cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparing Fresh Retinal Slices from Adult Zebrafish for Ex Vivo Imaging Experiments.

The retina is a complex tissue that initiates and integrates the first steps of vision. Dysfunction of retinal cells is a hallmark of many blinding diseases, and future therapies hinge on fundamental understandings about how different retinal cells function normally. Gaining such information with biochemical methods has proven difficult because contributions of particular cell types are diminished in the retinal cell milieu. Live retinal imaging can provide a view of numerous biological processes on a subcellular level, thanks to a growing number of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors. However, this technique has thus far been limited to tadpoles and zebrafish larvae, the outermost retinal layers of isolated retinas, or lower resolution imaging of retinas in live animals. Here we present a method for generating live ex vivo retinal slices from adult zebrafish for live imaging via confocal microscopy. This preparation yields transverse slices with all retinal layers and most cell types visible for performing confocal imaging experiments using perfusion. Transgenic zebrafish expressing fluorescent proteins or biosensors in specific retinal cell types or organelles are used to extract single-cell information from an intact retina. Additionally, retinal slices can be loaded with fluorescent indicator dyes, adding to the method's versatility. This protocol was developed for imaging Ca2+ within zebrafish cone photoreceptors, but with proper markers it could be adapted to measure Ca2+ or metabolites in Muller cells, bipolar and horizontal cells, microglia, amacrine cells, or retinal ganglion cells. The retinal pigment epithelium is removed from slices so this method is not suitable for studying that cell type. With practice, it is possible to generate serial slices from one animal for multiple experiments. This adaptable technique provides a powerful tool for answering many questions about retinal cell biology, Ca2+, and energy homeostasis.
At the Crossroads: Starch Grain and Phytolith Analyses in Lucayan Prehistory

Starch and phytolith analyses of an assemblage of chert microliths from the Three Dog site, an early Lucayan settlement on San Salvador, Bahamas, yielded Zea mays, Capsicum, and possible manioc indicating that these domesticates were present by at least A.D. 800 or earlier in Cuba or Hispaniola and brought to the central Bahamas during its early peopling. The presence of corn at this site contradicts previously held ideas that it did not appear in the Bahamas until the A.D. 1200s. Starch granules tentatively identified as root/tuber starch were also found on the microliths, although we were unable to discern if these represent wild species and/or culturally transported wild or domesticated species. The presence of more than one species on the microliths, initially believed to have been manioc grater chips similar to those documented ethnographically, demonstrates multifunctional use. A broad-based plant diet that included maize and root/tuber crops was in place at least by the Archaic age in parts of the Greater Antilles and brought to the Bahamas, along with chilis, during its colonization by Ceramic age peoples.
Soft Sensor of Biomass in Fermentation Process Based on Robust Neural Network

In the course of soft sensor modeling of biomass in fermentation process using neural network, it will usually make the modeling accuracy and estimation performance of soft sensor model worsened when there are outliers in modeling data. To solve this problem, a soft sensor modeling method based on robust neural network is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the anomaly degree of each modeling data pairs is calculated using k-nearest neighbor algorithm, and the weight of each modeling data pairs is determined according to the calculated anomaly degrees. Then, the soft sensor model of biomass based on robust neural network is developed. Simulation is performed using the production data from Nosiheptide fermentation process, and the simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Public as a Decision Maker

This paper is not based on studies performed at the National Academy of Sciences. I have been involved, over the last three years, in a study of policy implications of greenhouse warming. Of course, we dealt with some of the issues that are involved in considering the public as decision makers, but what I have to say is from my own thinking and I hope you will treat it appropriately.
Risk-Averse Two-Stage Stochastic Program with Distributional Ambiguity

In this paper, we develop a risk-averse two-stage stochastic program (RTSP) that explicitly incorporates the distributional ambiguity covering both discrete and continuous distributions. We formula...
A pedagogy of social justice for resilient/vulnerable populations: Structural competency and bio-power.

Background Nursing schools frequently assert the importance of social justice curriculum, but little information is available about specifics for such a class. Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe a class that builds a foundation for the understanding of social justice and the pedagogical frameworks on which it rests. Methods The authors develop a class grounded in bio-power and structural competency. Discussion Described are topics presented to students, the rationale for their selection along with class activities and implementation challenges. Highlighted is the use of praxis as students incorporate the components of structural competency and bio-power. The focus is on the potential for public health and advanced practice registered nurses to recognize and evaluate structural factors in patient and population-based care. Conclusion Faculty meet substantive challenges in teaching social justice, including lack of recognition of societal forces which affect student's ability to provide care. Focused effort incorporating newer structural and philosophical frameworks in a social justice class may improve the provision of health services. The frameworks of structural competency and bio-power provide a critical paradigm salient in social justice pedagogy.
Reconciling global aspirations and local realities: Challenges facing the Sustainable Development Goals for water and sanitation

