cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques to Prevent Central Venous Catheter Infections: Products, Research, and Recommendations

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used to deliver a variety of therapies such as chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. It is well known that there are complications associated with CVCs; a major complication is catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). Many strategies exist to prevent CVC complications and CRBSI. This paper will focus on the fight against CRBSI using 3 products at the catheter insertion site: 2% chlorhexidine, BioPatch, and transparent split dressings. Lists of key recommendations from national organizations for infection prevention are included.
Laser resonance measurements in highly ionized atoms

Abstract Recent experiments using the fast-beam laser technique to measure transition intervals in highly ionized atoms are briefly reviewed. These include: (1) measurements of the n = 2 Lamb shift in hydrogenic phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine, and (2) measurement of the 1s2p 3p1−3p2 fine structure interval in helium-like fluorine.
The localization of occluded matrix proteins in calcareous spicules of sea urchin larvae

The sea urchin embryo forms calcareous endoskeletal spicules composed of calcite and an occluded protein matrix. Though the latter is approximately 0.1% of of the mass, the composite has substantially altered material properties, e.g., conchoidal fracture planes and increased hardness. Experiments were conducted to examine the localization of matrix proteins occluded in the mineral by use of immunocytochemistry coupled with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The isolated, unfixed spicules were etched under relatively gentle conditions and exposed to affinity purified antibodies made against two different matrix proteins, as well as an antibody to the entire constellation of matrix proteins. Immunogold tagged secondary antibody was used to observe antibody localization in the back scatter mode of SEM. All proteins examined were very widely distributed throughout the calcite, supporting a model of the structure in which a multiprotein assemblage is woven with fine texture around microcrystalline domains of calcite. Gentle etching revealed a laminar arrangement of calcite solubility, consistent with a stepwise deposition of matrix and mineral to increase girth of the spicule.
Self-inflicted splenic injury in snowboarders: postural analysis of forward falls of 10 consecutive patients

Splenic injuries are often caused when snowboarders thrust their abdomens with their own left elbows after falling and hitting the ground. We report 10 snowboarders who suffered a splenic injury by accidentally thrusting their own elbow against their abdomen upon falling to the ground. Clinical presentation, postural analysis, and treatment are described. In an attempt to break the force while falling, snowboarders assumed 1 of 2 defensive postures that subsequently induced splenic injury: falling with an outstretched hand or falling with folded arms placed closely to the chest, that is, the fetal tuck posture. Snowboarders who fell in the outstretched hand posture developed more severe symptoms than those who fell in the fetal tuck posture. Herein, we discuss the mechanisms of such snowboarding-related splenic injury in detail and provide a review of the literature.
Male attractiveness: masculinity with a feminine touch

Female subjects either listened to prerecorded responses, or read verbatim transcripts, of two males answering 10 questions on topics such as car repairs, career opportunities, and romantic interests. One set of answers was constructed to reflect stereotypical masculine activities and interests; the second set, to reflect stereotypical masculineand feminine activities and interests. Following exposure to the males’ answers, subjects rated theandrogynous male more likable, intelligent, moral, mentally healthy, appropriate, and honest than themasculine male. Correlational results indicated, however, that, for the androgynous male, masculinity was positively related to, and femininity was negatively related to, a number of personal dimensions. Hierarchical regression analyses supported a “masculine model” of personal evaluation.
Generalization of a Class of Solutions of the Laminar, Incompressible Boundary-Layer Equations

The momentum, continuity, and energy equations of the laminar incompressible boundary layer in a skew-linear co-ordinate system are similar in form to those in a rectangular co-ordinate system. This fact is used to generalize the requirements for similarity solutions in rectangular co-ordinates. The requirements for all possible similarity solutions of the boundary-layer and energy equations in skew-linear co-ordinates are presented. The usual Cartesian co-ordinate system is a special case of co-ordinate systems considered.
Theory of off specular electron energy loss cross sections

Abstract In recent years, off specular electron energy loss spectroscopy has been applied to the study of surface phonon dispersion curves and the influence of bulk phonons on surface vibrations, on both clean and adsorbate covered surfaces. A quantitative theoretical description of the excitation cross section has also been developed. We review the theory here, with attention to its role in interpreting the data, and in guiding the experimentalist in the choice of scattering parameters.
Snakebite injuries treated in United States emergency departments, 2001-2004.

Abstract Objective.—Venomous and nonvenomous snakes are found throughout most of the United States. While the literature on treatment is robust, there is not a current national epidemiologic profile of snakebite injuries in the United States. National estimates of such injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) are presented along with characteristics of the affected population. Methods.—Data on snakebite injuries were abstracted from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program (2001–04). Variables included age, gender, body part affected, cause, disposition, and treatment date. When available, location, intentionality of the interaction, and snake species were coded based on narrative comments. Estimates were weighted and analyzed with SPSS Complex Samples. Results.—An estimated 9873 snakebites were treated in US EDs each year between 2001 and 2004. Males were more frequently seen in the ED for snakebites than were females (males: 72.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 68.0–7...
On sojourn times at particular gene frequencies.

