cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory reaction after traumatic brain injury: therapeutic potential of targeting cell–cell communication by chemokines

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people worldwide every year. The primary impact initiates the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, subsequent recruitment of peripheral immune cells, and activation of brain-resident microglia and astrocytes. Chemokines are major mediators of peripheral blood cell recruitment to damaged tissue, including the TBI brain. Here we review the involvement of specific chemokine pathways in TBI pathology and attempts to modulate these pathways for therapeutic purposes. We focus on chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2/chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCL2/CCR2) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCL12/CXCR4). Recent microarray and multiplex expression profiling have also implicated CXCL10 and CCL5 in TBI pathology. Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1/chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CL1/CX3CR1) signaling in the context of TBI is also discussed. Current literature suggests that modulating chemokine signaling, especially CCL2/CCR2, may be beneficial in TBI treatment.
Elevated copper in the amyloid plaques and iron in the cortex are observed in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease that exhibit neurodegeneration.

BACKGROUND: In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), alterations in metal homeostasis, including the accumulation of metal ions in the plaques and an increase of iron in the cortex, have been well documented but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the metal content in the plaques and the iron speciation in the cortex of three mouse models, two of which show neurodegeneration (5xFAD and Tg-SwDI/NOS2 ! /! )( CVN) and one that shows very little neurodegeneration (PSAPP). METHODS: The Fe, Cu and Zn contents and speciation were determined using synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), respectively. RESULTS: In the mouse models with reported significant neurodegeneration, we found that plaques contained ! 25% more copper compared to the PSAPP mice. The iron content in the cortex increased at the late stage of the disease in all mouse models, but iron speciation remains unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The elevation of copper in the plaques and iron in the cortex is associated with AD severity, suggesting that these redox-active metal ions may be inducing oxidative damage and directly influencing neurodegeneration.
The Limitation of Human Performance in Extreme Heat Conditions

The current communication seeks to extend the description of human performance in thermally stressful environments and reports on the systematic changes in impairment onset with tasks requiring dif...
Chooz and Perry: New Experiments for Long Baseline Reactor Neutrino Oscillations

We discuss the Chooz experiment, a long baseline search for neutrino vacuum oscillations, which will utilize a large gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillation detector one km from a large nuclear power station in France. The 300-meter (water equivalent) underground site of the detector reduces cosmic ray muons, the main source of background in this type of experiment, by a factor of 300, thereby allowing clean detection of antineutrinos from the reactor. The experimental goal is to probe \Delta m^2 values down to 1E-3 eV^2 for large values of sin^2 2\theta and mixing angles to 0.08 for favorable regions of \Delta m^2. A subsequent experiment which will have a 13 km baseline at the former IMB site in Ohio and which can reach \Delta m^2 = 8E-5 eV^2 is also briefly described.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Subdirect Representation of Pofunctors

Palasinska and Pigozzi developed a theory of partially ordered varieties and quasi-varieties of algebras with the goal of addressing issues pertaining to the theory of algebraizability of logics involving an abstract form of the connective of logical implication. Following their lead, the author has abstracted the theory to cover the case of algebraic systems, systems that replace algebras in the theory of categorical abstract algebraic logic. In this note, an order subdirect representation theorem for partially ordered algebraic systems is proven. This is an analog of the Order Subdirect Representation Theorem of Palasinska and Pigozzi, which, in turn, generalizes the well-known Subdirect Representation Theorem of Universal Algebra.
Dynamic response of amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O thin-film transistors for 8K×4K flat-panel display

In this paper, for the first time, we report on the dynamic characteristics of the bottom-gate a-IGZO TFTs. Experiment results obtained for a-IGZO TFT are compared to conventional hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) TFTs.
“Don't Leave Us Out There Alone”: A Framework for Supporting Supervisors

Professional development that scaffolds and supports supervisors is critical for quality field experiences and is our responsibility as teacher educators. The literature supports this statement and two ideas that conceptually frame our work: (1) quality field experiences are a critical component of preservice programs and (2) training and support for supervisors is necessary to ensure quality field experiences. With the overarching outcome of quality teacher candidates and strong partnerships with schools, the authors describe the context for their supervisors’ work, supervisors and their roles, a structure and resources for collaboration, then conclude with a practical and detailed framework to support professional development for supervisors. Based on four goals that guide the content and process of our professional development, the authors use a critical friends approach to (1) learn together; (2) develop a shared understanding of programs, teacher candidates, and school partners; (3) facilitate integr...
ESTIMATING A LOGIT MODEL WITH RANDOMIZED DATA: THE CASE OF COCAINE USE

Summary In his influential book, Maddala (1983) suggests combining randomized response survey data with other personal information to estimate logit models predicting immoral, unpopular, or unlawful behaviour. This study is one of the first to implement this technique using real data. Models of college students' recent cocaine use are estimated with academic performance and socio-economic characteristics as determinants. Parameter estimates obtained from randomized response surveys are compared to those obtained using conventional, direct question surveys. The results indicate that randomized response estimates provide useful information on the degree to which inferences regarding the determinants of cocaine use are sensitive to survey type.
Ethical considerations in the formation of smallpox vaccine policy.

