cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life after treatment: detecting living microorganisms following exposure to UV light and chlorine dioxide

Rapid analytical methods are needed to quantify living microorganisms to determine if ships’ discharged ballast water is in compliance with national and international standards. Traditionally, regrowth assays and microscope counts of stained organisms—which are time-consuming, require expensive equipment, and require extensive staff training—are used to assess microorganisms. The goal of this study was to evaluate other approaches. Both ambient microorganisms from an oligotrophic marine environment and laboratory cultures of marine algae were evaluated following exposure to two types of ballast water treatment: ultraviolet (UV) light and chlorine dioxide (ClO2). Microorganisms in two size classes (<10 and ≥10 to <50 μm) were quantified using regrowth assays and vital staining, and samples were evaluated using two rapid approaches: (1) chlorophyll a fluorescence and photochemical yield were measured using a pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer and (2) the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured with a handheld luminometer. The response of microorganisms to UV and ClO2 was evident in measurements of photochemical yield, as photochemical yield decreased at high doses. However, initial values of photochemical yield were variable and species-specific. Oddly, in some trials, initial fluorescence increased at intermediate UV doses; this phenomenon could lead to overestimation of total biomass. In samples treated with UV light, ATP was not significantly different among any of the doses used; however, concentrations of ATP were significantly lower at the highest dose of ClO2 than control samples. These results demonstrate that approaches used for ballast water testing can be treatment-specific, and compliance approaches should be validated to determine their utility with the appropriate treatments.
Mitochondrial plasmids in related cultivars of crookneck and stable and unstable butternut squash.

Two series of two to four plasmids are contained in mitochondria of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschatd). The plasmids are composed of DNA, and are consistent in number within a cultivar but vary in number among cultivars. Plasmid patterns and homology suggest that the faster migrating series of plasmids are the supercoiled form of the slower running plasmids. Plasmid 1 was present in all cultivars except New Hampshire Butternut. Plasmid 2 was only observed in the original crookneck cultivar, Canada Crookneck. Plasmids 3 and 4 were present in all accessions tested. The presence of plasmid 1 in a cultivar does not follow a maternal pattern of inheritance; this may be due to the ability of the plasmid to insert into and excise from the main mitochondrial DNA, or the recombination of some of the smaller plasmids to create the larger plasmid 1. There is some homology between plasmid 1 and plasmids 3 and 4, and between plasmid 1 and main band mitochondrial DNA. The equal presence of plasmid 1 in mitochondria of F1 seedlings from the pollination of New Hampshire Butternut by Ponca Butternut to that in F1 seedlings of the reciprocal cross indicates that there is probably a dominant nuclear effect on the ability to produce plasmid 1 either by release from the mitochondrial genome or by recombination of the smaller plasmids. There is no obvious relationship between the presence or number of the mitochondrial plasmids and the butternut fruit shape or stability of the butternut trait of the cultivars.
Inhomogeneous Neutrino Degeneracy and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

We examine big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) in the case of inhomogeneous neutrino degeneracy, in the limit where the fluctuations are sufficiently small on large length scales that the present-day element abundances are homogeneous. We consider two representative cases: degeneracy of the electron neutrino alone and equal chemical potentials for all three neutrinos. We use a linear programming method to constrain an arbitrary distribution of the chemical potentials. For the current set of (highly restrictive) limits on the primordial element abundances, homogeneous neutrino degeneracy barely changes the allowed range of the baryon-to-photon ratio $\ensuremath{\eta}.$ Inhomogeneous degeneracy allows for little change in the lower bound on $\ensuremath{\eta},$ but the upper bound in this case can be as large as $\ensuremath{\eta}=1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ (only ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$ degeneracy) or $\ensuremath{\eta}=1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ (equal degeneracies for all three neutrinos). For the case of inhomogeneous neutrino degeneracy, we show that there is no BBN upper bound on the neutrino energy density, which is bounded in this case only by limits from structure formation and the cosmic microwave background.
Molecular sieve coatings on spherical substrates via pulsed laser deposition

Abstract A technique for coating small three-dimensional objects with molecular sieves using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) has been developed. Oriented UTD-1 zeolite films have been prepared on the surface of glass and steel beads by first vibrating the spheres in a laser-generated plume. The PLD film was subjected to a post-hydrothermal treatment resulting in a well-adhered highly crystalline UTD-1 film. The UTD-1 crystals are oriented so that the one-dimensional channels are normal to the substrate surface.
A Device to Provide Respiratory-Mechanical Unloading

