cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymes Indigenous to Milk | Phosphatases

Bovine milk contains two principal indigenous phosphatases, namely alkaline and acid phosphatases, as well as other phosphatases, such as ribonuclease. Only milk alkaline phosphatase (ALP, EC 3.1.3.1.1) and milk acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) are reviewed, since other phosphatases present in milk have not been shown to have any technological significance in milk. The presence of a phosphatase in milk was first reported in 1925 and was later identified as ALP.
Lens exchange for subluxation of posterior chamber lenses implanted in the capsular bag or in the ciliary sulcus

Fragestellung: Die Zahl der Patienten mit Visusbeeintrachtigung durch eine dislozierte Hinterkammerlinse zeigt deutlich zunehmende Tendenz, wobei ein Kapselhautchen der Hauptrisikofaktor ist. Verschiedene Techniken zur Refixation der subluxierten Hinterkammerlinsen sind beschrieben. In dieser Studie soll die von uns verwendete Technik der Linsenexplantation, vorderer Vitrektomie und Implantation einer Artisan Vorderkammerlinse vorgestellt werden. Patienten und Methode: Retrospektiv wurden alle zwischen 2003 und 2012 durchgefuhrten Lens exchanges mit Implantation einer Artisan Linse analysiert. Es wurden 65 Augen von 61 Patienten (Alter 79,6 ± 9,2; 43–98 Jahre) untersucht. Bei 46 Augen bestand ein Sundown-Syndrom (late in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation), bei 19 Augen war die Hinterkammerlinse primar im Sulcus iridociliaris implantiert worden. Bei den 46 Augen mit Sundown-Syndrom war 7,4 ± 3,7, im Median 7,1 Jahre (1–22) Jahre vorher eine Kataraktoperation mit Implantation einer Hinterkammerlinse in den Kapselsack durchgefuhrt worden, 42/46 (91,2 %) dieser Augen haben ein Kapselhautchen. Bei 34/46 Augen (73,9 %) wurde wahrend der Kataraktoperation ein Kapselspannring implantiert. Die 34 Linsen mit Spannringen luxierten signifikant (p < 0,02 Mann-Whitney U) fruher als die 12 Linsen ohne Spannring (6,6 ± 3,6 Jahre; Median 5,8 gegen 9,4 ± 3,1 Jahre; Median 9,2). Ergebnisse: Der mediane Visusgewinn betrug in der Gruppe der luxierten Kapselsacklinsen 0,2 logMAR, bei den luxierten Sulkuslinsen 0,12 logMAR. Bei 17/65 Augen (26,2 %) kam es postoperativ zu Drucksteigerungen (davon benotigten 8 Augen einen drucksenkenden Eingriff), bei 7 Augen zur Hornhautdekompensation, bei 5 Augen zur Zentralvenenthrombose, bei 1 Auge zu einer Endophthalmitis. Schlussfolgerung: Der Lens exchange mit einer Artisan Linse ist zu einem Visus verbessernden Routineeingriff geworden. Es muss mit postoperativen Druckdekompensationen und retinalen vaskularen Komplikationen gerechnet werden.
Understanding individuals’ intentions to limit online personal information disclosures to protect their privacy: implications for organizations and public policy

The purpose of the present research is to understand individuals’ intentions to limit their personal information online to partially anonymize their digital identity. Key concepts from several privacy theories are used to generate hypotheses that can be used to understand the behavior of interest. Data from a national probability sample of 792 adults is used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that the size of an individual’s digital footprint, their need for control over personal information, and past privacy violations are important determinants of their online information limiting behavior. The findings have important implications for theory and practice. From a theoretical perspective, the findings indicate that individual intentions to limit personal information online seem to be based on a desire to balance their current online exposure with their need to control their personal online information. Past privacy violations also exert an influence on online information disclosures. The research is important for organizations and policy makers in designing privacy policies and proposing regulation that recognizes the dilemma that individuals encounter when they share information online with an organization for mutual benefit.
New Thinking About Jurisdictional Time Periods in the Tax Code

