cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid evolution as a possible constraint on emerging infectious diseases

SUMMARY 1. Emerging infectious diseases may decimate populations or become endemic, but such worst-case scenarios do not occur as frequently as might be expected, even for virulent parasites. 2. One explanation for this apparent paradox is that rapid evolution of host resistance may diminish or terminate epidemics. Theoretical and empirical studies have shown that evolution in host–parasite systems can dramatically alter the prevalence and intensity of infection. 3. The potential for rapid evolution to protect host populations from negative effects of virulent parasites depends on the type of parasite-driven evolution that occurs. In some host–parasite systems, evolution of increased host resistance can terminate epidemics. However, evolution resulting from parasite-mediated disruptive selection might actually allow a disease to persist in the host population. Epidemics may also be sustained through coevolution of the parasite. 4. The rate of evolution and subsequent disease dynamics will be affected by both the diversity of the host population and the community context in which the host–parasite interaction is embedded. Predators, competitors and food resources can all affect the rates of evolution of hosts and parasites and interact with evolution to determine the outcome of epidemics. 5. Freshwater organisms have played an important role in the studies of eco-evolutionary dynamics. Rapid evolution in response to parasitism has been demonstrated in multiple freshwater host species, which appears to have protected some of these populations from the virulent effects of infectious diseases. 6. Studies of emerging infectious diseases in freshwater ecosystems should consider the possibility of evolution of hosts and ⁄ or parasites on ecological timescales, since this phenomenon can profoundly affect disease dynamics.
PDGF-driven proliferation, migration, and IL8 chemokine secretion in human corneal fibroblasts involve JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway.

Purpose Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is associated with corneal fibroblast migration and proliferation and plays an important role in corneal wound healing. However, the intracellular mechanisms of PDGF-mediated functions in corneal fibroblasts are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that PDGF functional activities in the cornea involve the Janus kinase-2/signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (JAK2-STAT3) signaling pathway and whether PDGF induces the expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), belonging to the novel family of feedback regulators of cytokine and growth factor activities. Methods Human corneal fibroblast (HSF) cultures were used as an in vitro model for functional analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed to quantify gene expression. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques were used to measure protein expression. Cell growth, migration, and ELISA assays were used for functional validation. Results Low endogenous levels of STAT3 and SOCS3 mRNA and protein expression were noted in HSFs. PDGF treatment of HSF significantly induced SOCS3 mRNA (3.0-4.5 fold) and protein (1.5-2.5 fold) expression in a time-dependent manner. Similarly, PDGF treatment of HSF significantly increased STAT3 protein expression at two tested time points (2.5-2.96 fold). Cultures exposed to vehicle (control) did not show any change in SOCS3 and STAT3 mRNA or protein expression. An addition of AG-490, a selective inhibitor of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, significantly inhibited PDGF-mediated STAT3 induction and cell growth and migration in HSF. We also observed that PDGF induced interleukin-8 (IL8) chemokine secretion (2 fold) and AG-490 inhibited IL8 secretion. Conclusions Our data showed that PDGF induced STAT3, SOCS3, and IL8 chemokine secretion in human corneal fibroblasts. Further, PDGF-induced cell growth, migration, and IL8 secretion in corneal fibroblast involve the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway.
Isolation and characterization of SUA5, a novel gene required for normal growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have identified the sua5 locus as a suppressor of an aberrant ATG codon located in the leader region of the cyc1 gene. The sua5-1 allele enhances the iso-1-cytochrome c steady state level in the cyc1-1019 mutant from 2% to approximately 60% of normal (Cyc+) and also confers a marked slow growth (Slg-) phenotype. Suppression is not a consequence of altered transcription initiation at the cyc1 locus. The SUA5 wild-type gene was isolated and sequenced, revealing an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a potential protein of 46,537 Da. SUA5 transcript analyses were consistent with expression of the predicted ORF and Sua5 antisera detected a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 44 kDa. SUA5 was mapped to chromosome VII, immediately adjacent to the PMR1 gene. Hybridization analysis revealed the presence of a related gene on chromosome XII. Neither the SUA5 DNA sequence nor deduced amino acid sequence showed homology to any sequences in the data banks. Disruption of SUA5 conferred the same Cyc+ and Slg- phenotypes as the sua5-1 suppressor, which is the result of a missense mutation, encoding a Ser107----Phe replacement. In addition, sua5 null mutants lack cytochrome a.a3 and fail to grow on lactate or glycerol medium. These results define SUA5 as a new gene encoding a novel protein that is necessary for normal cell growth.
Strength and Debye temperature measurements of cerium across the γ → α volume collapse: the lattice contribution.

