cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of F(ab') 2 and Fab antivenoms in rattlesnake envenomation: First year's post-marketing experience with F(ab') 2 in New Mexico

Abstract Two antivenoms are available for rattlesnake envenomations in the U.S., Fab (CroFab®, BTG, UK), and F(ab’)2 (Anavip®, Bioclon, Mexico) antivenom (AV) with F(ab’)2AV released in October 2018. The F(ab’)2AV Phase 3 comparative clinical trial demonstrated similar efficacy in treating venom-caused hematologic toxicity, similar rates of Types I and III hypersensitivity reactions, and a lower rate of recurrent hematological effects than FabAV. We hypothesized that a post-marketing, comparative study of effectiveness and rates of hypersensitivity reactions in treating rattlesnake envenomations in New Mexico would demonstrate similar outcomes. Patients eligible for the study presented to a New Mexico healthcare facility between May and October 2019 and were known/suspected to have a rattlesnake bite. Exclusion criteria for antivenom comparison were those with a dry bite, lost to follow-up, or late presentation. All cases were included for patient/bite demographics, initial local control, hematological control, number of maintenance/control doses, development of persistent, recurrent or late-, new-onset hematologic effects, and hypersensitivity reactions. We used Fisher's exact tests for analysis and 0.05 cutoff to determine significance. There were 54 rattlesnake-bitten patients in New Mexico with 17 excluded for comparison of antivenom because of dry bites, loss to follow-up, and one case of late presentation. Thirty-seven patients remained for comparative analysis between F(ab’)2AV (n = 11) and FabAV (n = 26). There were no significant demographic differences between F(ab’)2 and Fab-treated patients. No patient had a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. No rescue doses were given. The rate of recurrent, persistent or late-, new-onset of hematologic effects was 0% with F(ab’)2AV and 29% with FabAV. No patient was readmitted. No patient had bleeding complications. Type III hypersensitivity reactions were similar between F(ab’)2AV (36%) and FabAV (25%). The results of our study are consistent with the Phase 3 clinical comparative trial and indicate no significant differences in safety or effectiveness between FabAV and F(ab’)2AV. F(ab’)2AV offers the advantages of not requiring maintenance doses and may have a lower rate of late hematologic effects in treating rattlesnake envenomations.
Impact of Medicaid Expansion on PrEP Utilization in the US: 2012-2018.

We investigated the impact of Medicaid expansions made possible by the 2010 Affordable Care Act on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization in the US over the period 2012–2018. We used data on PrEP utilization from Symphony Health in a difference-in-differences regression analysis with bootstrapped standard errors. We found that Medicaid Expansion resulted on average in 7.78 additional estimated PrEP users per 100,000 population on a yearly basis (z = 2.72; p = 0.007). When restricting the sample to males, Medicaid Expansion resulted in 14.67 additional PrEP users per 100,000 population each year (z = 2.5; p = 0.012). People in the age group 25–34 were those who benefitted the most from Medicaid Expansion with 16.95 additional PrEP users per 100,000 population per year attributable to Medicaid Expansion (z = 3.2; p < 0.001). States that are considering expanding Medicaid may recognize the benefits in PrEP utilization we document here.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as an Unusual Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndrome Affecting the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.

A 68-year-old man presented with a two-week history of ascending, symmetric, sensory neuropathy concerning an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy that briefly responded to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy. The initial workup was negative for acquired causes. After three months of poor response to standard therapies, he was hospitalized for severe disability, unintentional weight loss, and additional, unexplained neurologic symptoms including cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and muscle twitching. Positron emission tomography revealed hypermetabolism isolated to the bone marrow. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Due to rapidly worsening performance status, plasmapheresis was initiated prior to treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy. His symptoms initially improved following plasmapheresis and resolved with chemotherapy. One year following treatment, he remains in complete remission. This case describes a unique paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome involving the central and peripheral nervous system that responded well to plasmapheresis and systemic chemotherapy.
Multimodality assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction skeletal muscle reveals differences in the machinery of energy fuel metabolism.