FOR MONTHS NOW, the nation has been embroiled in controversy about smallpox vaccine. That there is considerable disagreement about whom to vaccinate and when is hardly surprising. The alternatives confronting policy makers involve trade-offs of both incommensurable values and uncertain societal risks. The purpose of this article is to propose a set of ethical considerations that ought to be considered in our deliberations about the most appropriate public policy for smallpox vaccination in the United States. The considerations outlined below are meant to facilitate the accounting of these trade-offs and highlight the importance of public dialogue and sound judgment in the development of morally defensible public policy options. Once each of the considerations has been explicated, we briefly discuss two examples of the types of competing values we may encounter in the development and implementation of smallpox vaccination policy.
SU‐E‐T‐483: Investigations of Dose Delivery Accuracy of High Dose Rate Flattening Filter Free (FFF) Beams in RapidArc™ and IMRT Deliveries on TrueBeam™

Purpose: Medical linacs with dose rates as high as 2400 cGy/min at 10MV and 1400 cGy/min at 6MV have been clinically installed in many institutions. In reality, little is known about the accuracy of delivery at these high dose rates, particularly for complex treatment plans with simultaneous motion of gantry and multileaf‐collimator (MLC) aperture. We present measurements that examine the dosimetric accuracy of dynamically‐shaped RapidArc™ and IMRT beams at the highest available dose rates. Methods: An Eclipse™ ver. 8.9 planning system commissioned with the analytic anisotropy algorithm (AAA™) for the flattening‐filter‐free X‐ray beams of the Varian TrueBeam™ linear accelerator with a high‐definition 120‐leaf MLC (HDMLC) accessory was used to create RapidArc™ and IMRT lung‐ and abdominal‐target patient treatment plans deliverable in the FFF mode of TrueBeam™. Verification plans applied to a 22‐cm diameter cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate phantom configured as water‐ equivalent material with an electron density of 1.147 were delivered at the highest available dose rates. Dose was measured with TG‐51 cross‐ calibrated ScandiDos® Delta4™dual orthogonal‐plane 1069‐diode system for conventional 2 Gy fractions and for 15Gy–16.5 Gy fractions characteristic of stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT). Delivery was repeated with conventional dose rate (400 cGy/min). Measured results for the two dose rates were compared with each other, and with Eclipse treatment plans. Results: Excellent agreement was found between 2400 and 400 MU/min delivery. A sample 2‐arc RapidArc™ plan gave absolute relative dose difference ratio of 0.42%±0.21% for the 439 points measuring above 10% of prescription dose, with maximum dose difference over all 1069 measurement points being 0.76% of prescription. For a small‐field 1‐ arc plan, quantities were 0.96%±0.14% for 103 points, and maximum difference over all 1069 points was 1.61%. Gated versus ungated delivery for 200 cGy/fx showed negligible differences at both 400 and 2400 dose rates. Eclipse calculations demonstrated reasonable agreement with absolute dose measurement.
Measurements of near terahertz conductivity of doped silicon using a high quality factor resonant cavity

The conductivity of doped silicon is measured at 400 and 650 GHz. Measurements are performed using a high quality factor, semi-confocal resonant cavity. Data is presented which contradicts conventional theory (Drude model) and in agreement with a multiphysics computational model being developed at UW-Madison.
Influence of Mucosal and Parenteral Immunization with a Replication-Defective Mutant of HSV-2 on Immune Responses and Protection from Genital Challenge

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) most frequently initiates infection at a mucosal surface; thus mucosal immune responses are likely to be important in defense against HSV infection. We have examined the effects of eliciting mucosal as well as systemic immune responses on protection against genital challenge infection with virulent HSV-2 in mice immunized with a replication-defective mutant of HSV-2. In addition, we have examined the types of immune responses elicited by immunization by the different routes under conditions known to provide protection. We observed that immunizations at parenteral and distal mucosal sites generate immune responses that have an additive effect in protection against challenge infection with virulent HSV-2. Immunization at either of these sites alone prevented paralysis and death after challenge virus infection and reduced replication of the challenge virus in the genital mucosa, although subcutaneous immunization was more effective in reducing virus replication. Simultaneous immunization at the two sites led to the greatest reduction in mucosal replication of challenge virus. The type of response generated was also affected by the route of immunization. Subcutaneous immunization results in a strong systemic immune response that is somewhat biased toward a Th1 T cell response, while intranasal immunization induces mucosal as well as systemic immunity, as evidenced by HSV-specific IgA in vaginal secretions, and a stronger bias toward a Th1 response. These results suggest that mucosal immunization may complement protective immunity against HSV-2 genital infection generated by parenteral immunization with replication-defective mutant virus.
Synthesis and Characterization of High-Stability Solvent-Impregnated Resins

