cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhaled corticosteroids and risk of oropharyngeal colonization by streptococcus pneumoniae in children with asthma

Introduction: recent epidemiological studies have raised concerns about possible link between use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and risk of pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate association between ICS and oropharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) among children (up to 18 years old) with asthma. Methods: Two age-matched groups of patients were consecutively recruited: 1) Exposed group: children who had persistent asthma and were being treated with daily ICS for at least 30 days; 2) Non-exposed group: children who had asthma and were not being treated with ICS. Oropharyngeal specimens from the tonsillar area and posterior pharyngeal wall were collected. Results: A total of 192 patients (96 in each group) were included in the study. In the exposed group, the mean daily dose of ICS was 400 mcg of beclomethasone or equivalent and the mean duration of treatment was 8.6 months. The prevalence of oropharyngeal colonization by S. pneumoniae was higher among children exposed to regular use of ICS than among those not exposed to ICS (27.1% vs. 8.3%, p=0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, regular use of ICS was an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal carriage of S. pneumoniae, with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 3.76 (95% confidence interval: 1.73–8.18, p=0.001). Conclusions: Regular use of ICS is associated with an increased risk of having oropharyngeal colonization by S. pneumoniae in children with asthma. These findings highlight the need to further investigate the association between ICS therapy and risk of pneumonia among asthmatic children.
Isolation of clonal axenic strains of the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium and their growth and host specificity1

The cnidarian-dinoflagellate mutualism is integral to the survival of the coral-reef ecosystem. Despite the enormous ecological and economic importance of corals, their cellular and molecular biology and the ways in which they respond to environmental change are still poorly understood. We have been developing a proxy system for examining the coral mutualism in which the dinoflagellate symbiont Symbiodinium is introduced into a clonal population of the host Aiptasia, a small sea anemone closely related to corals. To further develop the tools for this system, we generated five clonal, axenic strains of Symbiodinium and verified the lack of contaminants by growth on rich medium, microscopic examination, and PCR analysis. These strains were assigned to clades A (two strains), B, E, and F based on their chloroplast 23S rDNA sequences. Growth studies in liquid cultures showed that the clade B strain and one of the clade A strains were able to grow photoautotrophically (in light with no fixed carbon), mixotrophically (in light with fixed carbon), or heterotrophically (in dark with fixed carbon). The clade E strain, thought to be free-living, was able to grow photoautotrophically but not heterotrophically. Infection of an aposymbiotic Aiptasia host with the axenic strains showed consistent patterns of specificity, with only the clade B and one of the clade A strains able to successfully establish symbiosis. Overall, the Aiptasia-Symbiodinium association represents an important model system for dissecting aspects of the physiology and cellular and molecular biology of cnidarian-dinoflagellate mutualism and exploring issues that bear directly on coral bleaching.
The effects of innervation on the developmental expression of Ca2+-activated K+ currents in embryonic parasympathetic neurons are not activity-dependent

Abstract Chronic blockade of synaptic transmission in ovo using mecamylamine, a neuronal nicotinic receptor antagonist, caused a large increase in naturally occurring cell death in the embryonic chick ciliary ganglion. However, the Ca 2+ -activated K + currents in embryonic day 13 mecamylamine-treated ciliary ganglion neurons were indistinguishable from those of saline-treated controls. Therefore, the trophic effect of preganglionic innervation on the developmental expression of Ca 2+ -activated K + current is not dependent upon intact nicotinic cholinergic synaptic transmission and may instead be mediated by a nerve terminal-derived differentiation factor.
Myocardial glycogen depletion cannot explain the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning in the rat heart.

The mechanism of ischemic preconditioning remains unknown. The role of glycogen depletion prior to prolonged ischemia was examined as a potential mechanism of ischemic preconditioning. The glycogen content of the rat heart varies in a 24-h rhythm. In a retrospective study, the relationships between the time of day the animals were sacrificed, pre-ischemic myocardial glycogen content, and post-ischemic functional recovery were assessed in non-conditioned and ischemically preconditioned hearts. The analyses were performed on previously published data (Asimakiset al., 1992, 1993). After an equilibration perfusion, isolated rat hearts were given 40 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Preconditioned hearts received 5 min of ischemia followed by a 5-min recovery period prior to the 40-min ischemic period. Some of the hearts were freeze-clamped immediately prior to the 40-min ischemic period to determine pre-ischemic glycogen content. Pre-ischemic glycogen was higher in the morning than afternoon. The time of day correlated significantly with the pre-ischemic glycogen content of non-conditioned (r=0.67;P<0.005) and preconditioned (r=0.79;P<0.001) hearts. However, time of day did not correlate significantly with post-ischemic recovery of heart rate×developed pressure (HR×DP) or end-diastolic pressure (EDP) in either the non-conditioned or preconditioned hearts. The relationships were also assessed by subdividing the groups into either morning (a.m.) or afternoon (p.m.) hearts. The pre-ischemic glycogen content was lower in the non-conditioned-p.m. (n=5) hearts compared to the non-conditioned-a.m. (n=10) hearts (67.6±9.0v128.1±13.3 nmol glucose/mg protein,P<0.005). However, there were no significant differences between p.m. (n=13) and a.m. (n=9) non-conditioned hearts with respect to post-ischemic recovery of HR×DP (20.6±4v12.0±4% of baseline, respectively,P=n.s.). In contrast, preconditioned-p.m. (n=6) and -a.m. (n=7) had pre-ischemic glycogen contents of 49.6±6 and 76.6±5.0 nmol glucose/mg protein, respectively. These glycogen values were not significantly different from the non-conditioned-p.m. hearts (67.6 nmol/mg protein). However, post-ischemic recovery of HR×DP in the preconditioned-p.m. (n=5) and -a.m. (n=6) hearts were 54.6±5 and 51.4±8% of baseline, respectively (these values were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the recovery for the non-conditioned-p.m. and -a.m. hearts). The results imply that the cardioprotection of ischemic preconditioning cannot be explained solely by myocardial glycogen depletion.
Back pain: is it spinal cord compression?