A commercially available and widely used servo-controlled ventilator has been modified to provide controlled inspiratory resistive unloading of the human respiratory system. This is achieved by establishing a positive mouth pressure throughout inspiration in a constant proportion to instantaneous flow, i.e., the ratio of mouth pressure to flow, which defines the "assistance," remaining constant. The performance of this device has been evaluated in four healthy subjects during steady-state, constant-load cycling (20-120 W). It is demonstrated that i) the device can successfully implement controlled degrees of inspiratory assistance on a breath-to-breath basis; ii) the assistance can be sustained over a substantial range of ventilatory drive (i.e., for ventilations up to some 30 1/min) and to an extent which approaches a 100 percent reduction of the normal respiratory resistance. This device should prove useful in experimental and clinical investigations of the respiratory responses to resistive unloading of the respiratory system.
Microstructural evolution during the precipitation of ordered intermetallics in multiparticle coherent systems

Abstract Shape transition and spatial rearrangement of ordered particles during precipitation in a multiparticle coherent cubic system are examined in two dimensions by computer simulation. A general phenomenological kinetic model, obtained by incorporating the transformation-induced elastic strain into the stochastic field kinetic equations, is employed. Without any a priori assumptions on particle shapes and their spatial distributions, it is shown that the interaction between particles plays an essential role not only in the development of spatial correlation but also in the shape evolution of individual particles. In the case of a low particle density, an individual shape transition sequence from circle → square (with rounded comers) → concave ‘square’ → square or rectangle is observed. In the case of a high particle density, however, no concave ‘square’ is formed and many irregular particle shapes and complex multiparticle arrangements are found instead owing to the intensive interaction between part...
When Laws Backfire Unintended Consequences of Public Policy

Why is it that so many laws perpetually fall short of their intended goals? Why haven’t humanity’s greatest minds managed to solve basic social ills? This article amasses considerable evidence suggesting that (a) law is inherently incapable of producing major social change because legal restrictions unsettle social equilibria and generate counteractions and (b) the subconscious purpose behind many laws is the promotion of social solidarity for its own sake. The author concludes that laws and the politics that forge them are essentially religious practices that have little basis in rational analysis. Thus can be explained both the perpetual failure of many laws and their irreconcilable popularity.
The postnatal development of the tract of Lissauer in the rat

This study determined the numbers of axons in the tract of Lissauer of the S2 segment of rat spinal cord during postnatal development. One day after birth there were an average of 39 myelinated and 9,520 unmyelinated axons in this pathway. These numbers changed steadily to the 722 myelinated and 2,759 unmyelinated axons that characterize the adult. Thus there was a 20-fold increase in myelinated axons but a threefold decrease in total axons in this pathway from birth to adulthood. The axonal changes occurred so long after the changes in the number of cells that give rise to these axons that the axonal changes were almost certainly not due to the death of their parent neurons. We do not yet understand the mechanisms that control axonal numbers in this pathway, but in our opinion these mechanisms are as important as those that control neuronal numbers in considerations of the development of the nervous system.
Temperament, cultural variation and behavior disorder in preschool children.

Thomas, Chess and Birch have reported that children with a particular temperament pattern, “the Difficult Child syndrome,” are more likely to develop behavior disorders. In this study, the relationship between temperament and behavioral adjustment is examined in two groups of five-year-old boys; from middle-class, well educated families and Puerto Rican families living in low income housing. The middle-class children were found to have significantly more and different symptomatology than the Puerto Rican children. A significant correlation existed between symptomatology and temperament in the middle-class children, but not in the Puerto Rican group. The results are interpreted within the framework of vulnerability to stress and the “goodness of fit” model. Some environmental encounters may be more compatible with the so-called Difficult Child temperament syndrome. Incompatible encounters, not temperament, per se, account for the development of behavioral difficulties.
Dynamic regulation of [Ca2+]iby plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/Ca2+exchange during capacitative Ca2+entry in bovine vascular endothelial cells

Abstract The dynamic regulation of Ca 2+ extrusion by the plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase (PMCA) and Na + /Ca 2+ exchange (NCX) was investigated in single cultured calf pulmonary artery endothelial (CPAE) cells using indo-1 microfluorimetry to measure cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). The quantitative analysis of the recovery from an increase of [Ca 2+ ] i elicited by activation of capacitative Ca 2+ entry (CCE) served to characterize kinetic parameters of these Ca 2+ extrusion systems in the intact cell. In CPAE cells the PMCA is activated in a Ca 2+ - and time-dependent manner. Full activation of the pump occurs only after [Ca 2+ ] i has been elevated for at least 1 min which results in an increase of the affinity of the pump for Ca 2+ and an increase in the apparent maximal extrusion rate (V max ). Application of calmodulin antagonists W-7 and calmidazolium chloride (compound R 24571) revealed that calmodulin is a major regulator of PMCA activity in vivo. Sequential and simultaneous inhibition of PMCA and NCX suggested that both contribute to Ca 2+ extrusion in a non-additive fashion. The activity of one system is dynamically adjusted to compensate for changes in the extrusion rate by the alternative transporter. It was concluded that in vascular endothelial cells, the PMCA functions as a calmodulin-regulated, high-affinity Ca 2+ removal system. The contribution by the low-affinity NCX to Ca 2+ clearance became apparent at [Ca 2+ ] i >~150 nM under conditions of submaximal activation of the PMCA.
Planting methods affect emergence, flowering and yield of spring oilseed crops in the U.S. central High Plains