Abstract The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is ambitious and inclusive, but how well are these global aspirations likely to result in implementable policy change for water and sanitation? This article assesses governance challenges at the local level associated with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which pledges to ensure sustainable water and sanitation for all. The majority of developing countries manage services at the subnational level, making the quality of local governance the key ingredient for improvements in the sector. This article first reviews prior shortcomings in global monitoring efforts and how SDG 6 was formulated to address them. The analysis then examines local governance challenges facing SDG 6 and potential barriers to implementation. These barriers manifest as both contradictions within SDG 6 itself as well as contradictions between SDG 6 and the Sustainable Development Agenda more broadly. As SDG monitoring rubrics undergo further reformulations, it may be necessary to prioritize between goals and targets, or otherwise stagger the timing of their promotion and implementation.
Impact of Design on Force between Flexor Tendons and Distal Radius Volar Plates

Background Flexor tendon injury is a rare but serious complication of distal radius volar plating. Purpose This study aims to determine whether the design of distal radius volar plates impacts the amount of force exerted on the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendons when the plates are placed proximal and distal to the watershed line. Methods Three commercially available plates were applied to 10 fresh, matched-pair upper extremity specimens. Cyclical loading was applied to the tendons, and the force generated between tendon and plate was measured. Linear mixed effect models were used to evaluate differences in maximum and mean forces by plate position, plate design, and the interaction between position and design. Results Forces on the tendons differed significantly by position but not plate design. For the FPL tendon, the average maximum force with a plate in Soong's grade 2 was 4.50 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8–7.3) times higher than when the plate was in a Soong's grade 0 placement, and 4.63 (95% CI: 2.82–7.61) times higher for the FDP tendon. While not statistically significant, lower observed force values with thinner plates when plates were placed distal to the watershed line suggest that that plate thickness could also be a critical plate characteristic for distally placed plates. Conclusion Despite differences in plate design, the main determinant of plate prominence and therefore flexor tendon injury potential is placement in relation to the watershed line. Clinical Relevance This study may help to guide surgeon implant selection and volar plate design.
Thoracic endovascular repair of a rare case of leaking aortic arch intramural hematoma secondary to Giant cell arteritis

Traditionally thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) secondary to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) were treated with resection and open repair. However no prior studies have reported an aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) as a presentation of GCA or outcome of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in TAA or IMH secondary to GCA. A 59 year old female, nonsmoker, non-hypertensive, non-diabetic with a known history of GCA, temporal arteritis on prednisone presented with shortness of breath & chest pain. Chest CT revealed aortic arch IMH and large left hemothorax. CTA confirmed distal aortic arch focal dilation, a focal intimal irregularity in the distal aortic arch and extensive IMH without any active extravasation or signs of aortitis. Patient underwent an urgent TEVAR without oversizing the aortic landing zones. Post TEVAR aortogram showed exclusion of the site of IMH origin and dilated aortic arch segment by the stent and absence of active extravasation. One month post-TEVAR CTA showed patent stent graft with resolution of IMH and hemothorax. One year after TEVAR, patient remained asymptomatic. GCA can present as an IMH secondary to underlying chronic vasculitis. When endovascular repair is considered, great care should be taken not to grossly oversize aortic landing zones.
MEchanical X-RAY (MEXRAY) Generator for Megavolt Radiography

Radiography is an important tool for determining the internal structure of objects of interest to the emergency response community. The inherent density of these objects often requires high-energy x-ray or gamma-rays which limits the range of available radiation sources/generators. Man-portable, low-power, megavolt sources currently do not exist. A megavolt x-ray system (MEXRAY) has been developed which uses mechanical charge-separation to create high-energy electrons which can then be used to create bremsstrahlung radiation. This approach relies on established physical principles e.g. charge separation, and the photoelectric effect, combined in a unique manner to produce a highly-efficient, low cost, compact, light-weight, high energy x-ray generator. This source can be used in either a pulsed or steady state manner making it suitable for multiple-pulse flash radiography, field radiography, or simply as a compact, low-impedance, high-energy electron injector.
Vancomycin-resistance gene cluster, vanC, in the gut microbiome of acute leukemia patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy

Two recent reports suggested that the less common, less virulent enterococcal species, Enterococcus gallinarum and E. casseliflavus, with low-level vancomycin resistance due to chromosomally encoded vanC1 and vanC2/3, may influence host immunity. We reported that peri-transplant gut colonization with E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus is associated with lower mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Because most acute leukemia patients undergoing HCT have received intensive chemotherapy (usually requiring prolonged hospitalization) for their underlying disease before HCT, we hypothesized that some may have acquired vanC-positive enterococci during chemotherapy. Therefore, we evaluated the presence of the vanC gene cluster using vanC1 and vanC2/3 qPCR in thrice-weekly collected stool samples from 20 acute leukemia patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy. We found that an unexpectedly large proportion of patients have detectable vanC1 and vanC2/3 (15% and 35%, respectively) in at least one stool sample. Comparing qPCR results with 16S rRNA gene sequencing results suggested that E. gallinarum may reach high abundances, potentially persisting into HCT and influencing transplant outcomes.
The importance of nighttime length to latitudinal variation in avian incubation attentiveness