A copolymer comprised of glycidyl methacrylate and N,N-methylenebis(acrylamide) has been defined that can be used to coat solvent-impregnated resins (SIRs). Vinyl groups on the surface of a cross-linked macroporous support were used to anchor the polar copolymer to the surface of the bead. The coated SIR containing di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid maintained a high level of metal ion complexation (96% Cu(II)) over five cycles while the uncoated SIR dropped from 93% to 11% Cu(II) complexed in three cycles.
Controlling the Growth of Federal Spending, 1954-1982: Did the 1974 Congressional Budget Reforms Help?

In 1974, Congress passed the Congressional Budget Control and Impoundment Act. Reformers expected the Act would aid Congress in containing the growth of federal spending. Did the reforms work-or were they just one more example of legislative reform without substantive impact? The analysis presented here suggests that in the pre-Reagan years, the rate of increase in federal spending was slowed. Whether this can be attributed directly to the reforms is less clear.
High-Voltage Ignitron Rectifiers

THE DEVELOPMENT of new types of sealed ignitron tubes has made possible rectifier equipment which is capable of delivering high power at moderately high direct voltages. The lack of moving parts, long tube life, and practically unlimited emission of the pool cathode are advantages which provide a high degree of reliability. These factors bring to the high-voltage field the same high efficiency and high grade of performance which is characteristic of the low-voltage industrial rectifier equipments. A 2,500-kw unit and a 7,500-kw unit represent typical designs of 17,000-volt rectifiers. The former employs a 50-ampere sealed ignitron tube and the latter employs a 150-ampere tube. The 6-phase double-way power circuit is employed in both units because it provides better utilization of transformer capacity than other rectifier circuits. The double-way connection requires only three secondary windings on the rectifier transformer and only three high-voltage connections between the transformer and the tubes, thus requiring less insulating material on the a-c side than other power circuits.
Protein Semisynthesis and Expressed Protein Ligation: Chasing a Protein's Tail

The adaptation of native chemical ligation to protein semisynthesis has become a powerful way to address problems in the analysis of protein structure and function. In particular, the exploitation of nature's inteins in expressed protein ligation is now a standard approach in the study of proteins. Site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids, biophysical probes and post-translational modifications in proteins have led to new insights into enzyme mechanisms, protein folding, ion channel function, translation and signaling.
Highly stereoselective axial addition of ethynyl carbanions to the carbonyl of cyclohexenones

Abstract This communication reports that highly stereoselective axial addition of ethynyl anions is the normal result with conformationally defined conjugated cyclohexenones, in the absence of overriding steric factors.
Treatment of Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Using a Portable Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

We report the first case of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy by using a portable hyperbaric stretcher. A 40-year-old British man in Kabul, Afghanistan, was found unresponsive in his apartment. Initial treatment consisted of oxygen by mask at a Combat Support Hospital for several hours, with minimal improvement. Operational security and risk prevented his immediate evacuation to the nearest fixed hyperbaric facilities. He was subsequently treated twice using an Emergency Evacuation Hyperbaric Stretcher, according to the US Navy Diving Manual treatment Table 9. The patient showed marked neurologic improvement after the first treatment and experienced near complete recovery before eventual evacuation. This case illustrates the practical use of portable chambers for the treatment of suspected cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in an austere environment.
Estimating intracardiac and extracardiac shunting in the setting of complex congenital heart disease

Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with significant morbidity worldwide. Managing hypoxemia in these populations can be difficult, particularly in the setting of cyanotic CHD. However, the presence of additional extracardiac shunts secondary to acute respiratory disease can be very challenging to manage. Before understanding how to deal with hypoxemia in patients with dual shunts, one needs to understand the physiology and diagnosis related to the individual shunts and apply this knowledge to the patient as a whole.
Transition metal oxide alloys as potential solar energy conversion materials

First-row transition metal oxides (TMOs) are inexpensive potential alternative materials for solar energy conversion devices. However, some TMOs, such as manganese(II) oxide, have band gaps that are too large for efficiently absorbing solar energy. Other TMOs, such as iron(II) oxide, have conduction and valence band edges with the same orbital character that may lead to unfavorably high electron–hole recombination rates. Another limitation of iron(II) oxide is that the calculated valence band edge is not positioned well for oxidizing water. We predict that key properties, including band gaps, band edge positions, and possibly electron–hole recombination rates, may be improved by alloying TMOs that have different band alignments. A new metric, the band gap center offset, is introduced for simple screening of potential parent materials. The concept is illustrated by calculating the electronic structure of binary oxide alloys that contain manganese, nickel, iron, zinc, and/or magnesium, within density functional theory (DFT)+U and hybrid DFT theories. We conclude that alloys of iron(II) oxide are worth evaluating further as solar energy conversion materials.
Application of Compliant Mechanisms to Active Vibration Isolation Systems

