cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience with amrinone in patients with advanced congestive heart failure.

: To examine the efficacy of chronic amrinone therapy, the drug was administered to 12 patients with advanced congestive heart failure on average for 27.9 days. The majority of patients had a persistent increase in cardiac index and a persistent decrease in systemic vascular resistance. A decrease in pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure was observed after oral amrinone administration in three patients. However, changes in pulmonary arterial pressure were not consistent in response to intravenous administration of the drug. Thrombocytopenia occurred in four patients, hypogeusia was noted by three patients, and dysosmia developed in two patients. The cumulative survival of the amrinone patients was significantly poorer than that of a second group of patients with congestive heart failure having similar symptoms. These findings indicate that there is a subset of patients with congestive heart failure who do not benefit from chronic amrinone administration and that in such patients its use (especially when given concomitantly with potentially toxic and hypotentsive drugs) should be extremely guarded.
An exploratory study of the effect of domain knowledge on internet search behavior: The case of diabetes:

This study investigated how domain knowledge, about diabetes, influences the process and outcome of answering complex questions using the internet. The internet has become an important source of knowledge for people seeking health information about diseases. People with chronic diseases often need a great deal of information for self-management and have emerging needs for new information. Participants in our exploratory study were 8 people with diabetes and 2 without. An initial interview identified individuals with high versus low knowledge about diabetes. We then traced the activity of individuals as they used the internet to answer questions about diabetes. Questions were designed to be difficult, require reasoning, and lack a single, integrated source with a packaged answer. Here we report on case analyses of one individual with high and one with low domain knowledge. Domain knowledge influenced activity in multiple respects, including initial orienting to the task and supplying facts needed in infere...
Pulse radiolysis of aqueous solutions of sodium tetraphenylborate

Abstract In previous work on the 60 Co γ-radiolysis of aqueous tetraphenylborate (TPB - ) solutions carried out in this laboratory, it was found that several organic products, including benzene, phenol and biphenyl, are produced with substantial yield. However, the reaction mechanism was not established. In the present study, reactions initiated by OḢ radicals, N 3 radicals and e - aq in aqueous TPB - solutions were studied by pulse radiolysis using a 600 keV Febetron electron accelerator. The lack of reactivity between TPB - and e - aq was demonstrated by directly monitoring the transient optical absorbance of e - aq . Concerning the reaction with O Ḣ , two schemes were considered: (1) electron transfer from B(C 6 H 5 ) - 4 to O Ḣ ; or (2) O Ḣ addition to B(C 6 H 5 ) - 4 . Comparison of observed transient absorption spectra with expectations based on two different schemes suggests that O Ḣ addition is the dominant reaction pathway under conditions of N 2 O saturation, with an experimentally determined second-order rate constant of 6.2×10 9 M -1 s -1 . A mechanism based on an initial first-order self-decomposition of the O Ḣ adduct, (C 6 H 5 ) 3 BC 6 H 5 OH - · with a measured rate constant of 4×10 4 s -1 is proposed. Kinetic modeling on the proposed mechanistic scheme gives good agreement with our experimental results.
Native american related materials in elementary science instruction

The low achievement of Native American students, as measured by standardized tests, results from a number of factors, including the lack of cultural relevance of curriculum materials used in their instruction. Using a pretest–posttest control group design, Native American students in Bureau of Indian Affairs schools in Grades 4–8 who were taught science using culturally relevant materials achieved significantly higher and displayed a significantly more positive attitude toward Native Americans and science than comparable students who were taught science without the culturally relevant materials. It is suggested that when educators of Native Americans teach science, they should use materials that incorporate frequent reference to Native Americans and science.
Classical study of the collision of a highly excited atom with the molecules HF and HCl

The transfer of internal energy and angular momentum in the collision of a highly excited atom with the polar molecules HF and HCl has been examined with use of the classical Monte Carlo approach. The relative motion of the molecule and atomic nucleus is taken to be rectilinear; and the electron-molecule interaction is represented by a cut-off dipole form. Cross sections for transitions involving quantum numbers n, l, and m of the atom, and rotational quantum numbers j and ${m}_{j}$ of the molecule have been obtained for a range of collision energies and initial atomic and molecular states. Qualitative agreement is found with some, but not all, features of the experimental measurements. A significant finding of the calculation is the importance of multiple electron-molecule encounters during a single collision.
Flight and fire control with logic programming

Abstract This paper describes the use of logic programming to facilitate in decisions of task assignment in air combat. Our approach to the air combat problem is through semantic control. We analyze knowledge requirements for reasoning and decision making for this task, and show that a goal selector for this problem can be constructed via logic programming. The assignment problem of aircraft to targets is treated as an extension of the classical multiple knapsack problem. A possible temporal tree for solving this problem is described. The model used can also be utilized in other applications where cooperation in a time-varying environment is required; for instance control of robots in a time-varying environment.
A framework for the use of genomics data at the EPA.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is developing a new guidance that outlines best practice in the submission, quality assurance, analysis and management of genomics data for environmental applications.
Adult feminine hygiene practices

