cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival of Teliospores of Tilletia indica in Arizona Field Soils

The survival of teliospores of the Karnal bunt of wheat pathogen, Tilletia indica, was determined in field plots in Tucson, AZ. Two methods were used to test viability during a 48-month period in which 21-μm-pore-size polyester mesh bags of teliospore-infested soil were buried in irrigated and nonirrigated field plots at two sites. One method determined the total number of viable teliospores in a soil sample, regardless of whether or not they could be extracted from the soil using a sucrose centrifugation technique. The total number of viable teliospores declined over time in both irrigated and nonirrigated field plots and in the same soils in the laboratory. Based on nonlinear regressions, total number of viable teliospores decreased from 55.7% at time zero to 9.7 and 6.7% for nonirrigated and irrigated field soils, respectively, in 48 months. Total number of viable teliospores in soil in the laboratory decreased from 55.7 to 34.0% after 48 months. The second method determined germination percentages of teliospores extracted from the soil samples by means of a sucrose centrifugation technique. Based on linear regressions of transformed data, germination of teliospores extracted from irrigated and nonirrigated field soils, and control (laboratory) soil, significantly decreased over time. The rate of decrease in germination was significantly greater for teliospores from irrigated field plots than from nonirrigated plots and the laboratory soil. At time zero, 55.7% of teliospores germinated, and by 48 months, average germination of teliospores extracted from soil in nonirrigated plots had decreased to 13.6% compared with 4.4% in irrigated plots and 36.8% for teliospores in the laboratory control. Regression over time of total number of viable teliospores accounted for more of the overall variability than did regression over time of germination percentages of extracted teliospores. Neither field site nor soil depth had any effect on total number of viable teliospores or on teliospore germination percentages.
45. Examining differences in serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles across behavioral and physical health in healthy adolescent girls

This secondary analysis examined pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in healthy adolescent girls to determine whether cytokines vary by behavioral and physical health. Participants ( N = 262) were enrolled in a cohort-sequential study (age groups: 11, 13, 15 and 17 years). We examined mean differences in pro-inflammatory [Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)] and anti-inflammatory [IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-5] cytokines across categories of depressive symptoms (Low: Bottom 75%; High: Top 25%), smoking (Non-smokers, Infrequent, Current), and Body Mass Index (normal weight, overweight, obese). Analysis of variance indicated that girls with high depressive symptoms had elevated pro-inflammatory profiles (IFN-γ and IL-6) compared to girls with low symptoms. Non-smokers had higher IL-8 compared to Infrequent or Current smokers. Overweight girls had lower IL-8 compared to normal weight or obese girls. For anti-inflammatory cytokines, girls with low depressive symptoms had higher IL-4 and IL-13 compared to girls with high symptoms. Non-smokers had higher IL-4, IL-10 and IL-5 than Infrequent or Current smokers, and higher IL-13 than Current smokers. Normal weight girls had higher IL-4 compared to obese and overweight girls; overweight girls had higher IL-13 than obese girls. Cytokines, regarded as key regulators of immune functioning, are rarely examined in healthy adolescents. This study illuminates how behavioral and physical health may alter both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in healthy adolescent girls.
Infinite Latent Conditional Random Fields

In this paper, we present Infinite Latent Conditional Random Fields (ILCRFs) that model the data through a mixture of CRFs generated from Dirichlet processes. Each CRF represents one possible explanation of the data. In addition to visible nodes and edges that exist in classic CRFs, it generatively models the distribution of different CRF structures over the latent nodes and corresponding edges, imposing no restriction on the number of both nodes and types of edges. We apply ILCRFs to several applications, such as robotic scene arrangement and scene labeling, where a scene is modeled through, not only objects, but also latent human poses and human-object relations. In extensive experiments, we show that our model outperforms the state-of-the-art results as well as helps a robot placing objects in a new scene.
Frequency-Dependent Relaxation Time of Electron-Phonon Systems

A derivation of the frequency-dependent relaxation time in a simple model of metal, composed of electrons and phonons, is presented. The problem is investigated by a quantum-kinetic description of the response of the electron-phonon system to an oscillating electric field. The treatment, which stems from a proper time-dependent transport equation, does not have the time scale restriction of the usual transition probability approach, and does give a proper description of the time-dependent collective effects.
Perceived Strategic Uncertainty and Environmental Scanning Behavior of Hong Kong Chinese Executives

Abstract Against the backdrop of the handover of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the existence of an atmosphere of uncertainty in the territory, I attempted in this study to examine the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty and scanning behavior of Hong Kong Chinese executives. Contrary to expectations, results indicated that Hong Kong Chinese executives perceived higher degree of uncertainty in the competitive, customer, and economic sectors than the political. These managers also scanned the task environment more intensely than the remote. Finally, there was a positive relationship between the degree of perceived strategic uncertainty and scanning behavior as measured by frequency and interest.
Time-Sequential Statistical Procedures: A Preface