Compliant mechanisms have been designed for various types of applications to transmit desired forces and motions. In this paper, we explore an application of compliant mechanisms for active vibration isolation systems. For this type of application, an actuator and a compliant mechanism are used to cancel undesired disturbance, resulting in attenuated output amplitude. An actuator provides external energy to the system while a compliant mechanism functions as a transmission controlling the amount of displacement transmitted from the actuator to the payload to be isolated. This paper illustrates, based on preliminary results of finite element analyses (FEA), that a compliant mechanism equipped with an actuator can be used as an active vibration isolator to effectively cancel a known sinusoidal displacement disturbance at low frequencies by using a feedforward disturbance compensation control. The nonlinear FEA shows that a sinusoidal displacement disturbance of 6.0 mm amplitude is reduced by 95% at 3.9 Hz and 91% at 35.1 Hz with a sinusoidal displacement controlled input of 0.73 mm amplitude.© 2004 ASME
Security lighting: Effects of illuminance and light source on the capabilities of guards and intruders†:

An important function of perimeter security lighting is to enable guards to detect and recognise possible intruders. The experiments presented here were designed to systematically assess the perfor...
Label-Free Analysis of Breast Tissue Polarity by Raman Imaging of Lipid Phase

The formation of the basoapical polarity axis in epithelia is critical for maintaining the homeostasis of differentiated tissues. Factors that influence cancer development notoriously affect tissue organization. Apical polarity appears as a specific tissue feature that, once disrupted, would facilitate the onset of mammary tumors. Thus, developing means to rapidly measure apical polarity alterations would greatly favor screening for factors that endanger the breast epithelium. A Raman scattering-based platform was used for label-free determination of apical polarity in live breast glandular structures (acini) produced in three-dimensional cell culture. The coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering signal permitted the visualization of the apical and basal surfaces of an acinus. Raman microspectroscopy subsequently revealed that polarized acini lipids were more ordered at the apical membranes compared to basal membranes, and that an inverse situation occurred in acini that lost apical polarity upon treatment with Ca2+-chelator EGTA. This method overcame variation between different cultures by tracking the status of apical polarity longitudinally for the same acini. Therefore, the disruption of apical polarity by a dietary breast cancer risk factor, ω6 fatty acid, could be observed with this method, even when the effect was too moderate to permit a conclusive assessment by the traditional immunostaining method.
Effects of transvaginal repair of symptomatic rectocele on symptom-specific distress and impact on quality of life

Abstract Objective To determine symptom-specific distress and quality-of-life impact outcomes among women who had undergone transvaginal repair of symptomatic rectocele. Methods Women who underwent transvaginal repair of symptomatic rectocele at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA, between April 2006 and June 2009 were included in a retrospective case series. Minimum follow-up was 1 year post-surgery. Women who underwent concomitant surgery, other than perineoplasty and/or midurethral sling, were excluded. End points were assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7). Results Overall, 113 women underwent repair of symptomatic rectocele, of whom 69 (61.1%) completed preoperative questionnaires and 66 (58.4%) responded to follow-up questionnaires. Mean time from surgery was 31.2 ± 11.2 months. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores were significantly improved following surgery, with a median pre- and post-surgery difference of 35.4 (P Conclusion Patients who underwent transvaginal repair of symptomatic rectocele reported improvements in symptom-specific distress and impact on quality of life.
Studies on bovine adrenal estrogen sulfotransferase. V. Synthesis and assay of analogs of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate as cosubstrates for estrogen sulfurylation.

