cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of the addition of wood flours on the properties of rigid polyurethane foam

The objective of this study is to investigate an appropriate process to fabricate the wood-polyurethane hybrid composites (wood-polyurethane foam (PUF)). Rigid PUFs that contain up to 20% wood flours were success- fully fabricated from polymeric 4,4-diphenylmethane diiso- cyanate, polyols, silicone surfactant, dibutin dilaurate/ dimethylethanolamine catalysts, and distilled water (chem- ical blowing agent). The effects of hydroxyl value of polyols, wood flour particle size, wood flour content, iso- cyanate index, and water amount on the compressive property of foam were investigated. The morphology of the cell was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Wood-PUF with different densities were prepared at dif- ferent water contents in the wood flours. The relationship between the compressive property and density was estab- lished following the Power law. The incorporation of wood flour improved the compressive property of PUF, whereas its tensile and flexural properties were reduced. The thermal stability of the PUF was improved with the addition of wood flour. V C 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polyurethane foams (PUF) can be made into a large variety of products with different compositions, den- sities, and properties. These products are usually pro- duced through interaction between polyols and polyisocyanates by addition polymerization with other additives, such as catalysts, surfactants, and foaming agents. Sometimes, fillers may be used to enhance the modulus and strength of the product, to increase the product density, and to reduce the cost. Polyurethane (PU) products include high-density rigid and flexible PUF, high-performance polyisocya- nurate foams, energy-absorbing materials, structural products for composite core applications, machined and molded parts, and other composite products. The applications of these materials can be in the areas of aerospace, transportation, and construction. Some specific applications include tooling boards used as models for automobiles and airplanes, building mod- els with different densities, colors, and building blocks using high-density foams. Wood flours are low cost materials which are proc- essed from wood residues. It is a lignocellulosic mate- rial containing natural polymers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and tannins. Isocyanate func- tional groups have been proved to form strong PU
The competencies initiative in American professional psychology: Implications for school psychology preparation

In the past decade, American professional psychology has taken significant steps toward a unified statement of the competencies that define the practice of psychology, regardless of specialty. The purpose of this article is to explain the current competency initiative in professional psychology and examine its implications and potential impact on graduate training in school psychology. A brief overview of competency-based training and the current competencies initiative in psychology is presented. Two significant challenges to implement competency-based training are then discussed. The first challenge has to do with conceptualizations of training and practice across accreditation agencies. As a part of the discussion, two recently published competency documents from the Assessment of Competencies Benchmark Workgroup of the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists are compared in a content analysis. The second challenge discussed is the difficulties associated with operationalizing and measuring competencies. Specifically, the empirical and consequential bases for existing assessment methods are examined. In spite of current pressure by accrediting agencies to implement a competency-based training model, based on the challenges examined in this article, significant work remains if school psychology trainers want to assure that competency-based training is done well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms with poststroke depression.

Context: Polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) have been associated with mental illness. In people with long-term medical conditions, variants of the5-HTTLPRandSTin2 VNTRpolymorphisms ofSERT have been shown to confer a heightened vulnerability to comorbid depression. Objective: To determine whether the 5-HTTLPR, STin2 VNTR, and rs25531 polymorphisms of SERT are associated with poststroke depression (PSD) in stroke survivors. Design: A case-control study in which stroke survivors were screened for depressive symptoms and assigned to either a depressed group or a nondepressed group. Setting: Outpatient clinic.
Big Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (BMK1)/ERK5 Protects Endothelial Cells From Apoptosis

Blood flow that is steady and laminar is known to be atheroprotective. One likely mechanism is enhanced endothelial cell (EC) survival. Because the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are known regulators of cell survival, we investigated the role of Big MAPK-1 (BMK1 or ERK5), which is potently stimulated by fluid shear stress. To activate BMK1, we overexpressed constitutively active (CA)-MEK5 in bovine lung microvascular ECs (BLMECs). Cell apoptosis was induced by growth factor deprivation (0% serum for 24 hours). Analysis of cell viability with MTT assay showed that activation of BMK1 by CA-MEK5 significantly improved cell viability from 48% to 87% and decreased apoptotic cells from 49% to 10%. Growth factor deprivation induced caspase-3 activity 5.2-fold, which was inhibited (≈60%) by CA-MEK5 overexpression. In contrast, inhibiting BMK1 activity by overexpressing dominant-negative BMK1 (DN-BMK1) stimulated apoptosis in BLMECs. Steady laminar fluid shear stress inhibited BLMEC apoptosis, and this protective effect was also reduced significantly by overexpressing DN-BMK1. Analysis of antiapoptotic mechanisms showed that both shear stress and CA-MEK5 stimulated phosphorylation of Bad on Ser112 and Ser136, whereas DN-BMK1 inhibited phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Bad induced by BMK1 activation was independent of Akt, PKA, or p90RSK kinase activity. These results suggest that BMK1 activation by steady laminar flow is atheroprotective by inhibiting EC apoptosis via phosphorylation of Bad.
Simulation of an Integrated Lean-Direct Injection Combustor and a Stage of Stator-Rotor Turbine