Adult feminine hygiene practices are the focus of this exploratory descriptive study. In a sample of 193 women, the typical respondent lived in the Southeast and was a single student who was 23 years of age, and White. Body cleansing, feminine hygiene, and menses management practices were examined. It was found that handwashing varied according to bodily involvement or specific feminine hygiene practices. Assorted menses management products were used for menses management and were used when the woman was not menstruating. The results of this study suggest that it might be possible for health care providers to teach women safe and economical health care practices, such as not douching and handwashing before and after use of menses management products to prevent infections.
Queen of the Owls: Metaphor and Identity in Psychiatric Diagnosis

Clinical social workers’ commitment to social justice makes them acutely concerned about discrimination and dis-empowerment, and thus they are sensitive to the impact of stigma on persons diagnosed with a mental disorder. At the same time, it is important to explore whether clinicians’ assumptions about psychiatric diagnoses as stigmatizing mesh with the views and experiences of those who actually receive and live with these diagnoses. To address this question, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 individuals carrying a range of psychiatric diagnoses. Narrative and thematic analysis yielded several distinct narratives about living with a mental health label. For many participants, diagnosis brought validation; to be “named” was to be welcomed into one’s tribe. For others, diagnosis meant reduction and mistranslation. Findings raise questions about the assumption that diagnostic labels necessarily bring shame and/or loss of self-efficacy. Without minimizing the impact of stigma, clinicians need to re...
Rossby Wave Phase Speeds and Mixing Barriers in the Stratosphere. Part I: Observations

Abstract Lagrangian trajectories are used to calculate isentropic mixing properties for unfiltered and filtered Southern Hemisphere stratospheric winds. In wintertime significant mixing is confined to the surf zone between the Tropics and the edge of the polar vortex. The mixing barrier at the edge of the vortex is located near the core of the polar jet stream (where the maximum wind speeds occur), which is also approximately where the meridional potential vorticity gradient is largest. In summer there is significant mixing throughout the hemisphere, and no high-latitude mixing barrier exists. When the winds are filtered by zonal wavenumber to retain either the planetary-scale waves (1–3) or the smaller-scale waves (4–12), mixing in the surf zone is generally reduced but not eliminated. When the winds are filtered by phase speed, however, mixing is significantly reduced in restricted latitude zones where the phase speeds of the filtered waves are close to the speed of the local zonal-mean zonal wind. Thes...
A simple method for obtaining high plating efficiencies with cultured insect cells

A technique has been developed for obtaining absolute plating efficiencies as high as 79% for culturedTrichoplusia ni (TN-368) cells. The method involves the use of conditioned medium and MES, BES, or ACES buffers. Cell growth and morphology are not altered under these conditions.
University presidents' perceptions and practice regarding the carrying of concealed handguns on college campuses.

AbstractObjective: To assess the perceptions and practices of a national sample of college and university presidents regarding their support for concealed handguns being carried on college campuses. Participants: The sample for this study consisted of a national random sample of 900 college or university presidents. Methods: In the spring of 2013, a 3-wave mailing procedure was used to ensure an adequate response rate to a valid and reliable questionnaire. Results: The response rate was 46%, more than what was needed based on the power analysis. The vast majority (95%) of respondents were not supportive of carrying concealed handguns on campuses. They perceived there to be more disadvantages than advantages to handguns on campus. However, college administrators were not focused enough on the primary prevention of campus firearm trauma. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest a number of activities that could be implemented to enhance safety on college and university campuses.
Immunogenetic markers in chlorpromazine-induced tardive dyskinesia

The presence and severity of tardive dyskinesia were determined in 66 patients with chronic psychiatric disorders treated with chlorpromazine. The patients were classified according to the presence of antinuclear antibodies, the lupus anticoagulant, and the HLA antigen Bw44. The severity of orofacial dyskinesia was estimated using the Rockland Research Institute Scale. Patients with autoantibodies and the Bw44 antigen had higher tardive dyskinesia scores than those with AAB without the Bw44 antigen and also patients without autoantibodies regardless of their HLA phenotype (P less than 0.01). These studies suggest that the presence of autoantibodies in association with the HLA Bw44 antigen is related to, and can be a predictor of, neurological complications of long-term chlorpromazine therapy.
Exciton Structure in Photoconductivity of CdS, CdSe, and CdS: Se Single Crystals