The longitudinal and transverse sound speeds, cL and cT, of polycrystalline cerium were measured under pressure across the iso-structural γ–α phase transition at 0.75 GPa to beyond 3 GPa. In contrast to previous methods all quantities were directly obtained and no assumptions were made about the size of the volume collapse. Up to the transition our values for cL are in excellent agreement with previous ones, while our values for cT are significantly lower. We deduce values for the adiabatic bulk modulus BS, the shear modulus , and the pressure dependent Debye temperature, ΘD(p). ΘD(p) is in good agreement with recent results derived from phonon dispersion measurements on single crystals. The ratio of the Debye temperature values bracketing the transition indicates a lattice contribution to the entropy change across the volume collapse, ΔSvib(γ → α) ≈ (0.68 ± 0.06)kB, consistent with previous results obtained by neutron scattering, but significantly larger than other previously determined values.
A critical comparison between the two current methods of viewing frozen, live cells in the electron microscope: cryo-electron microscopic tomography versus "deep-etch" electron microscopy

The ultimate goal of cell biology is to understand how all of the many different sorts of molecular machines in the living cell operate in situ, and ultimately, to understand how the concerted activity of all these machines is coordinated or integrated into a whole, to create the behavior of the living cell. Electron microscopy can help to answer these questions, if it can reach the level of resolving individual macromolecules in whole cells, and if it can reach this level of resolution without at the same time introducing gross distortions in the arrangement of these molecules or in the architecture of the cell's cytoplasm, in general. The aim of this article is to compare and contrast the two major approaches that electron microscopists are using today, in their efforts to achieve this broad, ambitious goal. Biomedical Reviews 2001; 12: 11-29.
Cu(NH3)1-3 Complexes: A Matrix Isolation ESR Study

The interaction between Cu atoms and ammonia molecules cocondensed in argon matrices was examined by ESR. The observed spectra revealed the formation of Cu(NH3)1-3 complexes. The g tensors and the ...
Rapid isolation of single malaria parasite-infected red blood cells by cell sorting

Malaria research often requires isolation of individually infected red blood cells (RBCs) or of a homogenous parasite population derived from a single parasite (clone). Traditionally, isolation of individual, parasitized RBCs or parasite cloning is achieved by limiting dilution or micromanipulation. This protocol describes a method for more efficient cloning of the malaria parasite; the method uses a cell sorter to rapidly isolate Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs singly. By gating the parameters of forward-angle light scatter and side-angle light scatter in a cell sorter, singly infected RBCs can be isolated and automatically deposited into a 96-well culture plate within 1 min. Including a Percoll purification step; the entire procedure to seed a 96-well plate with singly infected RBCs can take <40 min. This highly efficient single-cell sorting protocol should be useful for cloning of both laboratory parasite populations from genetic manipulation experiments and clinical samples.
Capture and indirect detection of inelastic dark matter

We compute the capture rate for dark matter in the Sun for models where the dominant interaction with nuclei is inelastic--the dark matter up-scatters to a nearby dark ''partner'' state with a small splitting of the order of 100 keV. Such models have been shown to be compatible with DAMA/LIBRA data, as well as data from all other direct detection experiments. The kinematics of inelastic dark matter ensures that the dominant contribution to capture occurs from scattering off of iron. We give a prediction for neutrino rates for current and future neutrino telescopes based on the results from current direct detection experiments. Current bounds from Super-Kamiokande and IceCube-22 significantly constrain these models, assuming annihilations are into two-body standard model final states, such as W{sup +}W{sup -}, tt, bb, or {tau}{sup +{tau}-}. Annihilations into first and second generation quarks and leptons are generally allowed, as are annihilations into new force carriers which decay dominantly into e{sup +}e{sup -}, {mu}{sup +{mu}-}, and {pi}{sup +{pi}-}.
Furniture Flammability: Fabric Opportunities1

The requirements and interrelationships of federal, state, and industry regulations addressing the issue of smoldering combustion in upholstered furniture are reviewed. An analysis of composite behavior is made with respect to component tests employed. A significant number of cotton and cotton-containing fabrics are examined and classified for cigarette-ignition capacity by a test proposed by the Upholstered Furniture Action Council. The distinction between Class I and Class II behavior is related primarily to fabric weight. Technology available to alter smoldering capacity by chemical treatment is reviewed in a few specific cases.
Critical issues in the design of two-stream relativistic klystron amplifiers

We examine several critical issues concerning beam formation, efficiency optimization, and short-wavelength effects in the design of recently proposed two-stream relativistic klystron amplifiers. A scheme is proposed for producing two annular relativistic electron beams. The optimal efficiency of two-stream RKAs is found to obey a favorable scaling law, and is estimated to be greater than that of nonrelativistic two-stream amplifiers by one order of magnitude. Short-wavelength effects are shown to be significant at high frequencies.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chemistry of the Superoxide Radical (O2-) in Seawater: Reactions with Inorganic Copper Complexes

Copper-catalyzed dismutation has been proposed as an important sink of photoproduced superoxide radical (O2-) in seawater. We have determined the effective rate constants of the reactions of superoxide with Cu(I) and Cu(II) in seawater, using pulse radiolysis and kinetic spectrophotometry. Due to the effects of ionic strength and complexation, the observed rate constants, 1.98(±0.05) × 109 M-1 s-1 and 0.663(±0.071) × 109 M-1 s-1, for Cu(I) and Cu(lI), respectively, are 1 order of magnitude lower than those reported for Cu+ and Cu2+ in low ionic strength media. Measurements of the rate of O2- decay in the presence of catalytic concentrations of dissolved Cu agreed well with predictions based on the independently measured rate constants. Observed steady-state concentrations of Cu(I) in solutions exposed to a constant flux of O2- were also consistent with the measured rate constants. From these results and available data regarding Cu speciation in coastal and open oceans, we calculate that O2- reactions with...
Synthesis of 1,4-annulated cyclooctatetraenophanes based on a novel cubane building block approach.