Abstract Alternative types of planting methods can alter seed placement, and seedling growing conditions. These factors can affect establishment and seed yield of spring oilseed crops, evaluated in six growing environments of the U.S. central High Plains. Seeding with a hoe drill (HD) resulted in the best emergence and stand ratings, and earlier flowering. Emergence and stand ratings for seeding with a no-till drill (NT) were better than ratings for broadcast seeding (BC). Canola (Brassica napus L.) had better stand rating and earlier flowering than Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) and Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), which were similar. Oilseed yield was limited by available water or heat stress at all experimental sites. At Colby, with good growing conditions in 2005, canola provided greatest yield (2180 kg ha−1). Relative productivity of the oilseed species shifted from canola to Camelina with warmer and drier growing conditions. Adapting spring oilseed germplasm to the U.S. central High Plains can focus on cold tolerance for emergence, intensive water extraction to avoid water stress, heat tolerance during flowering and increased harvest index and oil content.
Diagnosis of Mental Retardation in Schizophrenia: Psychometric Distinction Between Intellectual Subnormality and Abnormality:

Since many schizophrenics regress cognitively to the point of mental deficiency, the distinction between true (developmental) and functional retardation in the adult poses a recurrent diagnostic problem. Intelligence tests do not resolve the issue, which pivots on the question of whether cognitive processes, though deviant, have fully matured. The present study examined the ability of a series of developmentally rooted cognitive tests and other measures to differentiate between mentally and functionally retarded schizophrenics matched for IQ, sex, and race. Those with true retardation were found to be more primitive in their conceptual strategies, shorter in attention span, and slower in psychomotor pace. As a group, they tended to be younger, hospitalized earlier in life, and less variable on most tests. Optimal performance on each of six measures from the Cognitive Diagnostic Battery provided a statistical basis for ruling out mental retardation in the schizophrenic.
Sociology Computer-Aided Research at the Iowa Center for the Study of Group Processes

Faculty and graduate students associated with the Center for the Study of Group Processes at the University of Iowa use computers for a variety of research-related purposes. This article describes ...
Inhibition of tumor cell attachment to concanavalin A-coated surfaces as an assay for teratogenic agents: approaches to validation.

Four environmental agents have been tested for activity in a recently developed in vitro teratogen assay system. All four agents inhibited attachment. The agents were 40-fold concentrated drinking water (ID50 . 0.45 ml/ml), whole cigarette smoke condensate (ID50 . 85 micrograms/ml), kerosene soot (ID50 . 90 micrograms/ml), and commercial formulations of the pesticide carbaryl (ID50 approximately 150 micrograms/ml). On the basis of these examples appropriate criteria for the validation of in vitro teratogen assay systems are discussed. It is concluded that criteria are critically dependent on the specific applications of the assay system. For example, the false-positive rate must be minimized to make a wide-ranging screen of water samples useful. On the other hand, an investigation of impurities in commercial compounds requires low false-negative rates. In every case a quantitative measure of the potential teratogenic potency, in vivo, is desirable.
Synthesis of 11-Desoxy-8-Azaprostaglandin E2

Abstract In a recent communication DeKoning2 and co-workers reported the synthesis of 11-desoxy-8-aza-PGE2. We would like to report an alternative synthetic route to 8-aza-PGE2 9a and 8-aza-15-epi-PGE2 9b utilizing an oxazolidine intermediate as depicted below.
Changing False Beliefs from Repeated Advertising: The Role of Claim-Refutation Alignment

This research addresses refutation of false beliefs formed on the basis of repeated exposure to advertisements. Experiment 1 explores belief in the refutation as a function of the perceptual details shared (alignment) between the claim and the refutation as manipulated by whether the original claim was direct (assertion) or indirect (implication). Experiment 2 then examines whether this effect will carry through to belief in the original claim after exposure to the refutation. Findings indicate that direct refutations of indirect claims are believed more than refutations of direct claims. However, direct refutations of direct claims are more effective in reducing belief in the original claim. We argue that recollection of the original claim facilitates automatic updating of belief in that claim. Experiment 3 demonstrates that an alternative cue (a logo) in a refutation that facilitates recall of the original claim enables reduction of belief in the original indirect claim; this finding helps to pin down the mechanism—recall of the original claim—underlying belief updating. Further, Experiment 3 finds that multiple cues to recalling the original claim may prevent the automatic updating process. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Closure strategies for random DNA sequencing

Determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of the human genome will require accurate, efficient, and automated DNA sequencing methods. The random DNA sequencing strategy is being utilized in large-scale sequencing projects at present and is being considered for incorporation into the methods that will be utilized in the sequencing of genomes. Herein we present some concepts relevant to random DNA sequencing and discuss the design and implementation of the method. Strategies for overlapping contigs and sequencing gaps are suggested and discussed in detail, as the closure phase appears to be the limiting step in efficient application of random DNA sequencing approaches. Performance of a modified random DNA sequencing strategy used to sequence 60 kb of the human HPRT locus is presented in the context of closure. It is suggested that the efficiency of random DNA sequencing may be improved by simple modifications facilitating closure.
Polymorphism of the long-wavelength cone in normal human colour vision

Colour vision is based on the presence of multiple classes of cone each of which contains a different type of photopigment. Colour matching tests have long revealed that the normal human has three cone types. Results from these tests have also been used to provide estimates of cone spectral sensitivities. There are significant variations in colour matches made by individuals whose colour vision is classified as normal. Some of this is due to individual differences in preretinal absorption and photopigment density, but some is also believed to arise because there is variation in the spectral positioning of the cone pigments among those who have normal colour vision. We have used a sensitive colour matching test to examine the magnitude and nature of this individual variation and here report evidence for the existence of two different long-wavelength cone mechanisms in normal humans. The different patterns of colour matches made by male and female subjects indicate these two mechanisms are inherited as an X-chromosome linked trait.
Increasing AIDS case reports in the South: U.S. trends from 1981–2004

This study compares the trends in AIDS case reports in Southern states and in other regions and estimates the factors associated with the trends. Data from the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Reports 1999 and 2004 of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to calculate the proportion of the total cumulative cases (1981-2004) that occurred in the five most recent years (2000-2004). A linear regression model was fitted to estimate the factors associated with the highest recent growth rate for AIDS cases by state. Results revealed that Southern states (including the District of Columbia) are more likely to have a disproportionate proportion of total AIDS cases reported within the past five years (25.5% in 16 states and the District) compared to the rest of the U.S. (mean = 19.3% in 34 states and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; p < 0.001). Being a southern state (4.3% higher in proportion; 95% CI, 1.3%-7.3%) and higher representation of black race (0.1%, 95% CI, 0.02%-0.2%) were factor independently associated with higher recent growth rate for a state. AIDS case rates suggest recent worrisome trends in the South. Those states and territories that are in the South and that have higher proportions of African-Americans have a higher proportion of recent AIDS case reports than elsewhere, suggesting the need for a special geographic focus to encourage prevention, HIV testing, and access to care.
Abstract A95: KCNK5 regulates proliferation of ER-negative breast cancer cells

Prevention and treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer are clinical challenges to reduce breast cancer incidence and mortality. All ER-negative breast cancer and a significant portion of ERpositive breast cancer are not preventable using currently available preventive drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene. Furthermore, ER-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapies and inclines to develop metastasis. Thus, novel targets are urgently needed to achieve effective prevention and treatment of ER-negative breast cancer. The ion channels for transporting potassium ions are deregulated in breast cancers. Specifically, the KCNK5 ion channel is differentially overexpressed at mRNA levels in ERnegative vs ER-positive breast cancers. Several lines of evidence suggest that KCNK5 may be a promising target for ER-negative breast cancer prevention and treatment. We hypothesize that KCNK5 is required for malignant transformation of breast cells and development of ER-negative breast cancer. In our studies, we found that majority of ER-negative breast cancer cells expressed moderate to high level of KCNK5 protein whereas minimal/low levels of KCNK5 in ER-positive cells. We also found that transient knockdown of KCNK5 mRNA with siRNA significantly inhibited proliferation of two ER-negative breast cancer cells (HCC1569 & BT20) that express high levels of KCNK5 protein. We are now testing whether gain of KCNK5 function by overexpressing KCNK5 in ER-negative breast cancer cells (HCC1937 & BT549, expressing relatively low level of KCNK5 protein) will promote cell growth. The proposed studies will provide useful pre-clinical information regarding the role of KCNK5 in ER-negative breast cancer development, which currently is poorly understood. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A95.
Estriol-specific antibody for steroid assays.

Abstract Purified azobenzoyl estriol antibody IgG reacts specifically with native estriol. Fluorescence quenching of IgG by derivatized steroids provided experimentally determined binding constants over a wide range of concentrations. Since functional hydroxyl groups on the immunogen had been unmolested during synthesis, it was possible to isolate an antibody population which did not cross-react significantly with related estratrienes.
Regions of magnetic support of a plasma around a black hole

We establish necessary conditions for the trapping of charged particles by an electromagnetic field in the magnetosphere of a black hole. Three regions are defined according to the relative importance of electric and magnetic fields. Idealized models are used to illustrate the application of these criteria.
Quantitative Feeding and Weight Changes in Poecilia Reticulata