Abstract Analogs of adenosine 3−phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate (3′PAdo5′PS ∗ ) have been prepared by an extension of a method for the synthesis of 3′PAdo5′PS, itself. Reaction of the ribonucleoside 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate 5′-phosphate with triethylamine sulfonic acid leads to a ribonucleoside 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate. The latter, on treatment with ribonuclease-T 2 , provides the 3′-phosphate analog. Spleen phosphodiesterase, on the other hand, promotes opening of the 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate residue to a 2′-phosphate analog. In this manner, the 2′,3′-cyclic phosphates of 8-bromoadenosine-, nebularine-, inosine-, tubercidin-, and formycin-, 5′-phosphosulfates have been converted to corresponding 2′-, and 3′-phosphate analogs. V for the utilization of 3′PAdo5′PS analogs in the sulfurylation of estrone, as mediated by bovine adrenal estrogen sulfotransferase (3′-phosphoadenylylsulfate : estrone 3-sulfotransferase, EC 2.8.2.4), is decreased more than 50% by the replacement of the 7-(ring)nitrogen atom by carbon or of the 8-H atom by bromine in the adenine moiety. However, binding of these analogs at the active site of the enzyme is still very efficient (small K m and K i values; competitive inhibition). The replacement of the 9-nitrogen atom of adenine by carbon lowers V even more, and the replacement of the 6-amino group by H, i.e., nebularine, or by 0 (inosine) results in 90 and 100% loss of enzyme activity, respectively. Shifting of the 3′-phosphate to the 2′ position in the ribose of adenosine is also detrimental and results in noncompetitive inhibition of 3′PAdo5′PS utilization.
Design of a fully-integrated buck voltage regulator using standard CMOS technology

This paper presents the design of a fully-integrated buck voltage regulator using standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The converter employs a dual-phase structure to minimize the output ripple. The controller is implemented using a hysteretic architecture based on sliding-mode theory. The external low-pass filter has been fully-integrated by increasing the switching frequency up to 45 MHz. The proposed converter is a monolithic solution, based on standard CMOS technology, for integration of passive components on-chip without the need of expensive and complicated post-fabrication processes. The regulator operates with an input voltage of 1.8 V, generates an output voltage of 1 V, supplies a maximum current of 400 mA, and delivers 53% power efficiency.
Pinus Taeda L. response to fertilization, Herbaceous plant control, and woody plant control

Abstract On an intensively prepared site, a complete fertilizer applied at planting, and control of herbaceous and woody plants for the first 4 years, increased Pinus taeda L. volume at age 5 to 25.9 m3/ha compared to 11.8 m3/ha without the treatments. The fertilizer and competition control factors affected pine growth independently of each other, and so their effects are additive. Herbaceous plant control was the most effective treatment, increasing pine volume by 63%. Declining dry weights of herbaceous plant material indicated that pine was dominant by age 6, so more responses from herbaceous plant control are not expected. Woody plant control did not significantly increase pine volume until the fifth year because the intensive site preparation retarded the development of the woody competition. The fertilizer contained nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but analysis of pine foliage indicates phosphorus was the element causing the response of pine to fertilizer. By the sixth season, the herbaceous and woody plant material contained 31% of the nitrogen and potassium applied as fertilizer. The competing material also contained 7% of the phosphorus applied in the fertilizer. This showed that competitors can be major utilizers of fertilizer applied to pines.
Calibration in Multiconductor Transmission Lines

This paper presents a calibration and measurement method for circuits embedded in lossy printed multiconductor transmission lines. The experimental results illustrate the complexity of the modal representation and the utility of the conductor representation for circuit design.
Skull Base Surgery Training and Practice Patterns among Recent Otolaryngology Fellowship Graduates.

Objective To collect data on skull base surgery training experiences and practice patterns of otolaryngologists that recently completed fellowship training. Design A 24-item survey was disseminated to physicians who completed otolaryngology fellowships in rhinology, head and neck oncology, or neurotology between 2010 and 2014. Results During a typical year, 50% of rhinologists performed more than 20 endoscopic anterior skull base cases, 83% performed fewer than 20 open cases, and were more confident performing advanced transplanum ( p = 0.02) and transclival ( p = 0.03) endoscopic approaches than head and neck surgeons. Head and neck surgeons performed fewer than 20 endoscopic and fewer than 20 open cases in 100% of respondents and were more confident with open approaches than rhinologists ( p = 0.02). Neurotologists performed more than 20 lateral skull base cases in 45% of respondents during a typical year, fewer than 20 endoscopic ear cases in 95%, and were very comfortable performing lateral skull base approaches. Conclusion Many recent otolaryngology fellowship graduates are integrating skull base surgery into their practices. Respondents reported high confidence levels performing a range of cranial base approaches. Exposure to endoscopic ear techniques is minimal in neurotology training, and rhinology training appears to offer increased exposure to skull base surgery compared with head and neck training.
Smokeless Tobacco Use Following Smoking Bans in Bars

We test for a unique form of compensatory behavior among smokers who wish to continue their nicotine consumption following the smoking bans placed on bars. We find a substantial increase in smokeless tobacco use among smokers, particularly those who drink and are of typical bar-going age. We also find that everyday smokers, who clearly have the strongest nicotine dependence, are more likely to increase smokeless-tobacco use than occasional smokers are.
Inverse kinematic solution of robot manipulators using interval analysis

