cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Allocation Schemes of COVID-19 Testing Resources in a Community-Based Door-to-Door Testing Program

Importance Overcoming social barriers to COVID-19 testing is an important issue, especially given the demographic disparities in case incidence rates and testing. Delivering culturally appropriate testing resources using data-driven approaches in partnership with community-based health workers is promising, but little data are available on the design and effect of such interventions. Objectives To assess and evaluate a door-to-door COVID-19 testing initiative that allocates visits by community health workers by selecting households in areas with a high number of index cases, by using uncertainty sampling for areas where the positivity rate may be highest, and by relying on local knowledge of the health workers. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was performed from December 18, 2020, to February 18, 2021. Community health workers visited households in neighborhoods in East San Jose, California, based on index cases or uncertainty sampling while retaining discretion to use local knowledge to administer tests. The health workers, also known aspromotores de salud(hereinafter referred to aspromotores) spent a mean of 4 days a week conducting door-to-door COVID-19 testing during the 2-month study period. All residents of East San Jose were eligible for COVID-19 testing. Thepromotoreswere selected from the META cooperative (Mujeres Empresarias Tomando Accion [Entrepreneurial Women Taking Action]). Interventions Thepromotoresobserved self-collection of anterior nasal swab samples for SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction tests. Main Outcomes and Measures A determination of whether door-to-door COVID-19 testing was associated with an increase in the overall number of tests conducted, the demographic distribution of the door-to-door tests vs local testing sites, and the difference in positivity rates among the 3 door-to-door allocation strategies. Results A total of 785 residents underwent door-to-door testing, and 756 were included in the analysis. Among the 756 individuals undergoing testing (61.1% female; 28.2% aged 45-64 years), door-to-door COVID-19 testing reached different populations than standard public health surveillance, with 87.6% (95% CI, 85.0%-89.8%) being Latinx individuals. The closest available testing site only reached 49.0% (95% CI, 48.3%-49.8%) Latinx individuals. Uncertainty sampling provided the most effective allocation, with a 10.8% (95% CI, 6.8%-16.0%) positivity rate, followed by 6.4% (95% CI, 4.1%-9.4%) for local knowledge, and 2.6% (95% CI, 0.7%-6.6%) for index area selection. The intervention was also associated with increased overall testing capacity by 60% to 90%, depending on the testing protocol. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 785 participants, uncertainty sampling, which has not been used conventionally in public health, showed promising results for allocating testing resources. Community-based door-to-door interventions and leveraging of community knowledge were associated with reduced demographic disparities in testing.
Anatomical and functional connectivity support the existence of a salience network node within the caudal ventrolateral prefrontal cortex

Abstract Three large-scale brain networks are considered essential to cognitive flexibility: the ventral and dorsal attention (VAN and DAN) and salience (SN) networks. The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) is a known component of the VAN and DAN, but its role in the SN is controversial. In this study, we used a translational and multimodal approach to demonstrate the existence of a SN node within the vlPFC. First, we used tract-tracing methods in non-human primates (NHP) to quantify the anatomic connectivity strength between the different vlPFC areas and the frontal and insular cortices. The strongest connections with the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and anterior insula (AI) locations comprising the two main cortical SN nodes were derived from the caudal area 47/12. This location also has strong axonal projections to subcortical structures of the salience network, including the dorsomedial thalamus, hypothalamus, sublenticular extended amygdala, and periaqueductal gray. Second, we used a seed-based functional connectivity analysis in NHP resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) data to validate the caudal area 47/12 as an SN node. Third, we used the same approach in human rsfMRI data to identify a homologous structure in caudal area 47/12, also showing strong connections with the SN cortical nodes, thus confirming the caudal area 47/12 as the SN node in the vlPFC. Taken together, the vlPFC contains nodes for all three cognitive networks, the VAN, DAN, and SN. Thus, the vlPFC is in a position to switch between these three cognitive networks, suggesting a key role as an attentional hub. Its tight additional connections to the orbitofrontal, dorsolateral, and ventral premotor cortices, places the vlPFC at the center for switching behaviors based on environmental stimuli, computing value and cognitive control.
The Effect of Quality and Color Visual Aids on Immediate Recall, Attitude Toward Speaker, and Attitude Toward Speech