After taking a thorough prostate cancer history (stage at diagnosis, types of treatment, dates of imaging, and biomarker studies), the oncology nurse conducts a baseline pain assessment, asking P.K. questions about the onset, duration, location, pattern, quality, and intensity of his pain; relieving and exacerbating factors; and use and effectiveness of pain medications. P.K. reports that he has had periodic lower back pain throughout his adult life but the recent pain is located higher in his back and is not relieved by lying down. He describes it as a constant, dull ache that fluctuates in intensity between 2–4 on a scale of 1–10 during the day but increases to a 7 when he coughs or sneezes and when he is lying down in bed. He has been taking naproxen with limited relief. The nurse gently palpates and percusses over the length of P.K.’s vertebrae, making note that he indicates tenderness at the level just below the scapulae. He is asked to walk back and forth a few times and also to stand still with his eyes closed, noting his gait and balance, which appear normal. To assess his leg strength, he is asked to rise from a seated position, which he does with some effort. P.K. reports that his legs often feel heavy but not numb. He needs to rest more often but is able to carry out most of his usual daily activities. His bladder and bowel habits are unchanged. However, based on P.K.’s history of prostate cancer and current reports of back pain, the oncology nurse asks the oncologist to refer P.K. for urgent comprehensive neurologic examination, including sensory, autonomic function, and reflex assessments and imaging studies to differentiate between benign spinal conditions and developing cord compression.
Distribution of cytoplasmic poly(A+)RNA sequences in free messenger ribonucleoprotein and polysomes of mouse ascites cells.

Abstract The cytoplasmic non-polysomal poly(A + )mRNA found in the free messenger ribonucleoprotein of mouse Taper ascites cells was demonstrated by nucleic acid hybridization to contain only about 400 different mRNA sequences, in contrast to the greater than the 8000 sequences of the total cytoplasm. Approximately 50% by mass of the free RNP ‡ -mRNA was shown to consist of only 15 different mRNA sequences and the other 50% to represent 400 different mRNA sequences. The abundant free mRNP sequences were also present in the polysomes at one-tenth of their concentration in the free mRNP. The 400 less abundant free RNP-mRNAs were found to be in the middle abundant class of total cytoplasmic sequences. The 400 less abundant free RNP-mRNA sequences were also found on the polysomes: 50% of these sequences were at similar concentrations in the polysomes as in the free mRNP, while 50% were found in the polysomes at reduced concentrations. Thus it is concluded that these mouse tumor cells maintain a highly polarized distribution of certain subsets of mRNA species between the functioning (polysomes) and non-functioning (free mRNP) compartments of the cytoplasm.
Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB Activity Is Involved in E1A-mediated Sensitization of Radiation-induced Apoptosis

The adenoviral E1A protein has been implicated in the potentiation of apoptosis induced by various external stimuli, but the exact mechanism of that potentiation is not clear. In this study, we compared the sensitivity to ionizing γ-irradiation of E1A transfectants with that of parental cells in a human ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV3.ip1); we found that the E1A transfectants became sensitive to radiation-induced apoptosis. Recently, activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) has been shown to play a key role in the anti-apoptotic pathway of radiation-induced apoptosis. In an attempt to determine whether NF-κB was involved in the E1A-mediated sensitization of radiation-induced apoptosis, we found that radiation-induced activation of NF-κB occurred in the parental cells but was blocked in the E1A transfectants. Furthermore, parental cells cotransfected with NF-κB and E1A were better protected from undergoing apoptosis upon irradiation than those transfected with E1A alone. Thus, our results suggest that inhibition of NF-κB activation by E1A is a plausible mechanism for E1A-mediated sensitization of radiation-induced apoptosis.
In support of drama in early childhood education, again