Avian incubation provides an opportunity to test how parental behavior and ecological conditions interact to shape variation in offspring traits along geographic gradients. In particular, the duration of the incubation period is shorter at higher latitudes, but the degree to which this pattern arises from genetic divergence in rates of growth and development versus from parentally‐mediated variation in egg temperatures is controversial. At higher latitudes parents have higher daytime incubation attentiveness, i.e. they spend a greater proportion of the day on the nest. However, interpreting latitudinal variation in behavior is complicated by latitudinal patterns in ambient temperature and day length. Here, we use 24‐h video recordings to compare the incubation behavior of orange‐crowned warblers Leiothlypis celata in California and Alaska and test how attentiveness varies between populations and as a function of temperature. Birds in Alaska had higher nest attentiveness during the day, despite experiencing similar ambient temperatures. However, when analyzed over 24‐h, the longer nighttime period in California almost entirely canceled out daytime attentiveness differences between populations, and differences in 24‐h attentiveness were small. Our work highlights how incorporating nighttime incubation behavior qualitatively alters latitudinal patterns of attentiveness, and how lower ambient temperatures cannot account for the higher attentiveness in a high latitude population. These populations differ in their incubation period lengths, and differentiating between evolved versus environmentally‐induced variation in offspring growth and development will help understand the fitness consequences of variation in developmental periods.
Multidisciplinary Approach for Liver Transplantation in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: It Takes a Village

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease in Western countries, and its aggressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a leading cause of cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The total number of new liver transplantation waitlist registrants with NASH continues to increase rapidly, making NASH the second most common indication for liver transplantation. Compared with recipients for other etiologies, patients with NASH often have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiac disease. Many of these medical comorbidities are independently associated with increased preoperative risk and both short- and long-term complications. The presence of these particular risk factors necessitates the need for early detection, medical optimization, and careful preoperative care. Bariatric surgery is an effective strategy for weight loss and ultimately reducing obesity-related medical complications. In select patients, bariatric surgery—before, during, or after liver transplantation—may be useful to help improve posttransplant outcomes. NAFLD/NASH can present after liver transplantation and occurs as either recurrent or de novo disease. Posttransplant NAFLD occurs in the setting of metabolic syndrome, immunosuppression use, and genetic determinants. Future studies and efforts should focus on optimizing medical management strategies to further improve transplant outcomes in patients with NAFLD.
EUV mask infrastructure and actinic pattern mask inspection

With the persistent drive to enable EUV lithography (EUVL) for the continuation of pattern scaling and the close collaborations between suppliers and customers, tremendous progress has been made in the last five years in EUV mask infrastructure development. With the advent of actinic pattern mask inspection (APMI) tool, the only remaining EUV mask infrastructure gap until recently has been closed. We will present real-case examples from inspection of 7nm and 5nm logic node EUV masks with APMI in operation at Intel mask shop and demonstrate that actinic inspection provides defect detection capability beyond the traditional DUV optical and e-beam mask inspection (EBMI) tools for defect control and the guaranty of mask quality. In addition to the main focus on APMI and through-pellicle inspection in this paper, we also provide a brief discussion of other key EUV infrastructure modules for mask production in current EUVL at 0.33NA and future technology extension to enable high NA EUVL at 0.55NA.
Chapter 39 – Nutritional Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Short Bowel Syndrome

Gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and short bowel syndrome (SBS), impact the nutritional status of the patient. Crohn’s disease, a specific form of IBD, may result in SBS if surgical intervention is necessary. Both conditions put patients at risk for malabsorption, macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, and diminished quality of life. Nutrition therapy often includes parenteral and/or enteral supplementation to ensure adequate nutrients are provided. The nutritional goals of IBD and SBS are similar: to restore nutrition status, promote growth in pediatric patients or maintenance in adult patients, and to ultimately achieve independence from parenteral and enteral nutrition. Additional therapeutic objectives of nutrition therapy include reducing inflammation through strategic food choices for IBD and stimulating adaptation of the residual intestinal tissue with certain nutrients in SBS. The prognosis of IBD and SBS is greatly improved with optimal nutrition therapy.
Psycholinguistic Abilities of Papago Indian School Children.