The distribution of visits to a particular gene frequency in a finite population of size N with non-overlapping generations is derived. It is shown, by using well-known results from the theory of finite Markov chains, that all such distributions are geometric, with parameters dependent only on the set of b ij 's, where b ij is the mean number of visits to frequency j /2 N , given initial frequency i /2 N . The variance of such a distribution does not agree with the value suggested by the diffusion method. An improved approximation is derived.
SHP protein tyrosine phosphatase expression in rat uterine tissue.

Objective:Enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of phosopholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1) is associated with increased spontaneous contractile activity. PLCγ1 phosphorylation is regulated by cellular protein tyrosine kinases and tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). The studies in this report were undertaken to characterize the expression of two PTPs known to bind to PLCγ1: Src-homology phosphatase type-1 (SHP-1) and type-2 (SHP-2).Methods:Uterine and other tissues were obtained from non-pregnant (estrus) and pregnant (gestational day 12 through day 1 postpartum) Sprague-Dawley rats. PTP activity in myometrial homogenates was determined using an in vitro fluorometric PTP assay with and without bpV(phen) (a nonselective PTP inhibitor), or PTP-Inhibitor 1 (PTP-I1, a SHP selective inhibitor). Western blots were performed using polyclonal antibodies to SHP-1 and SHP-2. Immunoprecipitation studies were performed to demonstrate an association between PLCγ1 and the SHP proteins.Results:The in vitro PTP assays demonstrated comparable e...
Dental amalgam. Designs for research in human populations.

Questions have been raised about the safety of dental amalgam. The main point of contention is whether the mercury contained in dental restorations is released in sufficient quantities to pose a public health hazard. Most scientists agree that current evidence is not sufficient to show that amalgam restorations pose a general health threat. But researchers on both sides of this debate agree that much remains to be learned about any potential toxicity of dental amalgam—an issue serious enough to merit additional research.
Perceived Adverse Consequences Associated with MDMA/Ecstasy Use Among Young Polydrug Users in Ohio: Implications for Intervention

Abstract The use of MDMA/Ecstasy has increased among young people in many industrialised nations around the world since the mid-1990s. Although there is a lack of scientific consensus concerning the long-term consequences of Ecstasy use, reducing potential morbidity and mortality is an important public health concern. This article describes how young people characterise perceived long-term consequences associated with Ecstasy using three data sources: (1) qualitative interviews with 29 participants; (2) pile sort results from 20 participants who classified 15 psychoactive substances on the basis of perceived similarities; and (3) quantitative data on subjective memory impairment from 402 participants in our natural history study. Contrary to expectations, Ecstasy was classified midway between drugs perceived to be the most and least risky. Risks associated with Ecstasy use included two popular myths implying forms of brain damage—"draining spinal fluid" and "creating holes in brains". Qualitative results also indicated that some young people are concerned about the potential affects of the drug on memory and as a cause of depression. About 20% (82) of the participants ( n =402) "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that Ecstasy has impaired their memories. Concern about these adverse consequences may provide opportunities for reducing potential harm associated with Ecstasy use.
Racial Differences in Hypertension: Implications for High Blood Pressure Management

Abstract The racial disparity in hypertension and hypertension-related outcomes has been recognized for decades with African Americans with greater risks than caucasians. Blood pressure levels have consistently been higher for African Americans with an earlier onset of hypertension. Although awareness and treatment levels of high blood pressure have been similar, racial differences in control rates are evident. The higher blood pressure levels for African Americans are associated with higher rates of stroke, end-stage renal disease and congestive heart failure. The reasons for the racial disparities in elevated blood pressure and hypertension-related outcomes risk remain unclear. However, the implications of the disparities of hypertension for prevention and clinical management are substantial, identifying African American men and women with excel hypertension risk and warranting interventions focused on these differences. in addition, focused research to identify the factors attributed to these disparities in risk burden is an essential need to address the evidence gaps.
Effect of vacuum arc deposition parameters on the properties of amorphous carbon thin films

Abstract Hard and smooth films of amorphous carbon with thicknesses in the nanometer to micrometer range were formed on silicon substrates using a vacuum arc deposition technique. In this technique, a carbon plasma is generated by a vacuum arc plasma source coupled with a magnetic filter for obtaining macroparticle-free amorphous carbon films. The influence of the substrate bias voltage and pulsed bias duty cycle on the film properties was investigated. A significant enhancement of the film quality and adhesion was achieved by applying a negative pulsed bias voltage to the substrate. Nanoindentation, pin-on-disk tribotesting, surface profilometry, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, elastic recoil spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the properties and structure of the amorphous carbon films. It was found that the hardest films with the highest density and lowest friction coefficient were obtained at - 100 V pulsed bias voltage, whereas higher pulsed bias voltages improved the film adhesion and reduced the internal stress. For -100 V pulsed bias voltage, the maximum film hardness was achieved with a 50% duty cycle, and was significantly higher than that produced with a d.c. bias.
Automated method for relating regional pulmonary structure and function: integration of dynamic multislice CT and thin-slice high-resolution CT