Abstract A total of 298 juvenile guppies, Poecilia reticulata, approximately 1 cm in length was divided into four groups. Of these, 282 lived until termination of the experiments. One group was sacrificed at once, whereas the other three were maintained in a growth chamber at 26.7 C ± 0.5°, with 4 hours of light and 20 of darkness per day. Experimental fish were fed daily 10 approximately 1.8 mm Daphnia pulex, consuming an average of 8.8 per day per fish. Control groups were starved, or fed maximally on a mixed diet. At the termination of each of 8 experiments, all fish were sacrificed, and their wet, dry, and ash weights were ascertained. Organic matter weights were taken as the difference between dry and ash weights. The well-fed controls nearly doubled in weight. Starved controls lost over one-fourth of their weight. Experimental fish gained on the average slightly in wet weight, but they lost 9.8% of their dry weight, and 13.3% of their organic matter weight. Wet weights were considered somewhat unrel...
Method to Assess Commercial Aircraft Technologies

Increasing competition in the commercial aircraft industry requires that airframe manufacturers be judicious with technology research and development efforts. Currently, technology development strategies for commercial aircraft appear to be lacking; a methodology is presented to assess new technologies in terms of both cost and performance. This methodology encompasses technologies that can be applied to the aircraft design and technologies that improve the development, manufacturing, and testing of the aircraft. This differs from past studies that focused on a small number of performance-based technologies. The method is divided into two phases. The e rst phase evaluates technologies based on cost measures alone. The second phase redesigns an aircraft with new technologies, assesses the relative importance of performance-based technologies, and recognizes technology interactions using Taguchi’ s design of experiments. For a wide-body transport aircraft example, the methodology identie es promising technologies for further study. Recommendations and conclusions about the methodology are made based on the results.
Hand Hygiene Compliance: The Health Care Worker (HCW) Point of View

ISSUE: Improved hand hygiene products, guidelines and patient safety have renewed emphasis on this work practice. Are we meeting the needs of our HCW's? PROJECT: A survey was developed to address 5 key factors: product, product location, usage, observations and recommendations from the HCW. The 1st goal was to obtain pertinent data for our members as a tool for change. The 2nd goal was to have the HCW input into where changes are needed. Members were provided a survey form, outline of the goals and suggested methods to conduct the survey. RESULTS: Results are based on 950 survey responses. To give an overall representation of the survey certain key data points were chosen. Asked if the quality of products effected the decision to practice hand hygiene 61% disagreed along with 57% that did not feel location of hand hygiene controls played a role. An overwhelming 83% rated the compliance in their work areas as >50%. “Time” a previously identified barrier to adherence was noted by 31% while 14% identified “laziness” as a reason for failure to comply. The survey reflected approx. 85-90% has knowledge of the products used but 45% recommended education on the importance of hand hygiene. Additional resources included increased availability of hand sanitizer (49%). A campaign to encourage patient participation was addressed in 2 different questions. Only 27% recommended a campaign while 45% disagreed with patient participation. HCW's viewed this approach as offensive and rude. The option to increase monitoring was agreed upon by 24% while 60% did not want to participate in the actual monitoring. LESSONS LEARNED: 1.The survey reflected that education on the essentials of hand hygiene is a recognized need. 2. Facilities need to maintain products and give the option of placement to HCW's. 3. HCW's do not want to be responsible for the hand hygiene auditing, but are observant. “Perceived barriers to hand hygiene behaviors are linked not only to the institution, but also to health care workers colleagues,” according to the CDC Guideline on Hand Hygiene (Oct. 2002). We should consider a campaign among the HCW's. 4. Active participation of patients in a campaign is not acceptable. Professionals need to learn how to manage current obstacles to compliance versus creating more! While the overall results reflect previously identified poor compliance factors it is advantageous to identify and personalize these issues within your own facility, with data from your facility.
False Negative Biopsy in Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia

Unlike most pneumonias, the diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is based solely on identifying organisms by stain, usually with methenamine-silver. Because of tecbnical problems involved with adequate staining, control samples usually are done concurrent with tissue specimens to be examined. Lung containing fnngi often is used as a controL We recently observed false-negative biopsy specimens In a case of P carinii pneumonia where the Pneumocystis orpnism failed to stain with methenamine-silver on several octasions, although fungal controis were positive. This report emphasizes the importance of using P carinii as a control whenever attempting to diagnose P carinii pneumonia.
An ab initio and molecular mechanical investigation of ureas and amide derivatives