Thirty years of empirical research on visual aids have produced inconsistent results--perhaps because the quality and color of those visuals were inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine what effects quality and color of instructional transparencies used in an informative speech have on listener recall and attitudes toward speaker and speech. A total of 709 community college and university students in 36 intact classes were randomly assigned to one of four visual treatment groups (poor-quality black/white, high-quality black/white, poor-quality color, or high-quality color) or one of two control groups (no-speech or no-visuals). A videotaped speech was projected onto a large screen at the right of the room; visual aids (each shown for approximately 30 seconds) were projected onto another screen set immediately to the left. Recall was measured by a 10-item multiple choice test; attitude toward speech and speaker were each measured by six seven-item semantic differential scales. Analysis of variance indicated that the type of transparencies used in an informative speech have a definite effect on immediate recall and attitude toward the speech, but no effect on attitude toward speaker. All four treatment groups scored significantly higher on recall than the no-speech and no-visual control groups. Log percent of change showed poor color to produce the lowest scores (still 13% better than control) and quality color to produce the highest scores (19.5'% better). Analysis found listeners to have a more positive attitude toward the speech when quality color, quality black/white, or poor black/white visuals were used. It appears that any visual (even a poor quality one) produces better recall than no visuals. Speakers with the time to produce quality visuals should add color; speakers who pay little attention to quality would be advised to use black/white visuals. Implications for future research are suggested.
Development of the Drosophila and C. Elegans Neuromuscular Junctions

Proper development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is essential for synaptic transmission and hence coordinated muscle function. The complex, yet precise, organization of molecular machinery is necessary for proper presynaptic neurotransmitter release and for postsynaptic detection. The NMJ is an excellent model to dissect mechanisms of synaptogenesis, because it has the experimental advantages of being simple and accessible. Many principles that control NMJ formation have proven to be relevant in other types of synapses. Studies in the genetic model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, have led to fundamental advances in our molecular understanding of in vivo f NMJ development. In this chapter, we first describe the architecture of the Drosophila and C. elegans NMJs. We then briefly summarize the methodology used to analyze the invertebrate NMJs. Finally, we review specific findings in synaptic target recognition, synaptic assembly, and growth.
Childhood obesity as a risk factor for bone fracture: a mechanistic study.

Objective To investigate the risk of bone fracture sustained by obese children exposed to falls. The bone fracture risk of obese children would be greater than that of their nonobese counterparts was hypothesized. Design and Methods Finite element-based computational models for children that reflected various levels of obesity by varying body mass and the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer was developed. The models took account of both the momentum effect of variation of body mass and the cushion effect of variation of soft tissue thickness and examined these two contradictory effects on pelvic bone fracture risk through a set of sideways fall simulations with a range of impact speeds. Results The critical impact speed that yielded pelvic bone fracture decreased as the levels of obesity increased, which meant that the momentum effect of a greater body mass took precedence over the cushion effect of the soft tissue layer. Conclusions The result suggests that obese children have a greater risk of pelvic bone fracture than do their nonobese counterparts in sideways falls. A further implication is that current child safety devices, systems, and regulations will need to be revisited as the prevalence of child obesity increases.
Chapter 6 The synthesis of polycavernoside A. An example of conformationally guided macrolactonization

Publisher Summary Two substances, polycavernosides A and B, have been isolated from the algal extract. The lethal metabolite polycavernoside A has been revealed to be a glycosidic macrolide possessing an unusual tricyclic aglycon, formally derived from a partially dehydrated and unsaturated 3,5,7,13,15-pentahydroxy-9,10-dioxotricosanoic acid. The aglycon is linked at C5 to a disaccharide moiety composed of heavily methylated xylose and fucose sugar units. Yasumoto had garnered enough structural detail of polycavernoside A to make its recreation by purely synthetic means a definite possibility. In this context, it has been recognized that total synthesis would not only help to map out the relative and absolute stereochemical configuration for the natural product, but might also serve to re-establish a supply of the toxin, vital for an understanding of its threat to human health. Polycavernoside synthesis has also presented various issues; one of those issues has been the challenge of orchestrating macrolactonization of a seco carboxylic acid so that it could lead only to a 14-membered ring and no other. An after-the-fact conformational study of the seco acid precursor to lactonization using a molecular mechanics computation provides a plausible rationale for the outcome.
TREATMENT OF MEASLES ENCEPHALITIS WITH ADRENAL STEROIDS

Ten cases of measles encephalitis treated with large doses of adrenal steroids are presented. Apparent complete recovery occurred in all 10 cases. In most of the cases clinical improvement was dramatic and prompt. There was no evidence of untoward reaction from the use of steroids combined with prophylactic antibiotic therapy. The results in this series are further substantiated by the report of Appelbaum and Abler who reported the recovery of 16 out of 17 patients with adrenocorticotropin. It is to be emphasized that measles encephalitis is an extremely variable disease and that only prolonged experience with one form of therapy by different investigators and clinicians can determine the final efficacy of the treatment. Ten cases are not a great number from which to draw a definite conclusion in this disease, however, the results were so convincing to us that we felt an early publication of this information worthwhile in the hope that further trials will be undertaken by other groups. From our experience we recommend the treatment of measles encephalitis with steroid therapy as outlined.
Multi-label feature transform for image classifications