This study investigated the psycholinguistic abilities of Papago Indian school children utilizing the 1968 edition of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities. Data obtained were analyzed by...
Murine Myeloid Progenitors Attenuate Immune Dysfunction Induced by Hemorrhagic Shock

Hemorrhagic shock induces an aberrant immune response characterized by simultaneous induction of a proinflammatory state and impaired host defenses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of conditionally immortalized neutrophil progenitors (NPs) on this aberrant immune response. We employed a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock, followed by the adoptive transfer of NPs and subsequent inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus to induce pneumonia. We observed that transplant of NPs decreases the proportion of host neutrophils that express programmed death ligand 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in the context of prior hemorrhage. Following hemorrhage, NP transplant decreased proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs, increased neutrophil migration into the airspaces, and enhanced bacterial clearance. Further, hemorrhagic shock improved NP engraftment in the bone marrow. These results suggest that NPs hold the potential for use as a cellular therapy in the treatment and prevention of secondary infection following hemorrhagic shock.
Case Report: Glomus Tumor of the Thigh:

Glomus tumors are small, painful benign tumors that occur primarily in the subungual region of the hand. The presentation of glomus tumors in areas other than the hand is rare, but have been report...
Method for Improving Existing Maneuvering Models to Accommodate Large Drift Angles

This paper introduces a method to improve maneuvering models for AUVs that experience relatively tight turning radii (on the order of 2–3 vehicle lengths). By augmenting the original virtual planar motion mechanism (VPMM) datasets used in coefficient regression with high-angled steady-state CFD tow-tank data, maneuvering coefficients are adjusted to better reflect the craft's behavior under tight turning conditions. To verify the concept, two AUVs are tested, with one AUV experiencing relatively tight 2–3 vehicle-length turn radii at 10○ and 20○ rudder deflection, and the other AUV experiencing more typical 4–6 length turn radii. Both AUVs are on the order of 5.5m and modelling accuracy is expected to increase for the tighter-turning vehicle. Virtual steady-state tow-tank datasets with 5○, 10○, and 15○ hull-angles are used as the large drift angle data for coefficient refinement. By including large drift-angle data in the coefficient regression datasets, the turn-circle radius accuracy for the tighter-turning vehicle improves by upwards of 18%. The accuracy for the other vehicle, which does not experience such drift angles in maneuvering, decreases by up to 14%. Prediction accuracy is estimated by comparing lumped parameter model (LPM) against free-body CFD simulations which utilize a time domain unsteady RANSE solver under the action of deflected control surfaces (the same used to simulate the planar motion mechanisms tests). Our coefficient-refinement method improves maneuvering accuracy for vehicles which experience the large drift angles used in the coefficient refinement process.
A Machine Learning Approach to Predict Length of Stay for Opioid Overdose Admitted Patients

People are prone to developing opioid dependence and other health problems due to regular non-medical use, prolonged use, misuse, and use without medical supervision. In this paper, opioid-related healthcare data from Froedtert Health Medical System in Wisconsin are analyzed and machine learning models are proposed to predict the length of stay (LOS) of opioid overdose admitted patients. We also determine important features that impact the LOS. To explore the factors that significantly influence the LOS, we implement machine learning algorithms, namely, Random Forest and XGBoost, to select important features from the data. Predictive models such as Random Forest regressor, Gradient Boost regressor, Support Vector Machine and k-Neighbors regressor are conducted and trained on the top-50, 100, 300, 650, and 1000 important features. We propose to evaluate the regression models using Mean Squared Error (MSE) and R-squared.
Dynamic correction of color appearance on mobile displays

Technological advances in mobile devices have made them attractive for many previously infeasible image synthesis applications. Mobile users may roam between a wide range of environmental lighting including dim theaters, lit offices, and sunlight. Viewing images in diverse lighting situations poses a challenge: while our eyes can adapt to environmental lighting, changes in lighting can affect the perceived hue, brightness contrast and colorfulness of colors on electronic displays or in print. Consequently, colors in displayed images may appear bleached or be perceived differently from one lighting scenario to another. If these adverse lighting effects are unmitigated, the fidelity of color reproduction could suffer and limit the use of mobile devices in sensitive applications such as medical imaging, visualization, and watching movies. Many mobile devices currently include simple compensation schemes, which adjust their display's brightness in response to the environmental illumination sensed by built-in light sensors. These displays compensate for brightness but neglect the changes in perceived color and contrast caused by environmental lighting. We propose a novel technique to dynamically compensate for changes in color, colorfulness, and hue as mobile users roam. Our adaptation technique is based on the iCam06 color appearance model and uses the mobile device's sensor to continuously sample and feed back environmental lighting information.
Periodontitis case definition affects the association with renal function in kidney transplant recipients

Aim The aim of this analysis is to investigate the association between periodontal status and renal allograft function in a cohort of renal transplant patients using different periodontitis case definitions.
Introduction to Drinking Water Risk Assessment