AIMS Skeletal muscle (SkM) abnormalities may impact exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We sought to quantify differences in SkM oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OxPhos), fibre composition, and the SkM proteome between HFpEF, hypertensive (HTN), and healthy participants. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-nine subjects (20 healthy, 19 HTN, and 20 HFpEF) performed a maximal-effort cardiopulmonary exercise test to define peak oxygen consumption (VO2, peak ), ventilatory threshold (VT), and VO2 efficiency (ratio of total work performed to O2 consumed). SkM OxPhos was assessed using Creatine Chemical-Exchange Saturation Transfer (CrCEST, n = 51), which quantifies unphosphorylated Cr, before and after plantar flexion exercise. The half-time of Cr recovery (t1/2, Cr ) was taken as a metric of in vivo SkM OxPhos. In a subset of subjects (healthy = 13, HTN = 9, and HFpEF = 12), percutaneous biopsy of the vastus lateralis was performed for myofibre typing, mitochondrial morphology, and proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis. HFpEF subjects demonstrated lower VO2,peak , VT, and VO2 efficiency than either control group (all P < 0.05). The t1/2, Cr was significantly longer in HFpEF (P = 0.005), indicative of impaired SkM OxPhos, and correlated with cycle ergometry exercise parameters. HFpEF SkM contained fewer Type I myofibres (P = 0.003). Proteomic analyses demonstrated (a) reduced levels of proteins related to OxPhos that correlated with exercise capacity and (b) reduced ERK signalling in HFpEF. CONCLUSIONS Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients demonstrate impaired functional capacity and SkM OxPhos. Reductions in the proportions of Type I myofibres, proteins required for OxPhos, and altered phosphorylation signalling in the SkM may contribute to exercise intolerance in HFpEF.
Growth regulation of simian and human AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines by TGF-β1 and IL-6

AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AIDS-NHL) is the second most frequent cancer associated with AIDS, and is a frequent cause of death in HIV-infected individuals. Experimental analysis of AIDS-NHL has been facilitated by the availability of an excellent animal model, i.e., simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SAIDS) in the rhesus macaque consequent to infection with simian immunodeficiency virus. A recent study of SAIDS-NHL demonstrated a lymphoma-derived cell line to be sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of the ubiquitous cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The authors concluded that TGF-beta acts as a negative growth regulator of the lymphoma-derived cell line and, potentially, as an inhibitory factor in the regulatory network of AIDS-related lymphomagenesis. The present study was conducted to assess whether other SAIDS-NHL and AIDS-NHL cell lines are similarly sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta, and to test the hypothesis that interleukin-6 (IL-6) may represent a counteracting positive influence in their growth regulation. Growth stimulation or inhibition in response to cytokine treatment was quantified using trypan blue exclusion or colorimetric MTT assay. Intracellular flow cytometry was used to analyze the activation of signaling pathways and to examine the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and distinguishing hallmarks of AIDS-NHL subclass. Apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometric analysis of cell populations with sub-G1 DNA content and by measuring activated caspase-3. Results confirmed the sensitivity of LCL8664, an immunoblastic SAIDS-NHL cell line, to TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition, and further demonstrated the partial rescue by simultaneous treatment with IL-6. IL-6 was shown to activate STAT3, even in the presence of TGF-beta1, and thereby to activate proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways. By comparison, human AIDS-NHL cell lines differed in their responsiveness to TGF-beta1 and IL-6. Analysis of a recently derived AIDS-NHL cell line, UMCL01-101, indicated that it represents immunoblastic AIDS-DLCBL. Like LCL-8664, UMCL01-101 was sensitive to TGF-beta1-mediated inhibition, rescued partially by IL-6, and demonstrated rapid STAT3 activation following IL-6 treatment even in the presence of TGF-beta1. These studies indicate that the sensitivity of immunoblastic AIDS- or SAIDS-DLBCL to TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition may be overcome through the stimulation of proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals by IL-6, particularly through the rapid activation of STAT3.
Sister-chromatid exchange induction by sodium selenite: Plasma protein-bound selenium is not the active SCE-inducing metabolite of Na2SeO3

Abstract Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is an anticarcinogenic/antimutagenic/anticlastogenic agent that under certain incubation conditions induces sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs), unscheduled DNA synthesis, and chromosome aberrations. Previous work has shown that SCE induction by Na2SeO3 depends on the presence of red blood cells (RBCs). Therefore, Na2SeO3 uptake and release by RBCs was studied in the present report as was the effect of plasma protein-bound selenium, the end product of Na2SeO3 metabolism by RBCs, on the SCE frequency of purified lymphocyte cultures. Na2SeO3 uptake by human whole blood, RBCs in plasma, RBCs in fetal calf serum, and RBCs in Hanks' balanced salt solution occurs rapidly, reaching a maximum after 2m in (37°C). Release of Na2SeO3 from RBCs depends on the presence of plasma proteins to which the metabolized selenium becomes bound. In spite of the fact that plasma protein-bound selenium is the major product of Na2SeO3 metabolism by RBCs, the SCE frequency of purified lymphocyte cultures was unchanged when plasma protein-bound selenium (7.90 × 10−6 and 1.19 × 10−5 M) was added to the medium for the final 19 h of incubation. Further study showed that Na2SeO3 could induce SCEs in blood cultures that had been washed to remove plasma proteins and incubated in medium 199, a maintenance medium lacking fetal calf serum. These findings indicate that a Na2SeO3 metabolite other than plasma protein-bound selenium is responsible for Na2SeO3's SCE-inducing ability in human whole-blood cultures.
Redundancy-free single-particle equation-of-motion method for nuclei (I). Intermediate coupling calculations for odd-mass near-spherical nuclei