A general synthetic approach to strained 1,4-annulated cyclooctatetraene-based cyclophanes is described. A key feature in this approach is exploitation of the cubane core as a masked cyclooctatetraene synthon. Thus, 1,4-disubstituted cubanes 3 and 4 used as precursors to cyclooctatetraenophanes have been prepared in four steps from the readily available 1,4-cubanedicarboxaldehyde (5). The synthesis of 3 was effected by palladium/copper-mediated coupling of 1,4-bis[(Z,Z)-2-iodovinyl]cubane (6) and 1,4-bis[(Z,Z)-but-1-en-3-ynyl]cubane (8). For the synthesis of 4, on the other hand, modified Eglington−Glaser coupling was applied for the macrocyclization step. The general characteristic of Rh(I) to induce [2 + 2] cycloreversion of the cubane core to syn-tricyclo[4.2.0.02,5]octa-3,7-diene followed by thermal rearrangement to cyclooctatetraene was applied as a key structural transformation toward targeted cyclooctatetraenophanes 1 and 2.
Changes in the NCCLS breakpoints and laboratory reporting strategies for ceftriaxone/cefotaxime and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Abstract The NCCLS Committee on antimicrobial susceptibility testing published new minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints for ceftriaxone/cefotaxime for isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae . The original, more stringent breakpoints are used for isolates from the meninges, while the one-doubling concentration-higher breakpoints are for isolates from patients without meningitis. These changes were based on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties of ceftriaxone and cefotaxime and on outcome studies. Implementation of these breakpoints required educational intervention with physicians, pharmacists, medical technologists, and computer specialists. Within the past year, these new breakpoints have been implemented in many hospital systems.
Private Schools and the Willingness to Pay for Public Schooling

Abstract Households pay a premium to live in houses assigned to high quality public schools, and the housing market yields information about the demand for public school quality. The current study estimates a two-stage house price hedonic emphasizing the role that private schools play in the willingness to pay for public school quality. The elasticity of house prices with respect to public school quality is 0.15, and 0.04 with respect to private school quality. The price elasticity of demand for public schooling is −1.72, with an income elasticity of 0.31. Public and private schools are substitutes, with a cross-price elasticity of 0.32. A school choice program that reduced private school tuition by 10 percent would reduce the willingness to pay for public school performance by 1.9 percent. The magnitude of the results generally varies markedly between large and small houses, with large houses more responsive to public and private schooling variables.
Preferred orientation in fibers of HiPco single wall carbon nanotubes from diffuse x-ray scattering

Neat Fibers of HiPco single wall carbon nanotubes extruded from strong acid suspensions exhibit preferred orientation along fiber axes. We characterize the extrusion-induced alignment using x-ray fiber diagrams and polarized Raman scattering, using a model which allows for some fraction of the sample to remain completely unaligned. We show that both x-ray and Raman data are required for a complete texture analysis of SWNT fibers.
Children's Grief Narratives in Popular Films

Children's grief narratives, conceptualized as portrayals of the grief process in children, in popular films are examined. Four films focus this study: Snow White, Bambi, The Land Before Time, and ...
An empirical investigation of job stress, social support, service length, and job strain

Abstract Although different approaches to job stress exist, the person—environment fit approach seems to have the widest current acceptance. The most well-developed person—environment (P—E) fit formulation of job stress has been produced by French and his associates at the University of Michigan. The present study evaluated several relationships within the French job stress model, using bus operators from a midwestern transit authority as the sample. Results provided only limited support for the model, and length of service was found to be an important variable to consider in future research. The usefulness of measuring job stress as a discrepancy score and issues regarding the construct validity of P—E fit job stress are also discussed.
EFFECTS OF THE SURFACTANTS ON THE CLEAVAGE AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEA URCHIN EMBRYOS II. DISTURBANCE IN THE ARRANGEMENT OF CORTICAL VESICLES AND CHANGE IN CORTICAL APPEARANCE

After fertilization, two types of cortical vesicles ware examined under the electron microscope (the cortical vesicle I and II) and the light microscope (pigment granules and another kind of vesicles). The cortical vesicle I corresponds to the pigment granule and the cortical vesicle II does to the other vesicle. The unequal division of the sea urchin embryo which occurs at the fourth cleavage was modified to an equal cleavage pattern by the treatment with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). But other surfactants such as sodium deoxycholate, Tween 80, Lubrol PX did not have such an effect. The cell surface of the embryo which had been treated either SLS or CTAB became rough or smooth. Cortical vesicles and pigment granules disappeared and/or were dislocated from the cortex. However, cell organelles were as normal as the control. On the other hand, the cortical appearance of other surfactant-treated embryos showed no disturbance and cell organelles were also more or less normal. Therefore, the equalization of unequal cleavage is caused by the disturbance in the cortex and thus the cortex plays a major role on the micromere formation at the 16-cell stage and on the further sea urchin development.
Manipulation of Ploidy Level in Cultured Haploid Petunia Tissue by Phytohormone Treatments