Ab initio molecular orbital theory with the 6-31G* basis set has been used to investigate the geometries and preferred conformations for urea, derivatives of urea, and a few complicated amide derivatives. The results from the ab initio calculations provide insight into the gas-phase rotational barrier about the CN bond and have been used to generate parameters for the MM2(87) molecular mechanics program. When applicable, theoretical structures are compared with corresponding previously reported experimental geometries. Urea is predicted to be nonplanar with pyramidal amino groups.
Pretreatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Background . The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) trial demonstrated that ischemic events are decreased in patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This study sought to determine whether pretreatment with ACE inhibitors would attentuate ischemic injury during surgical revascularization of ischemic myocardium. Methods . In a porcine model, the second and third diagonal vessels were occluded for 90 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of cardioplegic arrest, and 180 minutes of reperfusion. Ten pigs received quinapril (20 mg PO q.d.) for 7 days prior to surgery; 10 others received no-ACE inhibitors. Results . Quinapril-treated animals required less cardioversions for ventricular arrhythmias (1.58 ± 0.40 vs 2.77 ± 0.22; p p p p Conclusions . ACE inhibition prior to coronary revascularization enhances myocardial protection by decreasing ventricular irritability, improving regional wall motion, lowering infarct size, and preserving endothelial function.
Sugar, water and free volume networks in concentrated sucrose solutions

We used molecular dynamics simulations to determine the sucrose hydrogen bond network (HBN) in amorphous sucrose with 0–50% w/w water. We find that the onset of a percolated sugar HBN network (between 33% and 40%) coincides with the experimental observation of the decoupling of viscosity and probe diffusion for these mixtures. The analysis of the free volume (FV) in these mixtures shows a non-monotonic behavior with water content which is consistent with experimental observations of hydrogen bond compaction and negative apparent partial volume of dilution, but in disagreement with the FV theory model of plasticization by water.
Normative Prudence as a Tradition of Statecraft

Ethical dilemmas of international relations have led to two distinct principles of thought, as presented in this article. The Western tradition has generally advocated the distinct differences between politics and morality, though asserting that the former is grounded on the latter. The “normative prudence” school of Aristotle, Aquinas, Burke, and Niebuhr interlink a nation's morality and politics in an ethical and pragmatic statecraft of nations. Realists such as Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes, on the other hand, divorce the two, maintaining that “prudence” is the most vital element in the political realm. Realists argue that politics supersedes morality and is upheld through self-interest as the pure search for the truly good. Both views spotlight the individual citizen as the center of moral society yet differ on the importance of the means and ends of statecraft and political adroitness of leaders. Adhering to Aristotelian views, Coll clearly advocates the notion that “moral principles are ultimately realized only in specific acts which human beings choose to carry out.” The author cites Washington, Lincoln, and Churchill as examples of leaders whose moral wisdom in political reasoning led to remarkable statecraft explicitly derived from prudence.
Response to Martin and Vanberg: Evaluating a Stochastic Model of Government Formation

In a 2012 Journal of Politics article, we presented a zero-intelligence model of government formation. Our intent was to provide a “null” model of government formation, a baseline upon which other models could build. We made two claims regarding aggregate government formation outcomes: first, that our model produces aggregate results on the distributions of government types, cabinet portfolios, and bargaining delays in government formation that compare favorably to those in the real world; and second, that these aggregate distributions vary in theoretically intuitive ways as the model parameters change. In this issue, Martin and Vanberg (MV) criticize our model on theoretical and empirical grounds. Here we not only show how MV’s evaluation of our model is flawed, but we also illustrate, using an analogy to common statistical practice, how one might properly attempt to falsify stochastic models such as ours at both the individual and the aggregate level.
Firm Size, Diversification, and Profitability of Large Corporations in Canada

The relationships among firm size, profitability and diversification are examined for a sample from the top 400 industrial firms in Canada in 1975. Account is taken of industry‐specific factors and of foreign ownership. The main findings are that increasing firm size is not associated with higher profitability, larger firms do appear to experience greater prof it stability, and the relationship between firm size and diversification is positive but weak. Industry factors are far more important than firm size in determining inter‐firm variations in diversification, implying that diversification is not undertaken as a means to stabilise profits by all large firms.
Surgical speed and risk for maternal operative morbidity in emergent repeat cesarean delivery

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical speed is associated with maternal outcomes in women who have a history of previous cesarean delivery (CD) and who require emergent delivery. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective observational study of women with a history of previous CD. Women who attempted a vaginal birth after CD and required emergent CD were dichotomized into those with a skin incision-to-fetal delivery time of ≤2 min (I-D ≤2) or >2 min (I-D >2), based on the mode I-D. Rates of composite maternal complications and specific surgical complications were compared. Results Seven hundred ninety-three women had an emergency repeat CD: 108 women (13.6%) had I-D ≤2, and 685 women (86.4%) had I-D >2. The composite of maternal morbidity occurred in 36% of women with I-D≤2 and 23% with I-D>2 ( P Conclusion Among women who underwent emergent repeat cesarean delivery, surgical speed was associated with an increased risk for maternal complications.
Development of Murine Leukemia Virus-Based Self-Activating Vectors That Efficiently Delete the Selectable Drug Resistance Gene during Reverse Transcription

