase inhibitors, multikinase receptor-expressing cells begin proliferating to repopulate the tumor to its original heterogeneity. Thus, melanomas contain small subpopulations representing only 0.1-5% of all malignant cells that are critical for growth, invasion, and therapy resistance. To achieve total elimination of all malignant cells, we have to develop strategies to target not only the bulk of the tumor cells but also those with intrinsic resistance to common drugs. To closely mimic the conditions in patients’ tumors, we have developed >500 patient-derived xenografts. Together with the >300 permanent cell lines, they represent all clinical, genetic, and biologic groups of the disease. Since the human tumors only proliferate in immune-deficient mice, we have developed two humanized models that recapitulate the infiltration by human leukocytes into the human tumors. Inhibition of checkpoints with clinical-grade inhibitors stimulated the immune response, leading to focal or general tumor regression; thus, the models allow investigating the mechanisms of both stimulation and suppression of the immune system. Citation Format: Meenhard Herlyn. Strategies for targeted and immune therapy in melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Melanoma: From Biology to Target; 2019 Jan 15-18; Houston, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA01.
Evaluation of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid-coated β-tricalcium phosphate for alveolar ridge preservation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background Alveolar ridge preservation via socket grafting (ARP‐SG) is indicated to attenuate physiologic alveolar bone resorption as a consequence of tooth extraction. However, a specific bone grafting material that is patently superior has not been identified yet. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a moldable alloplastic graft, Poly Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid‐Coated β‐Tricalcium Phosphate (PLGA‐β‐TCP), for ARP purposes [Group A] compared to freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) particles covered with a rapidly absorbable collagen dressing (RACD) [Group B] in function of a panel of radiographic, histomorphometric and implant‐related outcomes. Methods Patients in need of extraction of a single posterior tooth (premolar or molar) and subsequent replacement with a dental implant were recruited and randomly allocated into one of the two treatment groups. Follow‐up visits took place at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks. Cone‐beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained at baseline and at 16 weeks. Sites were re‐entered at 20 weeks for bone core biopsy harvesting and subsequent implant placement. After delivery of the final implant‐supported restoration, follow‐up visits were scheduled at 6 and 12 months to monitor peri‐implant tissue health and marginal bone levels using standardized intraoral periapical radiographs. Results A total of 45 patients were initially enrolled in the study, of whom 43 received an implant and 32 completed the study. Healing was uneventful in all sites after ARP‐SG and implant placement. No site required bone augmentation to allow for implant placement. CBCT scan analyses showed no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of reduction of horizontal width, midbuccal / midlingual height and ridge volume. Histomorphometric assessments revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of mineralized tissue formation (Group A = 27.0±22.1% vs. Group B = 38.2±12.5%; p<0.05). On the contrary, no significant differences were observed regarding percent of remaining bone grafting material and non‐mineralized tissue. No implant failed throughout the study period and marginal bone level change was negligible in both groups. Conclusions Although a higher proportion of mineralized tissue was associated with the use of FDBA+RACD compared to PLGA‐β‐TCP alone, both ARP‐SG approaches rendered comparable outcomes in terms of maintenance of alveolar bone dimensions, feasibility of implant placement, implant survival and peri‐implant bone level stability up to 12 months post‐loading. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
High Reynolds number aerodynamic testing of a roof with parapet

Abstract Aerodynamic testing was executed on a large-scale building with two distinct aspect ratios (1:6 and 1:3), at a large open-jet facility, Louisiana State University (LSU). To illustrate, a 1:15 scale test model was extensively investigated by experimental testing at a high Reynolds number (~2.3 × 107). The objective was to understand the performance of parapets in reducing the magnitude of localized and area-averaged roof pressures. Through analogy with bare-roof and several parapet configurations, the paper explores the performance of parapet walls and why they can be employed in aerodynamic mitigation. The results suggest installing a parapet wall will act as an aerodynamic mitigation device to reduce negative (uplift) loads. Large-scale testing indicates that the taller the parapet, the higher the reduction in mean and fluctuating pressures. However, depending on the roof’s aspect ratio, there is an optimal parapet height. The study concludes that 40–50% reductions in roof pressures can be achieved with parapets. Along the same lines, to yield high reductions in roof pressures, the parapet height is a key parameter. Short parapets may have low performance under conical vortices. The importance of the current study is that parapets, as well as other architectural features, are widely considered difficult to investigate by small-scale testing, at low Reynolds numbers, the leading cause of discrepancies between the laboratory and field measurements. Consequently, the current paper contributes to knowledge useful to explain the role of parapets in reducing aerodynamic pressures, for buildings to withstand wind loads at high Reynolds numbers.
Simultaneous recovery of transverse stresses at all points in a plate