Summary We have investigated the extent to which auxin and cytokinin affect ploidy changes in cultured, haploid Petunia «Mitchell» (1n = 1x = 7) leaf tissue. This was done by exposing leaf tissue explants to different auxin and cytokinin treatments prior to growth on regeneration medium and counting chromosomes in root tip squashes from regenerated plants. On a standard regeneration medium with no pretreatment, only 7 % of the regenerated plants were haploid, about 48 % were diploid, and most of the rest consisted of mixoploids. Measurement of nuclear DNA content of cultured tissue showed that the leaf cells undergo endomitosis within the first few days on the regeneration medium. Treatment of leaf tissue with 30 to 100 μM benzyladenine for 9 to 12 days prior to culture on regeneration medium had a stabilizing effect on the genome such that 80 % of the regenerates were haploid. In contrast, pretreatment with 50 μM indole-3-acetic acid for two days induced endomitosis and resulted in 90 % of the regenerates being diploid. The link between phytohormones and the mitotic cell cycle demonstrated by these investigations suggests that it may be possible to develop protocols that allow for control of at least one aspect of somaclonal variation in plant tissue cultures.
Age-related reduction of beta-adrenoceptor sensitivity in rat heart occurs by multiple mechanisms.

Myocardial responsiveness to catecholamines was evaluated by measuring isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities in myocardial particulate fractions from Fischer 344 rats of 3, 12, and 24 months of age. Dose-response curves of isoproterenol revealed a progressive increase in the activation constant (Kact) with advancing age. In addition, the maximal velocity (Vmax) for 12- and 24-month-old groups was about. 20–25% lower than for the 3-month-old group. Analysis of receptor-binding data and nonreceptor-mediated enzyme activities suggests that the age-related decrease in Vmax for isoproterenol may result from a loss of myocardial β-receptors, whereas the increase in Kact is probably due to a deficit in the postreceptor components of the receptor-cyclase complex.
The intestinal microbiome and skeletal fitness: Connecting bugs and bones.

Recent advances have dramatically increased our understanding of how organ systems interact. This has been especially true for immunology and bone biology, where the term “osteoimmunology” was coined to capture this relationship. The importance of the microbiome to the immune system has also emerged as a driver of health and disease. It makes sense therefore to ask the question: how does the intestinal microbiome influence bone biology and does dysbiosis promote bone disease? Surprisingly, few studies have analyzed this connection. A broader interpretation of this question reveals many mechanisms whereby the microbiome may affect bone cells. These include effects of the microbiome on immune cells, including myeloid progenitors and Th17 cells, as well as steroid hormones, fatty acids, serotonin and vitamin D. As mechanistic interactions of the microbiome and skeletal system are revealed within and without the immune system, novel strategies to optimize skeletal fitness may emerge.
Obama's Local Connection: Racial Conflict or Solidarity

Local elections in the past four decades have provided valuable data for political scientists to test various hypotheses concerning racial relations in the United States. Past research has shown, for example, that the elections of African American candidates to powerful offices in urban America are closely related to the changing racial demographics of cities (Browning, Marshall, and Tabb 2003). More specifically, racial polarization in a city's mayoral election tends to be at a maximum when whites and blacks each compose about 50% of the city's population. On the other hand, a biracial coalition between whites and blacks led by a charismatic black candidate is more likely to win elections when blacks become a clear majority of the city population (Liu and Vanderleeuw 2007). One remaining question that has increasingly drawn attention from scholars is the condition under which a multiracial coalition may be successfully formed.
Assessment of multiple markers of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in controlled, steady-state atmospheres in a dynamic test chamber.

Controlled test atmospheres of sidestream and mixed mainstream! sidestream tobacco smoke were produced in a dynamic test chamber of 16.9 m3 volume. University of Kentucky 1R4F research cigarettes were automatically smoked by a Borgwaldt smoking machine. Different target levels of smoke were attained by varying the number of cigarettes being smoked (one or two cigarettes continuously) and dilution airflow through the chamber (1.6 to 7.4 m3/min). For each level, a “smoke index” was calculated as the number of cigarettes being smoked divided by the dilution flow rate. Ultraviolet light-absorbing particulate matter (UVPM); aerosol counts and size distribution; and concentrations of CO, NO2, NH3, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and nicotine were determined in the test atmospheres and background dilution air. Parameters exhibiting the highest correlations with smoke index (r2 > 0.98) included UVPM, aerosol counts, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. The other parameters were also highly correlated with r2 > 0...
An immunofluorescent analysis of Drosophila polytene chromosomes with antisera directed against H3, H4, and a native H3-H4 complex.