Interval analysis is a growing branch of computational mathematics where operations are carried out on intervals instead of real numbers. This paper presents the first application of this method to robotic mechanisms for the solution of inverse kinematics. As shown in this paper, it is possible to potentially compute all solutions of the inverse kinematics problem using this method. This paper describes the preliminaries of interval analysis, the numerical algorithm, the computational complexity, and illustrations with examples.
Farmer's lung disease among farmers with precipitating antibodies to the thermophilic actinomycetes: A clinical and immunologic study☆

Farmers were evaluated for the presence of farmer's lung disease by serologic methods and by clinical histories. From a large farming population screened serologically, 40 of 92 farmers with precipitating antibodies to the thermophilic actinomycetes consented to be evaluated for clinical evidence of farmer's lung disease. Each subject completed a standardized questionnaire which was reviewd by a trained observer. On the basis of the questionnaire and an indepth clinical history, the subjects were grouped into those farmers who had a history of farmer's lung disease (38%), those with no history (50%), or a doubtful group (12%). When these groups were compared for radiologic changes, pulmonary function abnormalities, and immune function, no differences were discernible. None of the parameters tested were useful in predicting which farmer would develop clinical farmer's lung disease. The parameters tested did not provide reliable criteria for differentiating those patients who present without acute symptoms but relate a history of recurrent pulmonary illnesses associated with moldy forage.
Regional patterns of local diversity of trees: associations with anthropogenic disturbance

Abstract We used a probability-based sampling scheme to survey the forested lands of 14 states in five regions in the US (California, Colorado, and parts of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast) from 1990 to 1993. Using a nationally consistent plot design, we evaluated the local diversity of trees over 2.5 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) at 780 1 15 - ha plots nationwide by measuring the plot-level species richness (R). Visually evident anthropogenic disturbances (e.g. artificial regeneration, logging, grazing by livestock, and prescribed burning), if any, were recorded on each plot. We classified plots with visually evident anthropogenic disturbance as ‘disturbed’ and the remaining plots as ‘undisturbed’. In each of the five geopolitical regions, we quantified the difference in mean R between disturbed and undisturbed plots. With the exception of Colorado (5%), between 34 and 55% of forested lands in each region had recorded anthropogenic disturbances. Mean R was significantly higher for undisturbed areas than for disturbed areas in the Northeast and Southeast, with the largest differences occurring in the Southeast. Mean R was greater in undisturbed areas than in disturbed areas in most forest cover types for all regions. These differences were greatest in the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), oak (Quercus spp.)-hickory (Carya spp.), and oak-pine forest types of the Southeast. The only group for which mean R was significantly greater in disturbed areas was the mixed western hardwoods in California. As expected from previous studies, significant differences between regions in mean R were observed, in both disturbed and undisturbed areas. This study bridges an important gap between site-specific forest studies and remote-sensing studies of the forests of a region. We discuss (10 why combining site-specific studies is not appropriate in most cases for rigorous testing at the regional level and (2) how data for some important site-specific variables are not available from most remotely-sensed data sets. The widespread presence of anthropogenic disturbances in most regions, notably the cutting and planting of pine plantations in the Southeast, is associated with generally lower local species richness of trees. The results warrant further investigation at the regional level in light of recent empirical studies on diversity and ecosystem stability.
Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase Reduces the Number of Apical Small Conductance K+ Channels in the Rat Cortical Collecting Duct

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that an increase in the activity of protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) is involved in the down-regulation of the activity of apical small conductance K+ (SK) channels in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) from rats on a K+-deficient diet (1). We used the patch clamp technique to investigate the role of protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) in the regulation of the activity of SK channels in the CCD from rats on a high K+ diet. Western blot analysis indicated that PTP-1D is expressed in the renal cortex. Application of 1 μm phenylarsine oxide (PAO) or 1 mmbenzylphosphonic acid, agents that inhibit PTP, reversibly reduced channel activity by 95%. Pretreatment of CCDs with PAO for 30 min decreased the mean NPo reversibly from control value 3.20 to 0.40. Addition of 1 μm herbimycin A, an inhibitor of PTK, had no significant effect on channel activity in the CCDs from rats on a high K+ diet. However, herbimycin A abolished the inhibitory effect of PAO, indicating that the effect of PAO is the result of interaction between PTK and PTP. Addition of brefeldin A, an agent that blocks protein trafficking from Golgi complex to the membrane, had no effect on channel activity. Moreover, application of colchicine, a microtubule inhibitor, or paclitaxel, a microtubule stabilizer, had no effect on channel activity. In contrast, PAO still reduced channel activity in the presence of brefeldin A, colchicine, or paclitaxel. Furthermore, the effect of PAO on channel activity was absent when the tubules were bathed in 16% sucrose-containing bath solution or treated with concanavalin A. We conclude that PTP is involved in the regulation of the activity of SK channels and that inhibition of PTP may facilitate the internalization of the SK channels.
Early restenosis following percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty for the treatment of the superior vena caval syndrome due to pacemaker-induced stenosis.

