cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oklahoma earthquakes and the price of oil

Abstract The process of hydraulic fracturing has unlocked an unprecedented amount of oil and gas in the United States. Hydrocarbons are not the only output from this process, though, as billions of barrels of “produced” water are extracted and subsequently pumped back underground. This process of injecting produced water into disposal wells has been causally linked to the rise in earthquakes. Here I show how the amount of earthquakes in Oklahoma are positively linked to the price of oil, and further find that the decrease in earthquake activity in Oklahoma is due to both the drop in oil prices and the regulatory directives of regional authorities. The estimated impact of the various shut-in policies have been small compared to the reduction in earthquakes due to the broad price decline, though. I find that the drop in oil prices that began in mid-2014 led to as large of a reduction in earthquakes as the combined effect of new policies that started in March of 2015.
An Overview of Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Therapy in Calcium Channel Blocker and β-blocker Overdose.

Both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and β blockers (BBs) are associated with fatal substance exposures within the United States. Cases of overdose with these agents have the potential to be both complex and difficult to manage. A variety of pharmacologic treatment options are available for clinicians to use to help mitigate harm from these poisonings. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic therapy (HIET) was once regarded as a last-ditch effort to treat patients in highly refractory cases. In recent years, this therapy has become a routine therapy in the treatment of CCB/BB overdose. This article provides a literature review regarding HIET in cases of overdose with CCB and BB agents. Relevant literature articles from 1997-2018 were identified and reviewed using the PubMed and Embase databases. The following search terms were used to identify potential articles: "hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic therapy," "overdose," "calcium channel blocker," "beta blocker," and "insulin." Articles published in the English language were included in this review. A manual search of reference lists was also conducted. Much of the literature is limited to case reports, series, retrospective chart reviews, and small prospective studies. The success rate observed in published case series ranged from 80.4-100%. Regular insulin is most commonly dosed at an initial bolus of 1 unit/kg followed by a regular insulin infusion of 0.5-1 unit/kg/hour. Euglycemia is often maintained using intravenous fluids containing dextrose. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic therapy exhibited a promising safety profile, provided close monitoring is conducted. More research is needed to determine optimal strategies for maintaining euglycemia, ideal monitoring parameters, and consistent efficacy goals.
Together in Orbit: Round Two

In the post-Challenger period, there was unfinished business with respect to international space partnerships. Increasing U.S. cooperation with other spacefaring countries had been one of the four principal objectives of the national space strategy approved by Ronald Reagan in August 1984. Between 1986 and 1988, there was significant progress in achieving that objective. One element of the strategy was to convince U.S. “friends and allies” to accept Ronald Reagan’s invitation to participate in the space station program. That effort involved crafting the agreements needed to underpin the space station partnership during the facility’s development and multidecade operation. Taking that step turned out to be a contentious process that extended for more than two years and several times teetered on the verge of failure before ultimate success. On another front, with new leadership in the Soviet Union in the form of Mikhail Gorbachev, who took office as general secretary of the Communist Party in March 1985, the Soviet attitude toward space cooperation with the United States changed, and eventually steps toward resuming U.S.-Soviet space cooperation followed. Gorbachev even proposed a joint human mission to Mars, but the United States was not willing to agree to such an ambitious venture.
Abstract TMP26: Age Exacerbates the Pathogenicity of Neutrophils in Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Neutrophils may exacerbate stroke-related injury via the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and granule p...
Correction: Prognostic Factors of Malignant Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: A Combined SEER and TCGA Databases Review.

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) are rare malignancies while pathogenesis is strongly influenced by genetics. The prognostic factors of these patients remain poorly defined. We aim to study the epidemiology and survival pattern by analyzing the combination of SEER and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS). Between 1973 and 2013, a total of 1014 patients with PGL or PCC were analyzed. Younger age and female were associated with better outcomes. The incidence of second primary malignancy in PGL/PCC patients was about 14.6%. This population had a significant longer DSS. Other factors, including surgical resection and origin from of aortic/carotid bodies, conferred remarkable survival advantage. In contrast, distant spread portended worse prognosis. Laterality, race, positive serum catecholamine marker did not demonstrate a significant association with OS and DSS. By analyzing TCGA database with total 184 patients were identified. Eighty out of 184 patients (43.5%) had at least one pathogenic mutation. Female had higher ratio of pathogenic mutations than male (58.7% vs. 41.3%) and NF1 mutation was associated with elderly population. SHDB mutation had higher percentage in male. Twenty-nine patients (15.8%) had 2 or more primary. ATRX was the most common oncogenic mutations in metastatic cohort. In conclusion, younger age, female sex, origin from aortic/carotid bodies, complete surgical resection, regional disease, as well as concomitant second primary malignancies were associated with better prognosis. The prognostic value of radiotherapy and oncogenomics warrants further investigation.
Effect of Xe bubble size and pressure on the thermal conductivity of UO 2 —A molecular dynamics study