Abstract Fixed polytene chromosome preparations have been stained by indirect immunofluorescence. Anti-H3 serum and anti-H4 serum cause very intense and highly specific staining of chromosomes. Anti-(H3–H4 complex) serum did not produce staining of chromosomes at a level above background. The results obtained in these staining experiments are in direct contrast to serological results obtained with soluble chromatin. It appears that a unique structure exists within the H3–H4 complex that is not present on the individual histone components. This structure is apparently destroyed or obscured by acetic acid fixation during the preparation of polytene chromosome spreads.
Intensive postoperative glucose control reduces the surgical site infection rates in gynecologic oncology patients

Objective SSI rates after gynecologic oncology surgery vary from 5% to 35%, but are up to 45% in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Strict postoperative glucose control by insulin infusion has been shown to lower morbidity, but not specifically SSI rates. Our project studied continuous postoperative insulin infusion for 24h for gynecologic oncology patients with DM and hyperglycemia with a target blood glucose of Methods We compared SSI rates retrospectively among three groups. Group 1 was composed of patients with DM whose blood glucose was controlled with intermittent subcutaneous insulin injections. Group 2 was composed of patients with DM and postoperative hyperglycemia whose blood glucose was controlled by insulin infusion. Group 3 was composed of patients with neither DM nor hyperglycemia. We controlled for all relevant factors associated with SSI. Results We studied a total of 372 patients. Patients in Group 2 had an SSI rate of 26/135 (19%), similar to patients in Group 3 whose rate was 19/89 (21%). Both were significantly lower than the SSI rate (43/148, 29%) of patients in Group 1. This reduction of 35% is significant (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed an odd ratio = 0.5 (0.28-0.91) in reducing SSI rates after instituting this protocol. Conclusions Initiating intensive glycemic control for 24h after gynecologic oncology surgery in patients with DM and postoperative hyperglycemia lowers the SSI rate by 35% (OR = 0.5) compared to patients receiving intermittent sliding scale insulin and to a rate equivalent to non-diabetics.
Recidivism in stalking and obsessional harassment.

Despite the rapidly growth of mental health attention focused on the phenomenon of stalking, no empirical research to date has attempted to assess the frequency of repeat offending or attempted to identify predictors of recidivism. A total of 148 stalking and harassment offenders who were court-ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation were followed for a period of 2.5–13 years in order to assess the frequency of repeat offenses and the variables that differentiated high versus low risk offenders. Recidivism data were obtained from a variety of sources, including criminal justice records, mental health records, and reports from probation officers and victims. A number of potential “predictor” variables were selected on the basis of the existing recidivism literature in other criminal justice populations. Frequency analysis were used to identify variables that significantly differentiated offenders who did and did not reoffend while survival analysis was used to analyze the impact of these covariates on time to reoffense. A total of 49% of the offenders reoffended during the follow-up period, 80% of whom reoffended during the first year. The strongest predictors of recidivism included the presence of a personality disorder, and in particular, a “Cluster B” personality disorder (i.e., antisocial, borderline, and/or narcissistic). In addition, those offenders with both a personality disorder and a history of substance abuse were significantly more likely to reoffend compared to either of these risk factors alone. Surprisingly, the presence of a delusional disorder (e.g., erotomania) was associated with a lower risk of reoffender. The findings are discussed in terms of the legal system and treatment implications.
PROFESSOR HIGGINS' DILEMMA: ELIZA DOOLITTLE GROWS UP—A REVIEW OF SOURCEBOOK OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT MANUALS FOR ADULT DISORDERS EDITED BY VINCENT VAN HASSELT AND MICHEL HERSEN

Readers of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) will find Van Hasselt and Hersen’s Sourcebook of Psychological Treatment Manuals for Adult Disorders quite interesting reading, but will likely regard it with the ambivalence of a parent watching one’s child doing well in life through slightly nefarious methods. Be prepared, then, for some mixed feelings as you read this highly recommended, very serious work. The list of contributing authors to the Sourcebook reads like a who’s who of contemporary cutting-edge clinical psychology, psychiatry, and social work: Alan Bellack, Kelly Brownell, Paul Emmelkamp, Edna Foa, Michel Hersen, Michael Kozak, Robert Liberman, William Marshall, Vincent Van Hasselt, Robert Weiss, and Stephen Wong, to name the most prominent. The structure of the Sourcebook is a series of chapters that provide fairly operational guidelines for the behavioral treatment of 17 common psychosocial problems: panic disorder and agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression (two chapters!), schizophrenia, sex offending, sexual dysfunctions, losing weight (two chapters!), marital problems, and insomnia, among others. An introductory chapter by Ron Acierno and the editors is titled ‘‘Accountability in Psychological Treatment,’’ and argues well the case that (a)
Vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery: predicting success, risks of failure