Image and video annotations are challenging but important tasks to understand digital multimedia contents in computer vision, which by nature is a multi-label multi-class classification problem because every image is usually associated with more than one semantic keyword. As a result, label assignments are no longer confined to class membership indications as in traditional single-label multi-class classification, which also convey important characteristic information to assess object similarity from knowledge perspective. Therefore, besides implicitly making use of label assignments to formulate label correlations as in many existing multi-label classification algorithms, we propose a novel Multi-Label Feature Transform (MLFT) approach to also explicitly use them as part of data features. Through two transformations on attributes and label assignments respectively, MLFT approach uses kernel to implicitly construct a label-augmented feature vector to integrate attributes and labels of a data set in a balanced manner, such that the data discriminability is enhanced because of taking advantage of the information from both data and label perspectives. Promising experimental results on four standard multi-label data sets from image annotation and other applications demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
A comparison of bacterial communities in feces of breastfed infants determined by 454 pyrosequencing and Illumina MiSeq (1017.5)

Because various molecular techniques are used to evaluate microbial community structure in biological samples, understanding if results are comparable among methods is critical. We hypothesized two...
Massimo Pigliucci: Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk

Massimo Pigliucci is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at City University of New York and editor-in-chief for the journal Philosophy & Theory in Biology. He has a doctorate in genetics, a PhD in botany, and a PhD in philosophy and is a fellow of AAAS and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. In addition to many technical articles in refereed journals, he is author or co-author of numerous books, including Evolution—The Extended Synthesis (2010), Making Sense of Evolution (2006), Phenotypic Integration (2004), and Denying Evolution: Creationism, Scientism, and the Nature of Science (2002). The Society for the Study of Evolution awarded him its Dobzhansky Prize in 1997. The author’s reason for writing the book is found in the Introduction: ‘‘Accepting pseudoscientific untruths, or conversely rejecting scientific truths, has consequences for all of us, psychological, financial, and in terms of quality of life. Indeed, as we shall see, pseudoscience can literally kill people’’ (p. 1). In the first chapter, ‘‘Hard Science, Soft Science’’, various natural sciences are compared regarding their explanatory power and the extent to which they can predict the future or explain the past. An important criterion of an effective, valid science is the progress that is made in discovering and explaining natural phenomena. The lack of progress is a distinctive feature of pseudoscience. In the next chapter, ‘‘Almost Science’’, the author looks at a ‘‘...middle land of quasiscience populated by strange animals like evolutionary psychology, history, and even the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)’’ (p. 24). Even before these three examples of ‘‘almost science’’ are addressed, string theory in physics is critiqued as an area of inquiry so cutting edge that many observers consider it to be more like philosophy than science. Like multi-verse theory, string theory does not seem to make empirically testable hypotheses. Even though a theory may be logically/mathematically sound, it does not necessarily follow that it is empirically testable. SETI, unlike string theory and multi-verse theory, is testable but the likelihood of a positive test is very low so it is placed in the category of ‘‘almost science’’ as well. Evolutionary psychology is placed in the category of ‘‘almost science’’ by the author because ‘‘...the production of a variety of possible scenarios is the best one can hope for, and hard data are difficult to come by or interpret’’
European Works Councils: An Assessment of Their Social Welfare Impact

The working paper analyses the impact of EWCs on four different groups: shareholders, creditors, managers and employees. It argues that EWCs provide a net benefit. There are no significant negative impacts on shareholders and creditors while there are clear positive benefits for employees and managers.
Solving the Acoustic Echo Cancellation Problem in Double-Talk Scenario Using Non-Gaussianity of the Near-End Signal

The acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) problem in the double-talk scenario and the blind source separation (BSS) problem resemble each other in that, for both problems, mixed signals are given and the objectives are to remove unwanted signals from the mixed signals. As many BSS algorithms have utilized the non-Gaussianity of the source signals to solve the separation problem, the super-Gaussianity of the near-end speech signal can be utilized to perform AEC in the double-talk scenario. Here, we propose a maximum likelihood (ML) approach using a super-Gaussian source prior to solve the double-talk-scenario AEC problem and compare the algorithm with minimizing mean squared error (MSE). The simulation results and analysis support the efficiency of the proposed method.
Os(phen)2dppz2+ in Photoinduced DNA-Mediated Electron Transfer Reactions