Abstract We address the challenging issue of simultaneously finding transverse shear and normal stresses at all points in a plate from a priori known values of the in-plane stresses at plate's interior points. The principle of virtual work is employed to equate the work done by the transverse stresses to the difference between the work done by the external forces (applied surface tractions and body forces) and that by the in-plane stresses. The three transverse stresses and the virtual displacements are expressed in terms of polynomial (for example, those used in the finite element method) basis functions to deduce a system of simultaneous algebraic equations for the transverse stresses. The integrands for the right-hand side of these equations can be evaluated from the values of the in-plane stresses. The proposed scheme is advantageous over the current methods in economically evaluating accurate values of transverse stresses from the knowledge of the in-plane stresses at the Barlow points where they are most accurate. Since no spatial derivatives of the in-plane stresses are needed, this technique provides excellent values of transverse stresses. Results for three example problems are provided to illustrate the methodology and the accuracy of computed transverse stresses.
Evolution of Ventricular Assist Device Support Strategy in Children with Univentricular Physiology

Abstract Background Since 2012, we have supported 18 children with single ventricle (SV) physiology on ventricular assist devices (VAD) as a bridge to decision, transplant, or recovery. We provide a detailed report of our cumulative surgical experience and lessons learned from these patients. Methods We reviewed all SV-VADs between March 2012 and April 2020. Implanted SV-VADs intended for short-term support were excluded. Demographic and clinical data included palliation stage at the time of VAD implantation, cannulation configuration, device type, duration of support, circuit and device interventions, postoperative support, anticoagulation strategy, complications, mortality, and one-year survival post-discharge. Results Five SV-newborns without prior surgical palliation, 8 infants post-Norwood/hybrid procedure, 4 post-Glenn, and 1 post-Fontan were initially supported with either continuous flow13/18(72%) or pulsatile flow 5/18(28%) devices. 3/18(17%) transitioned to another device during support. Before VAD conversion, 9/18(50%) were supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Outcomes include; 7/18(39%) transplanted, 2/18(11%) recovered, and 9/18(50%) died prior to discharge. Of these deaths, 2 occurred following transplant, 2 following explant and 5 had redirection of care while on support secondary to previously undiagnosed pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (n=2) or severe neurologic events (n=3). Overall, 6/18(33%) experienced neurologic injury. At last follow-up 9/18(50%) children were alive [1.2(0.8-4.3) years post-explant/transplant]. Conclusions Our experience shows that SV children, including newborns, can be successfully bridged to desired end-points with proper patient selection and using specific cannulation strategies. Continuing utilization of this strategy is warranted for future children requiring VAD support.
Development of central sleep apnea after maxillofacial surgery for obstructive sleep apnea.

The development of central sleep apnea (CSA) is associated with several medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, alveolar hypoventilation syndrome, and travel to high altitude. Although the pathophysiology of CSA varies, a disruption in normal ventilatory patterns followed by the development of central apneas is seen in each disease state. We describe a patient who developed transient CSA following maxillomandibular advancement for OSA. We hypothesize that an exaggerated ventilatory response from longstanding OSA contributed to the onset of CSA after surgery, resulting in a period of unstable nocturnal ventilation that resolved over time.
Retention of lead during oxidative ashing of selected naturally occurring carbonaceous substances

Abstract The amount of lead retained in the ash of lead-bearing carbonaceous material is essentially independent of the method of ashing. Samples containing lead in the range of 0.00X to 0.X per cent were ashed by ignition in a high-oxygen atmosphere and were also wet-ashed. The lead in the ash was determined colorimetrically. Results were the same by both methods, but the time required is 3 to 10 times less for the dry-ashing method.
Effective Use of Discovery Learning to Improve Understanding of Factors That Affect Quality