Abstract The problem of coupling an odd nucleon to the collective states of an even core is considered in the intermediate-coupling limit. It is now well known that such intermediate-coupling calculations in spherical open-shell nuclei necessitate the inclusion of ground-state correlation or backward coupling which gives rise to an overcomplete basic set of states for the diagonalization of the hamiltonian. In a recent letter 1 ), we have derived a technique to free the single-particle equation-of-motion method of redundancy. Here we shall apply this redundancy-free equation-of-motion method to intermediate-coupling calculations in two regions of near-spherical odd-mass nuclei where forward coupling alone has not been successful. It is shown that qualitative effects of backward coupling previously reported are not spurious effects of double counting, although they are significantly modified by the removal of redundancy. We also discuss what further modifications of the theory will be needed in order to treat the dynamical interplay of collective and single-particle modes in nuclei self-consistently on the same footing.
On a question of Makar-Limanov

Let K be an uncountable field, let K C F be a field extension, and let A be an associative K-algebra. We show that if F OK A contains a non-commutative free algebra, then so does A. Throughout this note K will be a field and Ko will be the prime subfield of K. Let A be an associative K-algebra. By this we mean, in particular, that K is contained in the center of A and IK = 1A We would like to know whether or not A contains (a) a free semi-group and (b) a free K0-algebra. Both of these free objects are presumed to be non-commutative on two generators. For a more detailed discussion of free subobjects of associative algebras we refer the reader to [LI], [L2], [LM] and [K]. The following result was conjectured by Makar-Limanov. Conjecture 1. Let D be a skew field, let K be a subfield of its center, and let F be a field extension of K. If F OK D contains a free Ko-algebra, then so does D. In this note we prove this conjecture under the additional assumption that K is an uncountable field. Our main result is the following theorem. Theorem 1. Let K be an uncountable field, A an associative K-algebra, and F a field extension of K. Denote the common prime field of K and F by Ko. (a) If F OK A contains a copy of the free semi-group, then so does A. (b) If F OK A contains a copy of the free Ko-algebra, then so does A. We remark that by [LM, Lemma 1] elements x, y E A generate a free subalgebra over Ko if and only if they generate a free subalgebra over K. Note that since we are assuming IA = IK, the argument of [LM, Lemma 1] goes through even if A is not a domain. Our proof of Theorem 1 is based on a general position argument. The condition that a pair of elements generates a free object in A is given by a countable number of polynomial inequalities; see Lemmas 2 and 3. Thus over an uncountable field the set of all such pairs behaves very much like an open set in the Zariski topology. In particular, we can prove the existence of a K-point by exhibiting an F-point. We now make these ideas precise. Lemma 1. Let K be an uncountable field and let X1, X2, ... be a countable number of Zariski closed subsets of K'. If U,1 Xi = K'm then Xi = K' for some i > 1. Received by the editors April 11, 1994 and, in revised form, June 24, 1994. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 16S10; Secondary 20M05. (?)1996 American Mathematical Society
Secrets of the C++ Masters

Why yet another book on C++? review of advanced C++ features templates and type safety exception handling indirection smart pointers smarter pointers master pointers and handles collections, cursors and iterators transactions and brilliant pointers types homomorphic type hierarchies class object and factory functions invisible pointers memory management overloading operators new and delete reference counting custom memory spaces naive garbage collection scavenging object persistence and caching distributed objects packaging for reuse forms of reuse reuse with interfaces reuse of code reuse of storage and data designing for portability. Appendices: idioms for use with OLE idioms for use with OpenDoc solutions to exercises.
Detection of hypernasal speech using a nonlinear operator

Hypernasal speech is indicative of an underlying problem in the speech production system that results from either a physical defect, or a dysfunctional nervous system. Current clinical methods for determining whether speech is normal or hypernasal are invasive or awkward. A noninvasive system is proposed to classify speech as normal or hypernasal based on the nonlinear Teager Energy operator. The performance of the system is evaluated using normal and simulated hypernasal speech. Results show that the Teager Energy metric reliably detects the presence of hypernasality in a speech sample. >
Networked Science Among Experimental Forests and Ranges: Past Experience and a Vision for the Future

Over its long history, the collection of now more than 80 Forest Service Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFRs) has produced studies involving several EFRs and also participated in other monitoring and research networks. This legacy of networked science involving EFRs has included participation in environmental monitoring networks, cross-site experiments and syntheses, and multiagency research communities, such as National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network. Participation in these networks has produced significant benefits, but has been limited to a small number of EFR sites and Forest Service scientists. A culture of idea and data sharing is a necessary, but not sufficient, ingredient for fostering a highly-functional, well-integrated EFR Network. Additional requirements include sustained leadership and technical, financial, and administrative support for network scientific activities. Some of the EFRs have high quality records of climate, hydrology, vegetation, and biogeochemistry spanning many decades, providing a rare opportunity to examine effects of environmental change on vital ecological services. Several pioneering syntheses on topics such as climate, streamflow, and streamwater chemistry have come from EFR and allied environmental research networks, and demonstrate the potential contributions of these networks for fruitful scientific work of importance to society.
Mean-field theory of some magnetized antiferromagnets