This Article explores the extent to which statutory periods of limitation in the Code are properly viewed as jurisdictional restrictions on the authority of the Tax Court. Starting in the mid-2000s, the Supreme Court began thinking about jurisdictional time limits in a new way. Applied of this new thinking to tax limitation periods has been limited and there is not comprehensive treatment of how this new thinking should apply the the Tax Code. This Article considers how the Supreme Court’s new thinking should apply to four time periods in the Code. Three govern access to the Tax Court: the period in section 6213 for contesting a Notice of Deficiency; the periods in sections 6320 and 6330 for contesting the outcome of an IRS Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing; and the period in section 6015(e) for contesting a denial of innocent spouse relief. The fourth is the two-year period in section 6532(a)(1) to file a suit for refund of taxes in either federal district court or the Court of Federal Claims. The Article first explains the Supreme Court’s new thinking. The Article next sets up the procedural contexts in which the four limitations periods appear. Then it analyzes each of the four periods. The Article concludes that for the deficiency and CDP time periods the new thinking leads to different conclusions from existing lower court precedents, which are now unlikely to survive Supreme Court scrutiny. In contrast, recent opinions about section 6015(e) have reasonably applied the new thinking in typing that limitations period as jurisdictional. Finally, a straightforward analysis of section 6532(a)(1) under the new thinking reveals it to be a plain-vanilla, claims-processing rule, contrary to past court decisions. Keywords: Jurisdiction, Tax Court, Refunds, claims processing, limitation periods, statute of limitations, limitations, Collection Due Process, CDP, Innocent Spouse, spousal relief, deficiency, 6213, 6330, 6015, 6532
Naviculocuneiform and Second and Third Tarsometatarsal Articulations: Underappreciated Normal Anatomy and How It May Affect Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections.

OBJECTIVE Because the second and third tarsometatarsal (TMT) and naviculocuneiform joints normally communicate, the least arthritic or technically most straightforward joint was injected when a fluoroscopically guided therapeutic injection was ordered for one or both joints. We hypothesized that pain relief would be equivalent regardless of the joint injected and would result in less radiation and a lower steroid dose compared with patients who had both articulations injected. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-eight patients were divided into four joint groups: naviculocuneiform requested and injected (n = 15), nonrequested naviculocuneiform or second and third TMT injected (n = 25), both injected (n = 23), and TMT requested and injected (n = 15). Variables recorded included patient age and sex, fluoroscopy time, steroid dose, pre- and postprocedural pain, osteoarthrosis (OA) grade, and confidence of intraarticular injection. Statistical analysis compared mean pain level change before and after injection, mean fluoroscopy time, and mean steroid dose between groups. The mean OA grade of the nonrequested joint was compared with that of the requested joint in patients whose injected and requested joints did not match (group 2). RESULTS Pre- and postinjection pain reduction (p = 0.630) and postinjection pain (p = 0.935) were not significantly different. Mean steroid dose (p < 0.001) and fluoroscopy time (p = 0.0001) were significantly increased for the both joint injection group. Within the nonrequested naviculocuneiform or second and third TMT injection group, there was a significant difference in OA grade between injected (least arthritic) and requested joints (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION When faced with challenging naviculocuneiform or second and third TMT joint injections, choosing the technically most straightforward joint may result in less radiation and steroid dose without compromising quality of care or pain reduction.
Controversies in Nosocomial pneumonias in 2019.

Abstract Hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonias are among the most frequent and life-threatening nosocomial infections worldwide. This CMI theme issue addresses controversies that affect both the clinical care and research regarding patients afflicted by nosocomial pneumonias. The controversies discussed by the authors in this theme issue include prevention (“Barriers to adoption to ventilator-associated events surveillance and prevention”), diagnosis (“Health-care associated pneumonia. Is there any reason to continue to utilize this label in 2019?”), host status (“Is hospital-acquired pneumonia different in transplant patients?”), and treatment (“Why don’t we have more inhaled antibiotics to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia?”). The journal editor concludes with an editorial in which the highlights of each manuscript is described in the context of current evidence, in conjunction with the needed research to resolve these controversies.
Brexanolone: A Novel Drug for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression.