Superior vena caval syndrome (SVC) following transvenous pacemaker insertion is an uncommon complication that has been treated with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty. We report a case of SVC syndrome following pacemaker implantation that was treated with angioplasty. Several days after the initial balloon dilation, the patient had recurrent symptoms and evidence of restenosis on catheterization. Following repeat balloon dilation of this restenotic lesion, the patient had a favorable clinical response evidenced on hemodynamic and angiographic follow-up at 6 months. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Demonstrating group selection: A comment on Janet Landa’s ‘The bioeconomics of homogenous middleman groups as adaptive units’

Janet Landa provides an impressive historical tour of the development of her theory of homogeneous middlemen groups (HMGs), and how she arrived at the group selection approach. Despite her claim that the case studies she presents provide evidence for group selection in human societies, we argue that such a conclusion is premature. We suggest that an evolutionary explanation of HGMs will be strengthened by greater attention to the details of the selective process.
Environmental Input and Cognitive Growth: A Study Using Time-Period Comparisons

In this study, we examined the relation of input to cognitive growth in a single population of children. We studied 4 domains: Language, Spatial Operations, Concepts, and Associative Memory. Four groups of children drawn from the same population were tested in October of kindergarten, April of kindergarten, October of first grade, and April of first grade. These time points are 6 months apart, but they span periods that differ in amount of school input children receive. Much greater growth was found over time periods with greater amounts of school input (October to April) than over time periods with less school input (April to October) for Language, Spatial Operations, and Concepts, but not for Associative Memory. These findings suggest that amount of input is causally related to cognitive growth in particular domains.
Serum and fibroblast growth factor stimulate quiescent astrocytes to re-enter the cell cycle.

Abstract An in vitro model was used to study the cytokinetics of astroglial cells derived from neonatal rat cerebellum. Confluent monolayers of astrocytes (85% astroglial as assessed by GFAP immunoreactivity) were subcultured at low cell density and after 2–3 days growth were rendered quiescent by shifting them to low serum medium (0.25%) for several days. Cells could be stimulated to re-enter the proliferative compartment by challenging them with high concentrations of fetal bovine serum (5–10% FBS) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF). FGF added alone at a concentration of 25 ng/ml caused quiescent astrocytes to re-enter the cell cycle nearly as effectively as 5–10% serum. Moreover, when FGF (25 ng/ml) waa combined with 0.5% serum there was a potentiation of the mitogenic effect seen with FGF alone. This synchronization scheme is an important tool for continuing studies of the growth factor and hormonal requirements for astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation.
General solution to the spherical Raman-Nath equation

The spherical Raman-Nath equation, a difference-differential equation describing stimulated Compton scattering, is transformed into a partial differential equation for the probability amplitude in spherical phase space by using the Q representation of the atomic coherent states. With the quantum electron recoil as the perturbation parameter, a perturbative solution up to indefinite high order is obtained. This is a general solution because the initial condition can be arbitrary.
Characterization of emissions from portable household combustion devices: particle size distributions, emission rates and factors, and potential exposures

Abstract A series of source tests were conducted to characterize emissions of particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and total hydrocarbon (THC ) from five types of portable combustion devices. Tested combustion devices included a kerosene lamp, an oil lamp, a kerosene space heater, a portable gas range, and four unscented candles. All tests were conducted either in a well-mixed chamber or a well-mixed room, which enables us to determine emission rates and emission factors using a single-compartment mass balance model. Particle mass concentrations and number concentrations were measured using a nephelometric particle monitor and an eight-channel optical particle counter, respectively. Real-time CO concentrations were measured with an electrochemical sensor CO monitor. CO2, CH4, and THC were measured using a GC-FID technique. The results indicate that all particles emitted during steady burning in each of the tested devices were smaller than 1.0 μm in diameter with the vast majority in the range between 0.1 and 0.3 μm. The PM mass emission rates and emission factors for the tested devices ranged from 5.6±0.1 to 142.3±40.8 mg h−1 and from 0.35±0.06 to 9.04±4.0 mg g−1, respectively. The CO emission rates and emission factors ranged from 4.7±3.0 to 226.7±100 mg h−1 and from 0.25±0.12 to 1.56±0.7 mg g−1, respectively. The CO2 emission rates and emission factors ranged from 5500±700 to 210,000±90,000 mg h−1 and from 387±45 to 1689±640 mg g−1, respectively. The contributions of CH4 and THC to emission inventories are expected to be insignificant due both to the small emission factors and to the relatively small quantity of fuel consumed by these portable devices. An exposure scenario analysis indicates that every-day use of the kerosene lamp in a village house can generate fine PM exposures easily exceeding the US promulgated NAAQS for PM2.5.
More on the Use of Graduate Student Instructors in the Introductory Economics Course.