Thermal conductivity of uranium dioxide (UO2) is an important nuclear fuel performance property. Radiation- and fission-induced defects and microstructures, such as xenon (Xe) gas bubbles, can degrade the thermal conductivity of UO2 significantly. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to study the effect of Xe bubble size and pressure on the thermal conductivity of UO2. At a given porosity, thermal conductivity increases with Xe cluster size, then reaches a nearly saturated value at a cluster radius of 0.6 nm, demonstrating that dispersed Xe atoms result in a lower thermal conductivity than clustering them into bubbles. In comparison with empty voids of the same size, Xe-filled bubbles lead to a lower thermal conductivity when the number ratio of Xe atoms to uranium vacancies (Xe:VU ratio) in bubbles is high. Detailed atomic-level analysis shows that the pressure-induced distortion of atoms at bubble surface causes additional phonon scattering and thus further reduces the thermal conductivity.
"Baby Wants Tacos": Analysis of Health-Related Facebook Posts from Young Pregnant Women.

Objectives Pregnant young women gain more weight than recommended by the National Academy of Medicine, increasing the likelihood of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to use online social media to understand beliefs and practices surrounding weight gain, diet and exercise during pregnancy among young women. Methods Facebook posts were mined from young women ages 16 to 24 during pregnancy who were consented from two Midwest primary care clinics serving low-income communities. Natural language processing was used to identify posts related to weight gain, exercise and diet by keyword searching. Two investigators iteratively coded the mined posts and identified major themes around health behaviors. Outcome measures included the frequency of posts and major themes regarding health behaviors during pregnancy. Results Participants (n = 43) had a mean age of 21 (SD 2.3), and the largest subgroups identified as black (49%; 26% white, 16% Hispanic, 9% other) and having graduated from high school (49%; 24% completed some high school and 24% completed at least some post-secondary education). Among the 2899 pregnancy posts analyzed, 311 were related to weight. Major themes included eating behaviors and cravings (58% of identified posts), body image (24%), the influence of family, partners and friends (14%), and the desire to exercise (4%). Conclusions for practice Facebook posts revealed that young women often frame their thoughts and feelings regarding weight gain in pregnancy in the context of food cravings and body image and that friends and family are important influencers to these behaviors.
Anatomage Table 6

AbstractAnatomage Table 6, launched in fall 2018, is the latest software for users of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table. Anatomage Table 6 comprises numerous virtual anatomy dissection and stu...
Surjective capacity and splitting capacity

Abstract Let M and N be finitely generated modules over a d-dimensional commutative Noetherian ring R. We show that, if M maps onto N ⊕ ( t + d ) locally, then M maps onto N ⊕ t globally. In a similar manner, we demonstrate that, if M locally admits N ⊕ ( t + d ) as a direct summand, then M globally admits N ⊕ t as a direct summand. We also generalize splitting theorems due to Serre, De Stefani–Polstra–Yao, and Bass by exploiting the j-spectrum of R and by allowing M and N to be modules over a possibly noncommutative module-finite R-algebra.
Choosing a hospital for obstetric, gynecologic, or reproductive healthcare: what matters most to patients?

Background Despite millions of U.S. women receiving obstetric/gynecologic or reproductive care in a hospital each year, little is known about which factors matter most to women in choosing a hospital for this care. Objective(s) To describe women’s reasons for choosing their hospital for obstetric/gynecologic or reproductive care, and to examine characteristics associated with reporting specific factors as important in hospital choice. Materials and Methods We conducted a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of women aged 18–45 years. The 2016 survey recruited women from AmeriSpeak, a probability-based research panel. A total of 1430 women completed the survey. All data analysis used weighting and accounted for the complex survey design. We conducted bivariate and multinomial logistic regression modeling to assess associations. Results Three-fourths of women cited a hospital’s overall reputation/quality as a reason, and one-third named this as the most important reason for choosing a hospital. A total of 14% reported hospital religious affiliation as a reason. Compared to those with no prior deliveries, women who had delivered an infant were more likely to report that their top reason was specialty services/provider (relative risk ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–4.52) and were also more likely to report overall hospital quality/reputation as their top reason (relative risk ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–2.17), compared to logistical reasons. Metropolitan versus non-metropolitan residence was also a significant factor in hospital choice. Conclusion Women endorse many factors when choosing a hospital for reproductive care, but perceived quality and reputation outweigh logistical concerns such as location and insurance.
Comparative Proteomics Reveal Me31B's Interactome Dynamics, Expression Regulation, and Assembly Mechanism into Germ Granules during Drosophila Germline Development.