This paper summarizes the efforts in simulations of individual or integrated combustor and post combustor components using the National Combustion Code (NCC) for a better understanding of the formation and subsequent development of gaseous pollutants, aerosols and their precursors in the flow path of a jet engine. Aircraft emissions can influence the climate change of the atmosphere and health responses in the vicinity of the airports. To alleviate these increasingly significant impacts on the environments, it is necessary to acquire a better understanding of the formation and subsequent development of gaseous pollutants, aerosols and their precursors in the internal flow and in the plume of the jet engines. This could be achieved through efforts which combine the use of measurement and modeling and simulation. In some flow regions, chemical kinetics and/or particle microphysics are mainly driven by averaged flow parameters, low-order methods could be used to adequately capture the overall activities. However, more complex multi-dimensional analysis needs to be applied to flow regions in which the chemical or the microphysical activities could be appreciably influenced by flow non-uniformity, particularly in thermodynamic conditions and residence time. Over the past decade, we have developed both higher-fidelity, multi- dimensional CFD-based simulation tool (1) and its lower-order counter part (2). The numerical platform is a NASA in-house code for turbulent combustion in propulsion systems (3), namely, the National Combustion Code (NCC).
On being first in epidemiology.

In the past few years it has become the fashion for journal articles to proclaim their finding, however modest, to be first of its kind. Since few if any epidemiological studies are ever replicated down to the last detail, this form of self-advertisement is often less impressive than it appears. What, then, is the importance of establishing primacy for a particular epidemiological result such as the association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer? Should we even care who did it first? Of course we should, for several reasons. As with all scientific disciplines, epidemiology has a history rich with useful and important lessons, but only a complete and accurate history can provide a satisfactory foundation on which to build a sound practice of public health. Careful study of our discipline's history provides a perspective that is otherwise easily overlooked or lost in the day-to-day pursuit of immediate research goals. Furthermore, we learn from mistakes as well as achievements, and there are plenty of both available for study. At first glance, the relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer would seem an unlikely candidate for historical challenge. It is so well established that one or another aspect is routinely used as textbook and teaching material (Gordis, 2009). Furthermore, the founders of the field – e.g., Ernst Wynder, Sir Richard Doll, Austin Bradford Hill, and Cuyler Hammond – are so well known and their papers and books so widely reproduced and studied that controversy regarding the early days scarcely seems possible. In this issue of Preventive Medicine Alfredo Morabia (Morabia, 2012) dissects a paper (Muller, 1939) that has been described by later historians and researchers as pathbreaking or seminal
Blood cadmium is elevated in iron deficient U.S. children: a cross-sectional study

Background Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental contaminant, and iron deficiency (ID), the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental delays, as well as other disorders, in infants and children. Studies assessing the cumulative effects of these factors are lacking in children, despite concerns of increased uptake of metals in the presence of ID. Here we sought to determine if blood and urine Cd levels were elevated in ID children compared to non-ID children.
Protective effects of Sm-p80 in the presence of resiquimod as an adjuvant against challenge infection with Schistosoma mansoni in mice.

Summary Objectives To determine the prophylactic efficacy of an Sm-p80-based vaccine formulation against challenge infection with Schistosoma mansoni in mice using an approach comprising of initial priming with DNA and boosting with recombinant protein in the presence of resiquimod (R848) as an adjuvant. Methods In the first experiment (prime–boost approach), mice were primed with Sm-p80–pcDNA3 (week 0) and boosted at weeks 4 and 8 with recombinant Sm-p80 formulated in resiquimod (R848). Each mouse in the control group first received only pcDNA3 and was boosted with R848. In the second set of experiments (recombinant protein approach), mice were immunized (week 0) and boosted (weeks 4 and 8) with rSm-p80 formulated in R848. Animals of the control group in this series of experiments received only R848 at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. All of the animals from both the ‘prime–boost' and ‘recombinant protein' groups were challenged with cercariae of S. mansoni , 4 weeks after the last immunization. The mice were sacrificed 6 weeks post-challenge and the reductions in worm burden and egg production were determined. Sm-p80-specific antibody titers were estimated in the mice sera by ELISA. Cytokine mRNA and protein production by proliferating splenocytes in response to in vitro stimulation with Sm-p80, were estimated via RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results Vaccination with Sm-p80 (prime–boost approach) showed 49% reduction in worm burden; with the recombinant protein approach the protection was found to be 50%. The protection levels were correlated with antibody production. Upon antigenic stimulation with recombinant Sm-p80, splenocytes secreted significant levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2, indicating that the immune responses were Th1-biased and this was further supported in terms of distribution of antibody isotypes and mRNA expression of cytokines. Conclusions In conclusion the present study clearly demonstrates that Sm-p80 consistently maintained its protective nature, and resiquimod as an immunopotentiating agent slightly boosted the protective effects of Sm-p80 in both ‘DNA prime–protein boost' and ‘recombinant protein' immunization approaches in a murine model.
Vaginal Bleeding In the Prepubescent Child