This preface outlines the Scope of the time-sequential procedures considered in this special issue and presents some of the basic terminologies used in the subsequent papers.
"The Snake Raised Its Head": Content Novelty Alters the Reading Performance of Students at Risk for Reading Disabilities and ADHD.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of story novelty (active verbs, less familiar characters, vivid adjectives, and surprising story endings) on the reading comprehension of 48 seven- to 11-year-old boys without clinical diagnoses of learning disabilities. The optimal stimulation theory provided the basis of the study, predicting differential response to novelty by 3 groups of equivalent-IQ boys, who were at risk for reading disabilities (RD; n = 16), at risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n = 16), and typically developing (n = 16). Across conditions, the RD group performed worse than typical students in the comprehension of individually graded passages and worse than the ADHD group in causality comprehension. More important, the predicted interaction in support of theory documented better reading performance in the high- than the low-novelty condition for both at-risk groups and, specifically, in causality and inferential comprehension. In other words, it was the low-novelty reading condition that exacerbated group differences in reading comprehension. The novelty-based gains were interpreted as byproducts of increased student activation, facilitating attention for the at-risk ADHD group, who have a greater need for stimulation (novelty), and for students at risk for RD to combat fatigue associated with skill deficits.
Responsibility for health: personal, social, and environmental

Most of the discussion in bioethics and health policy concerning social responsibility for health has focused on society's obligation to provide access to healthcare. While ensuring access to healthcare is an important social responsibility, societies can promote health in many other ways, such as through sanitation, pollution control, food and drug safety, health education, disease surveillance, urban planning and occupational health. Greater attention should be paid to strategies for health promotion other than access to healthcare, such as environmental and public health and health research.
The case for low-power photonic networks on chip

Packet-switched networks on chip (NoC) have been advocated as a natural communication mechanism among the processing cores in future chip multiprocessors (CMP). However, electronic NoCs do not directly address the power budget problem that limits the design of high-performance chips in nanometer technologies. We make the case for a hybrid approach to NoC design that combines a photonic transmission layer with an electronic control layer. A comparative power analysis with a fully-electronic NoC shows that large bandwidths can be exchanged at dramatically lower power consumption.
Making Sight Affordable (Part I) Aurolab Pioneers Production of Low-Cost Technology for Cataract Surgery

Blindness from causes treatable by modern medicine afflicts millions of people every year. Cataracts, the single largest cause of preventable blindness, can be treated by a simple and quick surgical procedure that restores sight; sadly, extreme poverty and its consequences limit access to the medical technologies and infrastructure needed for the surgery. As a result, the crush of blindness continues unabated worldwide. In theory, the solution to this public challenge seems simple: increase access to care and reduce the cost of the medical technologies needed to restore sight enough to permit cataract surgery to be performed on a mass scale (see inset text box “The Burden of Blindness”). In practice, in the one place where the goal of restoring sight affordably to the many has been achieved, success has required three decades of effort by a dedicated team led by a visionary leader: Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, an ophthalmic surgeon in Madurai, India. The living legacy of Dr. Venkataswamy’s leadership is the Aravind Eye Care System, one of the largest eye care systems in the world, with five hospitals in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, together performing over 200,000 cataract surgeries a year. Dr. Venkataswamy refused to accept that people must remain blind solely because they lack money. His thirty-year crusade has addressed the financial, organizational, and technological barriers to affordable eye care treatment.
Multimedia information networks: technical considerations for professional communicators

It is suggested that mainframe computer systems and computer networks are new resources for professional communicators. Today's information designers will become tomorrow's multimedia network programmers. Personal workstations will become the primary communications medium for industry, education, and consumers. These systems will be connected into the national networks. It is suggested that professional communicators will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of network technologies into our daily activities. Media professionals can develop today's media so that they can be easily assimilated by future technologies. The author presents a scenario for evolving today's information into formats for use in tomorrow's multimedia networks. >
Effects of high fruit-vegetable and/or low-fat intervention on breast nipple aspirate fluid micronutrient levels.