The need for a clean and safe drinking water supply for centers of population has been recognized for over 2000 years. The early Romans recognized that human activities and effluent were a major source of water pollution, and that providing water from relatively unpopulated areas was a solution to the problem. In 312 b.c. the Romans under Appius Claudius began development of an aqueduct system to deliver water taken from the Tiber River upstream of the city, thus improving the quality and quantity of their water supply (Okun, 2003). It has been said that the availability of a good water supply through their extensive aqueduct system enabled the rise of Rome as a center of civilization—and it has also been speculated that the use of lead for water pipes helped lead to its downfall, through slow poisoning of the population. This has been disputed, with evidence that terra-cotta was a preferred piping material, resulting in better-tasting drinking water. Thus, the maintenance of drinking water quality has been a major quest throughout the development of modern civilization. However, it was not until the efforts of John Snow in 1854, analyzing a cholera epidemic in London, that specific diseases were shown to be associated with drinking waters that looked and tasted clean. For those who may not have heard the story, John Snow, a London doctor, noticed that many of the people who died of cholera in that summer’s epidemic had a common factor; they all obtained their drinking water through the Broad Street well. He had the pump handle removed and the epidemic faded away. For this analysis and his subsequent publications,
152: Physical exam indicated cerclage versus expectant management: a systematic review and metaanalysis

recurrent pregnancy loss Rita Sharshiner, Stephanie Romero, Robert Silver, D. Ware Branch University of Utah, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salt Lake City, UT, Intermountain Healthcare, Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Murray, UT OBJECTIVE: Celiac disease has been associated with numerous unfavorable health outcomes including adverse reproductive and pregnancy outcomes such as infertility, preterm birth, and preeclampsia. However, the association between celiac disease and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) remains uncertain. Our purpose was to compare celiac disease serum markers in women with and without RPL. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study design with 134 women with unexplained RPL, defined as two or more pregnancy losses with no more than one live birth and 134 age-matched controls with at least one full term uncomplicated pregnancy and no more than one pregnancy loss. Maternal serum was analyzed for IgA and IgG tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibodies using immunofluorescence assays. Results were compared between groups using Student’s T test and Chi square analysis. RESULTS: Groups were similar with regard to age, race/ethnicity, and BMI. Cases had higher levels of IgG tissue transglutaminase compared to controls (3.97 0.19 versus 3.28 0.11; p 0.0015). However, IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies were similar in cases and controls (5.31 0.24 versus 6.19 1.08; p 0.21). Also, cases (N 1) and controls (N 2) had a similar proportion of women with positive tests ( 20 Units) for IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies. None were positive for IgG antibodies. Only one patient in either group (a control) had a positive test for either IgA or IgG endomysial antibodies. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of tissue transglutaminase IgG antibodies were increased in women with RPL compared to controls. This observation deserves further investigation into mechanisms of RPL. However, elevated levels of tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibodies consistent with celiac disease were rare in women with RPL and similar to women without pregnancy loss. Thus, testing for celiac disease is not advised in women with RPL.
CYTOTOXIC CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE (CMI) RESPONSES ASSOCIATED WITH CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) INFECTION AND FETAL WASTAGE

Infection of inbred Strain-2 guinea pigs (GP) with CMV enhances cytotoxic CMI against CMV-infected syngeneic targets. We investigated this CMI during pregnancy of uninfected and CMV-infected females bred to uninfected strain-2 males. In uninfected dams with successful pregnancies, CMI was comparable to nonpregnant controls (19.2±5.9%) in 1st trimester (19.9±7.9), but suppressed during 2nd (12±7.6) and 3rd trimester (5.6±3.7) and up to 6 wks postpartum while breast feeding (6.2±2.3%). CMI was comparable to nonpregnant female controls by 10d after ceasing breastfeeding (17.8±8.2). Cytotoxic CMI did not decrease by trimester in CMV infected dams (40±15.4, 31±7.8, 42±18.8%) and increased postpartum (58±14.3%). Mean weights of pups from infected dams were less than from uninfected dams (68±21.4 vs 91±9.3 gm). Congenitally infected pups weighed less (54±17.3g) than those exposed but not infected (83.5±9.3 gm). Uninfected dams that resorbed fetuses or had >50% stillborns/litter had had more pregnancies than those with successful pregnancies (3.3±0.9 vs 1.6±0.9) whereas fetal loss in CMV-infected dams occurred with any pregnancy. Higher CMI was observed during 2nd and 3rd trimesters in uninfected (22±6.8 and 16.4±7.7%) and infected (39.1±7.1 and 48±8.8%) dams experiencing fetal wastage than in dams with successful pregnancy outcome. Thus lack of suppression of cytotoxic CMI to GPCMV in infected or multiparous GP was associated with increased fetal wastage.
A complex interplay between personality domains, marital status and a variant in CHRNA5 on the risks of cocaine, nicotine dependences and cocaine-induced paranoia.