We have developed a method utilizing x-ray CT for relating pulmonary perfusion to global and regional anatomy, allowing for detailed study of structure to function relationships. A thick slice, high temporal resolution mode is used to follow a bolus contrast agent for blood flow evaluation and is fused with a high spatial resolution, thin slice mode to obtain structure- function detail. To aid analysis of blood flow, we have developed a software module, for our image analysis package (VIDA), to produce the combined structure-function image. Color coded images representing blood flow, mean transit time, regional tissue content, regional blood volume, regional air content, etc. are generated and imbedded in the high resolution volume image. A text file containing these values along with a voxel's 3-D coordinates is also generated. User input can be minimized to identifying the location of the pulmonary artery from which the input function to a blood flow model is derived. Any flow model utilizing one input and one output function can be easily added to a user selectable list. We present examples from our physiologic based research findings to demonstrate the strengths of combining dynamic CT and HRCT relative to other scanning modalities to uniquely characterize pulmonary normal and pathophysiology.
Meconium staining and meconium aspiration syndrome. Is there seasonal variation

Objective: To determine whether the incidence of pregnancies complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) or meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) differs with seasonal change
Direct observation of enzymes replicating DNA using a single-molecule DNA stretching assay

We describe a method for observing real time replication of individual DNA molecules mediated by proteins of the bacteriophage replication system. Linearized λ DNA is modified to have a biotin on the end of one strand, and a digoxigenin moiety on the other end of the same strand. The biotinylated end is attached to a functionalized glass coverslip and the digoxigeninated end to a small bead. The assembly of these DNA-bead tethers on the surface of a flow cell allows a laminar flow to be applied to exert a drag force on the bead. As a result, the DNA is stretched close to and parallel to the surface of the coverslip at a force that is determined by the flow rate (Figure 1). The length of the DNA is measured by monitoring the position of the bead. Length differences between single- and double-stranded DNA are utilized to obtain real-time information on the activity of the replication proteins at the fork. Measuring the position of the bead allows precise determination of the rates and processivities of DNA unwinding and polymerization (Figure 2).
Ventricaria (Siphonocladales-Cladophorales complex, Chlorophyta), a new genus for Valonia ventricosa

Phylogenetic relationships were investigated among species of Valonia as part of a larger generic-level study of 28 taxa in the Siphonocladales-Cladophorales complex (Chlorophyta). Data were obtain...
Impedance of a rectangular beam tube with small corrugations

We consider the impedance of a structure with rectangular, periodic corrugations on two opposing sides of a rectangular beam tube. Using the method of field matching, we find the modes in such a structure. We then limit ourselves to the case of small corrugations, but where the depth of corrugation is not small compared to the period. For such a structure we generate analytical approximate solutions for the wave number $k$, group velocity ${v}_{g}$, and loss factor $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ for the lowest (the dominant) mode which, when compared with the results of the complete numerical solution, agreed well. We find if $w\ensuremath{\sim}a$, where $w$ is the beam pipe width and $a$ is the beam pipe half-height, then one mode dominates the impedance, with $k\ensuremath{\sim}1/\sqrt{w\ensuremath{\delta}}$ ($\ensuremath{\delta}$ is the depth of corrugation), $(1\ensuremath{-}{v}_{g}/c)\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{\delta}$, and $\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{\sim}1/(aw)$, which (when replacing $w$ by $a$) is the same scaling as was found for small corrugations in a round beam pipe. Our results disagree in an important way with a recent paper of Mostacci et al. [A. Mostacci et al., Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 5, 044401 (2002)], where, for the rectangular structure, the authors obtained a synchronous mode with the same frequency $k$, but with $\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{\delta}$. Finally, we find that if $w$ is large compared to $a$ then many nearby modes contribute to the impedance, resulting in a wakefield that Landau damps.
Certifying interviewers: the role of testing interviewers to improve data quality

The complexity of conducting personal interviews often requires both classroom training prior to fielding a survey and the certification of interviewers in the field. In an attempt to create a tool that would enable data collection agencies to tailor the training process and more effectively link the classroom to the field, the Census Bureau administered a certification exam to the interviewers of a new, more conversational style of interviewing in the redesign of the Survey of Income and Program Participation-Event History Calendar (SIPP-EHC). This research applied multilevel modeling to the 2010 and 2011 SIPP-EHC field test data to observe the effects of the variation in certification test score on measures of interviewer productivity—interview length and person non-response. From 2010 to 2011, short answer response questions replaced half of the multiple-choice response questions, finding short answer responses are better predictors of both interview length and person non-response than multiple-choice responses. These changes in the exam demonstrated a significant reduction in the interviewer effect seen on both outcomes.
A fuzzy logic approach for evaluating ecosystem sustainability