Background: A change in diet is known to affect micronutrient levels in blood but to what extent diet can affect micronutrient levels in the breast is not yet well established. Methods: Healthy, premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer were randomized across four diet arms for 1 year in a 2 × 2 factorial design study: control, low-fat, high fruit-vegetable, and combination low-fat/high fruit-vegetable diets. Subjects were asked to collect breast nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) at 0, 6, and 12 months, and levels of micronutrients were measured in the fluid. Results: A total of 122 women were enrolled, 97 were retained for 12 months, and sufficient NAF for analysis was available from 59 women at baseline, 49 at 6 months, and 50 at 12 months. Repeated measures mixed-model ANOVA was used to model the data using cholesterol levels and lactation duration as covariates, where appropriate. The high fruit-vegetable intervention, regardless of fat intake, significantly increased total carotenoid levels in NAF. In the low-fat arm, levels of total carotenoids decreased over time relative to control. Levels of total tocopherols and retinol did not change significantly. Levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane, a marker of lipid peroxidation, also did not change significantly over time, although there was a decrease observed in the combination arm. Conclusions: These results indicate that total carotenoid levels in NAF can be significantly increased in the breast NAF with a high fruit-vegetable diet. A low-fat diet that was achieved with little increase in fruit and vegetable intake, however, decreased NAF carotenoid levels. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(7):1393–9)
Solar wind interaction with planets

Abstract The solar system displays a wide variety of solar wind interactions with the planets and satellites. The “classic” interaction with the Earth's magnetoscope is just one special case which even now leaves important questions unanswered. We will touch on (1) the Earth's magnetospheric interaction and then go on to what are probably representative limiting cases. (2) the interaction with an unmagnetized object having no atmosphere (the Moon), (3) the interaction with unmagnetized objects having atmospheres (Mars and Venus), and (4) the interaction with bodies having so much plasma in their magnetospheres that they would probably generate winds of their own if not confined by the solar wind (Jupiter).
Diseases, parasites and survival of coyotes in south-central Georgia.

Serologic testing, radio-telemetry and post-mortem diagnostic evaluations were used to investigate survival and causes of mortality among 17 coyotes (Canis latrans) in south-central Georgia (USA). Prevalence of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) microfilariae was lower (P = 0.057) among fall-captured (22%) than among winter-captured (75%) coyotes. Prevalence of heartworm was higher among adults than juveniles in the fall, but no significant difference was detected between animals captured in winter. Antibodies were found against canine parvovirus (65%), canine parainfluenza virus (59%), infectious canine hepatitis virus (41%), and Toxoplasma gondii (18%). Antibodies were not found to Brucella canis, canine coronavirus, five serovars of Leptospira interrogans, or canine distemper virus. Seroprevalence of canine parvovirus was lower (P = 0.009) among fall-captured animals (33%) than winter-captured animals (100%). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of annual survival was 0.500 for all animals. Juvenile survival ...
Simultaneous influence of gas mixture composition and process temperature on Fe2O3->FeO reduction kinetics: neural network modeling

The kinetics of Fe2O3®FeO reaction was investigated. The thermogravimetric (TGA) data covered the reduction of hematite both by pure species (nitrogen diluted CO or H2) and by their mixture. The conventional analysis has indicated that initially the reduction of hematite is a complex, surface controlled process, however once a thin layer of lower oxidation state iron oxides (magnetite, wustite) is formed on the surface, it changes to diffusion control. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has proved to be a convenient tool for modeling of this complex, heterogeneous reaction runs within the both (kinetic and diffusion) regions, correctly considering influence of temperature and gas composition effects and their complex interactions. ANN's model shows the capability to mimic some extreme (minimum) of the reaction rate within the determined temperature window, while the Arrhenius dependency is of limited use.
Nonviral microbodies with viral antigenicity produced in cytomegalovirus-infected cells.

Abstract Masses of homogeneous electron-dense material accumulate in the cytoplasmic inclusions of cultured fibroblasts which have been infected with “wild” and “adapted” strains of human cytomegalovirus. The substance appears to be produced by microtubular membranes and the Golgi apparatus; ultrastructural histochemistry suggests that it is not lysosomal in nature nor is it comprised of lipids or polysaccharides. The dense material “buds” into cytoplasmic tubules forming circumscribed bodies having an investing membrane similar to the viral envelope. After transport to the extracellular milieu in cytoplasmic tubules and vesicles, virions and dense bodies can be demonstrated by immune electron microscopy. The homogeneous dense body appears to be a unique product of the cytomegalovirus-infected cell which possesses a limiting membrane having antigenic determinants common with the viral envelope.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, BCR-ABL1+

Session 1 of the 2007 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology focused on chronic myelogenous leukemia, BCR-ABL1 + (CML). CML is a myeloproliferative neoplasm arising at the level of a pluripotent stem cell and consistently associated with the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. CML most commonly manifests in a chronic phase of the disease with neutrophilic leukocytosis, and the demonstration of the Philadelphia chromosome is the ultimate confirmation of the diagnosis. However, in select cases, the initial diagnosis remains challenging, and a number of issues pertaining to the manifestations and disease evolution remain unresolved. These issues have been illustrated by the cases submitted to our workshop and include unusual manifestations of CML, including manifestation in the accelerated and/or blast phase, and patterns of disease progression and therapy resistance in the era of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
The effect of multiple examinations on the diagnosis of approximal caries and the restoration of approximal surfaces