Background Personality correlates highly with both cocaine and nicotine dependencies (CD, ND), and their co-morbid psychopathologies. However, little is known about the nature of these relationships. This study examined if environment (marriage) or genetics (a single SNP, CHRNA5*rs16969968) would moderate the correlation of personality with CD, ND and cocaine-induced paranoia (CIP) in African and European Americans (AAs, EAs). Methods 1432 EAs and 1513 AAs were examined using logistic regression. Personality was assessed by NEO-PI-R, while CD, ND and CIP were diagnosed according to DSM-IV. ND and CD were examined as binary traits and for the analysis of CIP, subjects were divided into 3 groups: (A) Controls with no CIP; (B) CD cases without CIP; and (C) CD cases with CIP. Multiple testing was Bonferroni-corrected. Results For CD and ND in the EA population, marital status proved to be a significant moderator in their relationship with openness only (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.36-2.64, p = 1.54e-04 and OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.52-2.90, p = 4.65e-06 respectively). For CIP, marriage was observed to moderate its correlation with openness and neuroticism (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.18-1.63, p = 7.64e-04 and OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.12-1.42, p = 1.27e-03 respectively). The correlations moderated by rs16969968 were those of conscientiousness and CD (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.23-2.12, p = 8.94e-04) as well as CIP (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.11-1.32, p = 4.93e-04 when comparing group A versus group C). No significant interactions were observed in AA population. The Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold was set to be 1.67e-03. Conclusion The role of personality in CD and CIP may be interceded by both environment and genetics, while in ND by environment only.
Thyroid gland: A new management algorithm for acute suppurative thyroiditis?

Appropriate diagnosis and clinical management of patients with acute suppurative thyroiditis, an endocrine emergency, presents a major challenge, with no consensus guidelines currently available. Could the novel algorithm proposed by John Paes and colleagues provide a solution?
An Examination of Intimate Partner Violence and Psychological Stressors in Adult Abortion Patients

The purpose of this article is to describe an exploratory study examining the relationship between intimate partner violence and psychological stressors in a sample of 188 adult abortion patients. Results indicate the almost 15% of respondents report a history of abuse by the coconceiving partner. In addition, women who reported having had one or more past abortions were more likely to also report that the person involved in the current pregnancy had also emotionally abused them. Women reporting one type of partner abuse were significantly more likely to also report other types of abuse. Women reporting abuse were less likely to report informing their coconceiving partner of their appointment at the clinic, less likely to report that their partner contributed financially to the abortion cost, and more likely to report partner refusal to wear a condom. Women who reported emotional abuse were more likely to score higher on all but one of the psychological stressor scales. The implications of these findings ...
The Position-taking Value of Bill Sponsorship in Congress:

What is the value of non—roll call position taking in Congress? The authors argue that non—roll call positions are used by interest groups to acquire information about the direction and intensity of legislators’ preferences. Legislators, in turn, use them to attract campaign contributions from potential donors. Examining bill sponsorship in the 103rd and 104th Congresses, the authors find a relationship between campaign contributions from labor and gun control political action committees and the positions House Democrats take through bill sponsorship. These results suggest that non—roll call position taking indeed matters.
VIBRATIONAL OVERTONE SPECTROSCOPY OF CYCLOHEPTATRIENE-D6 AT THE THIRD AND FOURTH OVERTONE REGIONS

In a previous report1 the vibrational overtone spectrum of gaseous cycloheptatriene (CHT) was presented. The main absorption features at the third and fourth overtones were assigned to the CH olefinic oscillators of CHT using a direct correlation method. Assignments were also suggested for the methylenic CH absorptions; however, further confirmation of these spectral assignments was required. In CHT-d6 the CH olefinic transitions are eliminated, and only features due to the methylenic group of the CHT ring will remain in the spectrum. The CHT-d6 was synthesized by refluxing 12 mL of C6D6 (99.6 atom % d, Aldrich) in the presence of CuBr for 3.5 h with dropwise addition of 40 mL of diazomethane (CH2N2) solution in C6D6 as was described by Muler et al.2 The diazomethane solution was generated from nitrosomethylurea according to the procedure proposed by Arndt.3 Nitrosomethylurea was prepared from acetamide and bromine as was recommended by Amstutz and Myers.4 The resulting reaction mixture contained about 2.4% CHT-d6 dissolved in the deuterated benzene. The 1H NMR of the mixture displayed the single broad peak around 2.1 ppm corresponding to the CH2 group of the CHT-d6. The amount of solvent was reduced using rotatory evaporation to bring the CHT-d6 content to 43%. Then the CHT-d6 sample (91%) was collected using preparative gas chromatography. The third and fourth overtone spectra of CHT-d6 were obtained using the photoacoustic spectrometer described previously.1 The sample pressure was 14 Torr, and 300 Torr of argon was added to increase the photoacoustic signal. The spectra of CHT-d6 and CHT at the third and fourth overtone regions are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. Peak positions and vibrational assignments are tabulated in Table 1. At the third overtone the absence of the olefinic CH bond stretch absorptions in the CHT-d6 spectrum around 11 30011 400 cm-1 leaves only two well-resolved peaks associated with the methylenic CH bonds of the CHT-d6 ring (Figure 1). Based on the general pattern reported for the CH methylenic bond in cyclic hydrocarbons5 (rCHax > rCHeq) and ab initio geometry optimization for CHT,1 the lower energy peak at 11 096 cm-1 can be assigned to the CHax of CHT-d6, while the higher energy transition, located at 11 215 cm-1, belongs to the CHeq. Similar arguments can be made for the two peaks recorded in the next overtone region (Figure 2), where the CHax peak appeared at 13 643 cm-1 and the CHeq transition appeared at 13 785 cm-1. Thus, the spectral results for CHT-d6 confirmed the assignments suggested for the CHT third and fourth overtone methylenic peaks. Acknowledgment. The authors wish to thank Dr. Thomas Kinstle for assistance in the synthetic part of work and J. Romanowitz for the GCMS analysis of the samples.
SOLITONS AND LORENTZ COVARIANCE AT A QUANTUM LEVEL