Two-sublattice general spin-s exchange antiferromagnets, assumed to have a stable configuration in applied uniform external magnetic fields parallel to their spontaneous spin-ordering direction in the absence of a field, are treated in the molecular- or mean-field approximation. The magnetic phase-boundary line of this antiferromagnetic configuration is shown to have simple closed parametric expressions. In the present approximate formalism the peculiar nonmonotonic phase-boundary line becomes of monotonic variation in the classical limit ofs → ∞. The possibility of strongly anisotropic two-sublattice parallel-field-stable antiferromagnets to function as efficient cooling systems is explored. This arises from their magnetic entropy increase on isothermal magnetization as a consequence of the large asymmetry developed through the respective cooperation and competition of the exchange-coupled spins with the external applied field in determining the effective fields acting on the spins of the two sublattices. The competing or negative sublattice has anomalous behavior in that its component molar spin entropy exhibits its maximum limit of1/2 R ln(2s+1) at low temperatures compared to the zero-field transition temperature, as long as the applied magnetic field strength is a substantial fraction of the critical field strength, above which the system remains paramagnetic down to the absolute zero. The transformation into the antiferromagnetic state is then prevented. The enormous magnetic or spin entropy of the system, persisting down to very low temperatures, according to the mean-field formalism, makes it possible to reach quite low temperatures on adiabatic magnetization from easily accessible initial states in the presence of an external magnetic field. Within the limitations of the model and of its treatment experimental investigations into the preparation of antiferromagnets with the required anisotropy may be of particular interest in connection with their possible use for the production of low temperatures.
Expression of collagens and decorin during aortic arch artery development: Implications for matrix pattern formation

Abstract The elastic matrix of the large arteries shows a high level of spatial order. However, the mechanisms by which such order is established and maintained are largely unknown. The embryonic development of the avian heart and great vessels provides an appropriate model to investigate these mechanisms. In control embryos, an elastic matrix with a high level of spatial order develops in the nascent great vessels. But after the normal vascular smooth muscle (VSM) progenitor cells in the great vessels are experimentally replaced by other VSM progenitor cells, the elastic extracellular matrix is congenitally disordered. The present study used this model to test the hypothesis that the proteoglycan decorin was involved in the establishment and maintenance of the normal three-dimensional spatial order of the vascular elastic matrix. The temporospatial expression of decorin was analysed during development of normal vessels and in experimental vessels with surrogate VSM. The results showed the following: (1) the expression of decorin was related in time and space to the establishment of large helical collagen type III fibers that are characteristic of the normal elastic extracellular matrix; (2) in the experimental extracellular matrix there were few helical fibers of collagen type III, but those that were present remained positive for decorin; and (3) in both control and experimental vessels, decorin associated with neither fibers of collagen type I nor fibers of collagen type III in any conformation other than the large helical fibers. These data indicate a previously unrecognized relationship between decorin and the spatial order of the physiologically significant helical fibers of collagen type III.
In search of enhanced electrolyte materials: a case study of doubly doped ceria

Various compositions of gadolinium-praseodymium doubly doped ceria (GPDC) have been studied to elucidate the effect of two co-dopants in enhancing the ionic conductivity. A Kinetic Lattice Monte Carlo (KLMC) model of vacancy diffusion in GPDC has been developed, which uses activation energies obtained from DFT-calculations for vacancy migration in gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and praseodymium-doped ceria (PDC) as input. In order to identify the optimal composition of electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells, three different classes of GPDC were studied; (i) Gd rich, (ii) Pr rich and (iii) equal Gd-Pr content. It is assumed that the Gd and Pr are 100% ionized to Gd3+ and Pr3+. KLMC simulations showed that GPDC compositions with ≈0.20 mole fraction to 0.25 mole fraction of total dopant content exhibited the maximum ionic conductivity. Among the three classes studied, Gd-rich GPDC is found to have the highest conductivity for temperatures ranging from 873 K to 1073 K. The optimal co-doped compositions were found to be slightly temperature dependent. Analysis of vacancy migration pathways for millions of jump events show that GPDC has a slightly higher number of next neighbor jumps, which seems to explain most of the reason why GPDC has a higher ionic conductivity than PDC or GDC. The current KLMC calculations present a novel approach to study doubly doped ceria, as so far the theoretical results for ceria-based materials have been limited to mono-doped ceria.
CAI in College English

