cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Determinants of Immunological Responsiveness

Publisher Summary The immune response to a very large number of antigens is under some type of genetic control. There are at least four reasons that this genetic control may be difficult to demonstrate. If one is not successful in finding genetic differences in response to some particular antigen, the reason could be that the antigen has a number of determinants and a given strain may be a non responder to only one of these. As long as the assay system depends on the use of an antigen that includes a determinant that the non responder can recognize, this type of Ir gene will not be detected. An excellent example of this principle is the response of mice to lysozyme.
Sex differences in prevalence and associated factors of prehypertension and hypertension among Bangladeshi adults.

Abstract Globally, complications of raised blood pressure are fundamental public health issues. There has been limited research if prevalence and risk factors vary by sex in many countries, including Bangladesh. We stratified the prevalence and associated factors of prehypertension and hypertension according to sex in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study analyzed the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 data. After estimating prevalence according to sex, multilevel logistic regression was applied to obtain associated factors. This study analyzed data of 3876 males and 3962 females aged ≥35 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 19.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.0–21.0) among males and 31.9% (95% CI: 30.1–33.6) among females. Among both males and females, prevalence and odds of hypertension increased with age, overweight/obesity, diabetes, upper wealth status, and residence in some divisions. Education level was a significant positive correlate of hypertension for males only. Males and females had similar prevalence of prehypertension, 27.2% (95% CI: 25.6–28.8) and 27.6% (95% CI: 26.0–29.2), respectively. Characteristics such as older age, overweight/obesity, and diabetes were associated with higher prevalence and odds of prehypertension among females; prehypertension among males was associated with advancing age, overweight/obesity, education level, wealth status, and division of residence. In Bangladesh, almost half of the males and females could have increased risks of complications resulting from hypertension and prehypertension. Addressing the characteristics associated with higher prevalence or odds of these conditions is crucial. Several common risk factors indicate that a common prevention and control strategy could work for both sexes.
5. CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STANDARDIZED TOOL TO IMPROVE INPATIENT CONSULT COMMUNICATION

Background Communication failures are the most common root cause of patient safety events. Consults provide a significant opportunity for miscommunications to occur; however, trainees receive little education on how to effectively convey consult requests. Based on literature review and needs assessment of pediatric residents and fellows at Stanford, we identified essential consult elements (ECE) for optimal consult communication. 54 consult requests were audited, and our baseline data showed that only 9% included all ECE. At our institution, 98% of residents (n=56) and 95% of fellows (n=41) reported miscommunication around consults, 85% of which led to perceived patient safety errors. Only 13% of residents reported receiving teaching from fellows during the consultation. Aim Statement 1) Develop a standardized consult communication tool that includes all ECE 2) Increase consult requests containing all ECE by pediatric residents from 9% to 40% within a 6-month period. Interventions A consult communication tool containing ECE was developed using modified SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendations) and taught to pediatric residents from July-Aug 2018 through a series of workshops. Multimedia interventions (flyers, screen savers, name badge cards) were disseminated throughout the hospital. During the initial PDSA cycle, residents and fellows were queried to inform subsequent cycle changes, such as targeting faculty engagement and monthly reminder emails. Measures The primary outcome measure was the percentage of inpatient consult requests containing all ECE by pediatric residents. The process measure was adherence to the modified SBAR tool. Secondary outcomes included clarity of consult question, perceived teaching and learning, and miscommunication. Resident and fellow satisfaction was used as a balancing measure. Results Post intervention from Sep-Dec 2018, 51 consults were audited and consults including ECE increased from 9% to 49%. SBAR was used in 76% of consultations. With SBAR, 96% of consult questions were clear/very clear and 100% of fellows reported being satisfied/very satisfied with communication. Conclusions and Next Steps Our modified SBAR tool resulted in increased inclusion of essential elements for consult communication. It led to greater clarity of consult question and satisfaction by pediatric fellows. Data regarding its effect on teaching, learning, and patient safety will be available in March 2019.
Device Thrombosis After Percutaneous Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair

A 72-year-old man in whom dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed when he was 69 years of age presented with congestive heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed severe functional mitral regurgitation and left ventricular enlargement. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
3D Fast Ultrasound Imaging Through Pulse Compression: An Experimental Study