Undergraduate business majors are required to take a course in operations management. In this course, a great deal of emphasis is put on developing a good understanding of quality because this is likely to be the only required course that covers this important topic. Quality of output exhibits a great deal of variation. To produce high quality on a sustained basis, sources of variation in quality need to be identified and eliminated or adjusted. A discovery learning activity has been developed and used for over 10 years to help students identify the different kinds of reasons why there is variation in quality of output. Students have greater ownership of such knowledge because they discovered the knowledge. Six pedagogical tips and guidelines are presented to assist instructors improve odds of success in using this effective but difficult pedagogical tool.
The regional dimension of north-south trade-related R&D spillover

This paper examines the impact of trade with Japan, North America, and the European Union on technology diffusion and total factor productivity growth in Korea, Mexico, and Jordan. Measures of foreign research and development are constructed based on industry-specific research and development in the North, North-South trade patterns, and input-output relations in the South. The findings show that technology diffusion and productivity gains tend to be regional. Jordan benefits mainly from trade with the European Union, Korea from trade with Japan, and Mexico from trade with North America. In other words, the dynamic version of the AÂ¢AÂAÂnatural trading partnersAÂ¢AÂAÂ hypothesis holds for these countries.
Analysis of the albino-locus region of the mouse. Iii. Time of death of prenatal lethals.

The stage at which homozygotes die was determined for 28 mutations (general symbol c*) at the albino (c) locus, of which 26 had earlier been found to be probably prenatally lethal. Within each of the mutant stocks, the uterine contents of c*/cch females, made pregnant either by c*/cch males ("Ex" series) or by cch/cch males ("Co" series), were examined between 13 and 17 days postconception. Altogether, 743 females were dissected and 7197 corpora lutea (representing ovulations) counted. In selected stocks, an additional 40 and 13 females were dissected on days seven or nine, respectively.—In each of the 26 presumed prenatally lethal mutants, there was a deficiency of living fetuses in the Ex, as compared with the Co, group. Overall, this deficiency was 23.6% (expectation, 25% c*/c*). All meaningful excesses were in numbers either of moles (death shortly before, during, or just after implantation), or of early preimplantation losses. Homozygotes in none of the mutant stocks die between days nine and 19 postconception. Of 24 c-locus mutants known to be deficiencies since they lack the closely linked Mod-2, 13 clearly kill before implantation, ten around implantation, and one neonatally. The c and Mod-2 loci and the region between them are not needed for intrauterine survival.—There are indications that the distinction between early-preimplantation death and implantation death may, in a general way, be related to length of the deficiency.
Myosin regulation of NKCC1: effects on cAMP-mediated Cl− secretion in intestinal epithelia

The basally located actin cytoskeleton has been demonstrated previously to regulate Cl−secretion from intestinal epithelia via its effects on the Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter (NKCC1). In nontransportin...
Export subsidies and the balance of trade

Abstract We analyze the relationship between export subsidies and the balance of trade in a semi-small LDC type economy – facing fixed world prices for imports but negatively sloped demand curves for exports. The paper examines the dual role of export subsidies: as a mechanism to increase the competitiveness of exports and thus reduce the trade deficit and as a net injection of government spending, which will enlarge the trade deficit. The key finding are: (i) export subsidies, by themselves, will reduce the trade deficit only if the export price elasticity is very high and domestic prices are constant, (ii) for a lower price elasticity and/or changing domestic prices – because, say, a sector is at full capacity – export subsidies will worsen the trade deficit, (iii) when, however, export subsidies are accompanied by a reduction of government spending equal to the cost of the subsidies the trade deficit will decrease, while at the same time real GNP will increase.
Filtration of bovine semen. I. Development of a Sephadex ion-exchange filter