College English teachers can relax temporarily. Early fears that computers would replace them have proven as groundless as similar fears of printed books, television, programmed texts, and audiovisual aids. Although some industry spokesmen1 still forecast a brave new world of computer-managed learning, recent reports from diverse sources2 indicate that the computer has not revolutionized any field, especially English; in fact, CAI does not dependably produce results significantly better than those of traditional classroom techniques. We should not be surprised. Even teachers of science have found that the computer as a teaching tool supplements rather than replaces standard instruction. Their real revolution has been produced by the calculator, which can actually perform necessary operations far more efficiently than paper and pencil and far more accurately than most slide rules; a comparable revolution resulted from the widespread use of the typewriter and duplicators, which similarly speed up necessary operations. Computers can, of course, act as calculators and typewriters, but they are unlikely to have equal impact until they also are available in the homes of most solvent students and until they offer significant gains over calculators and typewriters. The computer does have several obvious advantages in the field of English, which after all begins with reading and writing. For students at an early level, the computer can--a la Sesame Street-provide a new way or presenting the written word. It can also drill in elementary reading and language use skills patiently and at a student's own pace, much like an animated programmed text. Thus CAI offers alternative, effective, and enjoyable means to present material usually given largely through classroom reading and drill. At the advanced level, a scholar may use the computer to compile and access bibliographies, to construct linguistic models, to locate materials through such library systems as PALNET, to analyze word usage or help prepare concordances, to study morphological and syntactic patterns in a text and compare them with those of other materials, to keep academic records, and to provide a possible alternative to the U.S. Postal Service. All such uses entail more efficient solutions to old problems rather than truly revolutionary innovations. But the computer seems less obviously useful at the great middle level of education in English where a student reads extensively, discusses ideas with others, and learns to write effectively. Consequently, CAI for college English classes has not produced spectacular results, and should not be expected to do so in the near future. This prognostication should help to dispell the naive view that the computer might be the devil incarnate, out to destroy the teaching profession. Usefulness should not, however, be measured in terms of revolutionary results; a new medium should be welcomed if it can provide such side benefits as increased student enthusiasm for
Racial and ethnic differences in individuals with sporadic Creutzfeldt-jakob disease in the United States of America.

Background Little is known about racial and ethnic differences in individuals with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). The authors sought to examine potential clinical, diagnostic, genetic, and neuropathological differences in sCJD patients of different races/ethnicities. Methodology/Principal Findings A retrospective study of 116 definite and probable sCJD cases from Johns Hopkins and the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems was conducted that examined differences in demographic, clinical, diagnostic, genetic, and neuropathological characteristics among racial/ethnic groups. Age at disease onset differed among racial/ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Whites had a significantly older age at disease onset compared to the other groups (65 vs. 60, p = 0.036). Non-Whites were accurately diagnosed more rapidly than Whites (p = 0.008) and non-Hispanic Whites were more likely to have normal appearing basal ganglia on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to minorities (p = 0.02). Whites were also more likely to undergo post-mortem evaluation compared to non-Whites (p = 0.02). Conclusions/Significance Racial/ethnic groups affected by sCJD demonstrated differences in age at disease onset, time to correct diagnosis, clinical presentation, and diagnostic test results. Whites were more likely to undergo autopsy compared to non-Whites. These results have implications in regards to case ascertainment, diagnosis, and surveillance of sCJD and possibly other human prion diseases.
Near band-edge optical absorption in pure GaAs

Abstract The optical absorption spectrum of pure epitaxial GaAs at 1.38 K and 4.2°K shows strong lines related to the n = 1 and 2 exciton, and the neutral donor-exciton. Also reported here are siz weaker absorption lines, unexpectedly strong n = 2 exciton absorption, and a neutral donor-exciton oscillator strength of 170. Transmission samples with Burstein shifted transparent GaAs substrates are used and yield data equivalent to that from self-supporting samples.
Common Virulence Factors and Tissue Targets of Entomopathogenic Bacteria for Biological Control of Lepidopteran Pests

This review focuses on common insecticidal virulence factors from entomopathogenic bacteria with special emphasis on two insect pathogenic bacteria Photorhabdus (Proteobacteria: Enterobacteriaceae) and Bacillus (Firmicutes: Bacillaceae). Insect pathogenic bacteria of diverse taxonomic groups and phylogenetic origin have been shown to have striking similarities in the virulence factors they produce. It has been suggested that the detection of phage elements surrounding toxin genes, horizontal and lateral gene transfer events, and plasmid shuffling occurrences may be some of the reasons that virulence factor genes have so many analogs throughout the bacterial kingdom. Comparison of virulence factors of Photorhabdus, and Bacillus, two bacteria with dissimilar life styles opens the possibility of re-examining newly discovered toxins for novel tissue targets. For example, nematodes residing in the hemolymph may release bacteria with virulence factors targeting neurons or neuromuscular junctions. The first section of this review focuses on toxins and their context in agriculture. The second describes the mode of action of toxins from common entomopathogens and the third draws comparisons between Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The fourth section reviews the implications of the nervous system in biocontrol.
Help-Seeking Behaviors in a Community Sample of Young Adults with Substance Use Disorders