Me31B is a protein component of Drosophila germ granules and plays an important role in germline development by interacting with other proteins and RNAs. To understand the dynamic changes that the Me31B interactome undergoes from oogenesis to early embryogenesis, we characterized the early embryo Me31B interactome and compared it to the known ovary interactome. The two interactomes shared RNA regulation proteins, glycolytic enzymes, and cytoskeleton/motor proteins, but the core germ plasm proteins Vas, Tud, and Aub were significantly decreased in the embryo interactome. Our follow-up on two RNA regulations proteins present in both interactomes, Tral and Cup, revealed that they colocalize with Me31B in nuage granules, P-bodies/sponge bodies, and possibly in germ plasm granules. We further show that Tral and Cup are both needed for maintaining Me31B protein level and mRNA stability, with Tral’s effect being more specific. In addition, we provide evidence that Me31B likely colocalizes and interacts with germ plasm marker Vas in the ovaries and early embryo germ granules. Finally, we show that Me31B’s localization in germ plasm is likely independent of the Osk-Vas-Tud-Aub germ plasm assembly pathway although its proper enrichment in the germ plasm may still rely on certain conserved germ plasm proteins.
Dysregulation of intestinal epithelial CFTR-dependent Cl− ion transport and paracellular barrier function drives gastrointestinal symptoms of food-induced anaphylaxis in mice

Food-triggered anaphylaxis can encompass a variety of systemic and intestinal symptoms. Murine-based and clinical studies have revealed a role for histamine and H1R and H2R-pathway in the systemic response; however, the molecular processes that regulate the gastrointestinal (GI) response are not as well defined. In the present study, by utilizing an IgE-mast cell (MC)-dependent experimental model of oral antigen-induced anaphylaxis, we define the intestinal epithelial response during a food-induced anaphylactic reaction. We show that oral allergen-challenge stimulates a rapid dysregulation of intestinal epithelial transcellular and paracellular transport that was associated with the development of secretory diarrhea. Allergen-challenge induced (1) a rapid intestinal epithelial Cftr-dependent Cl− secretory response and (2) paracellular macromolecular leak that was associated with modification in epithelial intercellular junction proteins claudin-1, 2, 3 and 5, E-cadherin and desmosomal cadherins. OVA-induced Cftr-dependent Cl− secretion and junctional protein degradation was rapid occurring and was sustained for 72 h following allergen-challenge. Blockade of both the proteolytic activity and Cl− secretory response was required to alleviate intestinal symptoms of food-induced anaphylaxis. Collectively, these data suggest that the GI symptom of food-induced anaphylactic reaction, secretory diarrhea, is a consequence of CFTR-dependent Cl− secretion and proteolytic activity.
Estimation of Iran’s sugar import demand function (ARDL approach)

The purpose of this study was to estimate the demand for Iranian sugar imports considering the two countries of Brazil and the United Arab Emirates as the major importers of sugar to Iran. It should be noted that the UAE acts as a re-exporter and is not a sugar producer. Therefore, time series data from 1992-2016 and Auto-Regressive Distributed lag (ARDL) was used. The results of long-term estimates show that 1% increase in GDP increases the demand for sugar imports by 4.73%, and 1% increase in relative prices and exchange rate reduces the demand for sugar imports by 28%. Also, if the Brazilian export rate increases by one unit, the demand for Iranian sugar imports from Brazil would increase by 0.8% unit compared with the UAE. The Error Correction Model (ECM) in the sugar import demand function also shows that the rate of 0.68% deviation of sugar import from its long-term path is corrected by pattern variables in the next period. Finally, policymakers should consider the exchange rate variable as one of the most important factors influencing foreign trade, especially sugar.
Millimeter-Wave Wideband Printed Circularly Polarized Antenna Fed by PGW

A broadband planar circularly polarized antenna based on the differential excitation of an asymmetrical spiral antenna is presented in this paper. The proposed feeding method of the spiral antenna is an appropriate alternative to the complex balun circuits used in conventional spiral antennas. The simulation results show that the CP antenna covers the 46.84 % -15 dB impedance bandwidth and 36.19% 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth with the peak realized gain of 6.7 dBi. The presented antenna inherits the low profile characteristic and is capable of integration with planar structure.
Crystal structure of [Th3(Cp*)3(O)(OH)3]2Cl2(N3)6: a discrete mol-ecular capsule built from multinuclear organothorium cluster cations.

An unusually large and structurally complex charge-neutral polynuclear cluster, hexa-μ2-azido-di-μ3-chlorido-hexa-μ2-hydroxido-di-μ3-oxido-hexa­kis­(penta­methyl­cyclo­penta­dien­yl)hexa­thorium–diethyl ether–tetra­hydro­furan (1/0.56/1.44), [Th3(C10H15)6Cl3(N3)6(OH)6O2]·0.56C4H10O·1.44C4H8O or [Th3(Cp*)3(O)(OH)3]2Cl2(N3)6·0.56C4H10O·1.44C4H8O (Cp* = [penta­methyl­cyclo­penta­dien­yl])−, has been crystallized as a mixed tetra­hydro­furan/diethyl ether solvate and structurally characterized. The mol­ecule contains a number of unusual features, the most notable being a finite yet exceptionally long cyclic metal-azido chain. These rare features are the consequence of both sterically protecting Cp* ligands and highly bridging oxide and hydroxide ligands in the same system and illustrate the inter­esting new possibilities that can arise from combining organometallic and solvothermal f-block element chemistry.
Targeting the IRE1α-XBP1 branch of the unfolded protein response in human diseases.