Early childhood practitioners appear to be in an unending battle to legitimize the use of the dramatic arts in the classroom. Even early childhood educators who accept the value of dramatic play seldom utilize the potential of drama fully. The purpose of this article is to reinforce the value of drama and theater for young children. Dramatic play, creative drama, theater, and television—a form of drama — all have their place in the development of young children.
Effects of multiagent chemotherapy and independent risk factors in the treatment of high-risk GTT--25 years experiences of KRI-TRD

Abstract A retrospective and comparative study of high-risk gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) treated with different chemoregimen from 1971 to 1995 was performed and to find most effective chemotherapy regimen and independent risk factors. Three hundred seven patients in scoring over 8 points in WHO classification were categorized into high-risk group among 802 GTT cases received chemotherapy in the 2,418 GTD patients registered at KRI-TRD (Korean Research Institute for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease), Catholic University Medical College in Korea. Study groups of multiagent combination chemotherapy in 227 patients of the high-risk GTT were divided such as 49 cases of combination chemotherapy with MTX + folinic acid and Act-D, 40 cases of MAC regimen, 42 cases of CHAMOCA regimen, and 96 cases of EMA/CO. Initial tumor response according to hCG titer decrease was found in good response (log fall) 69.8%, of EMA /CO regimen group. On the other hand, good response was shown in only 24.5% of MTX + ACT-D, 32.5% of MAC regimen, and 52.4%, of CHAMOCA regimen respectively. Remission rate of EMA/CO regimen was 90.6% (87/96) and courses of chemotherapy until remission was 8.5 ± 2.2. However, remission rate of other regimens of MTX + Act-D, MAC, and CHAMOCA were 63.3%, ( 31 49 ) 67.5% ( 27 40 ) and 76.2% ( 32 45 ) respectively, with 10.0 ± 4.0, 10.7 ± 4.3, 9.1 ± 3.9 chemotherapy courses respectively until remission. Therefore, EMA/CO regimen groups were found to have low drug toxicity, early remission and a low failure rate. In the study of independent risk factors in the 165 cases of high-risk gestational trophoblastic tumor patients received EMA/CO regimen, stepwise Coxs proportional hazard's regression of prognostic factors using multivariate analysis revealed tumor age, number of metastatic organs, metastatic site and inadequate previous chemotherapy. According to the performance of fitted logistic regression model, the prediction rate of death and survival was 80.5%. Conclusions: The most effective chemotherapy to high-risk GTT was EMA/CO regimen than other regimens. The following factors showed poor prognosis; 1) Tumor age is over 12 month, 2) more than 2 organs had metastatic lesion, 3) inadequate previous therapy that includes unplanned operation and inadequate previous chemotherapy.
The measurement of chemiluminescence, aggregation, and 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid production of n-formyl-methioninyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Abstract Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) which had been treated with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) or indomethacin were stimulated with varying doses of n -formyl-methioninyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Aggregation and chemiluminescence (CL) were simulta-neously measured. Supernatant solutions were obtained and saved from cells stimulated with 10 −6 M FMLP. These solutions were assayed for 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) using radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques and used as a measure of 5-lipoxygenase (LO) activity. It was found that 10 −5 M NDGA inhibited CL from PMNs stimulated with FMLP. However, NDGA had much less effect on aggregation of these cells. Indomethacin had little effect on PMN aggregation and less effect on CL than NDGA following FMLP stimulation. Indomethacin (10 −5 M ) did inhibit CL stimulated with FMLP at FMLP doses of 10 −7 and 10 −6 M but had no effect of CL at FMLP doses of 10 −5 M . Finally, RIA for 5-HETE showed that the effects of NDGA and indomethacin on 5-HETE production could be correlated with their effects on CL responses of cells stimulated with 10 −6 M FMLP. These results support two conclusions. First, PMN-CL and LO activity may be correlated. Second, PMN-CL is not necessarily associated with PMN aggregation. These observations may indicate that LO products are not necessary for PMN aggregation to occur.
Association between rotation-related impairments and activity type in people with and without low back pain

Abstract Objective To determine whether people with low back pain (LBP) who regularly participated in a rotation-related activity displayed more rotation-related impairments than people without LBP who did and did not participate in the activity. Design Secondary analysis of data from a case-control study. Setting Musculoskeletal analysis laboratory at an academic medical center. Participants A convenience sample of participants with LBP (n=55) who participated in a rotation-related sport, back-healthy controls (n=26) who participated in a rotation-related sport, and back-healthy controls (n=42) who did not participate in a rotation-related sport. Participants were matched based on age, sex, and activity level. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The total number of rotation-related impairments and asymmetrical rotation-related impairments identified during a standardized clinical examination. Results Compared with the back-healthy controls who do not play a rotation-related sport group, both the LBP and back-healthy controls who play a rotation-related sport groups displayed significantly more (1) rotation-related impairments (LBP, P P =.015), (2) asymmetrical rotation-related impairments (LBP, P =.006; back-healthy controls who play a rotation-related sport, P =.020), and (3) rotation-related impairments with trunk movement tests (LBP, P =.002; back-healthy controls who play a rotation-related sport, P P =.011; back-healthy controls who do not play a rotation-related sport, P Conclusions The LBP and back-healthy controls who play a rotation-related sport groups demonstrated a similar number of total rotation-related impairments and asymmetrical rotation-related impairments, and these numbers were greater than those of the back-healthy controls who do not play a rotation-related sport group. Compared with people without LBP, people with LBP displayed more rotation-related impairments when moving an extremity. These findings suggest that impairments associated with extremity movements may be associated with having an LBP condition.
Students’ Photo Perceptions of Hospitality and Tourism in a Community: A Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Case Study