An explicit form for the boost operator is derived based upon the Christ-Lee formulation of soliton quantization and we argue that the boost operator along with the other Lorentz generators satisfies the Lorentz group algebra perturbatively in a dimensionless parameter.
Probing dopant incorporation in InAs/GaAs QDIPs by polarization-dependent Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

In order to improve spectral response tunability of quantum-dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs), it is critical to understand how dopants are incorporated into quantum dots (QDs). In this letter, polarization-dependent Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to measure intraband absorption in InAs/GaAs QDs. Through the investigation of device heterostructures with varying modulation-doped carrier concentrations, we have correlated the charge filling process of energy levels in high-density QD ensembles with IR absorbance spectra. In addition, we have observed the IR signature of a transition originating in deep-level defect centers arising from Si-doped GaAs.
Selected Feline Eosinophilic Skin Diseases

Eosinophilic plaque and mosquito-bite dermatitis are recognized hypersensitivity reactions. The pathogenesis of eosinophilic granuloma and indolent ulcer are not as clearly understood. Each of these syndromes is distinctive from a clinical and histopathologic view point. Accurate diagnosis depends on history, physical findings, and histopathologic evaluation. Understanding of feline dermatology will be furthered by including these syndromes in a broader grouping that encompasses all the feline eosinophilic dermatoses.
Biodegradable polymeric microspheres and nanospheres for drug delivery in the peritoneum

Drug delivery to the peritoneum is hampered by rapid clearance, and could be improved by application of controlled release technology. We investigated the suitability for peritoneal use of micro- and nanoparticles of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer with generally excellent biocompatibility commonly used for controlled drug release. We injected 90 kDa PLGA microparticles, 5-250 microm in diameter, into the murine peritoneum, in dosages of 10-100 mg (n=3-5 per group). We found a high incidence of polymeric residue and adhesions 2 weeks after injection (e.g., 50 mg of 5-microm microparticles caused adhesions in 83% of animals). Histology revealed chronic inflammation, with foreign body giant cells prominent with particles>5 microm in diameter. Five micrometer microspheres made from 54, 57, and 10 kDa PLGA (gamma irradiated) caused fewer adhesions (16.7%) with a similar incidence of residue. Nanoparticles (265 nm) of 90 kDa PLGA also caused much fewer adhesions (6.3% of animals), possibly because they were cleared from the peritoneum within 2 days, and sequestered in the spleen and liver, where foamy macrophages were noted. The effect of sterilization technique on the incidence of adhesion formation is also studied.
Rapid isoenzyme analysis of cell cultures by agarose electrophoresis II. Intraspecies identification of human cell lines

An enzyme electrophoresis method is described for determining several isozyme phenotypes useful in monitoring and characterizing human cell lines in culture. Electrophoresis runs are completed in 25 to 40 min. The methods are straightforward and do not require a large investment in preparation time or equipment.
Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Rhizobium leguminosarum. Novel enzymes that process precursors containing 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid.

Abstract The lipopolysaccharide of Rhizobium leguminosarum differs from that of other Gram-negative organisms. R. leguminosarum lipid A lacks phosphate groups, but it contains a galacturonic acid residue at the 4′-position and an aminogluconate moiety in place of the usual glucosamine 1-phosphate unit. R. leguminosarum lipid A is esterified with a peculiar long chain fatty acid, 27-hydroxyoctacosanoate, not found in enteric Gram-negative bacteria, and the inner core of R. leguminosarum contains mannose and galactose in place of heptose. Despite these differences, the biosynthesis of R. leguminosarum lipid A is initiated by the same seven enzyme pathway as in Escherichia coli (Raetz, C. R. H. (1993) J. Bacteriol.175, 5745-5753) to form the phosphorylated precursor, (Kdo)2-lipid IVA, which is then processed differently. We now describe several novel Rhizobium-specific enzymes that recognize and modify (Kdo)2-lipid IVA. The 1- and 4′-phosphatases were detected using (Kdo)2-[1-32P]-lipid IVA and (Kdo)2-[4′-32P]-lipid IVA, respectively, as shown by release of 32Pi. In the presence of GDP-mannose and/or UDP-galactose, membranes of R. leguminosarum first transferred mannose and then galactose to (Kdo)2-[4′-32P]-lipid IVA. In addition, at least two hydrophobic metabolites were generated from (Kdo)2-[4′-32P]-lipid IVA in a manner that was dependent upon both membranes and a cytosolic factor from R. leguminosarum. These compounds are attributed to novel acylations of (Kdo)2-[4′-32P]-lipid IVA. E. coli membranes and cytosol did not catalyze any of the unique reactions detected in R. leguminosarum extracts. Our findings establish the conservation and versatility of (Kdo)2-lipid IVA as a lipid A precursor in bacteria.
Comparative evaluation of Received Signal-Strength Index (RSSI) based indoor localization techniques for construction jobsites