Expression of the selectable drug resistance gene in retroviral vectors used for gene therapy can lead to a decreased expression of the gene of interest and may induce a host immune response, resulting in a decreased efficiency of gene therapy. In this study, we demonstrate that high-frequency deletion of direct repeats, an inherent property of reverse transcriptases, can be used to efficiently excise the drug resistance gene during reverse transcription. One retroviral vector containing a direct repeat deleted the neomycin resistance expression cassette during a single replication cycle at >99% efficiency.
Tuning the Oxygen Reduction Activity of Pd Shell Nanoparticles with Random Alloy Cores

Pd-based nanoparticles are promising candidates for non-Pt catalysts of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Trends in ORR activity of Pd/Cu-alloy-core@Pd-shell nanoparticles are studied by calculating the oxygen binding energy on the Pd surface with different Cu compositions in the alloy core. Density functional theory calculations show that several properties of the nanoparticle surface, including the average oxygen binding energy, d-band center, and the net charge of Pd, are linearly related to the ratio of Cu in the core, demonstrating the capacity to tune ORR activity. Trends in oxygen binding of other core alloys are also studied and show similar linear trends with core composition, providing a design strategy for new ORR catalysts.
The Y141C knockin mutation in RDS leads to complex phenotypes in the mouse

Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific gene peripherin-2 (PRPH-2, also known as retinal degeneration slow/RDS) cause incurable retinal degeneration with a high degree of phenotypic variability. Patient phenotypes range from retinitis pigmentosa to various forms of macular and pattern dystrophy. Macular and pattern dystrophy in particular are associated with complex, poorly understood disease mechanisms, as severe vision loss is often associated both with defects in the photoreceptors, as well as the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Since there is currently no satisfactory model to study pattern dystrophy disease mechanisms, we generated a knockin mouse model expressing an RDS pattern dystrophy mutation, Y141C. Y141C mice exhibited clinical signs similar to those in patients including late-onset fundus abnormalities characteristic of RPE and choroidal defects and electroretinogram defects. Ultrastructural examination indicated that disc formation was initiated by the Y141C protein, but proper sizing and alignment of discs required wild-type RDS. The biochemical mechanism underlying these abnormalities was tied to defects in the normal process of RDS oligomerization which is required for proper RDS function. Y141C-RDS formed strikingly abnormal disulfide-linked complexes which were localized to the outer segment (OS) where they impaired the formation of proper OS structure. These data support a model of pattern dystrophy wherein a primary molecular defect occurring in all photoreceptors leads to secondary sequellae in adjacent tissues, an outcome which leads to macular vision loss. An understanding of the role of RDS in the interplay between these tissues significantly enhances our understanding of RDS-associated pathobiology and our ability to design rational treatment strategies.
Outcome of medical treatment of stricturing and penetrating Crohn's disease: a retrospective study.

Background: Outcomes of medical treatment in patients with stricturing and penetrating Crohn's disease (CD) are not well characterized. Methods: Adults with stricturing and penetrating CD who underwent medical treatment from 2004 to 2008 were evaluated. We assessed response rates to medical treatment, time to relapse or surgery, and postoperative complications. Results: In all, 53 patients underwent medical therapy. 60% had stricturing disease, 11% had penetrating, and 28% had both. Disease location was ileal in 38%, colonic in 2%, and ileocolonic in 60%. At 30, 60, and 90 days, 54%, 60%, and 64% experienced a response to medical therapy, respectively. At 30 days, 75% of patients with ileal CD responded to therapy compared to 38% of patients with ileocolonic CD (P = 0.026). Overall, 64% of patients required surgery. Patients with ileocolonic disease required surgery at 0.55 years versus 1.07 years in patients with ileal disease (P = 0.023). 24% of patients experienced an anastomotic leak, fistula, or abscess (IASC). 29% of patients with penetrating disease developed IASC compared to 6% of patients with stricturing disease (P = 0.047). 32% of patients on biologic therapy had IASC compared to 0% of those not on biologics (P = 0.059). Conclusions: The outcomes of medical treatment of stricturing or penetrating CD are poor, as 64% ultimately require surgery. Important factors that seem to be associated with either failed therapy include ileocolonic or colonic disease location. We report a high rate of IASC, especially in patients with penetrating disease and those treated with biologic therapy. This should be considered prior to attempted medical therapy. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009)
Public policies and old age identity

Abstract Issues of self, identity, and other facets of subjectivity are generally examined within the context of interpersonal interaction and competency against a broader backdrop of production, reproduction, and consumption. Changes over time are thought to reflect transformations in personal involvements and an actor's circumstances. Yet economics, the polity, and entitlements make a difference in how life is compiled and affect so fundamental a component of selfhood as sense of identity. The goal of this discussion is to provide a more inclusive template linking sense of self, identity, and public policies as meaning-making parameters affecting older actors.
Gender, body, biomedicine: how some feminist concerns dragged reproduction to the center of social theory.