Researchers have used photographs in studies of hospitality and tourism; however, little literature exists on the use of visual methods as teaching tools. This case study explains how a project involving students’ own photo reflections of hospitality and tourism in a community was implemented. Background information on the use of photos in research and teaching is provided, including the use of photovoice. Then methods used in the project are summarized, results of a survey of the students are presented, and student reflections on the project provide further information about how photos can be used in hospitality and tourism education.
The Dissociation Rate of a Winged Helix Protein–DNA Complex Is Influenced by Non-DNA Contact Residues

Abstract The dissociation constants and the half-lives of the DNA complexes of winged helix protein Genesis and its mutants were investigated. Our data show that substitutions of non-DNA contact residues in the two highly dynamic wing sequences dramatically change the off rates of the complexes. Thus, our data indicate that the off rate of a DNA complex is encoded in the amino acid sequence of the DNA-binding protein and/or should be a unique property for a protein–DNA complex. Our data also indicate that the local structural transition of a DNA-binding protein in its DNA recognition process is likely to go through a transition state, which can control the on and off rates of a complex.
Asymmetry of the calves in the assessment of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism.

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate measured asymmetry of the calves in the assessment of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods Patients randomized for pulmonary angiography in the collaborative study of the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) were evaluated. Only patients in whom the circumference of the calves was measured were included in this evaluation of PIOPED data. Among these, 232 had angiographically diagnosed PE and 446 had no PE by angiography. For purposes of comparison, measurements of the calves also were made in a nonrandomized current cohort of 101 healthy subjects. All calf measurements were made 10 cm below the tibial tuberosity. Results Asymmetry in the circumference of the calves of 1 cm or more was measured in 101 of 232 or 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37 to 51%) with PE, 176 of 446 or 39% (95% CI, 34 to 44%) without PE, and in 6 of 101 or 6% (95% CI, 1 to 11%) control subjects (PE vs control subjects, p Conclusion Asymmetry of the calves of 1 cm or more is abnormal. Such asymmetry of the calves did not distinguish between patients with PE and those with no PE. When considered in proper perspective with other nonspecific signs and symptoms in patients with suspected acute PE, however, subtle calf asymmetry may call attention to the possibility of thromboembolic disease. The observation of subtle asymmetry may indicate a need for noninvasive diagnostic tests of the lower extremities to determine whether deep venous thrombosis is present.
Wet and dry deposition of phosphorus into Lake Huron

The deposition rates for wet, dry, and integrated fallout of P to the southern portion of Lake Huron were determined. Samples were analyzed for water-soluble, acid (pH =2) soluble, and insoluble (bound) P. The term ‘available P’ was used to indicate the sum of the water- and acid-soluble fractions of P in each type of input. Of the integrated fallout samples, approximately one-third was present as available P. The deposition rate for dry fallout of available P was determined to be 1.7 ng cm−2 day−1. The wet deposition rate was estimated to be 2.2 ng cm−2 day−1 for available P. Total fallout of available P, determined from shore-based integrated fallout collectors, was calculated to occur at a rate of 6.5 ng cm−2 day−1. The difference between the wet-plus-dry deposition and the integrated deposition rates has been ascribed to the contamination of integrated fallout collectors by local sources (roads, agricultural activity, etc.) though attempts were made to minimize this problem. The presence of large quantities of biological material (pollen, algae, insect larvae) accounted for a large fraction of the difference observed, especially in the spring months.
Cobalt Silicidation on Sub 100nm Hole Patterned Vertical Diode Formed by Silicon Epitaxial Growth and Its Electrical Properties

Self-aligned Cobalt silicide as ohmic contact layer on sub 100 nm hole patterned Si vertical diode formed by silicon epitaxial growth (SEG) is investigated and silicon epitaxial growth of higher than 4000 A thickness and good crystalinity for PN diode has been successfully developed. Also, electrical isolation of 100 nm pitch size between diode and diode, and removal of unreacted Co/Ti/TiN layer have been realized by dip-out process without CMP simultaneously. Through the mechanism of void formation due to the variation of Si consumption rate during silicidation at limited hole pattern dimension, critical Co and Capping Ti thickness are investigated as various hole dimensions (80∼120 nm), and then with p+ type dopant species (49BF2, 11B). The ratio of Co thickness to hole dimension demonstrates void free cobalt silcidation on various pattern sizes of silicon epitaxial growth. Silicon epitaxial growing PN diodes including void free CoSi2 show excellent electrical performance, especially lower than 10 pA reverse off leakage current.
U.S. health professionals' views on obesity care, training, and self-efficacy.