Objectives: To identify predictors of successful trial of labor in women after one low transverse Cesarean delivery and no prior deliveries, and to assess perinatal morbidity associated with a failed vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery (VBAC).Methods: Retrospective chart review of women with one low transverse Cesarean delivery in their first pregnancy who delivered their next pregnancy at our institution. Clinical characteristics and intrapartum data were reviewed to identify predictors of successful VBAC. Perinatal outcomes were reviewed to assess morbidity associated with VBAC attempt and failed VBAC.Results: Of 768 women studied, 522 (68%) attempted VBAC and 344 (66%) of these were successful. Uterine rupture occurred in 0.8% of the VBAC group. On initial examination, women with cervical dilation > 1 cm, effacement > 50% and station lower than – 1 were more likely to deliver vaginally. Women with successful VBAC had more spontaneous labor (85.2 vs. 76.4%, p = 0.02) and less oxytocin use (49.7 vs. 70...
Improved measurement of thymidylate synthetase activity by a modified tritium-release assay.

Abstract Accurate quantitation of thymidylate synthetase activity using a tritium-release assay is dependent upon measurement of only that tritium released from deoxy[5- 3 H]uridine monophosphate ([ 3 H]dUMP) during the biosynthesis of thymidylate. Removal of remaining [ 3 H]dUMP on completion of the assay by charcoal adsorption and correction for the nonenzymatic release of tritium are necessary. Although over 99% of [ 3 H]dUMP is removed immediately following addition of charcoal, these studies demonstrate that sufficient [ 3 H]dUMP can remain to prevent accurate measurement of low levels of thymidylate synthetase activity. By delaying measurement of radioactivity for at least 24 h following addition of charcoal, this problem is minimized. To account for nonenzymatic release of tritium, a blank containing enzyme extract with omission of ±, l -5,10- methylenetetrahydrofolate is demonstrated to be more effective than the commonly used blank in which water is substituted for enzyme extract. In samples containing 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP), a potent inhibitor of thymidylate synthetase activity, an alternative blank containing a high concentration of FdUMP (approximately 1mM) is useful in demonstrating a theoretical maximal or complete inhibition of thymidylate synthetase activity.
A study of cyanide oxidation using electrochemical/electrospray mass spectrometry

Abstract Electrochemistry combined with electrospray mass spectrometry has proven to be very effective for investigating electrochemical processes. Results of the electrochemical oxidation of CN − at platinum electrode in acetonitrile using the electrochemical/electrospray mass spectrometric method are reported. Two novel potential-dependent mass peaks are observed in the 3-dimension mass spectra. The mass peak at m / z 130 can be assigned to [C 5 N 5 ] − , which has been previously postulated as the intermediate during the nucleophilic addition of cyanogen to cyanide. We observe another potential-dependent mass peak at m / z 156 which could represent [C 6 N 6 ] − , a trimer of cyanogen, or [C 12 N 12 ] 2− , the dimer of [C 6 N 6 ] − .
Reversal of severe graft-versus-host disease after nonmyeloablative matched unrelated donor stem cell transplant by infusion of backup autologous peripheral blood stem cells.

Reversal of severe graft-versus-host disease after nonmyeloablative matched unrelated donor stem cell transplant by infusion of backup autologous peripheral blood stem cells
Dual-band metamaterial-inspired antenna for mobile applications

In this letter, a metamaterial (MTM) inspired antenna is designed to operate at DCS, GSM1800, WCDMA, and Bluetooth and hence shows good potential to be used in mobile applications. The proposed antenna shows n characteristics with first band (1.61–1.84 GHz) resonant at 1.72 GHz and second (2.08–2.5 GHz) at 2.17 GHz with substrate dimensions of 0.29λo × 0.29λo × 0.01λo. Percentage input impedance bandwidth (S11 < −6 dB) is 13.4% for first and 19.4% for second band, respectively. The proposed antenna shows monopole-like radiation pattern in xz-plane while dipolar-type in yz-plane at both frequencies of operation, respectively. The measured gain of proposed antenna is 1.8 and 1.6 dB at 1.72 and 2.17 GHz with radiation efficiency of 97.2 and 99.1%, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1444–1447, 2015
Numerical solution of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation using tetrahedral finite-element meshes

The automatic three-dimensional mesh generation system for molecular geometries developed in our laboratory is used to solve the Poisson–Boltzmann equation numerically using a finite element method. For a number of different systems, the results are found to be in good agreement with those obtained in finite difference calculations using the DelPhi program as well as with those from boundary element calculations using our triangulated molecular surface. The overall scaling of the method is found to be approximately linear in the number of atoms in the system. The finite element mesh structure can be exploited to compute the gradient of the polarization energy in 10–20% of the time required to solve the equation itself. The resulting timings for the larger systems considered indicate that energies and gradients can be obtained in about half the time required for a finite difference solution to the equation. The development of a multilevel version of the algorithm as well as future applications to structure optimization using molecular mechanics force fields are also discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem18: 1591–1608, 1997
Plasma constituents during incremental treadmill exercise in intact and splenectomised horses.