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multiple examinations on sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis and restoration of approximal caries. Study Design. In 2 studies, dentists examined bitewing radiographic films for approximal caries and the need for restoration. To model the clinical situation of multiple examinations over time, all groups of combinations of 2 to 10 dentists were constructed. Mean sensitivity and specificity were determined. In addition, 2 new variables were created: the first, “sensitivity any,” was calculated by assigning a correct diagnosis for disease if any dentist in the group identified the diseased surface correctly; the second, “specificity all,” was calculated by assigning a correct response only when all dentists in the group correctly identify a nondiseased surface. Results. The sensitivity and specificity means were the same for all group sizes. The “sensitivity any” means increased monotonically from group size 1 to group size 10, whereas the “specificity all” means decreased continually. There was a statistically significant difference between sensitivity and “sensitivity any” and between specificity and “specificity all” for all group sizes in both studies. Conclusions. Multiple examinations increase the number of carious surfaces correctly diagnosed and the number of surfaces appropriately restored; however, multiple examinations also increase the number of sound surfaces diagnosed as carious and the number of intact surfaces receiving restorations.( Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:386-91 )
Effects of Angiotensin II, K+, Adrenocorticotropin, Serotonin, Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate, Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate, A23187, and EGTA on Aldosterone Synthesis and Phospholipid Metabolism in the Rat Adrenal Zona Glomerulosa

Rat adrenal glomerulosa cells and capsules were incubated in vitro with angiotensin II (A-II), ACTH, K+, (Bu)2cAMP, (Bu)2cGMP, A23187, and serotonin to compare their effects on steroidogenesis and phospholipid metabolism. In both glomerulosa cells and capsules, A-II, ACTH, K+, (Bu)2cAMP, and serotonin enhanced aldosterone or corticosterone production, but only A-II, K+, and serotonin significantly and consistently increased the incorporation of [32P]Pi into phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). A-II, ACTH, K+, (Bu)2cAMP, and serotonin all provoked nearly 2- fold increases in PI mass in adrenal capsules. (Bu)2cGMP had relatively small effects, if any, on aldosterone production or glomerulosa phospholipid metabolism. In adrenal capsules, the effects of K+ on [32P]Pi incorporation into PA and PI were inhibited by EGTA, but the effects of A-II on [32P]Pi incorporation were not influenced by EGTA, despite observed inhibition of steroidogenesis. Cycloheximide also inhibited steroidogenesis, but ...
Investigating the Effect of Social Changes on Age-Specific Gun-Related Homicide Rates in New York City During the 1990s

Objectives. We assessed whether New York City's gun-related homicide rates in the 1990s were associated with a range of social determinants of homicide rates.Methods. We used cross-sectional time-series data for 74 New York City police precincts from 1990 through 1999, and we estimated Bayesian hierarchical models with a spatial error term. Homicide rates were estimated separately for victims aged 15–24 years (youths), 25–34 years (young adults), and 35 years or older (adults).Results. Decreased cocaine consumption was associated with declining homicide rates in youths (posterior median [PM] = 0.25; 95% Bayesian confidence interval [BCI] = 0.07, 0.45) and adults (PM = 0.07; 95% BCI = 0.02, 0.12), and declining alcohol consumption was associated with fewer homicides in young adults (PM = 0.14; 95% BCI = 0.02, 0.25). Receipt of public assistance was associated with fewer homicides for young adults (PM = –104.20; 95% BCI = –182.0, –26.14) and adults (PM = –28.76; 95% BCI = –52.65, –5.01). Misdemeanor policin...
Measuring Observer Metamerism: The Nimeroff Approach

In a color matching experiment, the colors of two stimuli might match perfectly to one observer. However, to another, those same two stimuli might not match depending on the spectral characteristics of the two stimuli and each of the observers' visual responses. This phenomenon, that any two observers perceive color matches differently, is termed observer metamerism. Only recently have differences in the factors that affect the spectral response of the human eye been quantified to a degree such that observer metamerism can be realistically modeled over a representative population of human observers. From the statistics of these factors, a large, representative group of such observers—each said to be metameric to a standard—was created in terms of LMS cone spectral responses. Using analysis of variance and error propagation, as suggested by Nimeroff, this sample set was reduced to a complete colorimetric description that includes mean color matching functions along with variance and covariance functions. This simplified representation is then applied to creating arbitrary sets of color matching functions, such as the CIE 1931 and 1964 observers, and their covariance functions to allow the practical characterization of observer-metameric mismatch gamuts for any nominally metameric stimulus pair. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2015
Species and genus level resolution analysis of gut microbiota in Clostridium difficile patients following fecal microbiota transplantation.