Abstract Conventional approaches for assessing the strong sustainability of ecosystems are based on crisp sets for ecosystem attributes or indicators of sustainability, such as regional income, biodiversity and water quality. Defining strong sustainability in terms of crisp sets for attributes presumes the ecosystem manager can make a sharp, unambiguous distinction between an ecosystem that is strongly sustainable and one that is not by comparing measured attributes to sustainability thresholds for those attributes. Making such fine distinctions is incompatible with the uncertainties inherent in ecosystem assessments, and could give rise to faulty or misleading conclusions. An alternative approach for evaluating strong sustainability is proposed that uses fuzzy sets to develop fuzzy propositions about ecosystem attributes and strong sustainability, and applies fuzzy logic to evaluate those propositions. Two kinds of fuzzy propositions are evaluated; unconditional and qualified, and conditional and qualified. While a fuzzy logic approach overcomes the limitation of basing sustainability assessments on crisp sets for the attributes, its implementation requires more information than conventional approaches. In particular, evaluation of unconditional and qualified propositions requires the ecosystem manager to: (1) specify fuzzy sets for all attributes and probability qualifiers; (2) estimate the frequency distribution for ecosystem attributes; and (3) develop a rule for inferring strong sustainability from fuzzy propositions. Evaluation of conditional and qualified propositions requires the ecosystem manager to: (1) specify the prior probability the ecosystem is strongly sustainable; (2) define fuzzy sets for combinations of attribute values and probability qualifiers; (3) estimate the joint frequency distribution for ecosystem attributes; and (4) develop a rule for inferring strong sustainability from fuzzy propositions. An ecosystem manager needs to weigh the advantages of a fuzzy logic approach in terms of overcoming the limitation of conventional approaches against the disadvantage of greater informational requirements.
The detection of hexavalent chromium by organically doped sol-gels

The sol-gel process can be used to produce porous inorganic matrices that are doped with organic molecules. These doped gels can be used as a quantitative method for the spectrophotometric determination of trace concentrations of metallic ions. For the detection of hexavalent chromium, malachite green was used as the dopant. Preliminary results indicate concentrations on the order of 5 ppb are detectable using this method.
Syntheses of the Stemona Alkaloids (±)-Stenine, (±)-Neostenine, and (±)-13-Epineostenine Using a Stereodivergent Diels–Alder/Azido-Schmidt Reaction

A tandem Diels–Alder/azido-Schmidt reaction sequence provides rapid access to the core skeleton shared by several Stemona alkaloids including stenine, neostenine, tuberostemonine, and neotuberostemonine. The discovery and evolution of inter- and intramolecular variations of this process and their applications to total syntheses of (±)-stenine and (±)-neostenine are described. The stereochemical outcome of the reaction depends on both substrate type and reaction conditions, enabling the preparation of both (±)-stenine and (±)-neostenine from the same diene/dienophile combination.
Using a complementary emulation-simulation co-design approach to assess application readiness for processing-in-memory systems

Disruptive changes to computer architecture are paving the way toward extreme scale computing. The co-design strategy of collaborative research and development among computer architects, system software designers, and application teams can help to ensure that applications not only cope but thrive with these changes. In this paper, we present a novel combined co-design approach of emulation and simulation in the context of investigating future Processing in Memory (PIM) architectures. PIM enables co-location of data and computation to decrease data movement, to provide increases in memory speed and capacity compared to existing technologies and, perhaps most importantly for extreme scale, to improve energy efficiency. Our evaluation of PIM focuses on three mini-applications representing important production applications. The emulation and simulation studies examine the effects of locality-aware versus locality-oblivious data distribution and computation, and they compare PIM to conventional architectures. Both studies contribute in their own way to the overall understanding of the application-architecture interactions, and our results suggest that PIM technology shows great potential for efficient computation without negatively impacting productivity.
PATHWAYS OF CELLULAR MORPHOGENESIS : A Diversity in Nitella