The photoinduced electron transfer chemistry between Os(phen)2dppz2+ and Rh(phi)2bpy3+ bound to DNA has been characterized. Os(phen)2dppz2+ serves as an isostructural analogue for Ru(phen)2dppz2+ with a red-shifted emission spectrum, access to a 3+ oxidation state which is stabilized by ∼500 mV relative to the ruthenium complex, and excited-state lifetimes below 10 ns in the presence of DNA. Emission from Δ-Os(phen)2dppz2+ bound to calf thymus DNA is efficiently quenched by Δ-Rh(phi)2bpy3+, and a lower limit for the quenching constant is set at 7 × 109 s-1. The quenching profile over a range of quencher concentrations is found to be remarkably similar to that of the ruthenium analogue, despite an increase of ∼200 mV in ΔG for the photoinduced, forward electron transfer reaction. Such an observation may indicate the importance of the HOMO energy in the donor excited state, which is similar for both donors. Owing to the lack of spectral overlap between Os(phen)2dppz2+ emission and Rh(phi)2bpy3+ absorption, ...
The Evolution of School Siting and Its Implications for Active Transportation in New Jersey

The study examines historical changes in size and location of schools in New Jersey and their relevance to children’s walking and bicycling to school. It compares the characteristics of schools, students, and surrounding areas of schools established in different decades to identify the critical issues that affect active transportation to school in the state. The study shows that schools in the state have become larger and they are increasingly being located on state and county roads instead of local roads. Pedestrian safety for children seems to be a greater concern in the state than distance to school.
A study of the dynamics of foam growth: Simplified analysis and experimental results for bulk density in structural foam molding

A cell model describing the diffusion-induced growth of closely spaced single bubbles developed in an earlier publication is now used as the microscopic building block of an analysis of low-pressure structural foam molding. Heat transfer, solidification, and bulk flow of the foam in the mold cavity are included in this macroscopic analysis. An experimental method is described whereby the bulk density of an expanding thermoplastic polymeric foam is measured as a function of time when the expanding foam is prepared by the short shot injection molding process. Instantaneous and final bulk foam density data obtained for various values of the controlling process parameters are compared with the predictions of the model. These predictions are found to be in qualitative agreement with the experimental measurements reported here. However, quantitative differences exist between the two. These differences are explained mainly by the omission of melt elasticity and bubble coalescence in the model.
Freedom as the Non-Restriction of Options

In a recent article ('Being Free to Act, and Being a Free Man', Mind, April I97I) S. I. Benn and W. L. Weinstein argue that the negative coIception of freedom as absence of impediments-a conception I will henceforth refer to as ncfl-is inadequate for the following reason. Consider the cases of three men: the first-call him ml-decides against a given course of action to avoid threatened penalties; the second, M2, does the only thing the law permits him to do, but it is something he would have done anyway; the third man, M3, is prevented from purchasing eggs because he has not any money. According to ncfl, ml and M3, having been impeded, must be considered unfree, while M2, who is not impeded, must be considered free. But it is odd to say that m3 is unfree: after all, the option of having free eggs was never open to him in the first place. And it is also odd to call m2 free: the option of disobeying the law was not available to him, hence one can quite properly say that he really had no choice but to do as the law required. Benn and Weinstein reject ncf1 precisely because it leads us to talk in such peculiar ways. The cases of ml-m3 suggest a better definition of freedom: nonrestriction of available alternatives or options. According to it, any infringement upon an agent's range of choice constitutes as interference with his freedom (p. 200). In Benn's and Weinstein's words, 'to abridge the possibility of choice is to abridge freedom' (p. 205). This definition enables us to say that ml is unfree to act, not because the threatened penalties impede him, but because they restrict his available options. It also enables us to say of m2 that he is not free, because the law in question does limit otherwise available alternatives-it makes no difference whether he would have chosen them or not. Finally, this definition enables us to avoid calling m3 unfree: charging a price for eggs, though it prevents m3 from obtaining them, does not close any option that, given the property laws of contemporary England, would otherwise be open. Benn and Weinstein proceed to apply their definition of freedom to a variety of examples. The person who cannot attend the opera because his car breaks down is unfree to attend (p. I96); the mountain climber whose ropes are stolen should be called unfree to climb (p. 204); the conscientious objector whose appeal is denied must be considered unfree to refuse service to his country (p. 207); the man whose government arranges that there are no obscene books for him to read is unfree to read them (p. 204). Each of these cases involves a restriction on an agent's range of available options; therefore, according to Benn and Weinstein, it is perfectly appropriate, indeed necessary, to describe each as an infringement on freedom. I agree, with Benn and Weinstein, that ncfi is inadequate, but not for
Renal renin-angiotensin system dysregulation caused by partial bladder outlet obstruction in fetal sheep.