Prepubescent girls with vaginal bleeding may be referred to or seek care in the emergency department. A thoughtful and systematic evaluation is warranted. Possible etiologies include foreign bodies, urologic conditions, and trauma, as well as endocrine disorders, bleeding disorders, dermatologic conditions, vaginal masses, tumors, and other more rare conditions. Sexual abuse should be considered in all children with genital complaints. A complete examination, likely under anesthesia, may be necessary if the cause of bleeding is not evident based on history and physical exam. This article reviews the potential causes, clinical presentations, and management of vaginal bleeding in the prepubescent child.
Inducible nitric oxide contributes to viral pathogenesis following highly pathogenic influenza virus infection in mice

Highly pathogenic influenza A viruses, including avian H5N1 viruses and the 1918 pandemic virus, cause severe respiratory disease in humans and animals. Virus infection is followed by intense pulmonary congestion due to an extensive influx of macrophages and neutrophils, which can release large quantities of reactive oxygen species potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of lung disease. Here, the role of nitric oxide (NO), a potent signaling molecule in inflammation, was evaluated following highly pathogenic influenza virus challenge in mice. We observed higher levels of NO in mice infected with H5N1 and 1918 viruses as compared to a seasonal H1N1 virus. Mice deficient in inducible NO synthase (NOS2(-/-)) exhibited reduced morbidity, reduced mortality, and diminished cytokine production in lung tissue following H5N1 and 1918-virus challenge, compared with wild-type control mice. Furthermore, systemic treatment of mice with the NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine delayed weight loss and death among 1918 virus infected mice compared to untreated control animals. This study demonstrates that NO contributes to the pathogenic outcome of H5N1 and 1918 viral infections in the mouse model.
Autoreactive Tbet-Positive CD4 T Cells Develop Independent of Classic Th1 Cytokine Signaling during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Many autoimmune chronic inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis, are associated with the presence of Th1 and Th17 effector CD4 T cells. Paradoxically, the principal Th1 cytokine IFN-γ does not appear necessary for disease, but the key Th1-associated transcription factor Tbet has been reported to be essential for disease development. This conundrum propelled us to investigate the regulation of this transcription factor during autoimmunity. Following the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, we observed a preferential upregulation of Tbet by CD4 T cells within the CNS, but not the secondary lymphoid organs. These Tbet-positive CD4 T cells were capable of producing the cytokine IFN-γ, and a proportion of these cells produced both IFN-γ and IL-17A. Interestingly, these Tbet-positive cells were present in high frequencies during disease in IFN-γ–deficient mice. Moreover, we found that CD4 T cells from IFN-γ–deficient/IFN-γ reporter mice upregulated the Thy1.1 reporter, indicating the presence of Th1 or Th1-like, Tbet-positive CD4 T cells even in the absence of the cardinal Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. These IFN-γ–deficient Th1-like cells not only maintain multiple Th1 properties but also exhibit increased expression of genes associated with the Th17 phenotype. We further examined the requirement of other Th1-associated molecules in controlling Tbet expression during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and noted that STAT1, IL-12, and IFN-γ were dispensable for the induction of Tbet in vivo. Hence, this study highlights the complex regulation of Tbet and the potential unrecognized role for Th1 cells during autoimmunity.
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of Damage Identification Results Obtained Using Finite Element Model Updating

A full-scale seven-story reinforced concrete shear wall building structure was tested on the UCSD- NEES shake table in the period October 2005-January 2006. The shake table tests were designed so as to damage the building progressively through several historical seis- mic motions reproduced on the shake table. A sensitivity- based finite element (FE) model updating method was used to identify damage in the building. The estimation uncertainty in the damage identification results was ob- served to be significant, which motivated the authors to perform, through numerical simulation, an uncertainty analysis on a set of damage identification results. This study investigates systematically the performance of FE model updating for damage identification. The dam- aged structure is simulated numerically through a change in stiffness in selected regions of a FE model of the shear wall test structure. The uncertainty of the identified damage (location and extent) due to variability of five input factors is quantified through analysis-of-variance
Reflective tutoring for immersive simulation