Clostridium difficile is an opportunistic human intestinal pathogen, and C. difficile infection (CDI) is one of the main causes of antibiotic-induced diarrhea and colitis. One successful approach to combat CDI, particularly recurrent form of CDI, is through transplantation of fecal microbiota from a healthy donor to the infected patient. In this study we investigated the distal gut microbial communities of three CDI patients before and after fecal microbiota transplantation, and we compared these communities to the composition of the donor’s fecal microbiota. We utilized phylogenetic Microbiota Array, high-throughput Illumina sequencing, and fluorescent in situ hybridization to profile microbiota composition down to the genus and species level resolution. The original patients’ microbiota had low diversity, was dominated by members of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli, and had low numbers of Clostridia and Bacteroidia. At the genus level, fecal samples of CDI patients were rich in members of the Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Enterobacter genera. In comparison, the donor community was dominated by Clostridia and had significantly higher diversity and evenness. The patients’ distal gut communities were completely transformed within 3 days following fecal transplantation, and these communities remained stable in each patient for at least 4 months. Despite compositional differences among recipients’ pre-treatment gut microbiota, the transplanted gut communities were highly similar among recipients post-transplantation, were indistinguishable from that of the donor, and were rich in members of Blautia, Coprococcus, and Faecalibacterium. In each case, the gut microbiota restoration led to a complete patient recovery and symptom alleviation. We conclude that C. difficile infection can be successfully treated by fecal microbiota transplantation and that this leads to stable transformation of the distal gut microbial community from the one abundant in aerotolerant species to that dominated by members of the Clostridia.
Effects of dextromethorphan on glial cell function: Proliferation, maturation, and protection from cytotoxic molecules

Dextromethorphan (DM), a sigma receptor agonist and NMDA receptor antagonist, protects neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity, hypoxia and ischemia, and inhibits microglial activation, but its effects on differentiation and protection of cells in the oligodendroglial lineage are unknown. It is important to protect oligodendroglia (OL) to prevent demyelination and preserve axons, and to protect oligodendroglial progenitors (OPC) to optimize myelination during development and remyelination following damage. Enriched glial cultures from newborn rat brain were used 1–2 days or 6–8 days after shakeoff for OPC or mature OL. DM had large effects on glial proliferation in less mature cultures in contrast to small variable effects in mature cultures; 1 μM DM stimulated proliferation of OPC by 4-fold, microglia (MG) by 2.5-fold and astroglia (AS) by 2-fold. In agreement with increased OPC proliferation, treatment of OPC with DM for 3 days increased the % of OPC relative to OL, with a smaller difference by 5 days, suggesting that maturation of OPC to OL was “catching up” by 5 days. DM at 2 and 20 μM protected both OL and OPC from killing by glutamate as well as NMDA, AMPA, quinolinic acid, staurosporine, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). DM did not protect against kynurenic acid, and only modestly against NO. These agents and DM were not toxic to AS or MG at the concentrations used. Thus, DM stimulates proliferation of OPC, and protects both OL and OPC against excitotoxic and inflammatory insults. GLIA 2014;62:751–762
Bats of Saint Martin, French West Indies/Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

Six species of bats have been previously reported from the Antillean island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten—Artibeus jamaicensis, Brachyphylla cavernarum, Molossus molossus, Tadarida brasiliensis, Noctilio leporinus, and Myotis nigricans nesopolus. Our field research reported herein documents an additional three species of bats from the island for the first time—Monophyllus plethodon, Ardops nichollsi, and Natalus stramineus. Re-examination of the single voucher of Myotis nigricans nesopolus has led us to exclude this species from the fauna of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Based on our field research and the study of specimens housed in museum collections, we present information on the eight species of bats that we have documented as occurring on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. The average rate of fruit bat captures on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten (0.92 bats per net-night— BNN) falls towards the lower end of the range (0.65-2.47 BNN) reported from nearby islands in the northern Lesser Antilles and below the range (2.20-5.93 BNN) reported for mainland populations of Neotropical fruit bats. We discuss possible causes of these de- creased population levels and we express some concerns about the future conservation status of the chiropteran fauna of the island.
For Whom is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words? Effects of the Visualizing Cognitive Style and Attention on Processing of News Photos

A study was conducted to examine the relationship of visualizing and verbalizing cognitive styles and the processing of news photographs. Theory predicts that attention will mediate the relationship between visualizing and photo memory, but not between verbalizing and memory. Both visualizing and attention predicted memory, but the mediational relationship was absent. High visualizers perceived the news photos as more interesting and more unified than low visualizers. Verbalizing level did not predict attention to or memory for the new photographs. The results are discussed in terms of visualizers’ efficiency in processing visual stimuli.
The Feminist Perspective and Social Work Education