This paper evaluates the accuracy of several RSSI-based localization techniques on a live jobsite and compares them to results obtained in an operating building. RSSI-based localization algorithms were tested due to their relative low cost and potential for accuracy. Four different localization algorithms (MinMax, Maximum Likelihood, Ring Overlapping Circle RSSI and k-Nearest Neighbor) were evaluated at both locations. The results indicate that the tested localization algorithms performed less well on the construction jobsite than they did in the operating building. The simple MinMax algorithm has better performance than other algorithms, with average errors as low as 1.2 m with a beacon density of 0.186/m 2 . The Ring Overlapping Circle RSSI algorithm was also shown to have good results and avoids implementation difficulties of other algorithms. k-Nearest Neighbor algorithms, previously explored by other construction researchers, have good accuracy in some test cases but may be particularly sensitive to beacon positioning.
Differences in bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and bone areal size in fracturing and non-fracturing women, and their interrelationships at the spine and hip.

Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health problem, particularly in women. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone size have been regarded as important determinants of osteoporotic fractures. In 1449 women over age 30 years, we studied the detailed relationship, at the spine and hip, between BMD, BMC, and bone areal size (all measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and compared their relative magnitudes in fracturing and non-fracturing individuals. We find that, (1) BMD and BMC are significantly higher at the spine and hip in non-fracturing women. Bone areal size is significantly larger at the spine in non-fracturing women; however, the significance disappears when adjustment is made for the significant difference of height (stature) between fracturing and non-fracturing women. In contrast to the spine, bone areal size is always significantly larger in fracturing women at the hip. (2) The relationship among BMD, BMC, and bone areal size is different at the spine and hip. Specifically, at the spine, BMD increases with bone areal size linearly. At the hip, BMD has a quadratic relationship with bone areal size, so that BMD increases at lower bone areal sizes, then (after an intermediate zone of values) decreases with increasing bone areal size. However, BMD adjusted for BMC always decreases with increasing bone areal size, as expected by the definition of BMD. With no adjustment for BMC, the increase in BMD with bone areal size is due to a more rapid increase of BMC than increasing bone areal size, thus explaining the observations of association of both larger BMD and larger bone areal size with stronger bone. (3) At the spine, 86.2% of BMD variation is attributable to BMC and 12.6% to bone areal size. At the hip, 98.0% of BMD variation is due to BMC and 1.1% due to bone areal size. The current study may be important in understanding the relationship among BMD, BMC, and bone size as risk determinants of osteoporotic fractures.
RADIATION OF A LARGE AMPLITUDE LONGITUDINAL PLASMA WAVE FROM A CONICAL ANTENNA

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT The radiation of a large amplitude ion-acoustic wave launched from a conical antenna is experimentally measured and contrasted with linear radiation. Significant differences are observed.
Soil water use by diploid and tetraploid Russian wildrye

Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski] is an important cool-season forage grass for the Northern Great Plains, but it exhibits poor seedling vigor. Tetraploid (2n=4x=28) plants have improved seedling vigor over diploid (2n=2x=14) plants, but data is lacking on plant-soil-water relations. Objectives of this research were to compare water-use efficiency (WUE), evapotranspiration (ET), rooting activity, and water extraction in relation to Haun stage for diploid and tetraploid Russian wildrye. A diploid and tetraploid entry were evaluated for 3 yr under two water treatments (50 and 150% of monthly average precipitation for 1 April to 1 November) and two fertilizer rates (10 and 134 kg N ha -1 ) in a rain shelter. The soil was a Parshall fine sandy loam (Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Pachic Haplustoll). Cumulative ET averaged across the 50 and 150% water treatments was 138 and 141 mm for the diploid and tetraploid, respectively. Rate of root activity progression was linear with Haun to the 1.2-m depth and ranged from 0.148 to 0.163 m per Haun stage for the diploid and tetraploid, respectively, at 50% water. Forage yield of the tetraploid was greater than the diploid at the 50%, but not at the 150% water treatment Water-use efficiency was higher for the tetraploid (3.8 g kg - 1 ) than the diploid (3.1 g kg -1 ) at the 50% water treatment, but at 150% water the entries were not different. Overall, the tetraploid entry exhibited a more favorable WUE and other soil water relations than did the diploid entry.