Renal renin-angiotensin system dysregulation caused by partial bladder outlet obstruction in fetal sheep. Background To determine whether fetal renal obstruction activates the renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS), an important mediator in normal kidney development and obstructive nephropathy, we used a model of fetal partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO). Methods Total RNA and protein was extracted from kidney of sheep fetuses with partial bladder outlet obstruction created at 95 days gestation, after 2 ( N = 6) and 5 weeks of obstruction (term; N = 6), and from normal fetal sheep at various time points between 60 and 135 days of gestation (total N = 19). Relative levels of mRNA for renin, angiotensinogen, type 1 and 2 angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors (AT-1 and AT-2), and transforming growth factor-βbgr;1 (TGF-βbgr;1) were assessed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of AT-2 receptor protein were measured by Western blot analysis. Results Renin mRNA expression was increased (250%) after two weeks of obstruction. In normal fetuses, AT-1 expression was low at 60 to 75 days of gestation and increased toward the end of gestation, whereas AT-2 expression showed a reversed pattern. At 109 days, PBOO caused an increased expression of AT-2 mRNA compared with normals (400%). Correspondingly, AT-2 receptor protein was more abundant in obstructed kidneys. TGF-βbgr;1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in obstructed kidneys at 109 days gestation. Conclusions These observations confirm the reciprocal developmental regulation of AT-1 and AT-2 receptors' expression, suggesting their functional role in renal development. Partial bladder outlet obstruction produces specific alterations: increased renin expression and altered balance of receptor subtypes, which may induce altered functional and vascular regulation of the obstructed fetal kidney. TGF-βbgr;1, a mediator of Ang II-induced fibrosis, may play a role in inducing and propagating interstitial fibrosis.
Wideband enhancement of television images for people with visual impairments

Wideband enhancement was implemented by detecting visually relevant edge and bar features in an image to produce a bipolar contour map. The addition of these contours to the original image resulted in increased local contrast of these features and an increase in the spatial bandwidth of the image. Testing with static television images revealed that visually impaired patients (n=35) could distinguish the enhanced images and preferred them over the original images (and degraded images). Most patients preferred a moderate level of wideband enhancement, since they preferred natural-looking images and rejected visible artifacts of the enhancement. Comparison of the enhanced images with the originals revealed that the improvement in the perceived image quality was significant for only 22% of the patients. Possible reasons for the limited increase in perceived image quality are discussed, and improvements are suggested.
Electronic structure of La—Ni intermetallics: a soft X-ray appearance-potential study

Abstract Soft X-ray appearance-potential spectra (SXAPS) of La—Ni intermetallic compounds are presented. SXAPS probes the binding energy (BE) of the core levels and provides information about the local density of conduction band states of the constituents as a function of alloy composition. Charge transfer from electropositive La to electronegative Ni is expected in La—Ni intermetallics. Ni metal has only 0.6 d vacancies and Ni spectra should disappear at high La concentrations as a result of charge transfer. Ni peak intensity decreases with increasing La concentration, however, in no case was a complete disappearance of the Ni spectra observed, which is interpreted as evidence for the d character in unoccupied states. The small BE shifts and narrowing of the SXAPS peaks in alloys indicate filling of the 3 d band of Ni due to hybridization of the wave functions centered on different atom sites instead of the charge transfer.
Enantiomeric specificity of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Abstract Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is selective for d -glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate but this stereoselectivity is not absolute. l -Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is also a substrate but the k cat K m value is at least 3 × 10 4 times smaller than that for the d -enantiomer. Both d - and l -glyceraldehyde are also substrates for the yeast enzyme. Unlike the case with the phosphorylated aldehydes, the enantiomeric selectivity between d - and l -glyceraldehyde ( k cat K m is 1.8 × 10 2 times larger for the d -enantiomer) is manifested mainly in k cat .
Electronic Register Control for Multicolor Printing

The proper register for multi-color printing, that is the printing of as many as five colors on top of one another to the required accuracy of a few thousandths of an inch, has been successfully solved by the use of phototubes and associated electronic equipment. In the system described, the electronic portion extends all the way from the phototubes to the thyratrons which supply the required current to energize the correcting motor armature in the proper direction and at the speed for correct register. A typical installation is shown in Figure 1.
Computerized Tomography Guided Percutaneous Renal Cryoablation With the Patient Under Conscious Sedation: Initial Clinical Experience

Purpose: We report on our initial clinical experience with CT guided percutaneous renal cryoablation.Materials and Methods: CT guided percutaneous renal cryoablation was performed on 27 tumors using conscious sedation in 20 patients. Eligible patients had tumors of 5 cm or less and were poor surgical candidates or otherwise warranted nephron sparing treatment. Tumors were classified as central or noncentral depending on their relationship to the renal sinus fat. During cryoablation intraoperative active ice ball formation was monitored with real-time CT imaging to ensure adequate tumor coverage. Postoperative followup imaging was obtained at regular intervals.Results: Our method appears technically feasible as of the 27 cryoablations performed, only 1 complication occurred requiring blood transfusion in a patient with a large, centrally located tumor. To date we have 16 tumors in 12 patients with imaging followup of 1 month or more (mean followup 5.9 months). Mean baseline tumor size in this group was 2.5...
Tumour microvesicles contain retrotransposon elements and amplified oncogene sequences