3D fast/ultrasound imaging has emerged in the last years in research but still suffers from its poor image quality. Indeed, using plane/diverge waves does not permit to insonify the medium with sufficient energy at each point to get a good signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise-ratio or even resolution. On the other hand, coded excitation is currently used to increase signal-to-noise ratio and penetration depth. In this work, the objective is to combine 3D fast/ultrafast imaging with coded excitation to achieve better image quality at a high acquisition rate. Promising experimental results are obtained from both wire and cyst phantoms using a chirp excitation signal. The contrast-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio were improved by 4 dB and 2 dB respectively by the proposed method in comparison to the conventional way to do 3D imaging using a standard transmit. The improvement of the axial resolution of about 17% is the third important result obtained by the developed method still in comparison with the classical method. Experimental results show that an effective implementation on a research scanner of 3D coded excitation using plane wave imaging is possible.
Doping and interfacial modification of the P3HT/ZnO photovoltaic interface: Insights from density functional theory

Abstract In this work, we examine how the properties of the poly-3-hexylthiophene(P3HT)/ZnO solar cell are affected by interfacial modification with phenyl-C61-butyric acid (PCBA) and doping with Sr. Using density functional theory calculations on ideal models of the P3HT/ZnO( 10 1 ¯ 0 ) interface, we characterize the equilibrium structures of the pure and modified interfaces, evaluate their ideal work of separation, and examine the energy level alignments and electronic structure. We find that doping with Sr and introducing PCBA have little impact on interfacial distances and do not strengthen interfacial adhesion. Rather, the individual and cumulative impacts of Sr-doping and PCBA are observed in changes to the energy level alignments, including the open circuit voltage and the energy offset that drives exciton separation. Sr dopants and PCBA cause these energetic shifts through differing effects on the electrostatic potential offset and interfacial dipole moments.
Cell-Membrane-Mimicking Nanodecoys against Infectious Diseases.

Infectious diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses and bacteria in particular having enormous impacts on global healthcare. One major challenge in combatting such diseases...
Cardiac mechanics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Common comorbidities including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and increasing age predispose to preclinical diastolic dysfunction that often progresses to frank HFpEF. Clinical HFpEF is typically associated with some degree of diastolic dysfunction, but can occur in the absence of many conventional diastolic dysfunction indices. The exact biologic links between risk factors, structural changes, and clinical manifestations are not clearly apparent. Innovative approaches including deformation imaging have enabled deeper understanding of HFpEF cardiac mechanics beyond conventional metrics. Furthermore, predictive analytics through data-driven platforms have allowed for a deeper understanding of HFpEF phenotypes. This review focuses on the changes in cardiac mechanics that occur through preclinical myocardial dysfunction to clinically apparent HFpEF.
GIS-Based Multivariate Spatial Clustering for Traffic Pattern Recognition using Continuous Counting Data:

Traffic count stations play a key role in measuring roadway characteristics and traffic performance by collecting and monitoring travel behavior and vehicle data. Continuous counting stations (CCSs...
Farm-Related Injuries and Fatalities Involving Children, Youth, and Young Workers during Manure Storage, Handling, and Transport.

Objective: Manure storage, handling, and transport facilities and equipment have been associated with life threatening hazards on many livestock farms. These hazards have been documented in prior research as including 1) exposure to toxic manure gases or lack of adequate oxygen in enclosed structures, which can be fatal to both humans and livestock; 2) below and above ground liquid manure storage structures that have the potential risk for drowning and falling; and 3) mechanical hazards associated with manure handling and transport equipment, including entanglement, road collisions, runover, and equipment failure.Methods: Over the past 40 years, Purdue University's Agricultural Safety and Health Program (PUASHP) has collected, documented, and maintained data regarding agricultural-related injuries and fatalities associated with agricultural confined spaces in the United States. As part of ongoing surveillance, a total of 369 fatal and non-fatal cases relating to manure storage, handling and transport equipment, and facilities have been documented. Of these, 89 have involved children, youth, and young farm workers ages (birth-21) documented between 1975 and 2019. The purpose of this study was to summarize these 89 documented cases to better understand contributing factors and to develop recommendations for evidence-based strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of these incidents. Though recognized as not comprehensive for all incidents of this type, the data represent the largest data set known to exist, providing insight into previously unstudied hazards facing children and youth living and working on, and visiting farms as non-workers.Results: Findings in this study include: there has been an increase in the documented frequency of these incidents, which may be due, at least partially, to enhanced or more aggressive surveillance efforts; 57% of the cases were fatal; incidents involving underground or inground manure storage facilities were the most frequent type; incidents involving manure transport vehicles were higher than expected; 33% of the victims were five years of age and younger; and July was the month with the most documented incidents.Conclusions: Recommendations for future injury prevention strategies include incorporation of information on manure-related hazards in curricula targeting children and youth, more aggressive enforcement of child labor laws that currently prohibit the employment of youth to work in manure storage structures or to be involved in their operations, and greater use of physical and administrative controls, including safety signage, fencing, gates, and covers to restrict access to manure storage structures.
Human–Wildlife Coexistence in Urban Wildlife Management: Insights from Nonlethal Predator Management and Rodenticide Bans