Reflection is critically important for time-constrained training simulations that do not permit extensive tutor-student interactions during an exercise. Here, we describe a reflective tutoring system for a virtual human simulation of negotiation. The tutor helps students review their exercise, elicits where and how they could have done better, and uses explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to allow students the chance to ask questions about the virtual human's behavior.
Placental Insufficiency Decreases Pancreatic Vascularity and Disrupts Hepatocyte Growth Factor Signaling in the Pancreatic Islet Endothelial Cell in Fetal Sheep

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are paracrine hormones that mediate communication between pancreatic islet endothelial cells (ECs) and β-cells. Our objective was to determine the impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on pancreatic vascularity and paracrine signaling between the EC and β-cell. Vessel density was less in IUGR pancreata than in controls. HGF concentrations were also lower in islet EC-conditioned media (ECCM) from IUGR, and islets incubated with control islet ECCM responded by increasing insulin content, which was absent with IUGR ECCM. The effect of ECCM on islet insulin content was blocked with an inhibitory anti-HGF antibody. The HGF receptor was not different between control and IUGR islets, but VEGFA was lower and the high-affinity VEGF receptor was higher in IUGR islets and ECs, respectively. These findings show that paracrine actions from ECs increase islet insulin content, and in IUGR ECs, secretion of HGF was diminished. Given the potential feed-forward regulation of β-cell VEGFA and islet EC HGF, these two growth factors are highly integrated in normal pancreatic islet development, and this regulation is decreased in IUGR fetuses, resulting in lower pancreatic islet insulin concentrations and insulin secretion.
Sequence, map position and genome organization of the RPL17B gene, encoding ribosomal protein L17b in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Sequence analysis of the newly defined SSU81 gene revealed an adjacent open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein whose deduced amino acid sequence is identical to that of ribosomal protein L17. The DNA sequence of this region is different from that of the RPL17A gene and therefore represents a duplicate gene encoding L17. We have designated this gene RPL17B. The RPL17B coding region is split by an intron that occurs in the same position (codons 14/15) as the intron in RPL17A. The RPL17B promoter region includes two TATA boxes, a canonical UASRPG motif, and several pyrimidine-rich tracts. RPL17B was mapped by CHEF and lambda clone grid hybridization blots to the right arm of chromosome V, linked to the TRP2 and RAD51 genes. A partial ORF was identified adjacent to RPL17B and SSU81 that is homologous to an ORF (designated A509) physically linked to RPL17A. This observation, and the identical position of the introns within the RPL17 genes, suggest that one RPL17 locus arose by duplication and translocation of the other. The complete 3·8 kbp DNA sequence encompassing RPL17B has been entered in the GenBank data library under Accession Number U15653.
Virtual Workbench: Near-Field Virtual Environment System with Applications

A prototype near-field virtual environment system is described that incorporates a CrystalEyes stereoscopic display (viewed in a mirror), a PHANToM manipulandum, and a stereo auditory display. The apparatus, which was designed to achieve registration of three sensory modalities (visual, haptic, and auditory), has a wide range of applications and has been used for both psychophysics and training research. Calibration-verification experiments are described in which human subjects positioned a physical probe attached to the manipulandum so that it appeared to coincide with a visual target on the stereoscopic display. The readings from the manipulandum and the calculated positions of the targets corresponded roughly within ± 0.5 cm over a large volume, although differences greater than 1 cm were observed near the sides of the workspace. The calibration of the manipulandum was tested independently on the z axis (running through the center of the workspace), and the perceived depth of the targets (probe z coordinate) was found to agree with the calculated depth within the accuracy of the measurements (± 0.4 cm). Some subjects had poorer positioning resolution when the visual target was far from the plane of the display screen (although their mean response was unaffected), and we hypothesize that this may have been caused by the different levels of accommodation that were needed to view the physical probe and the displayed target.
Chloral hydrate disrupts mitosis by increasing intracellular free calcium

In examining how chloral hydrate affects mitosis, we found that extracellular application of 0.1% chloral hydrate produced an abrupt rise in cytosolic free Ca2+. Digitized fluorescence microscopy of Fura-2-loaded, mitotic and interphase PtK cells revealed that Ca2+ rose 15 s after chloral hydrate application, peaked within 1 min at a concentration two- to sevenfold above the basal level and then slowly dropped. Bathing cells in 0.1% chloral hydrate caused metaphase spindles to shorten, starting in 1–2 min, and inhibited spindle elongation without affecting chromosome-to-pole movement during anaphase, as determined by phase-contrast observation of living cells. Spindle elongation and chromosome movement were unaffected by intracellular injection of 7.5% chloral hydrate. Extensive mitotic microtubule breakdown occurred after cells were bathed for 7 min in 0.1% chloral hydrate, while interphase microtubules were unaffected as determined by immunofluorescence. The chloral hydrate-induced microtubule breakdown and metaphase spindle shortening were prevented by 10 mM-CoCl2, which has previously been shown to block Ca2+ influx and to stabilize microtubules in vitro. These results imply that disruption of mitotic spindle function and structure by chloral hydrate is due to a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+, and also indicate that mitotic microtubules are more Ca2+-labile than interphase microtubules.
Diagnosis and treatment of congenital arteriovenous fistulas of the head and neck.