Evidence is presented to show that a given change in cell form or size may generally be brought about by a variety of patterns of local surface distortion and expansion. Structural and chemical features of the cell which are important in morphogenesis may thus be expected to relate not to form per se but to the kinetics of surface behavior which establish form. These kinetics evaluate both the rate at which local regions of cell surface expand and the directed character (anisotropy) of this expansion. These variables have been studied in model systems and, through marking experiments, in growing cells of various shapes in Phycomyces, Clypeaster, and particularly Nitella. In the latter plant, prominent "giant internodes" display a well defined longitudinal anisotropic expansion devoid of sizeable gradients in expansion rate. These cells have their origin, however, in apical cells which have a pronounced gradient in area expansion rate (maximal at the tip). The great part of the expansion in the apical cell is apparently isotropic (equal in all directions), but the basal region often shows predominant expansion laterally. This transverse stretching in the apical cell could align cell wall texture and possibly fibrous cytoplasmic constituents, such as microtubules, into configurations significant in later morphogenetic stages, including the elongation of the internodes.
Paying the Price of Failure: Reconstructing Failed and Collapsed States in Africa and Central Asia

Beissinger, Mark R. and Crawford Young, eds. Beyond State Crisis? Postcolonial Africa and Post-Soviet Eurasia in Comparative Perspective (Washington, D.C.: The Woodrow Wilson Center Press, 2002).Herbst, Jeffrey. States and Power in Africa: Comparative Lessons in Authority and Control (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2000).Luong, Pauline Jones. Institutional Change and Political Continuity in Post Soviet Central Asia (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002).Reno, William. Warlord Politics and African States (Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc., 1998).Rotberg, Robert I., ed. State Failure and State Weakness in a Time of Terror (Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2003).Rotberg, Robert I., ed. When States Fail: Causes and Consequences (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004).John R. Heilbrunn is Assistant Professor in the Graduate Program in International Political Economy of Resources at the Colorado School of Mines. Heilbrunn has publications on democracy in Africa, corruption in France, and is currently writing a book analyzing institutional change among Africa's petroleum economies. The author gratefully acknowledges helpful comments from Vincent Foucher, Phil Keefer, Nic van de Walle, and the anonymous reviewers of Perspectives on Politics.
Chemical and/or Biological Therapeutic Strategies to Ameliorate Protein Misfolding Diseases

Inheriting a mutant misfolding-prone protein that cannot be efficiently folded in a given cell type(s) results in a spectrum of human loss-of-function misfolding diseases. The inability of the biological protein maturation pathways to adapt to a specific misfolding-prone protein also contributes to pathology. Chemical and biological therapeutic strategies are presented that restore protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, either by enhancing the biological capacity of the proteostasis network or through small molecule stabilization of a specific misfolding-prone protein. Herein, we review the recent literature on therapeutic strategies to ameliorate protein misfolding diseases that function through either of these mechanisms, or a combination thereof, and provide our perspective on the promise of alleviating protein misfolding diseases by taking advantage of proteostasis adaptation.
Time-lapse analysis and mathematical characterization elucidate novel mechanisms underlying muscle morphogenesis.

Skeletal muscle morphogenesis transforms short muscle precursor cells into long, multinucleate myotubes that anchor to tendons via the myotendinous junction (MTJ). In vertebrates, a great deal is known about muscle specification as well as how somitic cells, as a cohort, generate the early myotome. However, the cellular mechanisms that generate long muscle fibers from short cells and the molecular factors that limit elongation are unknown. We show that zebrafish fast muscle fiber morphogenesis consists of three discrete phases: short precursor cells, intercalation/elongation, and boundary capture/myotube formation. In the first phase, cells exhibit randomly directed protrusive activity. The second phase, intercalation/elongation, proceeds via a two-step process: protrusion extension and filling. This repetition of protrusion extension and filling continues until both the anterior and posterior ends of the muscle fiber reach the MTJ. Finally, both ends of the muscle fiber anchor to the MTJ (boundary capture) and undergo further morphogenetic changes as they adopt the stereotypical, cylindrical shape of myotubes. We find that the basement membrane protein laminin is required for efficient elongation, proper fiber orientation, and boundary capture. These early muscle defects in the absence of either lamininβ1 or lamininγ1 contrast with later dystrophic phenotypes in lamininα2 mutant embryos, indicating discrete roles for different laminin chains during early muscle development. Surprisingly, genetic mosaic analysis suggests that boundary capture is a cell-autonomous phenomenon. Taken together, our results define three phases of muscle fiber morphogenesis and show that the critical second phase of elongation proceeds by a repetitive process of protrusion extension and protrusion filling. Furthermore, we show that laminin is a novel and critical molecular cue mediating fiber orientation and limiting muscle cell length.
The two classes of genes for the major potato tuber protein, patatin, are differentially expressed in tubers and roots