Summary Six intact and 6 splenectomised mares were given an incremental exercise test on a treadmill to examine the fluid and electrolyte changes associated with exercise and the role of the spleen in these changes. Blood samples were obtained at rest and at the end of each 1-min step of the test. Exercise at 7 m/sec caused significant (P 0.05) in either group (intact =2.7%; splenectomised, =3.5%). This appears to be the first record of substantial changes of these constituents during short-term exercise, even before the onset of visible sweat losses. The changes in the concentration of plasma protein suggest that short-term exercise causes a decrease in plasma volume. The changes in the concentration and content of sodium suggest that this is an isotonic shift of fluid. The increase in plasma potassium concentration appears to be due to haemoconcentration as well as an increase in the content of potassium within the vascular compartment.
Current presentation and optimal surgical management of sternoclavicular joint infections.

Abstract Background . Infection of the sternoclavicular joint is unusual, and treatment of this entity has not been standardized. We sought to characterize the current presentation and optimal management of this disease. Methods . We retrospectively reviewed the records of the last 7 patients undergoing operation for suppurative infections of the sternoclavicular joint at this institution. Patients were interviewed regarding upper extremity function after formal joint resection. Results . Predisposing factors were common and included diabetes mellitus (n = 2), clavicular fracture (n = 1), human immunodeficiency virus infection (n = 1), immunosuppression (n = 1), and pustular skin disease (n = 1). All patients presented with local symptoms including clavicular mass and tenderness. Diagnosis and evaluation were facilitated by cross-sectional imaging. Organisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus , group G streptococcus , and Proteus and Propionibacterium species. Antibiotic therapy and simple drainage and debridement were generally ineffective, leading to recurrence of infection in 5 of 6 patients treated initially in this manner. Six patients were treated with resection of the sternoclavicular joint and involved portions of first or second ribs with soft tissue coverage by advancement flap from the ipsilateral pectoralis major muscle. Response to this therapy was excellent, with cure in all patients, no wound complications, and excellent upper extremity function at long-term follow-up. Conclusions . Aggressive surgical management including resection of the sternoclavicular joint and involved ribs with pectoralis flap closure would appear to be the preferred treatment for all but the most minor infections of the sternoclavicular joint. This approach has minimal impact on upper extremity function.
Residual strength of a thermomechanically fatigued TIMETAL 21S/SCS-6 composite

The factors contributing to the residual strength of a thermomechanically-fatigued SiC fiber-reinforced metal matrix composite were assessed based on fracture surface features. The estimated residual strength was found to be in reasonable agreement with the measured value.
Exposure, dissection, and laser versus electrosurgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The technical complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy occur while creating the pneumoperitoneum, placing trocars, obtaining exposure, and performing the initial dissection of the cystic duct and artery. The errors most feared are intestinal injury, vascular injury, and common bile duct injury. Bile duct injury usually results from the misinterpretation of the extrahepatic biliary anatomy. Confusion is most likely if the gallbladder infundibulum is pushed superiorly and medially, pulling the common bile duct out from behind the duodenum and into line with the cystic duct and gallbladder. Other dissection errors resulting in bile duct injury include the failure to begin dissection on the gallbladder, routine dissection of the cystic duct all the way to the common bile duct, failure to identify anomalies of the cystic and hepatic ducts, failure to open all folds of the gallbladder infundibulum, and entrapment of a narrow common bile duct by a cystic duct clip "slid" too far proximally. Proper dissection strategy includes posterolateral traction on the gallbladder infundibulum and initiation of dissection at the most medial point where the gallbladder is clearly seen. Pedunculation of the gallbladder will reveal most ductal anomalies but should be supplemented with routine digital fluoroscopic cholangiography. The controversy over optimal sources for thermal dissection of the gallbladder has largely been resolved. Electrosurgical dissection is a more rapid, hemostatic, and economical dissection.
Optical sensor for amine vapors based on dimer-monomer equilibrium of indium(III) octaethylporphyrin in a polymeric film.

A novel transduction chemistry for the development of a polymer film-based optical sensor that responds reversibly to gas-phase amine species at sub-ppm levels is described. The sensor is based on ...
The Need for a Global Amateurism Standard: International Student-Athlete Issues and Controversies

Due to the immense pressure to recruit highly talented prospects and an overwhelming desire to have winning college athletics programs, the recruitment of international prospective student-athletes at NCAA Division I institutions has drastically increased in recent years. NCAA rules founded on localized amateurism ideals are now being applied on a global scale, in countries where there is no similar concept of amateur athletes. This Note argues that the current NCAA amateurism rules inadequately address the potential amateur issues related to prospective student-athletes from various countries. Examples and evidence of the difficulties of apply localized amateur rules to international recruits are examined and discussed. The background of the amateurism idea and according interpretations by U.S. courts of NCAA rules are explained. This Note argues that because amateurism standards differ by country, there is no longer competitive equity between domestic and international college athletes. Although possible solutions have been presented to deal with this disparity, such proposed solutions do not sufficiently resolve the problem. Rather, as this Note suggests, a global standard of amateurism that would be applied fairly to all prospective student-athletes regards of country of origin is needed. Until such a standard is implemented, problems will continue to arise with the amateur standard of international student-athletes.
a-Si:H linear and 2-D image sensors