Exciton-like structure has been observed in the photoconductive spectral response curves of CdS, CdSe, and CdS: Se single crystals at 77 and 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. It is observed that a number of peaks in the photoconductivity spectra of CdS and CdSe correspond to the exciton spectra identified by other optical measurements. In CdS the photoconductivity peaks corresponding to the $n=1, 2, 3$ states and the series limit of the exciton from the first and second valence bands and the ground state of the exciton associated with the third valence band were observed. For CdSe the peaks corresponding to the $n=1, 2, 3$ states of the exciton from the first and second valence bands were identified. Only the ground state was identified in the solid solutions. Assignment of the observed photoconductivity peaks was carried out by observing optical selection rules in polarized light. Within a given series the peaks form nearly hydrogen-like energy spacings, and it is observed that the exciton absorption lines always corresponded to photocurrent maxima. From the position of the photoconductivity maxima corresponding to the ground states of the excitons from the first and second valence bands, the exciton ground-state energy levels of the solid solutions were estimated and found to vary nonlinearly with composition. The coincidence of photoconductivity peaks and exciton absorption lines clearly suggests participation of excitons in photoconductivity. Several possible mechanisms for production of free carriers via exciton states are suggested.
Effect of temperature, strain rate and grain size on the mechanical response of Ti3SiC2 in tension

Abstract Tensile, relaxation and cycling loading–unloading tests indicate that the mechanical response of Ti 3 SiC 2 has a strong dependence on temperature and strain rate, but a weak dependence on grain size. Loading at low temperatures, and/or high strain rates, results in elastic and anelastic deformation, followed by brittle fracture. Anelastic deformation in this regime can be attributed to the easy glide of dislocation into pileups during loading, and their run back during unloading. At high temperatures (≈1100–1200°C), and/or low ( −5 s −1 ) strain rates, the response is plastic. The resulting strain is elastic, anelastic and plastic. Even at 1200°C, intense stress-relaxation processes are observed, and a sizable fraction (≈13%) of the strain is anelastic. At intermediate temperatures and strain rates (transition regime) the mechanical response is controlled by simultaneous damage formation (microcracking) and localized plastic deformation. Combining the results obtained in this work with previous results, viz. tensile creep and strain transient dip tests, a deformation map that takes into account temperature, grain size and strain rate is defined.
Membrane currents activated in acutely dissociated rat pineal cells during the circadian cycle

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in cells acutely dissociated from adult rat pineal glands in order to determine possible long lasting influences of the circadian rhythm upon voltage-activated membrane currents. Cells were dissociated either during the light or dark period. From a holding potential of -50 mV, pineal cells bathed in a normal solution responded to depolarizing potentials positive to -20 mV with a slowly rising sustained outward current. From a holding potential of -100 mV, a transient outward current was activated with command potentials positive to -50 mV. This current reached a peak within 15 ms and had a significant decay over 160 ms. In most of the cells, inward currents were not observed and no significant differences were found between the properties of the outward currents in cells dissociated during the light or dark period. This suggests that the previously reported circadian activity in the rat pineal gland is not associated with inward current or with long lasting changes in the voltage-activated membrane currents.
Protection against acute and chronic hyperoxic inhibition of neonatal rat lung development with the 21-aminosteroid drug U74389F.

ABSTRACT: Normal lung development involves septation of the large air saccules present at birth to form smaller diameter alveoli with a much increased surface area for respiratory exchange. This process in the newborn animal is markedly inhibited by hyperoxia, and the altered lung morphology that results may be permanent. We tested whether treatment of neonatal rats with the new 21-ami-nosteroid (21-AS) drug, U-74389F (15 mg/kg/d), could protect against O2-induced inhibition of normal lung development. By morphometric analysis after 10 d in >95% O2, the lungs of the animals treated with this potent iron chelator and inhibitor of lipid peroxidation showed a substantial protective effect—with reduced mean air space diameter and significantly increased internal surface area compared with O2 control pups. [Air control mean air space diameter = 47.4 μm, internal surface area = 1014 cm2; O2 controls = 61.0 μm (↑29%), 769 cm2 (↓24%); O2 21-AS = 53.4 μm (↑13%), 919 cm2 (↓9%); p < 0.05 between O2 groups.] Similarly, inhibition of lung elastin deposition (involved in septation process) during hyperoxia was significantly ameliorated by 21-AS treatment. In addition, follow-up studies of young adult rats demonstrated permanently enlarged lung alveoli and reduced surface area after neonatal high O2 exposure. These chronic morphologic effects were also significantly reduced by neonatal 21-AS treatment. The right ventricle hypertrophy (2° to pulmonary hypertension) in the O2 controls reaching adulthood [right ventricle/left ventricle + septum weight = 0.496 (f55% versus air control value = 0.320)] was markedly reduced in the adult 21-AS animals exposed to hyperoxia as neonates [0.382 (↑19%)]. Thus, 21-AS treatment had a substantial protective effect against both the acute and chronic lung as well as cardiac morphologic changes that early life exposure to hyperoxia can produce.
Hypertonic saline-dextran suppresses burn-related cytokine secretion by cardiomyocytes