The major potato tuber protein, patatin, is a family of 40kd glycoproteins that constitutes forty per cent of the soluble protein in tubers but is generally undetectable in other tissues. Fused rocket immunoelectro-phoresis was used to detect in roots patatin that is immunologically different from tuber patatin. Western blots of SDS-polyacrylamide gels show root patatin to have a different molecular weight distribution than tuber patatin isoforms, but immunoprecipitation of in vitro translation products shows the patatin precursors to be of similar molecular weight in both tissues. This suggests that post-translational processing may differ in tubers and roots. Northern blots show that tuber and root patatin mRNAs are of similar size, but tuber transcripts are about 100-fold more abundant. 5' S1 nuclease and primer extension mapping suggests the class of patatin transcripts expressed in roots (class II transcripts) to be a subset of patatin transcripts expressed in tubers (classes I and II). Class II patatin mRNAs differ from class I transcripts by the presence of a 22 nucleotide insertion just upstream of the initiation codon. These data demonstrate that expression of the patatin multigene family is differentially regulated in tubers and roots.
Successful renal transplantation in the setting of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans peritonitis treatment

We report a patient with continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)-associated peritonitis caused by A. xylosoxidans who successfully received a renal transplant during his peritonitis treatment course and cleared his peritoneal infection. This is the first case of A. xylosoxidans-related CCPD peritonitis who was successfully transplanted.
Hmong History and LGBTQ Lives: Immigrant Youth Perspectives on Being Queer and Hmong

This article highlights some of the cultural barriers that exist for Hmong people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), while placing these barriers in an historical context. It uncovers differences and similarities found between the experiences of queer Hmong youth and the larger population of queer youth living in the United States. Despite the perception that a traditional Hmong culture holds no place for queer Hmong Americans, individuals are finding spaces for acceptance and slowly moving the larger Hmong community to a place of understanding and tolerance. A vital part of this movement is Shades of Yellow (SOY), an organization that supports queer Hmong. The life stories of three of its members inform this study, offering a more nuanced look at the experiences of queer Hmong living in the Midwest. Though few social studies researchers have broached this topic, the new social historians of the 1960s, who centered their research on broad social movements and the contributions of those formerly excluded from the grand historical narrative of progress, opened the door to this conversation within the field. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
A Hydrodynamic Study of Laser-Induced Vaporization of Aluminum in Vacuum

The three-dimensional hydrodynamics of laser-induced, steady state vaporization of aluminum (2024) in vacuim was investigated with the aid of both a hydrodynamic computer code and a Mach-Zender interferometer. Provided the laser beam is sufficiently intense, a vapor plasma forms, resulting in a sustained region of high pressure near the target. The pressure is distributed asymmetrically over the footprint in the case of oblique incidence.
Unpacking Preference: How Previous Experience Affects Auto Ownership in the United States

As environmental concerns mount alongside increasing auto dependence, research has been devoted to understanding the number of automobiles households own. The 2000 US census public use micro sample is used to demonstrate the importance of preference formation in auto ownership by studying auto ownership among recent movers. Using a multinomial probit model, the paper demonstrates that residents in the US transit cities who moved from major metropolitan areas are more likely to own fewer vehicles than counterparts who moved from smaller metropolitan areas and non-metropolitan areas. It is concluded that these results are due to learned preferences for levels of car ownership. Once the self-reinforcing ‘cultural knowledge’ of living without cars is lost, it could be difficult to regain. A focus on children and young adults, familiarising them with alternatives to the car may be an important approach to developing collective preferences for fewer cars.
Cellular events in tolerance IX: maintenance of immunological tolerance in the presence of normal b-cell precursors and in the absence of demonstrable suppression.

Abstract The cellular events involved in immunological tolerance to fluoresceinated sheep gammaglobulin (FL-SGG) were analyzed at the level of hapten-specific B cells. One single iv injection of FL-SGG induced tolerance as measured by challenge with thymus-dependent (FL-KLH) or thymus-independent (FL-Ficoll) antigens in vivo or thymus-independent (FL-LPS) antigen in vitro . As noted earlier, unresponsiveness was maintained until 6–8 weeks after tolerance induction. Limiting-dilution precursor analysis demonstrated a reduction in B-cell precursors on Day 7 after tolerogen treatment; precursor frequencies returned to control levels by 3–4 weeks. This recovery of precursors in the presence of stable tolerance was not due to suppressor activity. Rather, results show that tolerant hapten-specific B cells are clonally anergic and display a reduced burst size in response to antigen. Hence, unresponsiveness is maintained in the presence of apparently normal precursor levels by an intrinsic defect in antigen-specific B cells.
The Patient-Physician Relationship in the Internet Age: Future Prospects and the Research Agenda

In the "Internet Age," physicians and patients have unique technological resources available to improve the patient physician relationship. How they both utilize online medical information will influence the course of their relationship and possibly influence health outcomes. The decision-making process may improve if efforts are made to share the burden of responsibility for knowledge. Further benefits may arise from physicians who assist patients in the information-gathering process. However, further research is necessary to understand these differences in the patient physician relationship along with their corresponding effects on patient and physician satisfaction as well as clinical outcomes.
Superficial white onychomycosis