Conceptions of human-wildlife coexistence that acknowledge nonhuman wild animals as fellow urban dwellers with legitimate claims on shared urban spaces are starting to influence urban wildlife management practices. Insofar as at least some wild animals have successfully achieved membership in urban society, how has this revaluation affected how urban wildlife is governed? Our interpretive policy analysis explores this question in two areas of urban wildlife management where practices are becoming less lethal: predator management and rodent control. A directed qualitative content analysis of U.S. urban wildlife management plans and rodent control strategies reveals a shift from conflict to coexistence as the basis for understanding human-wildlife relations in urban settings. Indiscriminate killing of urban wildlife is condemned as unethical as well as impractical, and lethal control figures as a measure of last resort that must be rationally justified. Commensal rodents, however, do not benefit from this shift toward coexistence between humans and nonhuman species. Campaigns to restrict the use of rodenticides are intended to protect carnivores, not the rodents themselves. Though urban wildlife management is consistent with some elements of the vision of multispecies flourishing developed by human-animal studies scholars, not all species benefit equally from this transition, and the legitimacy of wild animals' claims on shared urban spaces often remains contingent on their good behavior.
COVID-19, camping and construal level theory

This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on travellers’ future recreational vehicle, cabin and tent camping decisions extending the construal level theory. Findings suggest that camping considera...
The association between students' emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and cultural awareness.

Abstract Introduction Emphasis has been placed on health professionals' employment of social and behavioral skills to negotiate complex patient-clinician relationships. One example is a professional's ability to provide culturally appropriate care. This study evaluated the relationship between pharmacy students' cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and their ability to engage in appropriate cross-cultural interactions as measured by a cultural competency scale. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in first-year pharmacy students using three distinct survey instruments to measure cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence. Demographic characteristics assessed included gender, race, ethnicity, and previous cultural competency training. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize performance on each survey instrument. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the statistical significance of associations observed between the variables measured within the study. Results Forty-four students responded, of which 34% had previous cultural competency training. No statistically significant associations were observed between overall cultural competence, emotional intelligence, or cultural awareness. The self-cultural scale (part of the cultural awareness scale) was significantly related to higher overall emotional intelligence scores (P = .02). Previous cultural competency training was associated with significantly higher scores on the cultural competence scale (P = .004). Previous cultural competency training was also associated with enhanced ability to perceive one's own emotions as measured by the emotional intelligence scale (P = .02). Conclusions Previous exposure to cultural competency training impacts cultural competence scores most significantly.
Operational slack, service disruptions, and service quality: Empirical evidence from the US airline industry

Abstract The competitive strategy of U.S. airlines has been characterized as either cost-focused, like Southwest Airlines, or full-service (legacy), such as United Airlines. This study investigates the impact of each strategy on customers’ expectations and their inclination to file a complaint when flights are canceled. It also explores whether slack resources would moderate the number of flight cancellations and thus reduce the number of customer complaints. At the same time, the study examines the degree to which moderation would be different for the two prevailing strategies. By combining the perspectives of multiple research streams from the strategic management and service operations literature, the study argues and empirically shows why airlines with a cost-focused strategy have an inherent advantage in receiving fewer customer complaints when flights are canceled. Confirming the theoretical expectations, the results also support the role of slack resources in mitigating the impact of service failure—in the form of flight cancellations—on passengers’ perceived service quality. Finally, a noteworthy finding is that the moderating role of slack resources in reducing customer complaints when flights are canceled is quadratic in nature, with different inflection points for the two competitive strategies. We also examine the robustness of our result using a machine learning technique.
Investing wisely in land restoration

Degraded land is being restored along an 8,000 km stretch across Sahelian countries. A new analysis reveals promising economic returns from recent projects and informs the targeting of strategies for newly pledged funds.
Diffusion Synthetic Acceleration of Discontinuous Finite Element Transport Iterations

The authors present a discretization of the diffusion equation that can be used to accelerate transport iterations when the transport equation is spatially differenced by a discontinuous finite element (DFE) method. That is, they present a prescription for diffusion synthetic acceleration of DFE transport iterations. (The well-known linear discontinuous and bilinear discontinuous schemes are examples of DFE transport differencings.) They demonstrate that the diffusion discretization can be obtained in any coordinate system on any grid. They show that the diffusion discretization is not strictly consistent with the transport discretization in the usual sense. Nevertheless, they find that it yields a scheme with unconditional stability and rapid convergence. Further, they find that as the optical thickness of spatial cells becomes large, the spectral radius of the iteration scheme approaches zero (i.e., instant convergence). They give analysis results for one- and two-dimensional Cartesian geometries and numerical results for one-dimensional Cartesian and spherical geometries.
Governing from Below: Urban Regions and the Global Economy