Tumour cells release an abundance of microvesicles containing a selected set of proteins and RNAs. Here, we show that tumour microvesicles also carry DNA, which reflects the genetic status of the tumour, including amplification of the oncogene c-Myc. We also find amplified c-Myc in serum microvesicles from tumour-bearing mice. Further, we find remarkably high levels of retrotransposon RNA transcripts, especially for some human endogenous retroviruses, such as LINE-1 and Alu retrotransposon elements, in tumour microvesicles and these transposable elements could be transferred to normal cells. These findings expand the nucleic acid content of tumour microvesicles to include: elevated levels of specific coding and non-coding RNA and DNA, mutated and amplified oncogene sequences and transposable elements. Thus, tumour microvesicles contain a repertoire of genetic information available for horizontal gene transfer and potential use as blood biomarkers for cancer.
Calcium and Vitamin D: What Is Known About the Effects on Growing Bone

The objective of these investigations was to determine if the receptor-dependent effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were essential for normal skeletal growth. Mice with targeted ablation of the vitamin D receptor were engineered, and the skeletal consequences of vitamin D receptor ablation were studied in the presence of normal and abnormal mineral ion homeostasis. Prevention of abnormal mineral ion homeostasis resulted in the development of a normal skeleton in the absence of a functional vitamin D receptor. The metabolic cause of rickets was found to be hypophosphatemia. The major receptor-dependent actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on skeletal development are indirect and are a reflection of the role of this hormone on intestinal calcium absorption.
Effect of Conductivity and Environmental Pressure on Electro-Plasma Process (EPP)

Electrolytic plasma process is an efficient surface modification method for metallic materials. With proper control of the process parameters Electro-Plasma Process (EPP) could generate unique surface morphology, which is suitable for effective cleaning of the metallic surfaces and inherently, good adhesion strength can be achieved for eventual coating the surfaces. Increasing input voltage beyond the conventional Faraday region of electrolysis, luminous discharge is observed on the surface of one of the electrodes. The electrode surface must be covered by layers of bubbles before the discharge could be set in. The discharge of energy is then taken place in an explosive way with localized high temperature. The combination of heat and kinetic impact could effectively remove the surface contaminants and could produce a unique surface morphology. In this paper, the conditions of process control parameters and the resultant surface conditions that could be achieved are studied. It has been found that elevated temperature is beneficial towards the plasma formation on electrodes; and the increase of temperature essentially increases the kinetic energy of electrons in the electrolytic solution and a high electrolyte temperature assists the boiling process and the chemical reactions that generate bubbles. The conductivity of the electrolytic solution could also affect the threshold voltage and the current density, but the total power input does not vary significantly with conductivity. Environmental pressure has been proved to be the single most critical important factor for Electro Plasma Process; and by increasing the pressure level the total breakdown energy tends to increase and more importantly, the resultant surfaces manifest that the energy consumed for surface modification increases with pressure.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
NONLINEAR EFFECTS ON THE CONDUCTIVITY OF A SUPERCONDUCTOR ABOVE ITS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE.

We study the conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ of a metal for temperatures slightly greater than its transition temperature ${T}_{c}$. In this region, the conductivity can reach very high values, because of the fluctuations of the order parameter. But, as we increase the electric field, the velocity of the accelerated electrons increases, the lifetime of the fluctuations decreases, and the conductivity decreases. For sufficiently high fields, the conductivity is thus found to vary as ${E}^{\frac{(\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{-}4)}{3}}$, $\ensuremath{\nu}$ being the dimension of the sample.
Preliminary observations of a particle lift force in horizontal slurry flow

Abstract This paper reports experimental observations of an unexpected lift-like interaction force. This force has no apparent analog for single particles in infinite fluids and appears to be a result of multiparticle interactions. The magnitude of this force can be a significant fraction (e.g. 40%) of the total weight of particles in the channel and thus may play a role in flow regime transitions. A simple analysis indicates that the force arises from Bernoulli interaction similar to the mechanism that generates an attraction between particles in a cross-flow.
Maternal and uteroplacental hemodynamic effects of chronic captopril in the hypertensive, term-pregnant rat

The chronic effects of captopril on maternal hemodynamics and organ perfusion were investigated in 10 untreated and 10 captopril-treated pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats by means of the radioactive-labeled microsphere technique. The normal decrease in blood pressure during gestation was prevented by reduction of litter size to two conceptuses on day 7 of gestation. Captopril (approximately 10 mg/kg/day) or drug vehicle (50% ethyl alcohol) was administered intraperitoneally by an osmotic pump from day 7 to 21. At term mean arterial pressure was 23% lower in the captopril-treated group as the result of a 29% decrease in total peripheral resistance without a significant change in cardiac output. The decrease in total peripheral resistance was primarily caused by a decline in splanchnic and skin resistances. Maternal organ and uteroplacental perfusion were not significantly altered. We conclude that administration of captopril during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy in the hypertensive rat effectively lowers maternal blood pressure without adverse effects on organ and uteroplacental perfusion.
Inhibitors of protein synthesis block action of cholera toxin