Abstract In this paper we discuss the design and performance of a-Si:H linear and 2-D image sensors using a-Si:H pin photodiodes and thin film transistors (TFTs). Switching requirements and photodiode characteristics are related to image sensor operation. Linear array architecture, i.e., the configuration of photodiodes and TFTs, along with associated gate lines for pixel addressing and data lines for signal readout, is discussed and related to overall array performance. Page-size 2-D image sensors are compared to linear arrays in terms of light intensities and powers required, speeds at which images can be acquired, and are noted for their potential role in the medical imaging field for detecting X-ray images. We conclude with some of the challenges facing this technology to make it cheaper and more robust.
A brief report of Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin levels in airborne and settled dusts in animal confinement buildings.

Gram-negative bacterial endotoxins, implicated in adverse worker health responses, were found in settled and airborne dust samples obtained from poultry and swine confinement units. Results of the Limulus amebocyte lysate gel test found endotoxin levels in dust samples ranged from 4.5 to 47.7 micrograms of FDA Klebsiella endotoxin equivalents/gm. Differences in endotoxin levels between dust samples may have been due to variables in time, geographic locations, confined animals, confinement buildings and equipment, and methods of sample collection. Animal confinement workers are potentially exposed to large amounts of gram-negative bacterial endotoxins; however, the respiratory health effects of such exposures to animal confinement workers have yet to be determined.
Investigation of new stress migration failure modes in highly scaled Cu/low-k interconnects

Stress-induced voiding (SIV) at a narrow metal line connected to a wide metal plate is investigated for Cu/low-k interconnects. Different from the traditional stress migration failure modes of voiding underneath the via or inside the via, new failure modes due to void formation in the narrow metal line have been observed in highly scaled Cu/low-k interconnects. Using the SIV data extracted from different geometries of test patterns, the narrow metal line related SIV failure mechanism resulted from a wide metal plate as vacancies reservoir and stress gradient in the connection of the narrow metal line to the wide metal is discovered and characterized. Process improvement which enhanced the adhesion between metallization and ILD interface has been shown to effectively reduce the vacancy migration and suppress the new failure modes.
A culture system for the maintenance and proliferation of shark and sting ray immunocytes

A method designed to support the in vitro maintenance and proliferation of elasmobranch peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) has been developed. This method includes protocols for leucocyte isolation, the preparation of media, and culturing conditions. Leucocytes were isolated from whole blood using a Ficoll-hypaque density gradient followed by nylon wool filtration. Recovered cells were washed and incubated at a density of 0.054 × 106 cells per well of a microtitre plate using a novel medium designed for shark cells. Incubation was carried out at 17 and 37° C. These media represent a modification of RPMI1640 or DMEM to account for isotonic and isoosmotic differences between mammalian and elasmobranch blood via the addition of trimethylamine-N-oxide, urea and sodium chloride to the RPMI or DMEM.
Vibrational C–H overtone spectroscopy and bond distances of butenes dissolved in liquid Xe

Abstract Vibrational overtone spectra of isobutene, cis-2-butene, and trans-2-butene dissolved in liquid xenon at 163 K, have been recorded between 5000 and 16500 cm −1 . Spectral regions for the first four overtones were measured using a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The fifth overtone (Δ υ = 6) spectra were recorded with a double beam (pump–probe) thermal lens technique. Band deconvolution allowed isolation of individual transitions. Local-mode parameters were calculated for C–H oscillators in solution and compared with gas phase local-mode parameters. Density functional theory calculations were done to obtain C–H bond lengths and vibrational frequencies for the three butene isomers. Frequency shifts (Δ ω ) with respect to gas phase results are attributed to changes in harmonic frequency and anharmonicity of the particular C–H bond of the sample dissolved in the inert liquid solvent.
Dimethyl sulphoxide reduces anti-receptor antibody titres in experimental myasthenia gravis

The basic abnormality in myasthenia gravis (MG) is a reduction of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at neuromuscular junctions, due to an autoimmune attack directed against the receptors1. Several lines of evidence support the idea that humoral immune mechanisms play an important part in this process: anti-AChR antibodies are present in the sera of more than 80% of myasthenic patients2–4; the pathogenicity of the antibodies has been demonstrated by passive transfer of IgG from myasthenic patients to mice which reproduces the typical features of MG in the recipient animals5,6; finally, procedures that reduce levels of anti-AChR antibody, such as plasmapheresis, produce improvement in the clinical symptoms of MG7. Present treatments of MG depend largely on the prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs, which have significant drawbacks1,8–10, for they usually produce only a slow fall in antibody titres, and have toxic side effects. An agent that could produce a rapid and sustained fall of autoantibody titre might have wide application in the treatment of MG and other autoimmune diseases. In the course of testing immunosuppressive drugs for their effect in treating experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG), we discovered that the vehicle used to dissolve some of these agents, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), itself produced a rapid and sustained fall of anti-AChR antibody titre. We now report similar results for a controlled trial of DMSO treatment in rats with EAMG.