Objectives:To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of Brexanolone and define its role in the treatment of postpartum depression.Date Sources:A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted (1980-May...
SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody testing for an entire rural community: methods and feasibility of high-throughput testing procedures.

Early in the pandemic, inadequate SARS-CoV-2 testing limited understanding of transmission. Chief among barriers to large-scale testing was unknown feasibility, particularly in non-urban areas. Our objective was to report methods of high-volume, comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 testing, offering one model to augment disease surveillance in a rural community. A community-university partnership created an operational site used to test most residents of Bolinas, California regardless of symptoms in 4 days (April 20th – April 23rd, 2020). Prior to testing, key preparatory elements included community mobilization, pre-registration, volunteer recruitment, and data management. On day of testing, participants were directed to a testing lane after site entry. An administrator viewed the lane-specific queue and pre-prepared test kits, linked to participants’ records. Medical personnel performed sample collection, which included finger prick with blood collection to run laboratory-based antibody testing and respiratory specimen collection for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using this 4-lane model, 1,840 participants were tested in 4 days. A median of 57 participants (IQR 47–67) were tested hourly. The fewest participants were tested on day 1 (n = 338 participants), an intentionally lower volume day, increasing to n = 571 participants on day 4. The number of testing teams was also increased to two per lane to allow simultaneous testing of multiple participants on days 2–4. Consistent staffing on all days helped optimize proficiency, and strong community partnership was essential from planning through execution. High-volume ascertainment of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence by PCR and antibody testing was feasible when conducted in a community-led, drive-through model in a non-urban area.
False positive findings during genome-wide association studies with imputation: Influence of allele frequency and imputation accuracy.

Genotype imputation is widely used in genetic studies to boost the power of GWAS, to combine multiple studies for meta-analysis and to perform fine mapping. With advances of imputation tools and large reference panels, genotype imputation has become mature and accurate. However, the uncertain nature of imputed genotypes can cause bias in the downstream analysis. Many studies have compared the performance of popular imputation approaches, but few investigated bias characteristics of downstream association analyses. Herein, we showed that the imputation accuracy is diminished if the real genotypes contain minor alleles. Although these genotypes are less common, which is particularly true for loci with low minor allele frequency, a large discordance between imputed and observed genotypes significantly inflated the association results, especially in data with a large portion of uncertain SNPs. The significant discordance of p-values happened as the p-value approached 0 or the imputation quality was poor. Although elimination of poorly imputed SNPs can remove false positive (FP) SNPs, it sacrificed, sometimes, more than 80% true positive (TP) SNPs. For top ranked SNPs, removing variants with moderate imputation quality cannot reduce the proportion of FP SNPs, and increasing sample size in reference panels did not greatly benefit the results as well. Additionally, samples with a balanced ratio between cases and controls can dramatically improve the number of TP SNPs observed in the imputation based GWAS. These results raise concerns about results from analysis of association studies when rare variants are studied, particularly when case-control studies are unbalanced.
Distinct stage-specific transcriptional states of B cells in human tonsillar tissue.

B cells within secondary lymphoid tissues encompass a diverse range of activation states and multiple maturation processes that reflect antigen recognition and transition through the germinal center (GC) reaction, in which mature B cells differentiate into memory and antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). Here, using single-cell RNA-seq, we identify distinct activation and maturation profiles of B cells within and outside the GC reaction in human secondary lymphoid tissue. In particular, we identify a distinct, previously uncharacterized CCL4/CCL3 chemokine-expressing B-cell population with an expression pattern consistent with BCR/CD40 activation. Furthermore, we present a computational method leveraging regulatory network inference and pseudotemporal modeling to identify upstream transcription factor modulation along the GC to ASC maturation axis. Our dataset provides valuable insight into the diverse functional profiles and maturation processes that B cells undergo within secondary lymphoid tissues and will be a useful resource on which to base further studies into the B-cell immune compartment. HighlightsO_LIscRNA-seq of human tonsillar B cells identifies distinct activation and maturation phenotypes. C_LIO_LIIdentification of a chemokine-expressing B-cell population in the human tonsil with a BCR and CD40 co-stimulatory gene signature. C_LIO_LITranscription factor regulatory network analysis identifies MYC and REL as predicted regulators of chemokine expression in the chemokine-expressing B-cell population. C_LIO_LITrajectory inference with gene and regulatory network modeling implicates novel transcription factors in the GC-to-ASC transition. C_LI
Quantitative studies on Rous sarcoma virus: V. An analysis of the mechanism of virulence of the Bryan “high titer” strain of RSV