Abstract Prior treatment of macrophages with cycloheximide blocked the activation of adenylate cyclase by choleragen. The effect of cycloheximide was time and dose dependent and also caused by puromycin. Toxin receptors and the catalytic and regulatory components of the cyclase were still present. As degradation and generation of the A 1 subunit of choleragen was also blocked, we propose the existence of a membrane component that mediates the translocation of choleragen across the membrane.
Mechanisms of autoxidation of the oxygen sensor FixL and Aplysia myoglobin: implications for oxygen-binding heme proteins.

On exposure to oxygen, ferrous heme is thought to autoxidize via three distinct mechanisms: (i) dissociation of protonated superoxide from oxyheme; (ii) reaction between a noncoordinated oxygen molecule and pentacoordinate deoxyheme, and (iii) reaction between a noncoordinated oxygen molecule and an intermediate having water coordinated to the ferrous heme iron. The formation of a hexacoordinate aquomet (H2O.Fe3+) species has been proposed to drive mechanism (iii); consequently, heme proteins with a pentacoordinate met (Fe3+) form might be expected to lack this pathway. We have measured the dependence of autoxidation rate on oxygen concentration for Rhizobium meliloti FixL and Aplysia kurodai myoglobin, which have pentacoordinate met forms. For both proteins, the bell shape of this dependence shows that they autoxidize primarily by mechanism (iii), indicating that a hexacoordinate aquomet species is not required for this mechanism. A novel presentation of the oxygen dependence of autoxidation rates that uses heme saturation, rather than oxygen concentration, more clearly reveals the relative contributions of autoxidation pathways.
Appendix: Gilbert Newton Lewis, 1875-1946

Biography and scientific contributions of G. N. Lewis. Reprinted from History of Science Dinner Club Papers, July 13, 1953. This essay was written in March 1951.
Maximal Collections of Intersecting Arithmetic Progressions

Let Nt(k) be the maximum number of k-term arithmetic progressions of real numbers, any two of which have t points in common. We determine N2(k) for prime k and all large k, and give upper and lower bounds for Nt(k) when t ≥ 3.
Effect of magnetically conjugate photoelectrons on OI (6300 Å)

Pre-dawn enhancement of the OI(6300 A) line at Boston, U.S.A., (L = 3.1) appears to be primarily due to an increase in F-region ionic recombination. A residual component due to direct excitation of atomic oxygen by magnetically conjugate photoelectrons is probably present. The upper limit on this component is about 20 Rayleighs (R).
Left Ventricular Performance During the Course of a Day and Meals in Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure

This study was performed to examine the influence of time during the day and of meals on left ventricular performance in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic congestive heart failure. Systolic time intervals and echocardiography were performed at set intervals with concomitant hemodynamic measurements in nine patients with chronic congestive heart failure over a 15 hour daytime period and during the three meals. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased (p less than 0.05) from a non-meal resting peak of 18 +/- 8 mm Hg at 1500 hours to 16 +/- 7 mm Hg at 2200 hours. The other non-meal cardiovascular variables, invasive and noninvasive, did not change significantly during the course of the day. Cardiac output and stroke volume rose and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances, systemic blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure generally fell significantly after meals. Although mean PEP/LVET tended to decrease and delta p/delta t increase after meals, these numerical changes were not statistically significant and none of the other noninvasive variables were affected by meals. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic congestive heart failure have modest changes in central hemodynamics over the course of a day with rather striking changes with food ingestion. These alterations are generally not reflected in noninvasive cardiovascular parameters.
Endomorphism rings of infinitely generated projective modules

Abstract Let R P be a projective R -module which is not finitely generated. Let E = End R ( P ). This paper examines the structure of P as an E -module and relations between right ideals of R and E -submodules of P , between R -submodules of P and left ideals of E , and between right annihilators and left annihilators of subsets of E and closed R -submodules of P . The ring automorphisms of E are characterized. A basic assumption throughout is that P contains at least one unimodular element.
The two-timing thyroid.