Abstract Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to ER stress, which is characteristic of cells with high level of secretory activity and implicated in a variety of disease conditions. In response to ER stress, the cell elicits an adaptive process called the unfolded protein response (UPR) to support cellular homeostasis and survival. However, prolonged and unsolvable ER stress also induces apoptosis. As the most conserved signaling branch of the UPR, the IRE1α–XBP1 pathway plays important roles in both physiological and pathological settings and its activity has profound effects on disease progression and prognosis. Recently, modulating this pathway with small molecule compounds has been demonstrated as a promising approach for disease therapy. In this review, we summarize a list of current investigational compounds targeting this pathway and their therapeutic features for treating human diseases.
Cyclic Inelastic Deformation Aspects of Fatigue-Crack-Growth Analysis

This paper concentrates on a J-integral analysis of fatigue crack growth. Data on cyclic plasticity are analyzed showing that there are limitations to the usefulness of the deformation theory in applications to cyclic plasticity. 56 refs.
Hydropic Gallbladder in Three Patients with Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus: What Constitutes Optimal Management?

Context Long-standing diabetes mellitus results in autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to gastroparesis and cholecystoparesis. The latter can result in hydropic gallbladder, a condition that arises from the accumulation of mucinous secretions within the gallbladder, usually caused by obstruction of the cystic duct, but not in the case of the patients with diabetes that we have illustrated. Case report We describe three patients who presented with non-specific abdominal discomfort at the time of admission for complications of poorly controlled diabetes and were subsequently found to have hydropic gallbladder. We theorize that hydropic gallbladder may be a result of a natural progression of gallbladder dysfunction in poorly controlled diabetics with autonomic neuropathy. In our cases the risk of perioperative mortality was high at the time of presentation. No surgical intervention was performed except in one case with the most significant sized gallbladder, and underwent a temporizing cholecystostomy. Conclusions The development of hydropic gallbladder in patients with non-obstructed cystic ducts highlights the complexities of management of patients with functional biliary pain. The rome committee on functional biliary and pancreatic disorders has defined the characteristics of this pain. There is a need for guidelines to direct appropriate assessment of hydropic gallbladder in diabetics and also to determine the indications for cholecystectomy. Image: HIDA scan showing a low ejection fraction of the gallbladder after administration of CCK.
Darwin's earthquake.

Charles Darwin experienced a major earthquake in the Concepcion-Valdivia region of Chile 175 years ago, in February 1835. His observations dramatically illustrated the geologic principles of James Hutton and Charles Lyell which maintained that the surface of the earth was subject to alterations by natural events, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the erosive action of wind and water, operating over very long periods of time. Changes in the land created new environments and fostered adaptations in life forms that could lead to the formation of new species. Without the demonstration of the accumulation of multiple crustal events over time in Chile, the biologic implications of the specific species of birds and tortoises found in the Galapagos Islands and the formulation of the concept of natural selection might have remained dormant.
Addressing mobile sources of air pollution in Poland: Emerging trends and policy options

In the brief transition to a market economy, Poland has experienced rapid growth in the number of private automobiles that has contributed to increasing mobile source emissions and urban congestion. Current projections indicate that the number of vehicles per capita will be comparable to many countries in Western Europe by 2010. Poland has recently adopted a number of measures to address simultaneously mobile source pollution and harmonise with the environmental directives of the European Union. Key measures adopted to date include reductions in the lead content of leaded fuels, incentives for greater use of unleaded fuel, reductions in sulphur content of fuels and requirements for catalytic converters to begin in 1995. Additional measures such as higher fuel and vehicle taxes and policies to limit vehicle access in city centres will be needed in the next decade.
Yolk Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances and n-3 Fatty Acids in Response to Whole and Ground Flaxseed

Abstract n-3 fatty acid (FA)-enriched shell eggs have been proposed as an economical source for increasing consumption of n-3 FA. As dietary n-3 FA sources vary with respect to fatty acid profile and lipid stability, the comparison of resulting egg products is warranted. This study was designed to determine yolk thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and n-3 FA when hens were fed whole or ground flaxseed. Gold flaxseed (whole or ground) fed at levels of 5 or 15% were compared to a 1.5% menhaden oil or a typical control layer ration. A 5-wk feeding trial was used with 21 hens per treatment. Eggs were collected and FA composition determined during Weeks 4 and 5 of the feeding trial. The TBARS content of yolk was also determined. All flaxseed treatments increased total n-3 FA (C18:3 + C20:5 + C22:6) but marine n-3 FA (C20:5 + C22:6) did not increase proportionately with increasing dietary flaxseed. Seed form did not influence n-3 FA deposition at the 5% level of flaxseed; however, ground 15% flaxseed resulted in greater total n-3 FA deposition than whole 15% flaxseed. Yolk TBARS were not different due to diet, indicating that seed form did not influence the oxidative quality of these n-3 FA-rich lipids.
How are cohesin rings opened and closed