Although the feminist perspective has been significant throughout the history of social work, its presence in the contemporary profession seems less prominent. This qualitative pilot study explores the views of social work educators (N=56) on the role of the feminist perspective in social work education and their experience with student responses regarding the tenets of feminism as applied to social work education and practice. Although a majority of respondents expressed support for integrating feminism into the curriculum, some sought guidance on the presentation of the feminist perspective in social work education and practice. In addition, an analysis of social work scholarly periodicals for feminist topics and perspectives revealed an apparent fading of feminism in the literature.
RETENTION OF EUPLOIDY AND MUTAGENICITY OF HETEROCHROMATIN IN CULTURE1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the retention of euploidy and mutagenicity of heterochromatin in culture. Species that undergo immediate heteroploidization while in primary cultures include the mouse and the Syrian hamster. Heteroploidy in mouse lines may also precede the tendency toward malignant transformation in the absence of viruses. A number of Chinese hamster cell cultures, especially those arising from virus transformation, and spontaneous malignancies, have retained the classic diploid complement of chromosomes for 30–50 transfer generations or over one year in vitro. This presumably is because of the greater viability, minimal spontaneous chromosome aberrations, and cell generation times equivalent to, or less than, coexisting aneuploids. Eventually, aneuploidy predominates, and thereafter, the cell line is regarded as permanently established. It is found that since so few normal cultures have terminated after 1 year of continuous subcultivation, there appears to be no inherent growth limitation as in human derivatives. The chapter describes the in vivo transplantation of polyoma-transformed euploid cell lines.
Neuropathy in Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome

The issue of neuropathy in prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome has been controversial, the major reasons being the difficulty in defining neuropathy and the failure to recognize that a substantial proportion of patients with prediabetes have a sensory neuropathy without evidence of abnormalities in nerve conduction studies—the hallmark of the neurologists’ definition of what constitutes neuropathy. Secondly, there is a large cadre of people with neuropathy or neuropathic pain in whom careful studies of the criteria for prediabetes including impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) as well as the lipid abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome (MS) such as elevated triglycerides and a low HDL-cholesterol have not been carried out. Taking these into consideration has vastly changed the appreciation of the relationship between neuropathy and the metabolic entities. Thus, it has been estimated that 24.6–62% of patients with chronic idiopathic symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy (SPN) have prediabetes; as a corollary, of subjects with prediabetes, 11.2–24.3% exhibit SPN and 12.9–20.5% exhibit neuropathic pain. Population-based studies suggest a gradient for the prevalence of SPN, with the highest being in patients with diabetes, followed by IGT, IFG, and the lowest in normal glucose tolerance. The most sensitive test to evaluate glucose homeostasis is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The pathogenesis of neuropathy may be hyperglycemia, microvascular abnormalities, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome, with increasing evidence that oxidative and nitrosative stress may play a role. The characteristics of the neuropathy in prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome suggest that it may be a less severe neuropathy than in diabetes. Sensory modality findings prevail compared with motor, and small nerve fiber structure and function abnormalities may be the earliest findings. Diagnosis should rely on careful history and clinical examination, with emphasis on the evaluation of small fibers. A skin biopsy may be necessary to quantify intraepidermal nerve fiber density. An OGTT and fasting serum lipids should be performed in patients with idiopathic SPN to screen for prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Treatment should include hygienic measures such as diet and exercise. The only drug with potential for reversal of the neuropathy is Topiramate.
Ammonia emissions from a pig breeder facility in the Oklahoma panhandle.

The National Air Emission Monitoring Study (NAEMS) was required by a U.S. EPA air consent agreement, in which livestock producers agreed to collect air emission data in exchange for more time to report their emissions and apply for any necessary permits. Measurement of livestock air emissions from representative livestock production facilities was a major component of the study. This paper reports the ammonia component of the air emission study undertaken at a pig breeder facility in Oklahoma. Measurement of emissions of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, particulate matter and VOCs were undertaken at a 2750-sow breeder facility comprising two, gestation barns and a 16-room, farrowing barn. A multipoint gas sampling system delivered air streams from 12 locations on the farm to gas analysers. Measurements of barn static pressure and fan operational status were combined with individual fan characteristics acquired in-situ to calculate barn ventilation rate. Rigorous quality assurance processes were used to ensure that high quality data was obtained. This data has been made available to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The average daily mean (±SD) sow-specific NH3 emission rates from B1, B2 and F9 were 9.25±1.85, 9.61±1.28 and 19.1±6.0 g d-1 hd-1, respectively.
Bilateral primary ovarian carcinomas. Case report.