Background Despite emphasis of recent guidelines on multidisciplinary teams for collaborative weight management, little is known about non-physician health professionals' perspectives on obesity, their weight management training, and self-efficacy for obesity care. Purpose To evaluate differences in health professionals' perspectives on (1) the causes of obesity; (2) training in weight management; and (3) self-efficacy for providing obesity care. Methods Data were obtained from a cross-sectional Internet-based survey of 500 U.S. health professionals from nutrition, nursing, behavioral/mental health, exercise, and pharmacy (collected from January 20 through February 5, 2014). Inferences were derived using logistic regression adjusting for age and education (analyzed in 2014). Results Nearly all non-physician health professionals, regardless of specialty, cited individual-level factors, such as overconsumption of food (97%), as important causes of obesity. Nutrition professionals were significantly more likely to report high-quality training in weight management (78%) than the other professionals (nursing, 53%; behavioral/mental health, 32%; exercise, 50%; pharmacy, 47%; p p p Conclusions Nursing, behavioral/mental health, exercise, and pharmacy professionals may need additional training in weight management and obesity care to effectively participate in collaborative weight management models.
Two Polymorphic Residues Account for the Differences in DNA Binding and Transcriptional Activation by NF-κB Proteins Encoded by Naturally Occurring Alleles in Nematostella vectensis

The NF-κB family of transcription factors is activated in response to many environmental and biological stresses, and plays a key role in innate immunity across a broad evolutionary expanse of animals. A simple NF-κB pathway is present in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, an important model organism in the phylum Cnidaria. Nematostella has previously been shown to have two naturally occurring NF-κB alleles (Nv-NF-κB-C and Nv-NF-κB-S) that encode proteins with different DNA-binding and transactivation abilities. We show here that polymorphic residues 67 (Cys vs. Ser) and 269 (Ala vs. Glu) play complementary roles in determining the DNA-binding activity of the NF-κB proteins encoded by these two alleles and that residue 67 is primarily responsible for the difference in their transactivation ability. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Nv-NF-κB-S is the derived allele, consistent with its restricted geographic distribution. These results define polymorphic residues that are important for the DNA-binding and transactivating activities of two naturally occurring variants of Nv-NF-κB. The implications for the appearance of the two Nv-NF-κB alleles in natural populations of sea anemones are discussed.
Photodynamic activity of lutetium-texaphyrin in a mouse tumor system.

Background and Objective New photosensitizers proposed for photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment of tumors need to be evaluated in animal models to determine the parameters needed for treatment. They also need to be compared with existing photosensitizers for efficacy. We examined the PDT response to lutetium-texaphyrin (PCI-0123) in a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma model and compared it with the PDT response seen when using Photofrin®. Study Design/Materials and Methods DBA/2 mice with SMT-F tumors were used to explore PCI-0123 toxicity, laser light dose, and drug dose effects on PDT response and to determine the most effective time for light application. The PDT response of PCI-0123-treated tumors was compared with that of Photofrin®-treated tumors. Results Treatment of tumors with 150 J/cm2 of 740 nm laser light 5–6 hr after PCI-0123 administration (40 mg/kg) resulted in a 100% response rate and a 55% cure rate. Tumors treated with 150 J/cm2 of 630 nm laser light 24 hr after Photofrin® administration (10 mg/kg) resulted in a 67% response rate and a 16% cure rate. Conclusion PCI-0123 was found to be a more effective photosensitizer than Photofrin®. Lasers Surg. Med. 24:276–284, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Differential Polarization Microscopy: A New Imaging Technique

A new method of obtaining images from biological specimens is presented. It is based on the fact that the molecular anisotropy of the object can be exploited by using polarized incident light. If a difference image of the object is obtained by using two orthogonal polarizations, the resulting image is found to be a bi-dimensional mapping ot the object's amsotropy. A prototype of a microscope capable of generating these differential images has been constructed and the results as applied to the study of sickled red blood cells are presented. Future applications and the potentialities of this novel technique are discussed.
Hand controller design requirements and performance issues in telerobotics

The paper examines some of the design and performance issues relevant to designers and users of hand controllers as a man-machine interface in telerobotic systems. The focus is on universal six degree-of-freedom (6-dof), force-reflecting hand controllers (FRHC's) for which various parameters are discussed and quantified to facilitate a comparison among competing FRHC designs. >
Subacute osteoporotic compression fracture: misleading magnetic resonance appearance

Three patients with benign subacute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are presented. T1 weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images (SE 500/30) showed decreased vertebral signal. Because the results of the MR examination were thought to indicate malignant disease, extensive medical workups, including one biopsy, were pursued in all three patients. Routine (SE 500/30) spin-echo pulse sequences cannot definitively distinguish between benign and malignant vertebral compression fractures.
Value of Antibiotics in Rations for Egg Production