Despite the high prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) in the U.S., many with a SUD go untreated and/or report lengthy delays to help-seeking initiation. From a public health standpoint, because SUDs often emerge in early adulthood, information on help-seeking behaviors among young adults is important. Using data from young adults ages 18–23 years with a history of a SUD (n = 672) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, this study estimates the prevalence of lifetime help-seeking initiation and examines factors related to help seeking and delays to help-seeking initiation. The majority (68%) of young adults with a history of a SUD reported never having sought help, and those who reported help seeking experienced relatively lengthy delays (1–7 years) to help-seeking initiation. These findings underscore the need for both timely substance abuse treatment and for accelerated research on successful outreach strategies for young adults with SUDs.
The location of maternal mRNA in eggs and embryos

Recent studies have shown that some maternal mRNAs are localized in specific cytoplasmic regions of eggs and embryos and are rearranged in concert with the cytoplasmic movements that fix the embryonic axes. The localization and ooplasmic segregation of mRNA molecules may be mediated by their association with specific egg cytoskeletal domains.
Monetary Transfers in the U.S.: How Efficient Are Tax Rebates?

Recent debate on the effectiveness of tax rebates has concentrated on the degree to which they can affect economic activity, which depends on the methodology, the state of the economy, and the underlying assumptions. A better approach to assess the effectiveness of these monetary transfers is by comparing this method to alternative policies—like the traditional monetary injections through the financial intermediaries. A limited participation model calibrated to the U.S. economy is used to show that the higher the proportion of the monetary injection channeled through the consumers—instead of banks—leads to a less vigorous recovery of output but softens the detrimental effect on the utility of the representative household from the inherent inflationary pressure. This result is robust to the relative importance of the injection (utilization of resources) and alternative utility functions.
The effect of liquid-induced adhesion changes on the interfacial shear strength between self-assembled monolayers

Friction between chemically-modified tips and surfaces has been studied with chemical force microscopy (CFM) to evaluate the effect of changing solid/liquid free energy on energy dissipation in sliding tip-surface contact. Well-controlled conditions were necessary to attain a single asperity contact in these experiments. We found that in a series of methanol- water mixtures the interfacial shear strength between CH3-terminated surfaces of the siloxane self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was independent of the adhesion force. The shear strength value of 10.2 ± 1.0 MPa found for this interface under methanol-water media is consistent with the previous studies of similar systems under dry gas conditions. A comparison to available data on interfacial shear strengths demonstrated that siloxane monolayers were much more effective in reducing friction than various carbon coatings.
On the interaction of a liquid droplet with a pool of hot cooking oil

An experimental study is presented for distilled water droplets impacting on a heated pool of cooking oil. The impaction process was recorded using a high-speed digital camera at 1000 frames per second. The initial droplet diameter was fixed at 3.1+/-0.1 mm and all experiments were performed at room temperature (20[deg]C). The impact Weber (We) number of the water droplets was fixed at 200. As the water droplet impacted the hot peanut oil pool, it fragmented, and ultimately produced a vapor explosion. Experiments were also performed applying methoxy-nonafluorobutane C4F9OCH3 (HFE-7100) to hot peanut oil with similar impact We number. Dramatic differences were observed when HFE-7100 droplets were used. At peanut oil temperatures above [approximate]180[deg]C, HFE-7100 droplets did not result in a vapor explosion.
No Place for a Woman: Evidence for Gender Bias in Evaluations of Presidential Candidates

In the 110th Congress, 16% of United State Senators are women. In contrast, the role of President of the United States of America has always been occupied by a man. As such, being a man is the one common attribute to all successful presidential candidates, rendering “male” a necessary qualification for the role. The gender-incongruency hypothesis predicts that gender bias is less likely in domains such as the Senate where women are relatively more prevalent. However, in the case of the presidency, the potential exists for gender bias against women presidential candidates. Using an experimental, single-candidate, design we tested the hypotheses that young voters would similarly evaluate a man and woman candidate for Senate (Study 1) but negatively evaluate a presidential candidate's resume ascribed to a woman, compared to the same resume ascribed to a man (Study 2). Results confirmed the gender-incongruency hypothesis and suggest that although bias may be less evident in evaluations of some Senate candidat...
Polishing PMMA and other optical polymers with magnetorheological finishing

Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) was used to polish as-molded or diamond turned surfaces of several optical polymers. Materials included polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). Parts were nominally plano circular discs of various diameters (~40 mm to 75 mm) and thicknesses (2.5 mm to 25 mm). Polishing trials were conducted with standard CeO2-based and nanodiamond-based MR fluids, or with MR fluids containing SnO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, TiO2, or SiO2. Excellent results were obtained for PMMA using a ZrO2-based MR fluid. The diamond turned plano surface of a 38-mm diameter by 8-mm thick puck was improved from an initial p-v wave front error of 4.5 µm to 0.35 µm with two figure correction runs. The average rms surface roughness was reduced from 3.8 nm to 0.47 nm, and the diamond turning marks were eliminated. Mounting and thermalization of polymer parts for in-process and final metrology was found to be a challenge.
Ethionine-induced alterations in hepatic microsomal cytochromes in vivo and in vitro: sexual dimorphism.