The cohesin complex is proposed to embrace sister chromatids within its ring-like structure, in which two ATP-binding ‘head' domains of an SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) heterodimer are linked by a kleisin subunit. Recent studies shed new light on the crucial functions of the ‘hinge' domain of the SMC dimer, which is located ∼50nm from the head domains. An emerging idea is that the hinge and head domains cooperatively modulate cohesin–DNA interactions by opening and closing the ring in a highly regulated manner.
Vertebral arch defects in ancient egyptian populations

The incidence of vertebral arch defects was studied in 98 Egyptian skeletons now in the Lowie Museum of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, which were obtained from Naga-ed-Der (Upper Egypt) and Giza (Middle Egypt). Spondylolysis, a separation of the vertebral arch from the vertebral body, was present in skeletal material from both Naga-ed-Der and Giza in association with bifurcation of cervical spines. The youngest case of spondylolysis was in a juvenile of approximately 14 years of age. The frequency of this defect in the Naga-ed-Der population could have been as high as 50%, which provides added support for the proposition that an hereditary etiological factor is involved in the expression of separate neural arches (spondylolysis). A marked difference in the occurrence of vertebral arch defects between the Naga-ed-Der and Giza population samples is discussed with reference to the suggestion that ancient Egyptians were endogamous groups with limited contact.
Brain infarction in sickle cell anemia: Magnetic resonance imaging correlates

Brain infarction is a well-known but poorly understood complication of sickle cell disease. Seventy-three sickle cell disease patients underwent neurological examinations and high-field, heavily T2-weighted axial cranial magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanning. Eighteen of the 73 had a history of stroke, defined as an acute, focal neurological sign lasting longer than 1 hour; in the event of a convulsive onset, an MRI abnormality as a correlate was necessary. Sixteen of the 18 stroke patients demonstrated focal MRI abnormalities consistent with arterial borderzone infarctions. Fifty-five of the 73 patients had no history of stroke. Six of the 55 (11%) had focal MRI abnormalities suggesting previous subclinical stroke. Five of these lesions were in borderzone regions. The distinguishing feature in 21 of the 22 patients with MRI abnormalities was the predilection for lesions in the high cortical convexity, in the general regions of arterial borderzones between the major cerebral arteries and adjacent deep white matter. The pattern of MRI lesions suggests two pathogenetic mechanisms: (1) proximal large-vessel disease with inadequate cerebral perfusion (distal field insufficiency syndrome) and (2) distal small-vessel disease (sludging syndrome).
A new theory for Fourier analysis. Part I. The space of test functions

Abstract This is the first in a series of papers extending the theory supporting Fourier analysis. In this paper an alternative to the standard space of rapidly decreasing test functions is described. The functions in the space described are analytic and decrease exponentially with respect to the real variable. It is shown that this space is invariant under the Fourier transform, and is closed under both differentiation and under multiplication by exponentially bounded analytic functions.
MATERNO-FETAL TRANSFER AND UPTAKE OF 2-DEOXY-GLUCOSE (DG) AND α-AMINOISOBUTYRIC ACID (AIB) IN INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION (IUGR) ASSOCIATED WITH RESTRICTED UTERINE BLOOD SUPPLY

The mechanism by which restriction of uterine blood flow causes IUGR is not clearly established. We induced IUGR in rat fetuses by ligation at 18 days gestation of the artery supplying one uterine horn. Two days later, the pregnant rats received intravenously 25 μC H3-DG (10 C/mM) and 1 μC C14-AIB (9 mC/mM) per 100 gm. After 60 minutes IUGR and control (unligated horn) fetuses and placentas were delivered by C-section, and radioactivity determined (dual channel) in homogenates of placenta, fetus, liver, and brain, and in fetal and maternal plasma. Plasma concentrations and fetal/maternal ratios of both AIB and DG averaged 35% less in IUGR. Uptake of AIB per gram tissue by placenta, whole fetus, brain, and liver was 34, 44, 37 and 22% smaller respectively in IUGR. Uptake of DG per gram tissue by placenta, whole fetus, and brain was reduced 14, 15, and 16% respectively in IUGR. (All differences, p<.05). In contrast, liver uptake of DG averaged 17% greater in IUGR (p=0.2). The ratio of DG in fetal liver/fetal plasma, and in fetal brain/fetal plasma, was greater in IUGR than control (both p<.05). We conclude that in this IUGR model: there is reduction in transfer of DG and AIB into most fetal tissues; reduced growth in utero can reasonably be explained by diminished supply of amino acids and glucose; the IUGR fetal liver adapts glucose uptake more effectively than does fetal brain to reduced glucose supply.
The paleomagnetic stratigraphy of the Southern Ocean: 20° West to 160° East longitude