Throughout the world more policy making and the politics that shape it take place in the urban regions where most people live. This book draws on eleven case studies of similar but disparate urban regions in France, Germany and the United States from the 1960s to the 1990s. It documents the growth of this urban governance and develops a pioneering analysis of its causes and consequences. It traces the origins to the expansion and devolution of policy making, to local business mobilization and institutional interests in high-tech and service activities, and the incorporation of local social movements. Nation-states shape the possibilities for this urban governance, but operate increasingly as infrastructures for local initiatives. Where urban governance has succeeded in combining environmental quality and social inclusion with local prosperity, local officials have built on supportive infrastructures from higher levels, the local economy, civil society, and favourable positions in the global economy.
Exploring the Limits of Participatory Simulations

The authors frame their essay with the claim that, understanding of “opaque philosophical concepts” is limited by language. They draw on work by Ludwig Wittgenstein, Michel Foucault, and Jurgen Habermas who “point at” the limits of language in expressing such concepts as “meaning,” “truth,” and “experience.” To address the limitations, Holland and Phelps argue for the cultivation of the philosophical imagination, which involves “connecting the enactment of the concept” while “simultaneously learning” it. The authors argue further that Participatory Simulations, supplemented by a curriculum of philosophical imagination, can provide “unique experiential encounters” and clarify opaque perspectives for students.
Transport and focusing considerations for light ion ICF systems

The Laboratory Microfusion Facility (LMF) has been proposed for the study of high-gain, high-yield ICF targets. A number of transport and focusing schemes are being considered for LMF. The schemes which have been studied most extensively include ballistic transport with solenoidal lens focusing, z-discharge channel transport and wire-guided transport. Transport efficiency η t has been calculated as a function of various system parameters so that point designs can be developed for each scheme. The analysis takes into account target requirements and realistic constraints on diode source brightness, packing, and beam transport. The effect on η t . of voltage ramping for time-of-flight bunching has also been considered. Results show that transport efficiencies of > 50% can be obtained for all three systems with diode-microdivergence (5–10 mrad), diode-radius (10–15 cm), and diode-ion-current-density (2–10 kA/cnri2) values which seem achievable.
The Borgs, a new family of Cdc42 and TC10 GTPase-interacting proteins.

The Rho family of GTPases plays key roles in the regulation of cell motility and morphogenesis. They also regulate protein kinase cascades, gene expression, and cell cycle progression. This multiplicity of roles requires that the Rho GTPases interact with a wide variety of downstream effector proteins. An understanding of their functions at a molecular level therefore requires the identification of the entire set of such effectors. Towards this end, we performed a two-hybrid screen using the TC10 GTPase as bait and identified a family of putative effector proteins related to MSE55, a murine stromal and epithelial cell protein of 55 kDa. We have named this family the Borg (binder of Rho GTPases) proteins. Complete open reading frames have been obtained for Borg1 through Borg3. We renamed MSE55 as Borg5. Borg1, Borg2, Borg4, and Borg5 bind both TC10 and Cdc42 in a GTP-dependent manner. Surprisingly, Borg3 bound only to Cdc42. An intact CRIB (Cdc42, Rac interactive binding) domain was required for binding. No interaction of the Borgs with Rac1 or RhoA was detectable. Three-hemagglutinin epitope (HA3)-tagged Borg3 protein was mostly cytosolic when expressed ectopically in NIH 3T3 cells, with some accumulation in membrane ruffles. The phenotype induced by Borg3 was reminiscent of that caused by an inhibition of Rho function and was reversed by overexpression of Rho. Surprisingly, it was independent of the ability to bind Cdc42. Borg3 also inhibited Jun kinase activity by a mechanism that was independent of Cdc42 binding. HA3-Borg3 expression caused substantial delays in the spreading of cells on fibronectin surfaces after replating, and the spread cells lacked stress fibers. We propose that the Borg proteins function as negative regulators of Rho GTPase signaling.
A virtual hair cell, I: addition of gating spring theory into a 3-D bundle mechanical model.