Semen from four Holstein bulls was diluted in TEST-yolk buffer (1:5 to 1:10) and then percolated through Sephadex ion-exchange filters at a rate of 1.5 ml min−1 using positive and negative pressures. Filters contained a fixed quantity of Sephadex (0.6 g), with a varied quantity of ion-exchanger, i.e. diethylaminoethane (DEAE) and carboxy-methyl (CM) celluloses (0, 0.125, 0.25 or 0.50 g). A filter containing only Sephadex gel was used as a control. Post-filtration quality of semen samples was ameliorated by all types of filter. The addition of ion-exchangers on a Sephadex column improved all the characteristics of spermatozoa involving motility and viability (P 0.05). Post-filtration recovery rates of spermatozoa varied with different filters (P<0.01) and was highest with the control filter (82.5%). Motility (P<0.02) and progressive motility (P<0.02) were better in the filtrates obtained with negative pressure. A column composed of 0.6 g of Sephadex and 0.5 g of ion-exchangers with negative pressure was selected for use in further experiments. A Sephadex ion-exchange filter is effective in improving the quality of bovine semen.
A comparison of infant hair, cord blood and meconium analysis to detect fetal exposure to environmental pesticides.

Abstract Objective : The detection of fetal exposure to environmental pesticides is important because many of the pesticides are neurotoxicants and fetal exposure to these compounds can adversely affect prenatal and subsequent neurodevelopment. The aim of this study was to determine, by the comparative analysis of infant hair, cord blood and meconium, the most sensitive matrix to detect fetal exposure to pesticides. Patients and methods : Pregnant women were prospectively recruited from an agricultural site in the Philippines where a preliminary survey indicated a substantial use at home and in the farm of the following pesticides: propoxur, cyfluthrin, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, pretilachlor, bioallethrin, malathion, diazinon and transfluthrin. Infant hair, cord blood and meconium were obtained after birth and were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for the above compounds, including lindane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis, p -chlorophenylethane (DDT) and some of their known metabolites. Results : A total of 638 infants were included in the study. The highest exposure rate to pesticides was detected in meconium (23.8% to propoxur, 1.9% to pretilachlor, 1.9% to cypermethrin, 0.8% to cyfluthrin, 0.6% to DDT and 0.3% to malathion and bioallethrin). Cord blood was only positive for propoxur (1.9%) whereas infant hair was only positive for chlorpyrifos (0.2%). The highest exposure was to household pesticide (propoxur). The frequency and concentration of pesticides were compared in the three matrices and there was a significantly higher frequency and concentration of propoxur, pretilachlor, DDT, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin in meconium compared to cord blood and infant hair. Pesticide metabolites were not found in any of the matrices analyzed, except in one meconium sample which was positive for 4,4′ dichlorodiphenyldichloro ethylene (DDE), a DDT metabolite. Conclusions : There is significant exposure of the pregnant woman and her fetus to pesticides, particularly to the home pesticide, propoxur. Our study has demonstrated that among cord blood, meconium or infant hair, meconium is the most sensitive matrix to analyze for fetal exposure to pesticides. The accumulation of pesticides in meconium, the ease of meconium collection and the large amount of meconium that could be collected are factors that contribute to the increased sensitivity of this matrix.
Day of reckoning for Ecuador's biodiversity.

The world's indifference to a request for $3.6 billion to preserve a diversity hot spot may push the country to extract oil there, says Kelly Swing.
Archetypal metaphor in rhetoric: The light‐dark family

(1967). Archetypal metaphor in rhetoric: The light‐dark family. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 115-126.
Targeting the opioid growth factor: opioid growth factor receptor axis for treatment of human ovarian cancer.

The opioid growth factor (OGF) – opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis is a biological pathway that is present in human ovarian cancer cells and tissues. OGF, chemically termed [Met5]-enkephali...
Effect of Exopolysaccharide-Producing Cultures on Moisture Retention in Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese

Low fat (6%) Mozzarella cheese was made in 10-L vats using an exopolysaccharide-producing starter culture consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus. A control cheese was made using strains of S. thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus that did not produce exopolysaccharide. Both starter cultures were also used with the addition of a mesophilic exopolysaccharide-producing adjunct culture consisting of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and L. lactis ssp. cremoris strains. Moisture content of the cheese was measured at d 1, and melt was measured at 1, 7, 14, and 28 d of storage at 4°C. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in moisture and melting properties between cheeses made with or without exopolysaccharide-producing starter cultures. Cheeses made with the addition of the adjunct culture showed significant differences in moisture, but not in melting properties. The moisture content of cheeses made with both the exopolysaccharide-producing starter and the adjunct cultures increased 4%, and the use of the exopolysaccharide-producing starter cultures alone increased moisture content 3% over that of the control cheese. Melt also increased in cheeses as moisture content increased.
Large-stroke self-aligned vertical comb drive actuated micromirror arrays for adaptive optics applications