This article tracks the growth of medical anthropology in the United States in the decades since the 1970s, as it has intersected the expansion of feminist activism and scholarship. I argue that feminist attention to embodied inequalities quickly focused on reproduction as a site of investigation and intervention. Medical anthropology has benefited from feminist concern with stratified reproduction, especially its interrogation of nonnormative and stigmatized fertility and childbearing. When reproduction becomes problematic, it provides a lens through which cultural norms, struggles, and transformations can be viewed. Examples drawn from prenatal diagnosis are particularly revelatory of the diverse interests and stakes we all hold in reproduction, [feminism, stratified reproduction, stigma, genetics]
A New Understanding of the Second Stage of Labor: Implications for Nursing Care

A reconceptualization of the second stage of labor is proposed, with an early phase of descent and a later phase of active pushing, as the basis for nursing care related to direction or support of expectant mother's bearing-down efforts. This reconceptualization challenges the rules that have accompanied second stage by providing criteria for the obstetric conditions optimal for fetal descent that develop during the initial phase of second stage as the fetal head rotates to an anterior position and descends to at least a 1+ station. The phase of active pushing is accompanied by a decline in fetal pH and should be shortened, not only by assisting the woman with effective bearing-down but also by allowing a longer early phase of second stage and encouraging the woman to push only when the obstetric conditions are optimal.
Russian Teaching Contracts: An Examination of Cultural Influence and Genre

Teaching business communication in Russia involves operating in a high-context, oral culture where few documents are created. However, this article analyzes two Russian teaching contracts, rhetoric...
A modular design for a telecourse in computer science

A computer-science course design was sought which could assure rigorous and uniform treatment of the subject in spite of the delivery technology. With appropriate pacing and scope and with the treatment of topics in well-defined video lectures, it was decided to limit each lecture to a half an hour. It was also decided to cover the course content in a total of thirty video lectures, which at two lectures per week, conforms easily to the typical college semester for a two credit course. The recitation portion would be accomplished through on-line computerized conferencing. A course made up of generic portable units, i.e., units not tied to a specific textbook, software, or even hardware, was developed. >
The effects of specified chemical meals on food intake

Rats received intragastric infusions of various specified chemical meals and were subseqeuntly tested for a reduction in food intake. A second experiment, using a novel technique, tested for conditioned aversion to the meal infusions. The nonnutritive substances, kaolin clay and emulsified fluorocarbon, had no significant effect on food intake. Infusions of 1 M glucose and I M sorbitol reduced feeding behavior, but the 1 M sorbitol infusion also produced a conditioned aversion to flavored pellets paired with the sorbitol infusion, showing that the reduced feeding could have been caused by discomfort. Infusion of a high-fat meal consisting of emulsified triolein mixed with small amounts of sugar and protein or the rat's normal liquid diet, Nutrament, also reduced food intake, and both infusions failed to produce a conditioned aversion. The use of specified meals to understand the chemical basis of satiety requires a sensitive behavioral test to establish that the meal does not cause discomfort or other nonspecific effects. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 31: 5267-5272, 1978.
Rapid Identification of Bacteria and Yeast: Summary of a National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards Proposed Guideline

Using colony morphology on selected agars, Gram-stain morphology, and a number of 1-step biochemical or enzymatic tests, skilled microbiologists can identify the species of the majority of isolates seen routinely in a clinical laboratory. These results are often available more quickly than and are as accurate as those derived from conventional methods. The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards has produced a guideline that describes tests that can be used to identify a number of aerobic gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci, a number of commonly isolated anaerobes, and 3 species of yeast. An overview of the organisms included in the guideline, the tests that identify them, and the situations in which rapid testing is appropriate is presented here.
Thyroid hormone stimulates Na-K-ATPase activity and its plasma membrane insertion in rat alveolar epithelial cells.

Na-K-ATPase protein is critical for maintaining cellular ion gradients and volume and for transepithelial ion transport in kidney and lung. Thyroid hormone, 3,3′,5-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), given f...
Peptidoglycan recognition proteins kill bacteria by activating protein-sensing two-component systems

Mammalian peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), similar to antimicrobial lectins, bind the bacterial cell wall and kill bacteria through an unknown mechanism. We show that PGRPs enter the Gram-positive cell wall at the site of daughter cell separation during cell division. In Bacillus subtilis, PGRPs activate the CssR-CssS two-component system that detects and disposes of misfolded proteins that are usually exported out of bacterial cells. This activation results in membrane depolarization, cessation of intracellular peptidoglycan, protein, RNA and DNA synthesis, and production of hydroxyl radicals, which are responsible for bacterial death. PGRPs also bind the outer membrane of Escherichia coli and activate the functionally homologous CpxA-CpxR two-component system, which kills the bacteria. We exclude other potential bactericidal mechanisms, including inhibition of extracellular peptidoglycan synthesis, hydrolysis of peptidoglycan and membrane permeabilization. Thus, we reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which innate immunity proteins that bind the cell wall or outer membrane exploit the bacterial stress defense response to kill bacteria.