Whereas hypertonic saline-dextran (HSD, 7.5% NaCl in 6% D70) improves cardiac contractile function after burn trauma, the mechanisms of HSD-related cardioprotection remain unclear. We recently show...
Responsibility Without Authority: the Growing Burden for Women in the Caribbean

After achieving independence and limited economic self-assertion in the sixties and seventies, most Caribbean states have been reabsorbed by a now globalized neocolonial system. The “structural adjustment” exacted in the process has exacerbated hardship and inequality generally and has been particularly hard on women. It has deprived them of resources and authority while requiring them to assume service and welfare responsibilities being abandoned by the state. As male unemployment rises, more women are working longer hours for less in new maquiladora industries. But women are elaborating new collective strategies for pooling resources, nurturing souls, and regenerating energies.
Beyond the boss and the boys: women and the division of labor in Drosophila genetics in the United States, 1934-1970.

The vast network of Drosophila geneticists spawned by Thomas Hunt Morgan's fly room in the early 20th century has justifiably received a significant amount of scholarly attention. However, most accounts of the history of Drosophila genetics focus heavily on the "boss and the boys," rather than the many other laboratory groups which also included large numbers of women. Using demographic information extracted from the Drosophila Information Service directories from 1934 to 1970, we offer a profile of the gendered division of labor within Drosophila genetics in the United States during the middle decades of the 20th century. Our analysis of the gendered division of labor supports a reconsideration of laboratory practices as different forms of work.
Surgical treatment of hepatic and pulmonary metastases from colon cancer.

Abstract Background . Surgical resection of isolated hepatic or pulmonary metastases secondary to colorectal cancer has been shown to yield acceptable long-term survival. However, results are inconclusive for surgical resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases. Methods . We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent surgical resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer between 1980 and 1998. Results . A total of 58 patients underwent resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases secondary to colorectal cancer. All patients had local control of their primary cancer before metastasectomy. There were no operative deaths. Morbidity occurred in 12% of patients. Follow-up was complete in all patients, with a median duration of 62 months (range, 6 to 201 months). The 5- and 10-year survivals were 30% and 16%, respectively. A premetastasectomy carcinoembryonic antigen level greater than 5 ng/mL increased the risk of early death ( p = 0.029). Neither the number of pulmonary lesions nor the time interval between the primary surgery and the metastasectomy had a significant impact on survival ( p = 0.67). At 5 years, 55% of patients were free of disease. Four patients had lymph node involvement at the time of pulmonary resection and all 4 patients died within 22 months of their pulmonary metastasectomy. Conclusions . Resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases secondary to colorectal cancer in highly selected patients is safe and results in long-term survival. Thoracic lymph node involvement and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels before pulmonary metastasectomy are associated with reduced survival.
Renal potassium transport: mechanisms and regulation

The regulation of potassium metabolism involves mechanisms for the appropriate distribution between the intra- and extracellular fluid compartments and for the excretion by the kidney. Clearance and single nephron studies show that renal excretion is determined by regulated potassium secretion and potassium reabsorption, respectively, in principal and intercalated cells of the distal nephron. Measurement of the electrochemical driving forces acting on potassium transport across individual cell membranes and characterization of several ATPases and potassium channels provide insights into the transport and regulation of renal potassium excretion.
An evaluation of heuristic performance in multi-stage lot-sizing systems

The purpose of this paper is to determine the cost effectiveness of recently proposed single-stage lot-sizing algorithms in multi-stage settings. Seven different algorithms and six comhinations of methods were examined in conjunction with four cost modification procedures. These procedures attempt to account for the interdependencies across stages by altering the costs employed for decision-making purposes. A series of simulation experiments was conducted where the set-up cost, the product structure, and the demand distribution were varied. It is concluded that the combination methods when used with some of the cost modifications result in enhanced performance in comparison to other sequential approaches.
Basin to Platform Transition, Middle Cretaceous, Mexico: ABSTRACT