Abstract Investigation of the effects of ethionine intoxication on hepatic microsomal cytochromes in rats revealed that b5 and P-450 concentrations dropped to less than control values in female animals within 8 hr. Loss of the two hemoproteins, however, did not occur simultaneously. We observed reduction of b5 earlier than the decrease in P-450. Moreover, restitution of cytochrome b5 to control amounts became apparent by the seventh day after administration of the intoxicant. Male rats had only a loss of b5; at 16 hr, P-450 values remained unchanged. Adding ethionine in vitro to microsomal suspensions (with or without NADH supplementation) failed to reproduce the in vivo alterations. Also, we were unable to correlate changes in peroxidation with cytochromal modifications, although male and female animals differed markedly in ethionine-stimulated peroxidation.
Evidence for a direct hepatotrophic role for insulin in the fetal rat: implications for the impaired hepatic growth seen in fetal growth retardation

Perturbations of fetal growth produce parallel but disproportionate changes in fetal liver growth that correlate with circulating fetal insulin concentration. We have studied the effects of insulin and two hepatotrophic factors, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), on DNA synthesis by fetal and adult rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Using serum-free Minimum Essential Medium, fetal hepatocytes synthesized DNA without growth factors, unlike adult hepatocytes. Insulin augmented fetal hepatocyte DNA synthesis after 16-24 h in culture. In contrast, TGF alpha or HGF maximally stimulated fetal hepatocyte DNA synthesis after 40 h in culture. Insulin and TGF alpha were not synergistic in stimulating fetal hepatocyte DNA synthesis, but were synergistic in their action on adult hepatocytes. Brief (10-min) exposure of fetal hepatocytes to TGF alpha or HGF, but not insulin, activated mitogen-activated protein kinases 4-fold. Prolonged (24-h) exposure to TGF alpha or HGF a...
Auditory training induces asymmetrical changes in cortical neural activity.

Pre-attentive cortical evoked potentials reflect training-induced changes in neural activity associated with speech-sound training. Seven normal-hearing young adults were trained to identify two sy...
MOSBIE: a tool for comparison and analysis of rule-based biochemical models

Mechanistic models that describe the dynamical behaviors of biochemical systems are common in computational systems biology, especially in the realm of cellular signaling. The development of families of such models, either by a single research group or by different groups working within the same area, presents significant challenges that range from identifying structural similarities and differences between models to understanding how these differences affect system dynamics. We present the development and features of an interactive model exploration system, MOSBIE, which provides utilities for identifying similarities and differences between models within a family. Models are clustered using a custom similarity metric, and a visual interface is provided that allows a researcher to interactively compare the structures of pairs of models as well as view simulation results. We illustrate the usefulness of MOSBIE via two case studies in the cell signaling domain. We also present feedback provided by domain experts and discuss the benefits, as well as the limitations, of the approach.
Developmental effects of typicality and superordinate property dominance on sentence verification

Abstract Second graders (mean age, 8 years 3 months), fourth graders (mean age, 10 years 4 months), and adults verified telegraphic sentences with typical or atypical subject nouns and high or low dominant property predicates. The hypothesis tested was that the similarity in the attribute structures of category members to their superordinate prototype should be related to degree of typicality. Adult reaction time and error data supported the prototype model of semantic category structure. Second and fourth graders showed comparable property knowledge to adults, but evidenced different organizational patterns than predicted by the adult model. The results suggest that with development children learn to simultaneously use many attribute dimensions and to abstract the family resemblance structure and relative importance of category properties.
Learning Through Service: Developing an Intergenerational Project to Engage Students

Educational institutions are increasingly encouraging faculty to design classroom projects that take learning outside the ivory tower and into the real world. An emphasis is placed on engaging both students and community partners in a mutually beneficial project that fosters a life-long commitment to actively helping the community and people in need. This article describes an engaged learning activity utilized in an adult development psychology class. Results indicate that having the engaged learning component significantly improves students’ participation in the class content. The focus is on the logistics of the project, inherent benefits to the students, and practical implications.
Stage T3 prostate cancer: A nonrandomized comparison between definitive irradiation and induction hormonal manipulation plus prostatectomy