Summary The diagnosis of congenital arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck is established by certain cardinal findings. The involved part is generally hot and swollen; there may be multiple pulsating varices in the skin and a detectable thrill can be felt over the mass. Often there is a history of repeated nosebleeds or bleeding from the gum on the side of the mass. Auscultation of the mass elicits a continuous machinery-like murmur which is often transmitted to the major vessels of the neck on the homolateral side. More sophisticated diagnostic studies include selective arteriography performed with small, soft, malleable catheters inserted through the femoral artery and threaded up to the site of the anomaly. Despite many refinements in radiographic technics in demonstrating vascular anomalies, the pathology of the mass itself often makes such studies inaccurate. I accept the theory of embryologic rests as the explanation for the development of such lesions. The treatment for such masses is predicated upon a total elimination of all diseased tissue. Such operative procedures are quite extensive and blood loss is great despite preoperative occlusion of the involved feeding vessels. I believe that such preoperative ligations are not only not helpful but actually expand the growth of the neoplasm. Temporizing procedures, such as ligation of pulsating vessels in the vicinity of the lesion, partial excision of the tumor with pedicle flap replacement, the injection of sclerosing solutions, and interstitial radiation, tend to expedite the growth of the underlying disease. Three dimensional resection followed by sound pedicle flap reconstruction of the part offers the patient the best chance of cure.
Should Schools Send BMI Report Cards to Parents? A Review of Literature

A body mass index (BMI) report card is a tool to inform parents about their child's weight status. Body mass index notifications could curb childhood obesity by prompting parents to encourage their children to be more physically active and make better dietary choices, but they could also lower children's self-esteem and increase weight-related teasing. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review existing evidence in order to determine the extent to which BMI report cards benefit and/or harm children and adolescents. The accuracy of BMI as an indicator of obesity, the positive and negative consequences of BMI notification programs, and suggestions for safer implementation of BMI report programs in schools are reviewed. Body mass index as a measure of weight-related disease risk in children has some limitations. Studies assessing the positive and negative consequences of BMI notification programs are limited in number and lack rigorous methodological procedures. Thus, the effects of sending BMI ...
Infectious bronchitis virus nucleocapsid protein interactions with the 3' untranslated region of genomic RNA depend on uridylate bases.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly contagious virus of worldwide economic concern in poultry. Infection causes respiratory disease, as well as kidney lesions, reproductive problems and gastrointestinal disfunction. The virion consists of four structural proteins: the membrane, spike, nucleocapsid (N), and the small envelope proteins. The IBV N protein, a basic, phosphorylated protein of 409 residues, is highly conserved especially within the central or middle region among IBV strains, (Williams et al, 1992).
The Asymptotic Temperature Profile for Forced Convection Turbulent Boundary Layers With and Without Pressure Gradient

Similarity analysis of the equations of motion is used in order to study forced convection turbulent boundary layers with and without pressure gradient. New scalings are found for both the inner and the outer temperature profiles, respectively. It is shown that by normalizing the temperature profiles using the new scalings, the effects from the Peclet number and pressure gradient can be removed completely from the profiles. Therefore, the asymptotic solutions can be obtained even at the finite Peclet number. Moreover, using the Near-Asymptotic principle, a power law solution is derived for the temperature profile in the overlap region. This power law solution is a consequence of the fact that the boundary layer depends on two different temperature scalings.© 2003 ASME
Pyridoxol biosynthesis by Saccharomyces fragilis.

SummaryDuring 6 days of growth in a medium containing glucose as the major carbon source, Saccharomyces fragilis C-351 secretes about 270 μg of pyridoxol/liter of culture fluid. Most of this is produced between 60 and 108 hr after inoculation.Studies of the effects of a number of compounds upon the conversion of labeled glucose to pyridoxol indicates that hydroxyacetaldehyde (glycolaldehyde) is a probable direct precursor of pyridoxol in S. fragilis.
On Isoperimetric Inequalities Related to a Problem of Moser

(1979). On Isoperimetric Inequalities Related to a Problem of Moser. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 86, No. 6, pp. 476-477.
Lack of Uncoupling of S Phase and Mitosis after Irradiation in p53- Human Lymphoblast Cell Lines