White spots on the surface of the toe nails is characteristic of this common superficial onychomycosis. The usual causal organism is Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Cephalosporium roseo-griseum. Aspergillus terreus and a member of the Fusarium oxysporum group are less common causes. Fungus invasion may occur anywhere on the surface of the toe nail and does not evoke the characteristic inflammatory reaction seen in ordinary subungual dermatophytosis. The hostparasite relationship is noteworthy, for although the fungus is growing “in-vivo” on the surface of the nail, it exhibits saprophytic features.
Parents' Attributions for Their Children's Behavior

Parents' attributions for children's behavior are of interest both as a form of adult social cognition and as possible contributors to children's development. This article reviews work on the determinants and the effects of parents' attributions. Included in the discussion of possible determinants are characteristics of the target (e.g., age and sex), characteristics of the judge (e.g., mothers vs. fathers), and characteristics of the behavior to be explained (e.g., positive or negative). Included in the discussion of possible effects are effects on parents' affect and behavior and on children's development. The evidence suggests that parents do form attributions for their children's behavior and that these attributions vary in predictable (although not perfectly consistent) ways across judges, targets, and outcomes. The evidence also suggests, although less certainly, that attributions affect both parents' behavior and children's development. The review concludes with suggestions for future research.
Modulation of phospholipid asymmetry in synaptosomal membranes by the lipid peroxidation products, 4-hydroxynonenal and acrolein: implications for Alzheimer's disease.

Membrane lipid bilayer asymmetry is maintained by the ATP-dependent enzyme flippase. An early signal of synaptosomal apoptosis is the loss of phospholipid asymmetry and the appearance of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer leaflet of the membrane. Two highly reactive products of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and acrolein, both elevated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain, have been shown to induce apoptosis and disrupt cellular ion homeostasis. These reactive aldehydes can structurally modify proteins by covalent interaction and inhibit enzyme function. Phospholipid asymmetry of PS is maintained by the ATP-requiring enzyme flippase. We have investigated the inactivation of the transmembrane enzyme aminophospholipid-translocase (or flippase) by HNE and acrolein. Flippase activity depends on a critical cysteine residue, a possible site of covalent modification by HNE or acrolein. The present study demonstrates that these alkenals induce the appearance of PS on the outer bilayer lamellae and suggests that increases in intracellular Ca 2+ might not be the sole cause for loss of flippase activity. Rather, other mechanisms that could modulate the function of flippase might be important in phospholipid asymmetry disruption. These results are discussed with potential relevance to neuronal loss in Alzheimer’s disease brain. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Theme: Disorders of the nervous system Topic: Degenerative disease: Alzheimer’s—miscellaneous
Clearness and Distinctness in Descartes

Descartes's general rule that “whatever is clearly and distinctly perceived is true” has traditionally been criticized on two closely related grounds. As Leibniz, for example, puts it, clearness and distinctness are of no value as criteria of truth unless we have criteria of clearness and distinctness; but Descartes gives none. And consequently, the standards of judgment which the rule in fact evokes are purely subjective and psychological. There must hence be set up analytic, logical “marks” by means of which it can infallibly and without arbitrariness be recognized whether any ideas or propositions are or are not clear and distinct.
The Rotary Motor of Bacterial Flagella

Flagellated bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, swim by rotating thin helical filaments, each driven at its base by a reversible rotary motor, powered by an ion flux. A motor is about 45 nm in diameter and is assembled from about 20 different kinds of parts. It develops maximum torque at stall but can spin several hundred Hz. Its direction of rotation is controlled by a sensory system that enables cells to accumulate in regions deemed more favorable. We know a great deal about motor structure, genetics, assembly, and function, but we do not really understand how it works. We need more crystal structures. All of this is reviewed, but the emphasis is on function.
A Ca2+-sensing receptor modulates shark rectal gland function

SUMMARY The elasmobranch Squalus acanthias controls plasma osmolality and extracellular fluid volume by secreting a hypertonic fluid from its rectal gland. Because we found a correlation between extracellular Ca2+ concentration and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), we sought the possible presence of a calcium-sensing receptor in rectal gland artery and tubules. Cytosolic Ca2+ of both tissues responded to the addition of external Ca2+ (0.8-5.3 mmol l-1) in a linear fashion. Spermine, Gd3+ and Ni2+, known agonists of the calcium-sensing receptor, increased [Ca2+]i. To assess the participation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) generation, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) Ca2+ depletion, and activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry, we utilized thapsigargin and ryanodine to deplete Ca2+ SR/ER stores and the inhibitory reagents TMB-8 and 2-APB to block IP3 receptors. In each case, these agents inhibited the [Ca2+]i response to agonist stimulation by approximately 50 %. Blockade of L-channels with nifedipine had no significant effect. Increases in ionic strength are known to inhibit the calcium-sensing receptor. We postulate that the CaSR stimulates Ca2+-mediated constriction of the rectal gland artery and diminishes cyclic AMP-mediated salt secretion in rectal gland tubules during non-feeding conditions. When the shark ingests sea water and fish, an increase in blood and interstitial fluid ionic strength inhibits the activity of the calcium-sensing receptor, relaxing the rectal gland artery and permitting salt secretion by the rectal gland tubules.
Evidence for two chain growth probabilities on iron catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