ABSTRACT A high-stroke micromirror array was designed, modeled, fabricated and tested. Each pixel in the 4x4 array consists of a self-aligned vertical comb drive actuator that has had a single-crystal silicon mirror successfully bonded to it. Two different bonding technologies were used, photoresist bonding and fusion bonding. The results of each of these bonding methods will be presented. Analytical models combined w ith CoventorWare® simulations were used to design these elements that would move up to 10 mi crons in piston motion with 200V applied. Devices were fabricated according to this design and difference measurements performed with a white-light interferometer demonstrated a displacement of 0.18 microns with 200V applied. Further investigation reveal ed that fabrication process in accuracy led to significantly stiffer mechanical springs in the fabri cated devices. The increased stiffness of the springs was shown to account for the reduced displacement that was observed. Keywords: Adaptive optics, wavefront correction, micromechanical mirror device, piston-type mirror elements, comb drive actuators, large displacement micromirrors, sp atial light modulator, surface micromachining, MOEMS
Mecillinam-Ampicillin Synergism in Experimental Enterobacteriaceae Meningitis

The in vitro activities of mecillinam, a new β-amidinopenicillin, and ampicillin, alone and in combination, against an Escherichia coli strain and a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain were compared, and these results were correlated with their respective activities in vivo in experimental meningitis. The mecillinam-ampicillin combination was synergistic in vitro against both strains when tested by a modified checkerboard technique (bacteriostatic synergy). However when quantitative bactericidal synergy studies were made, the relative bactericidal rate of the combination was more rapid than that of either drug alone (“bactericidal synergy”) against the Escherichia coli isolate only. In a rabbit model of Enterobacteriaceae meningitis, in vivo bactericidal activity correlated with results obtained in vitro. Both drugs were administered by continuous intravenous infusion for 8 h. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid antibiotic levels were similar to those achieved in humans. Cerebrospinal fluid bacterial concentrations (colony-forming units [CFU] per milliliter) were quantitatively titrated at 2-h intervals. Both drugs, alone or the combination, were ineffective against the K. pneumoniae strain in vivo (change in titer E. coli strain (mean ± standard deviation, decrease of log 10 CFU per milliliter of 3.65 ± 1.02) compared with those of ampicillin alone (decrease of log 10 CFU per milliter of 0.07 ± 0.8) and mecillinam alone (decrease of log 10 CFU per milliliter of 1.6 ± 0.05) ( P
Utility of Early Insulin Response and Proinsulin to Assess Insulin Resistance