Abstract A case is presented of a patient with a primary high-grade medullary carcinoma of the left ovary with metastasis to the right ovary and a primary low-grade adenocarcinoma of the right ovary.
The Downside of Precise Public Information for Delegated Asset Management

We theoretically investigate the effect of public information — such as credit ratings and securities analysts’ reports — on investor welfare in the context of delegated asset management. Specifically, we ask: does more precise public information increase investor welfare by decreasing an asset manager’s informational advantage and, thereby, mitigating the agency problem between him and his client? We show, first, that public information does not align incentives and, second, that decreasing the precision of the information is Pareto improving. Interpreting public information as credit ratings, this suggests that widening ratings categories makes everyone better off. Our results are consistent with some empirical facts about asset management fees.
OP0273 Tocilizumab Enhances Regulatory T Cell Activation and Proliferation in Giant Cell Arteritis

Background Both CD4 + T helper (Th)-type 17 lymphocytes and Th1-type lymphocytes appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). In addition, regulatory T cell (Treg) responses appear to be suppressed in GCA. Interleukin (IL)-6, highly expressed in GCA patients, is a key mediator in the differentiation of both Th17 and Treg cells. Preliminary experience in GCA with the use of tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor antagonist, has been encouraging. However, it is unknown whether TCZ affects the differentiation and function of these CD4 + T-cell subsets in these patients. Objectives We aimed to characterize the effector and regulatory CD4 + T-cell compartments in the peripheral blood of GCA patients treated with TCZ. Methods We evaluated 38 GCA patients classified into one of three categories: 1) active disease (aGCA, n=9); 2) disease remission on corticosteroid (CS) monotherapy (rGCA-CS, n=18); and 3) disease remission on TCZ therapy (rGCA-TCZ, n=11). Nine healthy controls were also included. Using flow cytometry, we determined the percentages (%) of IFNg + IL-17 - (Th1), IL-17 + IFNg - (Th17), CD25 high (Treg), and CD45RA - Foxp3 high (activated Treg, aTreg) cells within the CD4 + lymphocyte population. In addition, we determined the % of Foxp3 + cells expressing Ki67 (proliferating Treg). We assessed Treg function in suppression assays. Serum concentrations of IL-12, IFNg, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23, IL-21, TNF-α, CCL20, IL-17A, and IL-10 were measured by Luminex. Results The frequencies (mean %) of Th1, Th17, and Treg cells were equivalent across groups. However, the frequency of aTregs was higher in rGCA-TCZ patients (1.3%) compared with rGCA-CS patients (0.6%; p=0.02). Moreover, the number of proliferating Tregs was significantly higher in rGCA-TCZ patients (31.7%) compared to rGCA-CS (16.4%; p=0.003) and aGCA (15.5%; p=0.007) patients. Tregs were functional in all groups. IL-10 levels were significantly increased in the serum of patients with aGCA. There were no significant differences in the serum levels of other cytokines or chemokines measured. Conclusions The therapeutic effects of tocilizumab in GCA could be mediated by increasing the activation and proliferative potential of Tregs. Further studies are needed to expand these preliminary findings. References Unizony S, Arias-Urdaneta L, Miloslavsky E, Arvikar S, Khosroshahi A, Keroack B, Stone JR, Stone JH. Tocilizumab for the treatment of large-vessel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis) and polymyalgia rheumatica. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012; 64(11): 1720-9. Osman M, Pagnoux C, Dryden DM, Storie D, Yacyshyn E. The Role of Biological Agents in the Management of Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2014;9(12):e115026. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Exocrine function of the chick pancreas as affected by dietary soybean meal and carbohydrate.

Chicks develop an enlarged pancreas when fed unheated soybean meal. Autoclaving the meal destroys or inactivates the heat-labile component(s) which cause this effect on the pancreas 5. Recent histological studies in our laboratory 24 have confirmed that this enlargment is due to hyperplasia of the pancreatic acinar cells, but the cause of this hyperplasia is not known 2. Homogenates of the enlarged pancreas have lower amounts of amylase, but higher levels of trypsin and chymotrypsin 20. Grossman et al. 9. and more recently Desnuelle et al. 6, suggested that differences in levels of pancreatic enzymes could be due to different rates of synthesis in response to dietary composition and/or an altered rate of secretion of enzymes from the pancreas. Most of the published results on pancreatic changes were obtained with pancreatic homogenates, a technique that precludes distinction between the suggested alternatives.The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of changing the nature, or source, o...
MR cisternography: initial experience in 41 cases.