Abstract LITTLE data have become available regarding the value of various growth-stimulating antibiotics upon egg production. Carver et al. (1951) found that neither aureomycin nor terramycin improved egg production when included in an all-plant diet or one containing fish meal. Halbrook and Beeckler (1951) supplemented a laying ration containing animal proteins with a vitamin B12-antibiotic supplement and obtained no consistent improvement in egg production or livability. Similar results were reported by Sunde et al. (1951). In contrast, Reid et al. (1951), using an all-plant diet, reported improved egg production from feeding 1 percent of an aureomycin product and also from feeding 66 mg. aureomycin hydrochloride per kilogram of diet. Petersen et al. (1952) obtained increased egg production from the addition of 0.25 percent of a vitamin B12-aureomycin product when fed to hens on wire and given an all-plant diet. The increase may have been due in part or wholly to the . . .
Modulation of tumor necrosis factor release from alveolar macrophages treated with pentamidine isethionate.

Abstract Alveolar macrophages in AIDS patients have a marked increase in tumor necrosis factor release in active Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. We have demonstrated that pentamidine, an aromatic diamidine currently used to treat AIDS-related P. carinii pneumonia, is an effective inhibitor of cellular tumor necrosis factor release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat alveolar macrophages at concentrations >10 −8 M. Inhibition of release is not dependent upon the continued presence of pentamidine in the culture medium during the release phase. In addition, this blockage occurs at neither the transcriptional level as determined by Northern blot analysis nor the translational level as determined by Western blot analysis. Timed addition studies suggest that pentamidine is targeting relatively early events following lipopolysaccharide administration. Pentamidine appears to alter early lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular processes associated with the release of tumor necrosis factor from macrophages.
A COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR DETECTING BACTERIOPHAGE CONTAMINATION OF TISSUE CULTURE SERA

Detection of bacteriophage contamination of tissue culture sera by direct plating has been compared with detection methods based on batch enrichment and on the Poisson distribution (PD plating). Batch enrichment is extremely sensitive for detecting the presence of phage contamination. PD plating combines sensitive, withy isolation of each contaminating phage in pure culture. Both batch enrichment and PD plating are more sensitive than direct plating. Neither method requires highly trained personnel or specialized equipment.
Pulsed, single-mode cavity ringdown spectroscopy

We discuss the use of single-mode cavity ringdown spectroscopy with pulsed lasers for quantitative gas density and line strength measurements. The single-mode approach to cavity ringdown spectroscopy gives single exponential decay signals without mode beating, which allows measurements with uncertainties near the shot-noise limit. The technique is demonstrated with a 10-cm-long ringdown cavity and a pulsed, frequency-stabilized optical parametric oscillator as the light source. A noise-equivalent absorption coefficient of 5 x 10(-10) cm(-1) Hz(-1/2) is demonstrated, and the relative standard deviation in the ringdown time (sigma(tau)/tau) extracted from a fit to an individual ringdown curve is found to be the same as that for an ensemble of hundreds of independent measurements. Repeated measurement of a line strength is shown to have a standard deviation <0.3%. The effects of normally distributed noise on quantities measured using cavity ringdown spectroscopy are discussed, formulas for the relative standard deviation in the ringdown time are given in the shot- and technical-noise limits, and the noise-equivalent absorption coefficient in these limits are compared for pulsed and continuous-wave light sources.
Electronic structure and properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ, a low dimensional, low density of states superconductor

Abstract The electronic structure of the high T c superconductor, YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ , determined from highly precise all-electron local density calculations yields a relatively simple highly 2D electronic band structure consisting of two 2D Cu2-O and two 1D Cu1-O bands (one almost empty and one almost full at δ =0, becoming full at δ ⩾0.1) near E F . Detailed features (multi-peaks) of the density of states (DOS) are correlated with the band structure of the 36 Cu-O band complex. Surprising features include: (i) the low DOS at E F , especially for δ ⩾0.1 which is much longer than that in La 2− x Sr x CuO 4 - in agreement with experiment - and (ii) a relatively large magnetic Stoner factor.
NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTER GRAPHICS IN PRODUCTION ECONOMICS

This paper illustrates the usefulness of high-resolution computer graphics to illustrate constrained optimization problems in production economics. A third degree polynomial production function reveals that for sufficiently small input levels, concave isoquants could occur within the region enclosed by the ridge lines. Another feature is the ability to reveal the function that is maximized or minimized in the constrained optimization problem and to see the linkages between the shape of the isoquants (product transformation and isocost curves) and the shape of the function being maximized in the constrained optimization problem. These techniques also permit a better understanding of the product-space counterparts to the factor space production surface. We also show that empirical analyses can benefit from computer graphics, particularly analyses employing flexible functional forms.
Turbulent drag reduction of polyacrylamide solutions: effect of degradation on molecular weight distribution