Objective To determine whether obesity and premature adrenarche are additive events increasing the risk of insulin resistance and β-cell failure, using early insulin response (EIR) or the insulinogenic index and proinsulin (PI) as markers. Study design This was a prospective case-control study conducted at a tertiary care academic medical center involving 81 prepubertal, predominantly Hispanic children (34 males, 47 females), classified as lean controls (4 males, 6 females; mean age, 6.5 ± 1.2 years; mean body mass index [BMI] z -score, 0.08 ± 0.6), obese controls (20 males, 10 females; mean age, 7.2 ± 1.5 years; mean BMI z -score, 2.5 ± 0.5), lean premature adrenarche (3 males, 11 females; mean age, 7.1 ± 1.2 years; mean BMI z -score, 0.09 ± 0.6), and obese premature adrenarche (7 males, 20 females; mean age, 7.3 ± 1.0; mean BMI z -score, 2.2 ± 0.4). Fasting glucose (G 0 ), insulin (I 0 ), PI 0 , androgen levels, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, and lipid levels were obtained. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed. EIR was calculated as (I 30 - I 0 )/(G 30 - G 0 ). Between-group differences were assessed by 2-way analysis of variance, with interactions and associations explored with correlation/regression. Results EIR was greater in the obese subjects with and without premature adrenarche. Combined analysis of the independent variables obesity and premature adrenarche showed that the obese premature adrenarche group had the highest EIR. The obese subjects with premature adrenarche had greater fasting PI levels than their lean counterparts. The differences in fasting PI/I ratio among the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions Using EIR and PI as markers to assess the risk of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion indicates that obese children with premature adrenarche may be at greater risk for the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with their lean counterparts.
Neuronal Glucose Transporter Isoform 3 Deficient Mice Demonstrate Features of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Neuronal glucose transporter (GLUT) isoform 3 deficiency in null heterozygous mice led to abnormal spatial learning and working memory but normal acquisition and retrieval during contextual conditioning, abnormal cognitive flexibility with intact gross motor ability, electroencephalographic seizures, perturbed social behavior with reduced vocalization and stereotypies at low frequency. This phenotypic expression is unique as it combines the neurobehavioral with the epileptiform characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. This clinical presentation occurred despite metabolic adaptations consisting of an increase in microvascular/glial GLUT1, neuronal GLUT8 and monocarboxylate transporter isoform 2 concentrations, with minimal to no change in brain glucose uptake but an increase in lactate uptake. Neuron-specific glucose deficiency has a negative impact on neurodevelopment interfering with functional competence. This is the first description of GLUT3 deficiency that forms a possible novel genetic mechanism for pervasive developmental disorders, such as the neuropsychiatric autism spectrum disorders, requiring further investigation in humans.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: A Green and Clean Alternative for Sustained Power Production.

Providing efficient and clean power is a challenge for devices that range from the micro to macro in scale. Although there has been significant progress in the development of micro-, meso-, and macro-scale power supplies and technologies, realization of many devices is limited by the inability of power supplies to scale with the diminishing sizes of CMOS-based technology. Here, the authors provide an overview of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology along with a discussion of proof of concept devices, relevant governing equations, and figures of merit. They present two case studies: (a) energy capture from the operation of a novel shear and elastic modulus indentation device subjected to applied voltage and (b) energy capture from vibrating commercial bimorph piezoelectric structures mounted on household appliances. Lastly, areas of development needed for realization of commercial energy harvesting devices are suggested.
Protein kinase C and other diacylglycerol effectors in cancer

Almost three decades after the discovery of protein kinase C (PKC), we still have only a partial understanding of how this family of serine/threonine kinases is involved in tumour promotion. PKC isozymes - effectors of diacylglycerol (DAG) and the main targets of phorbol-ester tumour promoters - have important roles in cell-cycle regulation, cellular survival, malignant transformation and apoptosis. How do PKC isozymes regulate these diverse cellular processes and what are their contributions to carcinogenesis? Moreover, what is the contribution of all phorbol-ester effectors, which include PKCs and small G-protein regulators? We now face the challenge of dissecting the relative contribution of each DAG signal to cancer progression.
Spontaneous patterned retinal activity and the refinement of retinal projections

A characteristic feature of sensory circuits is the existence of orderly connections that represent maps of sensory space. A major research focus in developmental neurobiology is to elucidate the relative contributions of neural activity and guidance molecules in sensory map formation. Two model systems for addressing map formation are the retinotopic map formed by retinal projections to the superior colliculus (SC) (or its non-mammalian homolog, the optic tectum (OT)), and the eye-specific map formed by retinal projections to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus. In mammals, a substantial portion of retinotopic and eye-specific refinement of retinal axons occurs before vision is possible, but at a time when there is a robust, patterned spontaneous retinal activity called retinal waves. Though complete blockade of retinal activity disrupts normal map refinement, attempts at more refined perturbations, such as pharmacological and genetic manipulations that alter features of retinal waves critical for map refinement, remain controversial. Here we review: (1) the mechanisms that underlie the generation of retinal waves; (2) recent experiments that have investigated a role for guidance molecules and retinal activity in map refinement; and (3) experiments that have implicated various signaling cascades, both in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their post-synaptic targets, in map refinement. It is likely that an understanding of retinal activity, guidance molecules, downstream signaling cascades, and the interactions between these biological systems will be critical to elucidating the mechanisms of sensory map formation.