We have developed a virtual hair cell that simulates hair cell mechanoelectrical transduction in the turtle utricle. This study combines a full three-dimensional hair bundle mechanical model with a gating spring theory. Previous mathematical models represent the hair bundle with a single degree of freedom system which, we have argued, cannot fully explain hair bundle mechanics. In our computer model, the tip link tension and fast adaptation modulator kinetics determine the opening and closing of each channel independently. We observed the response of individual transduction channels with our presented model. The simulated results showed three features of hair cells in vitro. First, a transient rebound of the bundle tip appeared when fast adaptation dominated the dynamics. Second, the dynamic stiffness of the bundle was minimized when the response-displacement (I-X) curve was steepest. Third, the hair cell showed “polarity”, i.e., activation decreased from a peak to zero as the forcing direction rotated from the excitatory to the inhibitory direction.
Direct detection of organic compounds in water at parts‐per‐billion levels using a simple membrane probe and a quadrupole ion trap

Organic compounds present in aqueous solutions can be analyzed directly using a quadrupole ion trap detector (ITD) when the solution is introduced via a hollow fiber membrane probe. The flow-through configuration used for sample introduction allows the aqueous solution to flow through the capillary membrane tubing while the organic compounds which selectively permeate the membrane are ionized in the ion source. In this mode of operation, the instrument shows high sensitivity. Chemical ionization mass spectra for a set of ten organic compounds of environmental interest were recorded and the ITD/membrane system was found to consistently allow detection of part-per-billion (ppb) levels of these compounds directly from water without any preconcentration. Analysis of well water samples containing ppb to part-per-million levels of organics was demonstrated using the ITD/membrane system. The combination of the membrane probe and ion trap produces a compact, inexpensive, rapid and sensitive system for environmental analysis. The flow-through membrane configuration was also used with a direct insertion probe in a triple quadrupole. Detection limits in the ppb range for organic compounds in water were measured. Detection of particular compounds in complex matrices was demonstrated by detection of 10 ppb 2-methoxypyridine in a fermentation medium using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer.
SEM Characterization of Embryogenic Tissue and Globular Embryos During High Frequency Somatic Embryogenesis in Coffee Callus Cells

Summary Scanning electron microscopy observations of coffee tissue cultures were made to further document the developmental events occurring during high frequency embryogenesis. Two distinct cell populations of the callus tissue were identified: one consisting of elongated cells and the other of small spherical embryogenic cells. The small spherical cells became separated from one another as well as being segmented from the callus mass as proliferation proceeded. Subsequently, differentiation of the embryogenic cells into globular forms of coffee embryos occurred as the daughter cells of the embryogenic cells remained as a coherent tissue.
Regulation of cytosolic calcium by extracellular divalent cations in C-cells and parathyroid cells

It has long been known that the parafollicular cell of the thyroid (C-cell) and the parathyroid cell alter secretion of their respective hormones in response to changes in the concentration of extracellular Ca2’. It is only somewhat more recently, however, that direct measurements of the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in these cells have been obtained. The initial studies, which used Quin-2 to measure [Ca2+]i, revealed that increases in the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ caused corresponding increases in [Ca2+]i in both C-cells [ll and parathyroid cells [2-4]. It was soon realized, however, that, at least in parathyroid cells, Quin-2 imposed a significant buffering capacity within the cell that tended to mask rapid changes in [Ca2+]i which could be readily discerned when cells were loaded with Fura[5]. And it was the very rapid and transient changes in [Ca2+]i which signaled the mobilization of intracelluhu Ca2’ and offered stron evidence for the presence of a cell surface ‘Ca 25 receptor’ [5, 61. This buffering property of Quin-2 seems to be less of a concern in C-cells, where transient increases in [Ca2+]i elicited by extracellular Ca2+ can be detected in cells loaded with either indicator. Although extracellular Ca2’ increases [Ca2+]i in both parathyroid cells and C-cells, the mechanisms used to do so differ greatly.
Spectral-polarization imaging with CMOS-metallic nanowires sensor

We have presented an integrated Division-of-Focal-Plane spectral-polarization sensor in this paper. The sensor monolithically integrates pixelated aluminum nanowire polarization filters with an array of vertically stacked photo detectors. Each individual pixel in the imaging array is composed of three vertically stacked photo detectors together with the necessary read-out electronics, such as source follower, reset transistor and address transistor. The pixelated polarization filter array is composed of four distinct linear polarization filters oriented at 45 degrees from each other. The complete sensor is capable of sensing both spectral and polarization information across the visible spectrum at 4 frames per second. A summary of the imaging sensor characteristics is provided in Table 1.
Breast percent density estimation from 3D reconstructed digital breast tomosynthesis images