New dimensions are added to earlier studies of the effectiveness of graduate students as economics instructors in this article by Phillip Saunders. Saunders' study is not a duplication of previous efforts because of differences in types of students tested, the questions used, and the statistical techniques employed. Data for this project are based upon tests administered to over 2,000 students at Carnegie-Mellon University between 1964 and 1969. The performance of students taught by regular faculty members is compared with that of students taught by graduate student instructors. Other factors considered are student interest in economics, differences in grading practices, and student ratings of instructors.
A Thermocouple Telemetry System Replacement for the DIII-D Neutral Beams

The DIII-D neutral beams thermocouple telemetry system was recently replaced with a new system to reduce signal noise. The original system, which utilized multi-channel ice point reference devices and a Computer Automated Measurement and Control (CAMAC) standard interface, provided unreliable data due to excessive signal noise. This obscured the actual temperature rise and fall on beam system components. A new telemetry system was sought to improve data reliability, and reduce operational risk to beam system components. A prototype system was configured using commercially available data input/output (I/O) modules that feature built-in thermocouple reference junction temperature compensation and an Ethernet interface. The prototype system was installed and connected to a group of beam system thermocouples. Using the application programming interface supplied with the I/O modules, test code was developed within the MS Windowsreg operating system to monitor the acquired data. Performance and reliability of the prototype system were observed over a six month period of DIII-D experiment operations, and data was compared to that acquired with the original telemetry system. The measured reduction in signal noise prompted the implementation of this upgrade in all DIII-D neutral beams systems. A Linux version of the code was developed and integrated as a procedure for data acquisition during neutral beam operations. Data obtained from the replacement system showed reduced signal noise. In addition, the replacement telemetry system provides improved performance and data acquisition capability. The resistance and lifetime of the hardware in electrically noisy and high radiation exposure environment however, remains an issue.
A non-complementary hydrogen-bonded complex containing 5-fluorouracil and 1-methylcytosine.

Abstract 5-Fluorouracil and 1-methylcytosine form a crystalline intermolecular complex with 1:1 stoichiometry. The molecules form cyclic hydrogen-bonded dimers which are in turn connected by pairs of hydrogen bonds to form long lathe-shaped arrays in the crystal. These pack together in a herringbone fashion. Various features are discussed concerning the stability of this non-complementary pair.
VARIATION AND REPEATABILITY OF AN UNTRAINED BEEF SENSORY PANEL

Estimates were made of panel variation and of repeatability for an untrained sensory panel using beef loins as the test product. Prior to testing, the beef loins were placed in one of three groups (tender, intermediate, tough) based on Warner-Bratzler shear value. The sensory panel evaluated each steak for juiciness, tenderness, connective tissue amount, flavor desirability and overall desirability using an eight-point scale. The accuracy of the untrained panel was not different from the accuracy of trained sensory panels. A considerable amount of variation was observed for individual judges, but this did not affect the accuracy of the panel as a whole. The repeatability of the panel and of individual judges was used as a measure of precision. The repeatability of the whole panel was much higher than the repeatability of the individual judges. Tenderness was found to be the most repeatable palatability characteristic evaluated. The panel as a whole and each individual judge were more repeatable or precise in their evaluation of nine samples per session than three samples per session. This indicates that no panel fatigue occurred during this study. Repeatabilities for the panel and the individual judges were found to be higher for the tougher loins than for more tender loins.
Promises and pitfalls of mobile money in Afghanistan: evidence from a randomized control trial

Despite substantial interest in the potential for mobile money to positively impact the lives of the poor, little empirical evidence exists to substantiate these claims. In this paper, we present the results of a field experiment in Afghanistan that was designed to increase adoption of mobile money, and determine if such adoption led to measurable changes in the lives of the adopters. The specific intervention we evaluate is a mobile salary payment program, in which a random subset of individuals of a large firm were transitioned into receiving their regular salaries in mobile money rather than in cash. We separately analyze the impact of this transition on both the employer and the individual employees. For the employer, there were immediate and significant cost savings; in a dangerous physical environment, they were able to effectively shift the costs of managing their salary supply chain to the mobile phone operator. For individual employees, however, the results were more ambiguous. Individuals who were transitioned onto mobile salary payments were more likely to use mobile money, and there is evidence that these accounts were used to accumulate small balances that may be indicative of savings. However, we find little consistent evidence that mobile money had an immediate or significant impact on several key indicators of individual wealth or well-being. Taken together, these results suggest that while mobile salary payments may increase the efficiency and transparency of traditional systems, in the short run the benefits may be realized by those making the payments, rather than by those receiving them.