Abstract Correlations between 159 cores from the Southern Ocean has been established using paleomagnetic polarity changes. Isopach charts of the sediments using the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary (0·7 million years) and the Matuyama/Gauss boundary (2·35 million years) reveal regional changes in sedimentation rates that can be related to changes in Antarctic glaciation. This influenced paleocurrent structure and sedimentary conditions. Brunhes age sediments range from 0 to more than 16 meters in thickness, and reveal scour zones or areas of low deposition beneath the circumpolar current and where currents flow along the bottom from the Wedeell and Ross seas. Matuyama sediments are generally thinner and do not show the effects of the circumpolar current in the area of investigation. The position of the belt of siliceous oozes and probably the 0°C surface-water isotherm has migrated sporadically south more than 5° of latitude from Gauss to Brunhes time in response to waning glaciation. Antarctic glaciation was initiated more than 5·0 million years ago, but insufficient data are presently available to delineate earlier history.
Physical activity patterns of preschool children

Although interest in physical fitness has grown in the past decades, empirical descriptions of physical activities at the preschool level have not surfaced. Drawing from estimates for elementary school children, this study attempted to describe preschool physical activity through parent and teacher perceptions using survey data from 514 children enrolled in nursery schools and day care centers. The results of the analyses indicated that (a) preschool children are not engaged in vigorous physical activity year round (p < .01); (b) boys are more physically active than girls (p < .05); (c) children in nursery school are more physically active than children in day care (p < .01); (d) parents involved in year-round physical exercise are more likely to have children who are involved in physical exercise year round (p < .05); and (e) teachers trained in early childhood education spent more instructional time in motor development than those teachers trained in other areas (p < .01). Teaching and research implications are suggested.
Major Forms of Collective Action in Western Europe, 1500-1975

Any effort to sort into a few categories the many different ways Europeans have acted together in pursuit of common grievances or aspirations is bound to do injustice to the richness of human behavior. Yet to categorize is a first step on the way to identifying what there is to explain, and therefore on the way to explaining it. If we compare the continuous forms of collective action which prevailed in sixteenth-century western Europe-the exertion of pressure through craft guilds, the collective appeal to a landlord, and so on-with those of the twentieth century, we see a world of difference. In the twentieth century, we discover elections, political parties, associations, pressure groups, trade unions and many other factions which were practically nonexistent five centuries ago. The contrast between the sixteenth and the twentieth centuries appears even more dramatically when we turn to discontinuous forms of action such as the peasant revolt, the tax rebellion, or the mutiny. This paper will sketch a rough classification of discontinuous forms of collective action, place some of the most widespread varieties of European collective action within the classification, and discuss some of the ways the repertoire of collective actions available to ordinary Europeans has changed since 1500.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte inhibition of monocytes/macrophages in the foreign body reaction.

The effect of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) on the subsequent chronic phase macrophage-mediated foreign body reaction has not been previously investigated. Furthermore, while monocyte/macrophage-produced cytokines such as GM-CSF, G-CSF, or IL-1β have been shown to increase PMN survival in vitro, few studies have examined the impact of directly cocultured monocytes/macrophages on PMN viability. To this end, we used our established in vitro system of interleukin (IL)-4-induced monocyte-derived macrophage fusion to examine the role of PMNs in the subsequent foreign body reaction. Monocytes were directly cultured with PMNs for 3 days before the addition of IL-4 to induce monocyte-derived macrophage fusion to facilitate foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation by days 7 and 10 of culture. Optical microscopy was used to quantitatively determine adherent monocyte density, percent macrophage fusion, and FBGC density. A colorimetric MTT assay was used to assess PMN viability for direct cocultures of monocytes/macrophages and PMNs. Our results strongly suggest that the presence of PMNs inhibit IL-4-induced macrophage fusion and FBGC formation. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that cocultures containing PMNs and monocytes/macrophages increases PMN survival with respect to PMN-only cultures in vitro. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
What is it about needle and syringe programmes that make them effective for preventing HIV transmission

Ecological studies of the impact of syringe exchange programmes (SEPs) and syringe access are amongst the most powerful research tools available as they allow researchers to assess community-level effectiveness of interventions. However, there are also several limitations to the use of ecological studies.
Growth responses of Arabidopsis DNA repair mutants to solar irradiation