Breast density is an independent factor of breast cancer risk. In mammograms breast density is quantitatively measured as percent density (PD), the percentage of dense (non-fatty) tissue. To date, clinical estimates of PD have varied significantly, in part due to the projective nature of mammography. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a 3D imaging modality in which cross-sectional images are reconstructed from a small number of projections acquired at different x-ray tube angles. Preliminary studies suggest that DBT is superior to mammography in tissue visualization, since superimposed anatomical structures present in mammograms are filtered out. We hypothesize that DBT could also provide a more accurate breast density estimation. In this paper, we propose to estimate PD from reconstructed DBT images using a semi-automated thresholding technique. Preprocessing is performed to exclude the image background and the area of the pectoral muscle. Threshold values are selected manually from a small number of reconstructed slices; a combination of these thresholds is applied to each slice throughout the entire reconstructed DBT volume. The proposed method was validated using images of women with recently detected abnormalities or with biopsy-proven cancers; only contralateral breasts were analyzed. The Pearson correlation and kappa coefficients between the breast density estimates from DBT and the corresponding digital mammogram indicate moderate agreement between the two modalities, comparable with our previous results from 2D DBT projections. Percent density appears to be a robust measure for breast density assessment in both 2D and 3D x-ray breast imaging modalities using thresholding.
Resistance to Dehydration Damage in HeLa Cells Correlates with the Presence of Endogenous Heat Shock Proteins

Stabilization of living cells during dehydration could facilitate the storage and transport of nucleated cells. HeLa cells, known for their resilience and insensitivity to environmental stresses, provide a useful platform for the investigation of resistance to dehydration-induced damage. HeLa cells from two sources [the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and the European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECCC)] were compared with regard to their survival following vacuum-drying and the dependence of viability on drying temperature. Interestingly, a substantial difference in dehydration resistance appeared between the two cell lines dried after they were loaded with trehalose. At all temperatures tested, the ATCC cell line showed higher viability than the ECCC cell line. For both lines, viabilities decreased at elevated drying temperatures, but even when the cells were dried at 45°C, the ATCC line survived well compared to the ECCC line (27% vs. 0%, respectively, when dried to 0.3 g H2O/g dry weight). The ...
The safety of modern contraceptives.

Mortality is the greatest concern in assessing risks of modern reversible contraception. The problems identified with older oral contraceptives (OCs) have decreased with the lower doses in current OCs. These problems include cardiovascular and thrombotic effects changes in lipid metabolism breast cancer liver cancer increased risk of chlamydia cervicitis no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV and interferes with breast feeding. On the other hand OCs protect against anemia menstrual disorders ectopic pregnancy acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ovarian and endometrial cancer. Since the contraceptive implant Norplant has no estrogens it does not have the cardiovascular risks associated with OCs. Possible risks from Norplant use include changes in carbohydrate liver and lipid metabolism but they tend to be clinically insignificant and no protection against STDs/HIV. Menstruation disorders are the major side effect. Apparent benefits of Norplant are protection against anemia and ectopic pregnancy and no effect on lactation. The injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera causes menstrual changes may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer may decrease bone density and does not protect against STDs/HIV. It protects against endometrial cancer. It has no effect on metabolism. Risks associated with the IUD include PID perforation anemia increased menstrual bleeding and pregnancy. IUDs do not affect the quantity of composition of breast milk. They are best suited for women in a mutually monogamous long-term relationship. Barrier methods provide some degree of protection against STDs/HIV and PID. Condoms provide the most protection. They do not affect lactation. Their major complications are contraceptive failure and risks associated with pregnancy. For all women especially those in high risk categories one must balance the risks of modern contraceptive use with the risks of childbearing and with their benefits.
Study of octenyl succinic anhydride-modified waxy maize starch by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Granular waxy maize starch was reacted with two levels (3 and 15%, based on the weight of starch) of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). Structure of the OSA and modified starches was studied by one-dimensional (1D) 1 H and 13 C and two-dimensional (2D) homonuclear correlation and heteronuclear correlation nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The modified starches were converted to α-limit dextrins prior to NMR analysis. By applying the 1D and 2D NMR techniques, complete assignments of 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra of the OSA reagent were achieved, and the position of the double bond and ratio of trans to cis isomers were determined. As level of OSA substitution increased, the peak (≈5.38 ppm) for the anomeric proton of internal α-1,4- d -glucosyl units became broader in 1 H NMR spectra, suggesting that substitution occurred at the O-2 position. Compared with the 13 C NMR spectrum of the native starch, the modified starches gave additional signals at the C-4 peak region and broadening of the C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 resonances, but not of the C-6 signal. Those results further suggest that the OS groups were substituted at the O-2 and O-3 positions, but not at the O-6 position.
Bowel-Associated Dermatosis-Arthritis Syndrome: Immune Complex-Mediated Vessel Damage and Increased Neutrophil Migration