New data and reexamination of several previous studies in either fixed bed or slurry liquid reactors with iron catalysts show that the products frequently may be characterized as the sum of two Flory carbon number distributions. In many cases the dominating distribution shifts at about C10. At higher carbon numbers hydrocarbons are produced with a much higher probability of chain growth than for lower carbon numbers. Results are interpreted in terms of a two-site catalyst structure.
Re-examining the South African Middle-to-Later Stone Age transition: Multivariate analysis of the Umhlatuzana and Rose Cottage Cave stone tool assemblages

This paper explores the nature and timing of the Middle Stone Age/Later Stone Age transition in South Africa and considers some of the potential causes of this technological reorganisation. It uses multivariate statistical methods to re-examine two important case studies: Umhlatuzana in KwaZulu-Natal, described by Kaplan (1989), and Rose Cottage Cave in the Free State, described by Clark (1997). Consistent with these previous analyses, it concludes that the Middle Stone Age/Later Stone Age transition at the sites occurred around 28 kya, involved a pre-Robberg transitional early Later Stone Age (ELSA) industry lasting until around 20 kya, and is defined by a series of secular changes demonstrating broad continuity over time. The paper also seeks to articulate these case studies with other explanations of the MSA/LSA transition, from the perspective of technological organisation and models of forager behavioural ecology. It argues that the microlithic technology seen with the origins of the LSA was a respon...
Expression of the sodium channel β1 subunit in rat skeletal muscle is selectively associated with the tetrodotoxin-sensitive α subunit isoform

Abstract Transcripts homologous to the rat brain sodium channel β subunit ( β 1 ) are prominently expressed in both innervated and denervated adult skeletal muscle and in heart, but not in neonatal skeletal or cardiac muscle. Regulation of β 1 mRNA expression closely parallels that of SkM1 α during development, after denervation in adult muscle, and in primary muscle culture, but does not follow SkM2 expression under any condition examined. In oocytes, β 1 interacts functionally with SkM1 to modulate the abnormally slow inactivation kinetics observed with this α subunit expressed alone. We conclude that a common β 1 , subunit is expressed in skeletal muscle, heart, and brain and that in skeletal muscle, this subunit is specifically associated with the SkM1, rather than the SkM2, sodium channel isoform.
Antibody-Based Protection of Gnotobiotic Piglets Infected with Escherichia coli O157:H7 against Systemic Complications Associated with Shiga Toxin 2

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious disease in children, attributable in the majority of cases to infection with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli. Using gnotobiotic piglets orally infected with E. coli O157:H7, which develop Stx-related cerebellar lesions and fatal neurological symptoms, we show that administration of Stx2-specific antiserum well after challenge protected, in a dose-response fashion, against these symptoms for at least 24 h after bacterial challenge. Twenty-six of 30 piglets given Stx2 antiserum survived the challenge, compared to only 4 of 16 animals given control serum or saline. Given our observations in piglets, Stx antibody of human origin may likewise prevent HUS in children.
Ocean Color Remote Sensing of Seagrass and Bathymetry in the Bahamas Banks by High-Resolution Airborne Imagery

Abstract : New coastal ocean remote sensing techniques permit benthic habitats to be explored with higher resolution than ever before. A mechanistic radiative transfer approach is developed that first removes the distorting influence of the water column on the remotely sensed signal to retrieve an estimate of the reflectance at the seafloor. The retrieved bottom reflectance is then used to classify the benthos. This spectrally based approach is advantageous because model components are separate and can be evaluated and modified individually for different environments. Here, we applied our approach to quantitatively estimate shallow-water bathymetry and leaf area index (LAI) of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum for a study site near Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas. Two high-resolution images were obtained from the ocean portable hyperspectral imager for low-light spectroscopy (Ocean PHILLS) over the study site in May 1999 and 2000. A combination of in situ observations of seafloor reflectance and radiative transfer modeling was used to develop and test our algorithm. Bathymetry was mapped to meter-scale resolution using a site-specific relationship (r2 = 0.97) derived from spectral ratios of remote sensing reflectance at 555 and 670 nm. Depth-independent bottom reflectance was retrieved from remote sensing reflectance using bathymetry and tables of modeled water column attenuation coefficients. The magnitude of retrieved bottom reflectance was highly correlated to seagrass LAI measured from diver surveys at seven stations within the image (r2 = 0.88 - 0.98). Mapped turtlegrass LAI was remarkably stable over a 2-yr period at our study site, even though Hurricane Floyd swept over the study site in September 1999.