UV-B radiation damages a variety of cellular components. A plant's ability to resist the effects of UV is a product of its ability to reduce exposure (through the optimization of growth pattern and the production of UV absorbing pigments) and its ability to repair or replace damaged molecules. The expression of these UV resistance mechanisms is sensitive to the quantity and quality of ambient light. In the present study the significance of DNA repair as a UV resistance mechanism in Arabidopsis was investigated by comparing the effects of solar UV on the growth of a variety of repair-proficient and -deficient Arabidopsis lines grown under natural light, focusing on the effects of UV on the growth of well-established plants. It was found that solar UV had an inhibitory effect on the growth of wild-type plants, and that this effect is enhanced in repair-defective lines. Plants defective in the cyclobutane dimer photolyase are most sensitive to the effects of UV-B on plant height and rosette diameter growth, indicating that, at least in this Arabidopsis ecotype and at this stage of growth, this enzyme plays an important role in UV resistance. A mutant defective in nucleotide excision repair (NER), a non-specific repair pathway, also displayed a significant, though lesser, sensitivity to solar UV-B, suggesting that either the transcription-coupled repair of UV-induced dimers, or the repair of some other UV-induced lesion, is also important for optimal growth. The relatively mild enhancement of UV sensitivity in repair-defective Arabidopsis stands in dramatic contrast to the immediate, severe, and ultimately lethal effects of sunlight on repair-defective (XP) humans.
Interface of malnutrition and human immunodeficiency virus infection in sub-Saharan Africa: A critical review

Abstract The aggressive campaign of AIDS health education has so far not halted the heterosexual spread of HIV infection. The WHO predicts 14 million cases in Africa by the year 2000. Widespread malnutrition and the traditional tropical pathogens cause mucosal disruptions in the oral cavity and intestine, promote malabsorption of nutrients, and impair various parameters of the immune response. It is therefore not surprising that some clinical features of HIV-infected children in Africa are very similar to those observed in general tropical pediatrics. The relatively short period of clincial latency of HIV-infection in Africa, as well as the severe cachexia and intestinal malabsorption, are largely the consequences of antecedent malnutrition and infestations by other immunosuppressive pathogens prior to the onset of HIV infection. For example, pre-existing malnutrition-induced depletion of cellular GSH and other antioxidant nutrients, promotes rapid transition of HIV-infection through stimulation of HIV replication. Control of malnutrition therefore may play a key role in the management of HIV-infection, particularly in impoverished sub-Saharan African countries, by delaying the development of serious opportunistic infections and complications associated with the disease.
Quantitative distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the rat central nervous system.

Abstract Using an antiserum directed against human calcitonin gene-related peptide (hCGRP), which fully cross reacts with rat CGRP, a sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed. The antiserum was characterized by displacement curve characteristics and high performance liquid chromatography. The assay was applied to rat brain tissue and the concentration of CGRP for 48 microdissected brain areas is presented. Highest levels (1000–4500 fmol/mg protein) were found in the central amygdaloid, caudate putamen, and spinal trigeminal nerve nucleus and tract, substantia gelatinosa, and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Moderate levels (200–600 fmol/mg protein) were found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the subfornical organ, the paraventricular, arcuate, dorsomedial, dorsal parabrachial, ambiguus and tractus solitarii nuclei and in the median eminence. These results coincide with those previously obtained by immunohistochemistry. The widespread distribution in the brain suggests involvement of CGRP in a variety of behavioral functions.
Oxidant injury reduction on tobacco induced by tobacco etch virus infection

Abstract Symptoms on tobacco induced by tobacco etch virus (TEV) infection may be difficult to distinguish from oxidant damage. Field observations indicated reduced oxidant damage in commercial tobacco plantings when TEV-infected plants were compared with apparently non-infected plants. Three commercially grown varieties and two experimental breeding lines were utilised at 10 and 12 weeks after transplanting. Treatments consisted of non-inoculated, non-inoculated plants, inoculated and inoculated plus ozone. TEV-infected plants when exposed to O3 expressed less oxidant injury, fleck and necrosis than similar non-inoculated plants. Twelve-weeks-old plants were not protected from O3 damage as much as 10-weeks-old plants. Similar flecking occurred on mature leaves of both inoculated and exposed-uninoculated plants; however, mosaic patterns characteristic of young leaves on infected plants were absent on uninoculated-exposed plants.
Monoclonal antibody analysis of bovine herpesvirus-1 glycoprotein antigenic areas relevant to natural infection.

Abstract Neutralizing antigenic areas on the glycoproteins of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) were identified by reciprocal competition radioimmunoassays using monoclonal antibodies. Three interrelated and two independent antigenic areas were identified on the 77-kDa (K) gIV envelope glycoprotein. Antigenic analysis of this protein has not been previously described. Four interrelated and one independent antigenic areas were found on the 97K gill envelope glycoprotein. A third group of monoclonal antibodies reacting in Western blot with the 74K subunit of gl, a 130K disulfide-linked 74K/55K heterodimer, revealed four interrelated antigenic areas. All of the antigenic areas on all three glycoproteins were reactive with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and all were targets for antibody-complement lysis. However, antibodies against gIV were the most efficient at neutralizing the virus and rendering infected cells susceptible to antibody-complement lysis. Convalescent sera from experimentally infected calves were used in a competitive radioimmunoassay to confirm that each antigenic area on the gl, gill, or gIV glycoproteins was a target for bovine antibodies during primary infection with BHV-1.
Fear as a Mediator for the Relationship Between Child Sexual Abuse and Victimization of Relationship Violence