• In a recent report we described a syndrome, identical to bowel-bypass syndrome, that occurred in four patients who had not had bypass surgery. Herein, circulating immune complexes (CICs) and neutrophil migration are evaluated in three of those four patients to test the hypothesis that the cutaneous lesions might have resulted from interaction between immune complex—mediated vessel damage and increased neutrophil migration. In vitro assays indicated that CICs were present in one of two patients and "histamine trap" test evidence for CICs was present in both patients tested. Although serum from the three patients appeared to increase neutrophil movement, statistically significant increases were not observed when data were pooled in this small study group. Preliminary results suggest that immune complex—mediated vessel damage, followed by extensive accumulation of neutrophils, may cause the pustular vasculitis in the bowel-associated dermatosisarthritis syndrome. (Arch Intern Med1984;144:738-740)
How Culture Mattered at Vatican II: Collegiality Trumps Authority in the Council's Social Movement Organizations:

The overwhelmingly progressive outcome of the Second Vatican Council in the Roman Catholic Church (1962 to 1965) changed Church doctrine on everything from the Latin mass to nuns' habits to openness to other faith traditions. This article examines a cause of this outcome by analyzing the informal organizations activist bishops built during the Council. Progressives' and conservatives' cultural understandings of authority determined what type of organization they built as well as how effectively that organization helped them to address their concerns. Progressives believed in the doctrine of “collegiality,” that bishops convening together are as infallible as the Pope—a doctrine conservatives saw as threatening the primacy and authority of the Pope. Consequently, while progressives built a highly effective, consensus-based organization as soon as the Council began, conservatives were much slower to mobilize and, when they did so, formed a hierarchical organization that proved to be much less effective. Mos...
Development of a multiplex TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Asian prunus viruses, plum bark necrosis stem pitting associated virus, and peach latent mosaic viroid

Asian prunus viruses (APV 1, APV 2 and APV 3), Plum bark necrosis stem pitting associated virus (PBNSPaV) and Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd) are pathogens that infect Prunus species. A single-tube multiplex, TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay was developed for the simultaneous detection and identification of these pathogens. The protocol includes amplification and detection of a fluorogenic cytochrome oxidase gene (COX) as an internal control. The results of the multiplex TaqMan RT-PCR assay correlated with those from conventional RT-PCR, with a 10-fold increase in sensitivity in the multiplex real-time format. The efficiency and accuracy of the assay was evaluated by testing stone fruit trees from positive control collections and several orchard locations. Several mixed infections of target pathogens were detected in peach orchard samples. This assay is simple, rapid and cost-effective and can be used by quarantine and certification programs where numerous stone fruit trees need to be tested for these pathogens.
The generalized folding-cube network

We present an enhanced hypercube architecture and develop a corresponding routing scheme to realize arbitrary permutations in this paper. In particular, we design a rearrangeable and reconfigurable static hypercube architecture called the Generalized Folding-Cube in the circuit switching environment. In the proposed hypercube, we show that if each connection between two neighboring nodes consists of two pairs of links (two full-duplex communication lines) the hypercube can handle two independent permutations simultaneously. This hypercube architecture can also be used as an efficient reconfigurable network.
Redox Activity and NO Storage Capacity of MnOx−ZrO2 with Enhanced Thermal Stability at Elevated Temperatures

MnOx−ZrO2 mixed oxides are very active catalysts for oxidation or combustion applications due to their excellent redox activity. Recently, they have also shown promising results for NO storage in emission control. Despite the versatile applications, a systematic study on the redox activity and NO storage capacity of MnOx−ZrO2 with their thermal stability at high temperatures is still missing. In this paper the evolution of these properties in the temperature range 500−900 °C is reported. It was found that there is a dramatic deterioration in redox activity and NO storage capacity when the calcination temperature increases to 900 °C, which is attributed to the loss of thermal stability at this high temperature. On the other hand, doping with La can hinder the sintering of MnOx−ZrO2 particles and therefore increase the surface area of the mixed oxides calcined at 900 °C. Correspondingly, La-doped MnOx−ZrO2 mixed oxides show much improved redox activity and NO storage capacity even after 900 °C heat treatment.
Acetazolamide reduces peripheral afferent transmission in humans