Thyroid hormone regulates cellular energetics in multiple organs and sets the metabolic rate of the body. The hormone action takes days to weeks, working by altering gene transcription. Now its ability to also function over the short term is coming to light (pages 638–642).
Impact of subclinical thyroid disorders on coronary heart disease, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: A meta-analysis

Abstract Background Previous studies have suggested that sub-clinical thyroid states may have detrimental effects on the coronary heart disease (CHD). Whether subclinical thyroid dysfunction is a risk factor for the above is controversial. Methods A systemic search of the literature using Pubmed, Medline and Ovid online tool was performed to identify relevant studies. Amongst the clinical studies, crossectional study and studies with follow-up period ranging between 4 and 20 yr were identified (Walsh JP, Bremner AP, Bulsara MK, et al. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Arch Intern Med 2005 Nov 28;165 (21):2467–72.; Rodondi N, Newman AB, Vittinghoff E, et al. Subclinical hypothyroidism and the risk of heart failure, other cardiovascular events, and death. Arch Intern Med 2005 Nov 28; 165 (21):2460–6.; Rotterdam study, Imaizumi M, Akahoshi M, Ichimaru S, et al. Risk for coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality in subclinical hypothyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 Jul; 89 (7):3365–70.; Capolla et al.; Parle JV, Maisonneuve P, Sheppard MC, Boyle P, Franklyn JA. Prediction of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly people from one low serum thyrotropin result: a 10-year cohort study. Lancet 2001 Sep 15; 358 (9285):861–5). Results Sub-clinical hypothyroidism : The pooled estimate of the relative risk of CHD revealed significant difference both at baseline [RR with 95% CI: 1.533 (1.312–1.791), P P P Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism : The pooled estimate of the relative risk of CHD revealed no significant difference both at baseline [RR with 95% CI: 1.156 (0.709–1.883)] and at follow-up [RR with 95% CI: 1.207 (0.780–1.870)].The relative risk of death from cardiovascular causes at follow-up was also not significantly higher. Conclusion The present meta-analysis indicates that sub-clinical hypothyroidism is associated with both, a significant risk of CHD at baseline and at follow-up. In addition, mortality from cardiovascular causes is significantly higher at follow-up. Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism is not associated with CHD or mortality from cardiovascular causes.
Doped surfaces in one sun, point-contact solar cells

This letter reports two new types of large‐area (>8.5 cm2), backside, point‐contact solar cells with doped surfaces, designed for use in unconcentrated sunlight. One type was fabricated on an intrinsic substrate with an optimized phosphorus diffusion on the sunward surface. The apertured‐area efficiency was independently measured to be 22.3% at 1 sun (0.100 W/cm2), 25 °C, the highest reported for a silicon solar cell. The other type is constructed on a doped substrate, and has an apertured‐area efficiency of 20.9%, the highest reported for a point‐contact solar cell with a base in low‐level injection. Both cells have record open‐circuit voltages above 700 mV.
Histologic patterns associated with mechanical trauma to the skin

Chronic mechanical insults to the skin may affect all levels of the skin from the cornified layer through the subcutaneous fat. This presentation reviewed the clinical and histologic patterns of skin to mechanical traumas.
Expression of chemokine receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR5, and chemokines, BLC and SDF-1, in the eyes of patients with primary intraocular lymphoma

Abstract Objective Chemokines have a range of biologic activities, including regulation of leukocyte trafficking, modulation of hematopoietic cell proliferation, and adhesion to extracellular matrix molecules. Specifically, B-lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC); BCA-1; CXCL13, SCYB13) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, CXCL12, SCYB12) are chemotactic for human B cells, and their ligands CXCR4 and CXCR5 are differentially expressed on B cells, including malignant B cells. We investigated the expression of these chemokine/chemokine receptors in eyes with primary intraocular B-cell lymphoma (PIOL). Design Observational case series (human tissue study). Methods Three freshly enucleated eyes with PIOL and a normal autopsied eye were frozen and sectioned. The sections were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (avidin-biotin-complex immunoperoxidase technique) for CXCR4, CXCR5, BLC, and SDF-1 to detect the expression and location. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect chemokine transcripts of CXCR4, CXCR5, BLC, and SDF-1 in PIOL and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells after microdissection—either by laser capture (Arcturus) or by manual dissection—from frozen sections. Main outcome measures and results The three PIOL eyes showed similar pathology, with typical diffuse large B-lymphoma cells subjacent to the RPE. The eyes also demonstrated a similar chemokine profile. High expression levels of CXCR4 and CXCR5 were found limited to the lymphoma cells. In contrast, BLC protein was expressed in the RPE but not located in other ocular resident cells. SDF-1 was barely detected in a few RPE cells. CXCR4 and CXCR5 transcripts were detected abundantly in lymphoma cells, whereas BLC and SDF-1 transcripts were detected only in the RPE and not the malignant cells. No chemokine expression was detected on the RPE cells in the normal control eye. Conclusions Chemokines and chemokine receptors selective for B cells were identified in RPE and malignant B cells, respectively. BLC, and possibly SDF-1, attracts both normal and malignant B-cells while promoting migration of only small numbers of T cells and macrophages. We propose that B-cell chemokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of PIOL by selectively attracting lymphoma cells to the RPE from the choroidal circulation. Our data suggest that inhibition of B-cell chemoattractants could be a future strategy for the treatment of PIOL.