Discontinuous outcrops west of Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, preserve a sequence of middle Cretaceous (Albian-Cenomanian) carbonate rocks more than 1,500 m thick consisting of the following. (1) (Base) Well-bedded, cherty lime mudstones and wackestones with calcispheres and globular foraminifera. (2) Fine-grained, partly silicified peloidal and bioclastic lime wackestones and thin intraclast layers. (3) Massive graded beds of peloidal-bioclastic lime packstone with abundant echinoid fragments and spines, coral and mollusk fragments, but no rudists. (4) Lime breccias in massive beds with a variety of bioclasts including stromatoporoids and rudistids that are increasingly common upward. Breccias are interbedded with finely laminated, ripple-laminated, or micrograded bed alternating with burrowed mudstones. Dolomitized intervals are present at the base of unit 3 and within unit 4. (5) Massive beds of coarse rudist-fragment lime packstone. (6) (Top) Massive beds of rudist boundstone. Unit 1 is typical of basinal limestones of the upper Tamaulipas Formation. Units 2-4 represent basin-margin facies, the Tamabra Formation. Units 5 and 6 are characteristic of the reefal platform-margin Taminul facies of the El Abra Limestone. This succession from pelagic basinal limestone to true reefs represents progradation of the eastern margin of the large (200 by 300 km) Valles-San Luis Potosi platform. Such progradational sequences are rare in the middle Cretaceous of east-central Mexico because the platform margins were steep (to 45°, locally near vertical) and relief was great (to 1,000 m). Although some faults may be present, the apparent thickness of the section (>1,500 m) is comparable to the total thickness of platform sections elsewhere. Porosity is nil in the transitional sequence except for vugs and intercrystalline pores in the dolomite and small vugs in some of the debris beds. Clasts and particles within the basin-margin debris indicate diagenetic stages in the source area ranging from unconsolidated through lightly cemented (both submarine and subaerial) to leached and secondarily cemented. End_of_Article - Last_Page 567------------
OPTIMIZATION OF VARIABLE AREA TRANSECT SAMPLING USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATION

An extensive simulation study was conducted to optimize the number, r, of population members to be encountered from each random starting point in variable area transect (VAT) sampling. The quality of estimation provided by the original calculation formula presented by K. R. Parker in 1979 was compared to another formula that was a Morisita analog intended to reduce bias when sampling aggregated populations. Monte Carlo simulations covered 64 combinations of four spatial patterns, four sample sizes, and four densities. Values of r from 3 through 10 were considered in each case. Relative root mean squared error was used as the primary assessment criterion. Superior estimation properties were found for r > 3, but diminishing returns, relative to the potential for increased effort in the field, were found for r > 6. The original estimation formula consistently provided results that were superior to the Morisita analog, with the difference most pronounced in the aggregate patterns for which the Morisita analog...
Growing hot pepper for cabbage looper, Trichopulsia ni (Hübner) and spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) control

With the public perception that synthetic pesticides leave harmful residues in crop produce for human consumption, there has been increased interest in using natural products for pest control. The potential of using fruit extracts of hot pepper for controlling the cabbage looper, Trichopulsia ni (Hubner) and spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch is explored in this investigation. Crude extracts from fruits of Capsicum chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, and C. annuum, were prepared and tested under laboratory conditions for their insecticidal and acaricidal performance. Mortality was greatest (94%) when fruit extract of accession PI-593566 (C. annuum) was sprayed on larvae of the cabbage looper, while crude extracts of accessions PI-241675 (C. frutescens) and PI-310488 (C. annuum) were repellent to the spider mite. We investigated differences in chemical composition of the crude fruit extracts that may explain the observed differences in mortality and repellency between accessions. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry spectrometric analysis revealed that capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, the pungent components of pepper fruit, were not correlated with toxicity or repellency, indicating that the two capsaicinoids are not likely related to the efficacy of pepper fruit extracts. Major compounds in hot pepper fruit extracts were detected and identified as pentadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and octadecanoic acid methyl ester. Spectrometric analysis and toxicity to cabbage looper larvae revealed that pentadecanoic acid methyl ester is likely related to cabbage looper mortality. However, the concentration of pentadecanoic acid methyl ester in some accessions was insufficient to explain the observed mortality of cabbage looper and repellency of spider mite. Fruit extracts of accessions PI-593566 (C. annuum) and PI-241675 (C. frutescens) could be useful for managing populations of cabbage loopers and spider mites, which could reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Further study is needed to investigate performance of hot pepper extracts under ultra-violet light and field conditions.
Light Emission from Atom Beam - Plasma Interactions

A beam of atoms penetrating a plasma can be considered a line source of contaminants. Atoms excited by the plasma electrons yield information about the spatially resolved electron density and temperature. The light intensity as a function of time and position along the beam can be conveniently observed with an optical multichannel analyzer Since the beam atoms are different from the plasma constituents, the method does not suffer from self-absorption.
A queueing network model of an edge optical burst switching node

We consider an edge optical burst switching (OBS) node with or without converters, and with no buffering. The OBS node serves a number of users, each connected to the switch over a fiber link that supports multiple wavelengths. Each wavelength is associated with a 3-state Markovian burst arrival process. The arrival process permits short and long bursts to be modeled. We model the edge OBS node as a closed nonproduct-form queueing network, with multiple heterogeneous classes, and we develop a suite of approximate decomposition algorithms to analyze it. Our approximate algorithms have a good accuracy, and they provide insight into the effect of various system parameters on the performance of the edge OBS node.
Are rates of species diversification correlated with rates of morphological evolution