Carbonic anhydrase has been localized in skeletal muscle and nerve, thus, inhibition with acetazolamide (ACZ) may alter nerve and/or muscle function in healthy humans. ACZ (3 oral doses 14, 8, and 2 h prior to testing) reduced isometric force (37%) and peak to peak electromyographic (EMG) amplitude (1.38 mV to 0.83 mV), while increasing EMG latency associated with a unilateral Achilles tendon-tap. Reflex recovery profiles, following a contralateral conditioning tap, were similar in both placebo and ACZ experiments. ACZ led to significant changes in H max /M max ratio (52.19/14.42 to 45.73/15.65) and H-reflex latency (34.18 ± 2.54 ms to 35.24 ± 2.74 ms). Motor nerve conduction velocity and maximal voluntary isometric torque (knee extensors) were unaltered by ACZ. These data suggest that inhibition of the tendon-tap reflex and associated isometric force, following ACZ, is related to impairment of synaptic integrity between la fibers of the muscle spindle and the alpha motor neuron and not impairment of the muscle spindle or force-generating capacity.
Structure, Vibrational Frequencies, and Stability of a Reactive Intermediate: FOONO

Published kinetic results for the FNO3 system suggest that some reactions of FO2 + NO and FO + NO2 may proceed through an FOONO intermediate. This molecule, an isomer of fluorine nitrate, FONO2, has received no experimental and essentially no theoretical study. The present work employs the quadratic configuration interaction method to investigate the structure, vibrational frequencies, and stability of FOONO. Computations at the QCISD(T)/6-311G(3df)//QCISD(T)/6-311G(2d) level of theory lead to (FOONO) = 23.5 ± 4 kcal mol-1.
An Application of a Two-Layer Model to Wind Driven Sub-Tidal Currents in Puget Sound

A two layer model of an infinitely long channel, with one end closed, is applied to study the sub-tidal response to wind forcing of Puget Sound. The model uses a linear friction parameterization. Data show that the acceleration of current near the surface responds to the wind event almost instantaneously, however, acceleration tends to start decreasing at later times and eventually changes sign even though the wind blows in one direction throughout. Analysis of the model results show that when the forcing frequency is high, the phase lag between forcing and friction causes this phenomena, and as forcing frequency increases, phase lag between forcing and friction approaches π/2. When the forcing frequency is low, phase lag between forcing and friction decreases almost linearly with forcing frequency and at extremely low frequency, they almost balance each other. Analysis of the model results show also that the amplitude of baroclinic pressure gradient increases rapidly as forcing frequency decreases and when the forcing frequency is low, the baroclinic pressure gradient becomes important. Effects of baroclinic pressure gradient propagate as a wave from the boundaries and it takes about one day to take effect at the point where the observations were made.
Variations in the body fluid nitrogenous constituents of Cryptochiton stelleri (mollusca) in relation to nutrition and reproduction

Abstract 1. 1. Levels of nitrogeneous constituents in Cryptochiton stelleri are higher than in Pisaster ochtaceus and show a relation to the annual reptoductive cycle. 2. 2. Starvation resulted in slight decreases in protein and showed no increase in gonad size. 3. 3. Feeding resulted in an initial decrease in protein. There were no increases in gonad size comparable to that seen in field animals.
Prevalence and risk factors for infection with herpes simplex virus type-1 and -2 among lesbians.

Background and ObjectivesSexual transmission of bacterial and viral sexually transmitted disease has been reported between women. No data are available on seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and type-2 (HSV-2) among lesbians.GoalThe goal was to define prevalence of infection with H
On the moving species in ion-induced metal-semiconductor interactions

We present evidence in this study that the moving species of metal-semiconductor (metal-Si and metal-Ge) systems under ion mixing conditions are affected by the implantation damage distribution in the sample in accordance with the inverse Kirkendall effect. The direction of thermal annealing atomic transport appears to play a role in ion mixing as well. When these two factors are in the same direction, only one dominant moving species is observed. When these two factors are in opposite directions, both metal and the semiconductor can contribute to the atomic transport in ion mixing.
Agricultural implications of pesticide-induced hormesis of insects and mites

Resurgence of pest insects and mites and secondary pest outbreaks are commonly observed following pesticide applications on agricultural commodities. Reduction of natural enemy populations is the major factor blamed for these phenomena but insect or mite hormesis is a second, often overlooked factor which may be partially responsible. A major impact of hormesis is that it often leads to the need for additional pesticide treatments and can result in a spiralling increase in the use of pesticides, a term labelled in entomological literature as the 'pesticide syndrome'.
A strategy for optimizing charge reversal mutagenesis of ion pairs in hormone-receptor or enzyme-substrate complexes.

The present work presents a systematic strategy to allow an analysis of particular energetic contributions. It allows measurements of the magnitude of dipole stabilization of particular ion pairs in a receptor-hormone or enzyme-substrate complex and locates the receptor/enzyme or hormone/substrate origin of the polar elements producing the stabilization. The strategy may be best used in conjunction with other structural information to direct choices for subsequent optimizing mutagenesis