It has been shown that p53- human colorectal cancer cells arrest after DNA damage in a G2-like state and may then undergo DNA synthesis without intervening mitosis (Waldman et al., Nature 381, 713-716, 1996). To further clarify the role of p53 in the regulation of the G2/M-phase checkpoint, we have studied cells of three closely related human lymphoblastoid cell lines (TK6, WTK1 and TK6E6, an HPV16 E6-transfected TK6 line) with differing p53 status. The cells were irradiated with 1.5-12 Gy gamma rays with or without 2 mM caffeine. There was no evidence of uncoupling of DNA synthesis and mitosis after irradiation in the p53- cell lines, WTK1 and TK6E6, suggesting that this uncoupling may not be a universal phenomenon. The apparent formation of tetraploid cells after irradiation of cells of the p53- WTK1 line was due to the occurrence of a G2-phase block in a pre-existing tetraploid population. These results support the conclusion that control of the G2/M-phase checkpoint after irradiation may differ among different cell types.
The roots of neo-liberal resilience: Explaining continuity and change in background ideas in Europe’s political economy

Defines and elucidates the concept of ‘background ideas’;Defines and elucidates neo-liberalism and its relationship to background ideas;Uses discursive institutionalism as framework for analysis of background ideas and neo-liberalism;Explores different levels of neo-liberal ideas in terms of philosophy, program, and policy;Considers how different levels of ideas may be transformed over time through revolutionary or evolutionary change;Examines different forms of ideas, especially as philosophies, ideologies, and discourse, and different types of ideas, both cognitive and normative;Considers the different ways in which ideas are constructed and communicated by policy or political entrepreneurs and/or act in discursive policy communities;Discusses political entrepreneurs as ideological, pragmatic, or opportunistic.Neo-liberalism has come to constitute the core background idea of European political economies, as the unquestioned set of beliefs, understandings, or core philosophy exercising a seemingly incont...
Self-regulation, taxation, and public voluntary agreements

INTRODUCTION Chapter 6 explained how regulators benefit from the use of voluntary agreements (VAs), and chapter 7 showed how negotiated agreements (NAs) – used frequently in Europe and Japan – can serve the interests of both industry and regulators. In this chapter, we turn to public voluntary agreements (PVAs), which are commonly used in the USA. Under PVAs, participating firms agree to make good faith efforts to meet program goals established by the regulatory agency; in return, they may receive technical assistance and/or favorable publicity from the government. The present chapter is based on Lyon and Maxwell (2003a) and develops a model of corporate and government behavior in which self-regulation, taxation, and PVAs can be considered in one unified framework. In so doing, we sharpen the discussion of VAs by distinguishing carefully the relative merits of each of these instruments. As we showed in chapter 3, the preemption of stricter future regulations is a leading motivation for self-regulation. This motivation can also explain corporate participation in voluntary environmental agreements between corporations and environmental regulators, as discussed in chapter 7. Furthermore, chapter 6 showed that the environmental regulator may wish to preempt future regulations if voluntary actions represent a cheaper way of achieving environmental goals. While preemption may indeed explain the adoption of some VAs, it is not uncommon to find PVAs in the absence of strong regulatory threats. In fact the US EPA notes that “Governments promote voluntary initiatives for a variety of reasons, including the pilot testing of new approaches and the absence of legislative authority to establish mandatory programs ” (US EPA 2001, p. 173; emphasis added).
Cost-effectiveness of Diagnostic Algorithms for Tuberculosis in Children Less Than 5 Years of Age.

Background The objective of this analysis was to assess the cost-effectiveness of TB diagnosis using microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS), Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and empiric treatment for all patients, in addition to current clinical diagnostic practices in children less than 5 years of age in a national tuberculosis (TB) referral hospital in Uganda. Methods A decision analysis was conducted from the healthcare perspective, with a primary outcome of incremental cost-effectiveness expressed as cost per year of life gained (YLG). Results Cost-effectiveness of the algorithms depended strongly on 3 variables: the prevalence of TB, probability of death if TB was untreated and accuracy of existing diagnostic algorithms. Xpert and MODS had similar cost-effectiveness profiles and were preferred in settings where the prevalence of TB and probability of death from untreated TB were low. As the underlying probability of TB disease and death increased, treating all children with clinically suspected disease became more cost-effective. In settings where the probability that an untreated child will die of TB-whether a result of high prevalence of TB or high mortality from untreated TB-treating all children for TB is likely to be the most cost-effective approach until better diagnostic tests can be developed. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tools for TB in children depends on the population, natural history of untreated TB and existing diagnostic practices. In settings where the risk of TB death is high, empiric treatment of all children for TB should be considered until a more sensitive, low-cost diagnostic test is available.
ENZYMATIC PHOTOREACTIVATION OF DNA