Some major evolutionary theories predict a relationship between rates of proliferation of new species (species diversification) and rates of morphological divergence between them. However, this relationship has not been rigorously tested using phylogeny-based approaches. Here, we test this relationship with morphological and phylogenetic data from 190 species of plethodontid salamanders. Surprisingly, we find that rates of species diversification and morphological evolution are not significantly correlated, such that rapid diversification can occur with little morphological change, and vice versa. We also find that most clades have undergone remarkably similar patterns of morphological evolution (despite extensive sympatry) and that those relatively novel phenotypes are not associated with rapid diversification. Finally, we find a strong relationship between rates of size and shape evolution, which has not been previously tested.
Dendritic Cells Pulsed with Coccidioides immitis Lysate Induce Antigen-Specific Naive T Cell Activation

Coccidioidomycosis, an infection endemic to the southwestern United States, is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. Coccidioidal infection is overcome by the development of cell-mediated immunity. This study evaluated the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in the initiation of coccidioidal immunity in nonimmune individuals. It was demonstrated that DCs pulsed with the coccidioidal antigen preparation, toluene spherule lysate (TSL), induce DC maturation, autologous lymphocyte proliferation, and antigen-specific lymphocyte responses from nonimmune donors. Furthermore, TSL-primed lymphocytes secreted interferon-g after restimulation with TSL or antigen 2/proline-rich antigen, a subcomponent of TSL, but they did not do so when restimulated with ovalbumin or unpulsed DCs. The results demonstrate that DCs generated from individuals not exposed to C. immitis can specifically prime lymphocytes for coccidioidal antigens and that the response generated by the lymphocytes is characteristic of a cellular immune response. Coccidioides immitis is a pathogenic fungus that is endemic to the southwestern United States and is the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as valley fever [1]. The fungus infects ∼100,000 individuals each year [1]. Although most persons who become infected are asymptomatic or have mild influenza-like symptoms, 1%‐10% of those infected develop either chronic pulmonary disease or infection that disseminates beyond the thoracic cavity [2]. Previous studies have shown that individuals who overcome coccidioidal infection develop cell-mediated immunity against the fungus, as measured by lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of interferon (IFN)‐g from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured with coccidioidal antigens [3]. PBMC from nonimmune individuals or patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis do not proliferate or secrete IFN-g. Although the general immunology of coccidioidomycosis is known, little is understood about the initiation of the immune response against this fungus.
Performance comparison of MODFET and MESFET using combined electromagnetic and solid-state simulator

A Combined Electromagnetic and Solid-State (CESS) simulation model for the analysis of electromagnetic wave effects on the behavior of the submicron semiconductor devices is presented. The CESS simulation model couples a 3D time-domain solution of Maxwell's equations to the semiconductor model. The performance comparison of two important high frequency devices, MODFET and MESFET, are discussed. The electromagnetic wave effects on the two devices are thoroughly analyzed. The simulation uses the electromagnetic wave concept to emphasize the better performance of MODFET over MESFET. The transfer of energy takes place between the electrons and the electromagnetic wave at high frequencies.
Approaches to Refractory Hypoxemia in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Current Understanding, Evidence, and Debate

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cause substantial morbidity and mortality despite our improved understanding of lung injury, advancements in the application of lung-protective ventilation, and strategies to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury. Severe refractory hypoxemia may develop in a subset of patients with severe ARDS. We review several approaches referred to as “rescue” therapies for severe hypoxemia, including lung-recruitment maneuvers, ventilation modes, prone positioning, inhaled vasodilator therapy, and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Each shows evidence for improving oxygenation, though each has associated risks, and no single therapy has proven superior in the management of severe hypoxemia. Importantly, increased survival with these strategies has not been clearly established.
Polymer degradation initiated via infectious behavior

Understanding polymer degradation phenomena is of critical importance for material reliability. A novel dual stage chemiluminescence detection system has been developed and applied to probe for material interaction effects during polymer degradation. Evidence is presented for the first time that in an oxidizing environment a degrading polymer A (in this case polypropylene, PP) is capable of infecting a different polymer B (in this case polybutadiene, HTPB) over a relatively large distance. In the presence of the degrading material A, the thermal degradation of polymer B is observed over a significantly shorter time period. Infectious intermediate volatiles from material A are able to initiate and shorten the degradation processes in material B. This observation documents infectious behavior that will have significant consequences for materials interactions, understanding material degradation processes and long-term aging effects in combined material exposures.
Cross-section and polarization measurements for the 12C(t, p)14C reaction

Abstract The 12 C(t, t) 12 C and 12 C(t, p) 14 C differential cross sections have been measured at 16 and 20 MeV. The polarization of the ground state proton in the 12 C(t, p ) 14 C reactions is given. Comparisons are made with results of optical-model and distorted-wave calculations.
Characterizing Inward Leakage in a Pressure-Demand, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