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been identified as a predictor for dating violence victimization; however, the mechanism for this relationship is unexplored. The current study examined whether fearful dating experiences may help explain the relationship between CSA and dating violence victimization. Participants (N = 327 college women) completed self-report measures of CSA, fearful dating experiences, and dating violence. In a mediational model test, CSA was found to be positively associated with fear in dating relationships and with dating violence victimization, fear was associated with dating violence victimization, and the effect of CSA on dating violence victimization scores was reduced after controlling for fear. A Sobel's test showed that fear partially mediated the relationship between CSA and current dating violence victimization.
Visualization of Flooding in Operating Fuel Cell

Flooding has been considered one of the important issues for the limitation of performance and durability of fuel cell. The flooding in fuel cell is investigated by developing visualization system with high spatial resolution, which is designed to give close images and movies of emergence, coalesce and removal of droplets in fuel cell. It has been shown that capillary force plays dominant role in liquid removal at low flow velocity, which is a typical operating condition in fuel cell. Increasing the hydrophilic properties of side walls and front wall of flow channel will result in higher liquid spreading and removal rates; while larger contact angle on GDL surface is preferred. The spreading time on front surface could be greatly reduced by decreasing the width of the flow channel. To get a stable performance of fuel cell, the water accumulation rate should be designed to be smaller that the ability of water removal.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Design Criteria for Serial Chains Based on Kinetic Energy Partition Values

In this article, a description of the kinetic energy partition values (or energy ratios) of serial chain mechanisms, as well as their rates of change, are presented. These energy ratios are indicators of the kinetic energy distribution within the system and they exploit the structure of the effective inertia matrix. The rates of change of the kinetic energy partition values with respect to the input parameters of the system indicate the sensitivity of change of the kinetic energy, meaning that a high value for the partition value rate of change together with a high operational state implies that the amount of kinetic energy flowing in the system is large further implying a loss of precision in the system due to large inertial torques applied about the joint axes. Two design criteria, one based on the kinetic energy partition values and another based on their rates of change, are presented. A two degree-of-freedom (DOF) mechanism is used to illustrate the solution of a multi-criteria design optimization problem where three design criteria are considered: a kinetic energy partition value criterion, a force capability criterion and an effective mass criterion. The design variables for the optimization problem are the transmission reduction ratios of the actuators. It is shown that the reduction ratios significantly influence the kinetic energy distribution within the system due to the high levels of kinetic energy in the rotary mass of the prime movers.© 2008 ASME
Obesity in infants, children, and adolescents in the united states III. Therapy and prevention: Individual, family, and community

Abstract The management of obesity in children and adolescents has not received intensive investigation. Attempts at modifying behavior have had only limited success; published results have been biased by voluntary participation in controlled studies, by use of highly restrictive diets, and by the study of children with lesser degrees of obesity. A major difficulty in the evaluation of more radical therapies, such as surgery or highly restrictive diets, is that the risks of therapy must be balanced against the risks of continuing disease. Information on both is sparse. Review of the epidemiologic variables associated with obesity suggests that family factors have a significant effect on both the onset and course of the disease. Family therapy therefore deserves more critical evaluation.
The Utah Intracortical Electrode Array: A recording structure for potential brain-computer interfaces

We investigated the potential of the Utah Intracortical Electrode Array (UIEA) to provide signals for a brain-computer interface (BCI). The UIEA records from small populations of neurons which have an average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 6:1. We provide specific examples that show the activities of these populations of neurons contain sufficient information to perform control tasks. Results from a simple stimulus detection task using these signals as inputs confirm that the number of neurons present in a recording is significant in determining task performance. Increasing the number of units in a recording decreases the sensitivity of the response to the stimulus; decreasing the number of units in the recording, however, increases the variability of the response to the stimulus. We conclude that recordings from small populations of neurons, not single units, provide a reliable source of sufficiently stimulus selective signals which should be suitable for a BCI. In addition, the potential for simultaneous and proportional control of a large number of external devices may be realized through the ability of an array of microelectrodes such as the UIEA to record both spatial and temporal patterns of neuronal activation.
Taking action to improve women's health through gender equality and women's empowerment

Over the past few decades great strides have been made in improvement of women’s health status; more than a decade has been added to life expectancy and fertility rates in both developed and developing countries have declined substantially helping to reduce burdens associated with childbirth and childrearing. Despite this progress more than half a million women—99% of whom live in the developing world—continue to die every year in pregnancy and childbirth due to entirely preventable reasons. Additionally amid the HIV/AIDS pandemic women today face new and worsening health risks: 50% of all adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are women and those age 15–24 years are disproportionately affected. (excerpt)