PURPOSE To present our initial experience with MR cisternography, an application of fast spin-echo MR with fat suppression, and compare it with routine MR cranial studies in the evaluation of the subarachnoid cisterns and their contents. METHODS MR cisternography is a heavily T2-weighted fast spin-echo technique with high spatial resolution; it uses fat suppression and video reversal of the images. A small number of individual sections (two to four) are compressed into a composite image by a maximum-intensity projection algorithm, providing better depiction of anatomy in three dimensions. MR cisternography enhances the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with suppression and subtraction of the background. A total of 41 patients were examined during a period of 6 months. MR cisternography was performed as an additional one (n = 31) or two (n = 10) sequences after conventional MR study. RESULTS Twenty-one cases of disease were examined by MR cisternography, including 8 neoplasms, 4 CSF fistulas, and 3 large intracranial aneurysms. MR cisternography provided information unavailable by conventional MR studies in 17 cases. These included visualization of fistulous tracks in patients with CSF rhinorrhea, origin of a large suprasellar aneurysm, an additional loculus of a posterior fossa aneurysm and its relation to surrounding structures, and proper location of three tumors (intraaxial versus extraaxial). Clear depiction of the pituitary gland separate from the cavernous sinus was noted in 60% of the cases, and a new observation of a CSF sleeve around the third nerve in the posterior cavernous sinus was made in 85% of the cases. CONCLUSION MR cisternography is superior to conventional MR studies in depicting anatomic structures within the subarachnoid spaces. This technique is recommended in the evaluation of cranial CSF fistulas and suprasellar and posterior fossa masses and in diagnosis of intraaxial versus extraaxial location of intracranial tumors.
OR6-005 – Cystine crystals activate inflammasomes

Introduction Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the CTNS gene, which encodes for cystinosin. It is characterized by the lysosomal accumulation of cystine, which leads to the formation of cystine crystals within various organs, including kidneys, brain, cornea, intestine and bone marrow. The exact role of intralysosomal cystine crystals accumulation in the pathogenesis of clinical features of cystinosis is still unclear, although it is well known that cystine levels are directly proportional to disease severity.
Psychotropic agents in dermatology.

Psychodermatologic disorders are frequently encountered in the clinical practice of dermatology. In order to manage these cases more effectively, it is important to be able to classify and diagnose these cases and to determine the nature of the underlying psychopathology. Additionally, this article describes the use of selected psychopharmacologic agents that hold certain advantages in the treatment of pyschodermatologic cases. The approach to difficult psychodermatologic patients is discussed also.
Anemia of Prematurity: Current Concepts in the Issue of When to Transfuse

At no other time of life is the decision to transfuse potentially as difficult as in the newborn period. Superimposed upon complex "physiologic" changes in the ability to deliver and release oxygen are varying requirements among infants in terms of oxygen need. These are compounded by changes brought about as a direct consequence of frequent phlebotomy in the most ill of preterm infants. Despite the confusion overlying many of the changes occurring at this time of life, certain principles can be applied. Unlike that of the adult, an infant's ability to make oxygen available in response to a specific demand is almost as dependent upon the modifiers of oxygen uptake and release by hemoglobin as upon the hemoglobin concentration itself. These modifiers are constantly changing, sometimes in a predictable fashion, sometimes not. As discussed, some attention to the status of a particular infant's capability in providing oxygen relative to need will assist in the decision when to transfuse. If specific parameters of these assessments can not be determined, it may be necessary to proceed with transfusion based on the clinical presentation of an infant. With regard to the above, any infant sufficiently ill to require frequent blood sampling should have such blood losses replaced, certainly before ten percent of blood volume has been exceeded. This is particularly true in infants who are unable to maintain adequate arterial oxygen tensions with or without the use of supplemental inspired oxygen. At several weeks of age, when the clinical status of a preterm infant may have stabilized, transfusion may or may not be needed during the nadir of the anemia of prematurity. Infants who had been previously transfused or who had earlier received frequent simple transfusions should be able to tolerate lower levels of hemoglobin. Infants without compromised cardiopulmonary function and in whom no unusual metabolic needs exist are unlikely to be aided by transfusions when the hemoglobin concentration is greater than 10 to 11 g/dl. At lower levels of hemoglobin, simple calculations of "available oxygen" may be helpful when it is difficult to determine whether clinical signs and symptoms of anemia exist. Such signs and symptoms may include poor feeding, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, diminished activity, and pallor. Apnea has not unequivocably been shown to improve following transfusion. Clearly, our current concepts regarding indications for transfusion, even when based upon known principles of physiology, still represent an art form that is less than completely scientific.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Effect of Intra-Amniotic Prostaglandin F2α on Anterior Pituitary Hormone Release During Midtrimester Abortion

The effect of intra-amniotic administration of prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α ) on pituitary hormone release was studied in women undergoing midtrimester abortion. Serum prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), thyrotropin (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured prior to and at 15-minute intervals for 2hours following intra-amniotic administration of 40 gm of urea alone, 20mg of PGF 2 α and 40 gm of urea, or an equal volume of normal saline. Serum PRL levels were significantly higher at sampling times from 15 through 120minutes when both PGF 2 α and urea were administered than after saline or urea alone. The elevation in serum GH following PGF 2 α and urea was not significantly greater than for urea alone. The GH response in the women receiving normal saline was significantly less than for the two groups of women receiving the abortifacients. These results indicate that the GH response was related to the stress effects of the abortifacients. There was no difference in the TSH, LH, and FSH responses for the three groups. These results suggest that PGF 2 α selectively causes pituitary release of PRL in women during midtrimester pregnancy.