An analytical model of the flow across a resistive flow path such as an orifice or pipe was applied to predict the inward leakage in the facepiece of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during a steady below-ambient facepiece pressure. The model was used to estimate leakage rates with respect to the size of the leak and for below-ambient (negative) pressure conditions reflective of measured occurrences. Results of the model were also used to make quantitative estimates of the protection level of the respirator. Experiments were designed to induce a continuous below-ambient pressure inside the facepiece of a pressure-demand SCBA mounted on a headform. Negative facepiece pressure measured in the presence of a leak correlated with the measured particle concentration ratio. Results show that the analytical model generated reasonable estimates of leakage rates during conditions of negative pressure inside the facepiece. Thus, the analytical model performed well for constant flow conditions, demonstrati...
Histone H2AZ dimerizes with a novel variant H2B and is enriched at repetitive DNA in Trypanosoma brucei

H2AZ is a widely conserved histone variant that is implicated in protecting euchromatin from the spread of heterochromatin. H2AZ is incorporated into nucleosomes as a heterodimer with H2B, by the SWR1 ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex. We have identified a homolog of H2AZ in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, along with a novel variant of histone H2B (H2BV) that shares ∼38% sequence identity with major H2B. Both H2AZ and H2BV are essential for viability. H2AZ localizes within the nucleus in a pattern that is distinct from canonical H2A and is largely absent from sites of transcription visualized by incorporation of 5-bromo-UTP (BrUTP). H2AZ and H2BV colocalize throughout the cell cycle and exhibit nearly identical genomic distribution patterns, as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. H2AZ co-immunoprecipitates with H2BV but not with histones H2B or H2A nor with the variant H3V. These data strongly suggest that H2AZ and H2BV function together within a single nucleosome, marking the first time an H2AZ has been shown to associate with a non-canonical histone H2B.
Integrated model management in the data warehouse era

Abstract Integrated modeling environments have historically been viewed as extensions of database management systems. Now that the WorldWideWeb has commandeered the computing landscape, a distributed perspective is required for model management. Our approach to distributed integrated modeling combines a data warehouse of decision metrics, a model warehouse of decision model structural representations, a conversion process to represent models in object-oriented form using the unified modeling language (UML), and component-based software plug-ins which augment typical cross-tabulations analysis with more sophisticated solvers from optimization, statistics, and other modeling paradigms.
Doors of Perception: Power and Representation in Bali

The sign marking the entrance to the Balinese region called Klungkung would probably not strike any foreign visitor as especially worthy of note. Taking for granted such public declarations of identity and welcome, we barely register the visual signals that adorn them even in our own society: the panoply of state birds and flowers that make up totemisme aujourd'hui in what is sometimes referred to as our late capitalist society. So it could hardly be expected that anyone would pay attention to the emblem on the pentagonal sign posted by the side of the road at each of Klungkung's borders (see Figure 1). And what, after all, would there be to notice? Words of greeting (selamat datang, welcome, is inscribed on the side facing entrants; selamat jalan, goodbye, on the reverse), the information that this is Klungkung, and a cluster of images: an enormous stalk of rice and another of cotton curved around a representation of an imposing portal, at the entrance to which is juxtaposed the wavy blade of a kris with five curves in it. Above the portal is a star; below it four leaves, as if it rested upon a lotus pad. Although Klungkung is a rice-growing region famous for its textiles, the same nature symbols could denote many regions in Indonesia, and indeed they not only appear on similar signs elsewhere in Bali but form part of Indonesia's national emblem. Nor does the kris-although it is important-distinguish Klungkung from other places; any former kingdom in the entire Malay archipelago could represent itself with one of those weapons, simultaneously heirlooms, regalia, and magical objects. The door, its importance marked by its place as the centerpiece of the sign, is another matter. Portals like this one are typically found between the forecourt and the inner reaches of Balinese temples or royal palaces. But anyone from Klungkung would know this portal immediately as a
Frequent Somatic Complaints and Psychosocial Risk in Adolescents

Frequent headaches and abdominal pain are a relatively common occurrence among adolescents. At some point, however frequent somatic pain is presumed to be a clinically significant associate of psyc...
Acculturation and Diabetes Risk in the Mexican American Mano a Mano Cohort