ABSTRACT The distinguishing hallmarks of photoreactivation of DNA is the enzyme-mediated, light-dependent monomerization of pyrimidine dimers resulting in repair of the DNA and restoration of its biological integrity. Photoreactivation is differentiated from sensitized dimer monomerization by small molecules by the participation of the protein macromolecule and from dimer monomerization by tryptophan-containing peptides and proteins by their wavelength dependence. The photoreactivating enzyme shows three levels of specificity: first, for the length and kinds of nucleic acid; second, for cis-syn cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers; and third, for photoreactivating photons of wavelength 300–600 nm. Although all photoreactivating enzymes characterized to date show this specificity in function, current reports indicate possible heterogeniety in structure. Most PR enzymes [ E . coli, T . domestica (silverfish), H . sapiens, S . griseus ] are composed of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 35,000–40,000 d. However, the yeast enzyme is reported to be composed of two dissimilar subunits with molecular weights 60,000 and 85,000. In addition to the apoprotein portion photoreactivating enzyme holoenzymes contain a smaller molecular weight, non-protein cofactor which is essential for enzyme activity. In the case of the S . griseus enzyme, Eker reports that the cofactor absorbs light in the spectral region of action of the enzyme, and may thus be the chromophore responsible for absorption of photoreactivating light. For the E . coli , yeast and silverfish enzymes, however, the cofactor absorption is mainly at wavelengths less than 300 nm, and thus cannot mediation photoreactivation absorption in the range of 300–600 nm. In the case of the E . coli enzyme, the photoreactivating absorption may well result from a new absorption band in the region 300–500 nm which appears when active enzyme binds to dimer-containing DNA. The specificity of the photoreactivating enzyme for pyrimidine dimers offers great potential for use as an analytical tool: if potential biological damage is reversible by a true photoenzymatic reaction, pyrimidine dimers were important in production of the biological damage. Correlation of a light-mediated recovery event with enzymatic photoreactivation is essential before such a test can be applied. Three major approaches to such a correlation in a biological system are: 1. isolation and characterization of a photoreactivating enzyme from the cells; 2. characterization of the light-dependence and action spectrum of the recovery event in the cells; and 3. correlation of biological recovery and enzyme action (e.g. enzyme levels and extent of photoreactivation; action spectra). Such correlation of biology and biochemistry will provide powerful approaches for resolving the nature of chemical alteration leading to biological damage in complex biological systems, especially at damage levels too low to be analyzed by usual means.
Transmission of Borrelia miyamotoi sensu lato relapsing fever group spirochetes in relation to duration of attachment by Ixodes scapularis nymphs.

Abstract Borrelia miyamotoi sensu lato relapsing fever group spirochetes are emerging as causative agents of human illness ( Borrelia miyamotoi disease) in the United States. Host-seeking Ixodes scapularis ticks are naturally infected with these spirochetes in the eastern United States and experimentally capable of transmitting B. miyamotoi . However, the duration of time required from tick attachment to spirochete transmission has yet to be determined. We therefore conducted a study to assess spirochete transmission by single transovarially infected I. scapularis nymphs to outbred white mice at three time points post-attachment (24, 48, and 72 h) and for a complete feed ( > 72–96 h). Based on detection of B. miyamotoi DNA from the blood of mice fed on by an infected nymph, the probability of spirochete transmission increased from 10% by 24 h of attachment (evidence of infection in 3/30 mice) to 31% by 48 h (11/35 mice), 63% by 72 h (22/35 mice), and 73% for a complete feed (22/30 mice). We conclude that (i) single I. scapularis nymphs effectively transmit B. miyamotoi relapsing fever group spirochetes while feeding, (ii) transmission can occur within the first 24 h of nymphal attachment, and (iii) the probability of transmission increases with the duration of nymphal attachment.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Cytoskeletal Proteins

Cytoskeletal proteins are found, as a general rule, in highly organized arrays within the cytoplasm of higher eukaryotic cells. The three filamentous networks that comprise the cytoskeleton are the microfilaments, composed of actin and many accessory proteins; the microtubules, composed of tubulin and several accessory proteins; and the intermediate filaments, composed of vimentin (or one of four other related proteins) and at least two accessory proteins. These networks have been the objects of intense study over the past 10 years in terms of cell motility, structure, and adhesion, and have proven to be most amenable to immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic examination [e.g., R. Goldman et al., 1976)]. Because of the numerous applications of immunological techniques to investigate the structure and function of the cellular cytoskeleton systems, it is easily understood why many researchers in the field have begun utilizing the lymphocyte hybridoma method (Kohler and Milstein, 1975) as a source of antibodies. Studying something as complex as the cytoskeleton requires the use of the purest immunological reagents available, i.e., monoclonal antibodies.
The Evolution of Clinical Trials in Oncology: Defining Who Benefits from New Drugs Using Innovative Study Designs