Abstract The relationship of turbulent drag reduction to molecular weight and molecular weight distribution has been investigated for aqueous polyacrylamide (PAM) solutions of concentration 200, 500 and 1000 ppm. Drag reduction experiments were carried out by circulating solutions in a rectangular flow channel having a flat wall and a wavy wall. In situ measurements of the velocity field were made using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Rheological and rheo-optical measurements carried out over a range of shear rates were used to determine the extent of shear-induced structure formation in the solutions. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Results showed that diminution of the drag reduction does not always correlate with loss in molecular weight. Long intervals were observed in which the loss of drag reduction occurred at constant molecular weight distribution. In combination with earlier results reported for HPAM solutions, these results support the notion that molecular aggregation could be an important factor in understanding and applying polymer drag reduction.
Lime-boring algae in hermatypic coral skeletons

Measurements on the green bands produced by endolithic algae in the genus Ostreobium (Chlorophyta: Siphonales) within massive coral skeletons indicate: 1. (1) that the algal bands are farther from the skeletal surface in the tops than sides of heads 2. (2) that multiple algal bands in Parites lutea Milne Edwards & Haime have a periodicity (9.5 mm) slightly greater than but within the range of mean annual P. lutea growth rate (x = 7.6 mm/yr, range: 3.5–11.8 mm/yr) 3. (3) that algal bands are farther from the skeletal surface in corals with high bulk density, probably because such skeletons transmit more light than low-density skeletons 4. (4) that the distance of the algal band from the skeletal surface is inversely correlated with water depth in some corals; and 5. (5) that the distance between the algal band and skeletal surface is not correlated with individual coral growth rates. Calcite, reported to occur in P. lobata Dana and known to precipitate on algal filaments in marine sediments, was not detected in the skeletons of P. lutea, Favia pallida (Dana) or Goniastrea retiformis (Lamarck), suggesting that Ostreobium is not a template for calcite formation in live corals.
Two Novel DEG/ENaC Channel Subunits Expressed in Glia Are Needed for Nose-Touch Sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Neuronal DEG/ENaC (degenerin and epithelial Na+ channel) Na+ channels have been implicated in touch sensation. For example, MEC-4 is expressed in touch neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans and mediates gentle-touch response. Similarly, homologous mammalian ASIC2 and ASIC3 are expressed in sensory neurons and produce touch phenotypes when knocked out in mice. Here, we show that novel DEG/ENaC subunits DELM-1 and DELM-2 (degenerin-like channel mechanosensory linked-1 and degenerin-like channel mechanosensory linked-2) are expressed in glia associated with touch neurons in C. elegans and that their knock-out causes defects in mechanosensory behaviors related to nose touch and foraging, which are mediated by OLQ and IL1 sensory neurons. Cell-specific rescue supports that DELM-1 and DELM-2 are required cell-autonomously in glia to orchestrate mechanosensory behaviors. Electron microscopy reveals that in delm-1 knock-outs, OLQ and IL1 sensory neurons and associated glia are structurally normal. Furthermore, we show that knock-out of DELM-1 and DELM-2 does not disrupt the expression or cellular localization of TRPA-1, a TRP channel needed in OLQ and IL1 neurons for touch behaviors. Rather, rescue of the delm-1 nose-touch-insensitive phenotype by expression of a K+ channel in socket glia and of a cationic channel in OLQ neurons suggests that DELM channels set basal neuronal excitability. Together, our data show that DELM-1 and DELM-2 are expressed in glia associated with touch neurons where they are not needed for neuronal structural integrity or cellular distribution of neuronal sensory channels, but rather for their function.
Avirulent Salmonella typhimurium Δcya Δcrp oral vaccine strains expressing a streptococcal colonization and virulence antigen

Salmonella typhimurium SR-11 strains lacking adenylate cyclase and the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) due to deletion (delta) mutations in the cya and crp genes, respectively, are avirulent for mice and induce high level protective immunity against subsequent challenge with wild-type virulent S. typhimurium SR-11 cells. The avirulence of these delta cya delta crp mutants has been enhanced by elimination of the 100 kb virulence plasmid pStSR100 without impairing immunogenicity. The present report confirms the avirulence and immunogenicity of these mutant strains, demonstrates that immunization of both four- and eight-week-old mice has no adverse effect on weight gain, and that immunity lasts at least ninety days following initial immunization. Avirulent S. typhimurium strains have been endowed with the ability to produce several streptococcal colonization and virulence antigens for the purpose of constructing recombinant bivalent oral vaccine strains. Important antigenic determinants of the Streptococcus sobrinus surface protein antigen A (SpaA), presumed to be a critical colonization antigen of S. sobrinus, are expressed at high level by the delta cya delta crp S. typhimurium strains. The recombinant vaccine strains are stable in vitro and in animals (for a period of at least eight days) where they localize to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
Unbelievable Thoughts and Doxastic Oughts

From the dictum ought implies can, it has been argued that no account of belief's normativity can avoid the unpalatable result that, for unbelievable propositions such as “It is raining and nobody believes that it is raining”, one ought not to believe them even if true. In this article, I argue that this move only succeeds on a faulty assumption about the conjunction of doxastic “oughts.”
Classroom behaviors of preschool children with and without developmental disabilities