Abstract Objectives. At our institution, a Phase II trial using androgen suppression followed by surgery was completed for men with Stage T3 disease and negative laparoscopic nodal dissection. We recently reported the unfavorable biochemical outcome of that experience. Because that analysis did not include a control group of irradiated patients, the current project was undertaken to compare that Phase II experience with clinical Stage T3 patients treated at our institution with definitive irradiation during an overlapping period of time. Methods. The Phase II trial included 21 patients with T3 tumors and negative laparoscopic nodal dissections treated by 4 months of neoadjuvant hormonal treatment (leuprolide ± flutamide) prior to radical prostatectomy. Patients who declined to participate in the study or those judged ineligible by virtue of poor surgical risk were treated with definitive irradiation (n = 29). Although the radiation portals were shaped with multileaf collimation, no attempt was made to design "conformal fields." The median dose was 68 Gy (range 66 to 72) delivered in conventional fractionation. Biochemical failure after prostatectomy was defined as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels exceeding 0.2 ng/mL. Biochemical failure after irradiation was defined as a rise in absolute level of PSA greater than 1.5 ng/mL, or two consecutive elevations of PSA on sequential measurements, even if the absolute level was less than 1.5 ng/mL. Results. In univariate comparison, the freedom from biochemical relapse rate at 3 years was 41% for irradiated patients and 23% for those treated by hormones combined with surgery ( P P = 0.04). Conclusions. The combination of induction hormonal treatment followed by radical prostatectomy offered no advantage over irradiation alone in this single institutional experience. Notwithstanding, the majority of men treated by definitive radiotherapy manifested biochemical failure. More innovative strategies such as conformal irradiation (either alone or combined with androgen ablation) and radiation dose escalation should be pursued to optimize outcome for this unfavorable group of patients.
Hurricane Eyewall Slope as Determined from Airborne Radar Reflectivity Data: Composites and Case Studies

AbstractUnderstanding and predicting the evolution of the tropical cyclone (TC) inner core continues to be a major research focus in tropical meteorology. Eyewall slope and its relationship to intensity and intensity change is one example that has been insufficiently studied. Accordingly, in this study, radar reflectivity data are used to quantify and analyze the azimuthal average and variance of eyewall slopes from 124 flight legs among 15 Atlantic TCs from 2004 to 2011. The slopes from each flight leg are averaged into 6-h increments around the best-track times to allow for a comparison of slope and best-track intensity. A statistically significant relationship is found between both the azimuthal mean slope and pressure and between slope and wind. In addition, several individual TCs show higher correlation between slope and intensity, and TCs with both relatively high and low correlations are examined in case studies. In addition, a correlation is found between slope and radar-based eye size at 2 km, bu...
Redevelopment and Conservation in the Built Fabric of Post-Socialist St. Petersburg

This field-based case study examines recent changes in the built fabric of St. Petersburg, its urban planning system, and conservation management. The integral and highly regulated historical center, an important component of St. Petersburg's cultural landscape, has become a ground for (re)development and hence controversy. This study argues that mainly post-socialist forces (specifically, a persistent influence of the Soviet planning tradition combined with current entrepreneurial practices) have led to the current transformation of the built fabric of St. Petersburg. An examination of the processes underlying this transformation reveals that St. Petersburg is experiencing a sharpening dilemma between (re)development and conservation.
Eating and affective disorders: A comparative study

Background: The relationship between eating disorders and affective disorders still remains unclear. Eating disordered patients may have affective disorders and vice versa, depressed and maniac patients may experience eating problems. Aim: To compare eating symptoms, attitudes and behaviors in patients with affective disorders and normal subjects. Subjects and methods: A structured clinical interview, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) were administered to 194 patients that fulfilled the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating disorders, to 45 patients with affective disorders and to 82 normal female students. Results: Patients with eating disorders ranked significantly higher on the EAT-40 and on the EDI and its factors (p <0.001). Patients with affective disorders ranked between eating disordered patients and the students (p <0.001). Compulsive-purgative type of anorectics and purgative type of bulimics showed the highest scores on these measures (p <0.001). Restrictive type of anorectics scored significantly highest on EDI maturity fears item (p <0.001). Not significant difference was observed on the EDI ineffectiveness item, between purgative bulimics and depressive patients and between the latter and compulsive-purgative anorexics, on the EDI interpersonal distrust item. Conclusions: Compulsive-purgative type of anorectics and purgative type of bulimics showed the more severe psychological and behavioral disturbances. Restrictive types of anorectics were the most immature. Both purgative bulimics and depressive patients showed feelings of general inadequacy, and both compulsive-purgative anorexics and depressive patients displayed an interpersonal distrust. As a whole, patients with affective disorders did not show the core eating disordered behaviors and attitudes as seen in patients suffering from eating problems (Rev Med Chile 2005; 133: 1407-14)
Strategic thinking in international development: Using management tools to see the big picture

Abstract This article looks at the relevance for international development of strategic management, a set of methods for helping managers to align organizations with their environments so they can get to their important objectives. The methods have been applied recently in many developing countries. Results are mixed. When taken seriously, strategic management can promote participatory decision making and adaptability. Yet, success in organization strategy depends more on the right mental outlook than on specific techniques — techniques that can themselves sometimes turn into an impediment to open, creative thinking. Strategic management works best when understood as a way to learn, not as a prescribed remedy to follow.