Historically, advocates of randomized drug treatment trials in oncology contributed to the changing paradigm for testing cancer treatments in the U.S., which led to global efforts to generate evidence of promise in preclinical model systems and translate those findings into improved patient outcomes. In the age of genomic medicine, the challenge to speed the evolution of how clinical trials are conducted in patients with cancer continues.
Differential Lick Rates in Opossum: A Challenge to the Invariance Hypothesis

Licking for water was measured in 4 23-hr.-deprived Virginia opossums. Burst rate ranged from 1.8–6.0 licks/sec. with a mean of 3.36 licks/sec. ±.35 σ. Both sexes licked faster at 2200 hr. than at 1000 hr., and males displayed more burst-rate variability at night. Males showed a drop in burst rate within sessions, and females showed a progressive increase in burst duration across replications. Results are viewed as challenging the long-standing idea that lick rates are invariant.
Decoding the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Liver Diseases.

Abstract Cell-to-cell communication is a fascinating process that is essential for maintaining tissue and whole-body homeostasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound nanoparticles that are a means of communication between cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that EVs can render either beneficial or harmful outcomes, depending on the specific cargos (e.g., proteins, lipids, RNAs) transferred between cells. EVs also have great value as diagnostic and prognostic markers of disease because they are present in a variety of biological fluids and carry bioactive molecules from their cells or tissues of origin. Liver cells can both release and receive EVs derived from other cells and emerging evidence indicates that liver EVs play important roles in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, including liver cancer, viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcoholic liver disease. This review provides an overview of the biogenesis and secretion of EVs and summarizes the most recent advances in understanding the role of EVs in liver physiology and diseases. Additionally, we discuss potential applications of liver EVs as biomarkers and in therapeutic approaches to treat liver diseases.
Correlations among the yield and yield components at segregating populations derived from selection based on harvest index in bread wheat

Fifteen populations were generated from a 6x6 diallel cross without reciprocal and the selection was applied based on harvest index in the F2 generation. The F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6 generations of the cross population were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Bornova of Izmir province in Turkey. Correlation coefficients were estimated among the grain yield (g), plant height (cm), spike length (cm), 1000 kernel weight (g), biomass (g), harvest index (%), flag leaf width (cm), flag leaf length (cm) and number of spikes per square meter in almost all generations. It was found that there were significant positive correlations between the grain yield and the biomass production in all generations. The correlation between harvest index and grain yield varied at different generations. Harvest index had also significant positive correlations with thousand-kernel weight in the F2 and F3 generations. It was concluded that the grain yield could be increased with a higher level of total biomass in semidwarf genotypes and harvest index could be used for selection only if it has a high correlation and higher heritability than grain yield in further studies.
La Revolución Ciudadana and social medicine: Undermining community in the state provision of health care in Ecuador

Under President Rafael Correa (2007-2017), Ecuador's Ministry of Health established a state-centred health care regime that incorporates elements of Latin American social medicine into post-neoliberalism. These initiatives - which are part of 'The National Plan for Good Living (Buen Vivir)' - include free healthcare, greater attention to social determinants of health, a focus on equity and inclusion, and increased coordination across welfare, health, and development sectors. However, the reforms also use health services to build a sense of inclusive, participatory citizenship, with the Ecuadorean state as the central figure in service provision. In this paper, we demonstrate that state-centred health care reforms have paradoxically weakened community organising for collective health. Drawing on seventeen years of ethnographic research and health solidarity work in rural Northwest Ecuador, we illustrate how Ecuador's health reforms have reconfigured relations among local civil society, transnational NGOs, and the state. Established modes of community participation and international collaboration have been undermined largely because these reforms ignore community sovereignty and self-organisation and overemphasise the threat of neoliberalism. The lessons about balancing the state-based fulfilment of rights with community power are relevant to social medicine advocates, particularly those working in rural communities that are already organising creatively for their own health and well-being.
Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment and Managed Care

To understand the clinical ramifications of managed care and managed competition, one must first understand the history of the traditional fee-for-service system and its steady transformation in the procompetition movement. This article describes the history and operations model of managed care as well as delineating its impact on adolescent substance-abuse treatment planning and care delivery. The role of assessment, outcome, treatment planning, and treatment-matching documentation is reviewed. Finally, the ethical issues in managed care are discussed.
Generalized augmenting paths for the solution of combinatorial optimization problems

Alternating chain procedures can be thought of as generalizations of the greedy algorithm in that instead of accepting the best remaining element, they seek to obtain a better augmentation by examining a wider range of alternatives. It is possible to generalize the notion of an augmenting sequence to include augmentations which are in effect trees as opposed to simply paths such that these augmentations are sufficient to guarantee optimality. Unfortunately, in the worst case, these trees are of exponential size. We examine the application of such generalized augmenting sequences to the solution of NP-complete problems and examine their effectiveness and efficiency.