Abstract This study compares the classroom social and task-mastery behaviors of two groups of 3-year-old children with disabilities (n = 49 with Down syndrome andn = 33 with mild to moderate mental retardation) with two groups of typically developing children (n = 41 at 2 years old andn = 47 at 3 years old). Both samples of children with disabilities demonstrated lower levels of task mastery skills in comparison to typically developing children. The social behaviors of both samples of children with disabilities were more advanced than the 2-year-old comparison sample but less advanced than the 3-year-olds. Children with developmental disabilities were more involved in interactions with teachers than typically developing children. Children with Down syndrome exhibited some differences, especially in social interaction, in comparison to children with other forms of mental retardation.
La Crosse Virus Infection of Aedes triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Ovaries Before Dissemination of Virus From the Midgut

La Crosse (LAC) virus is efficiently transmitted transovarially by the mosquito Aedes triseriatus (Say). To determine the time course and tropisms of LAC virus infection of ovaries, immunofluorescent antibody staining, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to detect viral antigen and RNA in the ovaries. LAC virus was detected in the ovaries (presumably in calyx tissues) by all 3 assays at day 2 after infection and before dissemination from the midgut on day 6. Apparently, ovaries can become infected by mechanisms other than by dissemination of virus from a midgut infection. By days 8–14 after infection, virus analytes became detectable in many tissues within the ovary including follicular epithelium, oocytes, nurse cells, and calyx, reflecting the remarkable host parasite relationship between LAC virus and its mosquito vector.
Hypertrichosis of vellus hairs of the malar region after unilateral treatment with bimatoprost.

Abstract Purpose To report hypertrichosis and increased pigmentation of vellus hairs of the malar region associated with topical bimatoprost usage. Design Interventional case report Methods In a female Hispanic patient with open-angle glaucoma, hypertrichosis, and increased pigmentation of the vellus hairs of the malar region developed after 8 weeks of unilateral treatment with bimatoprost. Increased growth of eyelashes was also noted. Results Bimatoprost was discontinued, with the intention of monitoring for resolution of hypertrichosis. The patient epilated the hair because of poor cosmetic appearance. Two months after epilating the hair, growth did not recur. Conclusions Increased hair growth in the malar region can be an early side effect of topical use of ocular bimatoprost.
Laryngeal Activity During Swallow, Phonation, and the Valsalva Maneuver: An Electromyographic Analysis

To better understand the mechanisms of airway protection during swallow, the authors of this study performed an electromyographic (EMG) analysis on the thyroarytenoid (TA) and interarytenoid (IA) muscles during a variety of tasks. The tasks included high, low, and comfortable pitch phonation, the Valsalva maneuver, saliva swallow, and 5- and 10-mL water swallows. Raw EMG signals were analyzed to obtain root mean square data, which correspond to a relative magnitude of muscle activation. The data show that both TA and IA muscles generate a similar level of relative activation, with the greatest electrical activity observed during swallow tasks followed by the Valsalva maneuver and phonation. The duration, onset, offset, and pattern of activity during the swallowing tasks also showed close synchronization between the two muscles. These data can be used in designing therapy for voice disorders and pharyngeal dysphagia.
What moves public opinion

Democratic theory must pay attention to what influences public opinion. In this study the content of network television news is shown to account for a high proportion of aggregate changes (from one survey to another) in U.S. citizens' policy preferences. Different news sources have different effects. News commentators (perhaps reflecting elite or national consensus or media biases) have a very strong positive impact, as do experts. Popular presidents tend to have positive effects, while unpopular presidents do not. In contrast, special interest groups tend to have a negative impact.
Gendered institutions and gender roles: understanding the experiences of women in policing

Men are disproportionately represented in many institutions including law, politics, the academy, and the economy. Women have made great strides in increasing representation in many of these professions with the exception of policing; where police departments have had difficulty hiring, retaining, and promoting female officers. The available literature on women in policing, however, is largely atheoretical and does not thoroughly address advancement barriers and the retention of women. To address this gap in the literature, this article utilizes Acker’s theory of gendered institutions to provide a historical review of women’s experiences in law enforcement. Acker’s four gendered processes are used to organize the existing literature regarding women’s experiences as well as coping and adaptation strategies in the gendered institution of policing. Finally, implications are explored and an agenda for future research is discussed.
Evidence of DNA Bending in Transcription Complexes Imaged by Scanning Force Microscopy

Complexes of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase with DNA containing the lambda PL promoter have been deposited on mica and imaged in air with a scanning force microscope. The topographic images reveal the gross spatial relations of the polymerase relative to the DNA template. The DNA appears bent in open promoter complexes containing RNA polymerase bound to the promoter and appears more severely bent in elongation complexes in which RNA polymerase has synthesized a 15-nucleotide transcript. This difference could be related to the conformational changes that accompany the maturation of open promoter complexes into elongation complexes and suggests that formation of the elongation complex involves a considerable modification of the spatial relations between the polymerase and the DNA template.