Objectives. To investigate the association between acculturation and diabetes risk in the Mexican American Mano a Mano (hand to hand) Cohort.Methods. We recruited 15 975 men and women in the Houston, Texas, area from 2001 to 2014. We used language use, birth country, and duration of US residence (among Mexico-born) to assess acculturation. Participants self-reported a physician’s diagnosis of diabetes during annual follow-up over an average of 5.4 (range = 1–13) years. Self-reported diabetes status was validated in medical records for a subset of 235 participants with 98% agreement.Results. Diabetes risk was higher among immigrants with 15 to 19, 20 to 24, and 25 or more years (relative risk = 1.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.07, 2.01) of US residence, relative to those with less than 5 years. Neither language acculturation nor birth country was significantly associated with diabetes risk.Conclusions. Among participants born in Mexico, diabetes risk increased with longer duration of US residence.
Brain Region‐Specific Histopathological Effects of Varying Trajectories of Controlled Cortical Impact Injury Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Aims Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is impacted by an external force causing either a closed or penetrating head injury through a direct or accelerating impact. In laboratory research, most of the TBI animal models focus on a specific region to cause brain injury, but traumatic injuries in patients do not always impact the same brain regions. The aim of this study was to examine the histopathological effects of different angles of mechanical injury by manipulating the trajectory of the controlled cortical impact injury (CCI) model in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats.
Hypertension: Cardiovascular benefits of lowering blood pressure.

A recent meta-analysis reports that blood-pressure-lowering treatments reduce the rate of cardiovascular events in patients with baseline systolic blood pressures ranging from >160 mmHg to <130 mmHg. Notwithstanding their diverse data sources, the researchers assert that a blood pressure target of <130 mmHg should be adopted when treating hypertension.
In-run scale factor and drift calibration of MEMS gyroscopes with rejection of acceleration sensitivities

We report a ∼50PPM precision in-run calibration platform for MEMS gyroscopes. In this work we demonstrate an integrated system capable of extracting instantaneous scale factor, drifts and cross axis sensitivities of the commercial ADXRS646 Z-axis gyroscope, with complete in-run rejection of acceleration sensitivities. The demonstrated method is applicable to any MEMS Coriolis force gyroscopes. The 50ppm calibration result is limited by the inherent limit of the gyroscope, with the calibration system being potentially able to extract even higher levels of accuracy.
Processes of verbal memorization revealed in correct and erroneous recall of words and paralogs

Paralog (C-V-C-V-C) distortions of real words were memorized in mixed lists no better than randomly generated paralogs. Reversed words apparently were unrecognized by most Ss. Error patterns permit inferences concerning memory encoding processes.
Immunity and hypersensitivity as factors in the etiology of mesenchymal diseases.

Accumulating data suggest that certain families have a high incidence of mesenchymal disease because of an inherited predisposition, manifested through an alteration of the immune mechanism or through some other variation of the organization of the primitive mesenchymal system. Studies of several families support this genetic concept. The development of typical lupus erythematosus in several children following sulfonamide or hydantoin therapy and their recovery after the drug was withdrawn suggest that perhaps other patients with mesenchymal disease are similarly reacting to an exogenous factor.
25 EFFECT OF CONCENTRATED BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FROM HIV-POSITIVE SUBJECTS TO PRIME ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS.

Background and Objective Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a common cause of pulmonary disease in HIV-infected patients. Normal alveolar macrophages (AM) phagocytize MTB and are then activated by cytokines to kill ingested MTB. We have previously shown that HIV alveolar AM are intrinsically resistant to MTB infection compared to normal AM, likely due to an AM-activating factor secreted by alveolar T cells. In this work, we examined the ability of concentrated BAL from HIV-infected subjects to activate AM to kill MTB. Methods BAL from HIV-infected subjects before and after starting antiretroviral therapy were concentrated 5 times using 10 kD spin columns and then cultured with normal AM for 24 hours. Virulent and avirulent MTB at an MOI of 1:1 was then added and subsequent infection determined using a BACTEC methodology. BAL cytokine concentrations were measured using a cytometric bead array assay system. Time to initial and maximal infection of the AM by MTB was assessed. Results Virulent and avirulent MTB grew equally well in AM not treated with HIV BAL. However, pretreatment with HIV BAL significantly delayed AM infection (both initial and maximal) by avirulent MTB compared to virulent MTB (initial infection: 12.2 ± 0.3 days vs 9.8 ± 0.3 days, p
Intelligent Magnetic Materials and Their Applications

The basic concept of intelligent materials is expounded in the paper. Three kinds of intelligent magnetic materials, magnetic fulid, magnetorheological fulid and giant magnetostrictive rare earth materials and their applications are introduced.
Surgical techniques in type A dissection

Acute aortic dissection is a surgical emergency that must be urgently managed, with the primary goal of restoring flow to the dominant true lumen in the downstream aorta. Our preference at the Cleveland Clinic is for an open distal anastomosis technique without aortic clamping, as it permits more accurate approximation of dissected layers and more homeostatically secure anastomosis. During this procedure we employ right axillary end-to-side graft perfusion, followed by deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade brain perfusion. The distal anastomosis is performed without felt strips or glue. Critical to achieving a successful outcome is meticulous de-airing of the arch, diligent myocardial protection, and a water-tight anastomosis prior to discontinuing cardiopulmonary bypass.