Abstract The newly developed strain of RSV (Bryan), which has been reported to yield an average of thirty times as much infective virus per gram in tumors as standard strains, has been found also to yield an average of twenty-five times as much infective virus in in vitro growth experiments. The mechanism of this difference has been investigated. It has been found that the two strains had essentially identical rates of virus synthesis, averaging 16.6 PFU per virus-yielding cell per day. The Bryan strain differed from the standard strain in three important aspects. (1) It was able to convert an average of four times as many cells into infectious centers at a single exposure at high virus:cell multiplicity. (2) It was approximately three times as thermostable. (3) The efficiency of pock formation on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) by the Bryan strain appeared to be approximately twice that of the standard strain. The product of these three factors appeared to offer a rational mechanism for the observed difference in virus yield between the two strains in vivo and in vitro. Experiments were carried out in which the effect of virus multiplicity on infectious center yield and on growth curve kinetics was investigated. These experiments suggested that 1 pock-forming unit (PFU) corresponded to at least 5–10 infectious particles, demonstrable in the above systems, for both strains. The bearing of the above findings on the probability that there exist non-virus-yielding tumor cells was discussed.
A Simple Speech-Act-Theoretic Indexing Scheme for Documents

This paper introduces and reports on the ICT framework for indexing document content. The framework is based on speech act theory, and has been implemented in a working prototype system for the U.S. Coast Guard. Very much remains to be learned about the framework and how best to use it, but the idea is very promising, and is fully formalized, thereby facilitating automated processing.
Continuous wave optically pumped iodine laser: Spectroscopy and long range analysis of the X1Σg+ ground state of I2

Abstract Continuous wave oscillation is observed on transitions belonging to the I2 B 0u+-X1Σg+ system into highly excited vibrational levels of the ground state. The I2 laser is optically pumped with a single longitudinal mode argon ion laser oscillating at either 514.5 or 501.7 nm resulting in some 752 assigned laser lines throughout the visible and near infrared. Of these, 44 transitions have 83 ≤ v″ ≤ 96 and are used here to obtain rotational and vibrational constants for levels of X1Σg+ near the dissociation limit. A long range analysis applying the theory of LeRoy to the highest observed levels yields C6 = 1.1 ± 0.1 × 106 cm−1 A−6 and indicates that the last bound vibrational level of X1Σg+ has v = 114.
Organoboranes : XXV. Hydridation of dialkylhaloboranes. New practical syntheses of dialkylboranes under mild conditions

Abstract Practical methods for the synthesis of dialkylboranes (R 2 BH) via the hydridation of dialkylhaloboranes (R 2 BX) have been developed. Convenient methods available for the preparation of R 2 BX via the hydroboration of alkenes with monohaloborane complexes (H 2 BX · SMe 2 ) make this approach valuable for the preparation of various dialkylboranes, R 2 BH, many of which are not available by direct hydroboration of alkenes with borane itself. The suitability of various hydriding agents, such as borane derivatives, complex metal hydrides, and alkoxy metal hydrides, for the hydridation of R 2 BX was examined, utilizing B -halo-9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane as a representative dialkylhaloborane. In this case, the unusual stability of the resulting dialkylborane, 9-BBN, permits direct estimation of the reaction products by 11 B NMR spectroscopy. The generality of the procedure has been demonstrated.
What do we need to know to achieve durable endoluminal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

The exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms with endoluminal grafts is in its earliest stages, and the technology is in continuous transition. While results with 1st-generation devices have been somewhat discouraging in some cases, lessons learned from these initial attempts have led to considerable improvement in device design and deployment techniques. Lower-profile devices that are smaller and more flexible have made implantation less traumatic, and the incidence of endoleak formation has been reduced to 10% or less in some series. A modified percutaneous approach has also been introduced, and it may reduce the need for open exposure of the femoral artery in endoluminal graft procedures. Treating aneurysm expansion earlier, perhaps at 4 cm, may allow use of simpler, straight-tube prostheses and prevent problems associated with the use of larger, bifurcated endoluminal grafts. Numerous endoluminal graft designs are being tested, including both internally and externally covered prostheses. The success with a covered device may depend upon the type of material used and the extent to which it covers the endoluminal graft; fabric covering over a completely metal structure may allow a high degree of perioperative success and improvement in late outcome. The use of "hooks" to anchor or stabilize the endoluminal graft is also under study but is still controversial. The expense associated with endoluminal graft technology is currently high; therefore, it is likely that cost savings will be the result of shorter hospitalizations, little or no time spent in the intensive care unit, and fewer pre- and postoperative tests.
Bromide Influence on Trihalomethane and Haloacetic Acid Formation

An undesired consequence of adding chemicals such as chlorine to disinfect drinking water is the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Exposure to high doses of DBPs has been shown to cause cancers as well as adverse reproductive effects in laboratory animals. In contrast, epidemiological studies have not been able to conclusively establish a causal link between chlorinated drinking water containing DBPs to an increased cancer risk in humans consuming them. Regardless, federal regulations restricting the concentrations of several DBP classes (including four trihalomethanes and five haloacetic acids) have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce any potential risks they may pose. This section briefly describes the effects of changes in the relative concentrations of bromide ion and natural organic matter on the formation and speciation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. Special emphasis is given to the formation of all nine haloacetic acids containing chlorine and bromine even though current and regulations anticipated in the near term do not address them. Additionally, it is shown that even though water treatment processes such as nanofiltration and granular activated carbon reduce the total concentrations of DBP precursors, they shift the relative speciation of THMs and HAAs toward the more brominated ones. Keywords: disinfection byproducts; trihalomethanes; haloacetic acids; bromide ion; nanofiltration; granular activated carbon; drinking water; natural organic matter; disinfection; chlorine; membrane filtration
Islamic Banking Law Decree in the Sultanate of Oman

This article discusses the Islamic banking law royal decree of 6 December 2012 in the Sultanate of Oman. The Islamic Banking Law leaves much to the Islamic Banking Framework (which has been issued) and future regulations, circulars and guidelines. But, laying the foundation for the development of the Islamic banking industry in Oman, the Islamic Banking Law does specifically address four critical substantive structural elements, as well as a few procedural elements of the transactional structure of Islamic banking in Oman. This Client Alert focuses on those four areas, leaving discussion of the Islamic Banking Framework to future Client Alerts. The four substantive structural elements are: (i) the transactional base of Islamic banking in the Sultanate, and some fundamental requirements pertaining to that transactional base; (ii) the status of Islamic banking and Islamic banking transactions in terms of taxation, land law constraints and the provisions of other areas of substantive law; and (iii) two matters pertaining to Shariʿah supervisory boards, one at the level of the individual banks and one at some higher level. The procedural matters pertain to: (a) the obligation of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman to issue the Islamic Banking Framework; (b) the obligation of the Central Bank of Oman to license Islamic banks and Islamic windows at conventional banks; and (c) interpretation of the Islamic Banking Law, particularly as its provisions may conflict with other laws, rules, regulations and Royal Decrees. As is so often the case, a great deal of substantive law impact is embedded within the procedural provisions. Each of these structural elements and procedural matters is discussed.
Emergence and Change in Early Urban Societies

Emergence and Change in Early Urban Societies. Linda Manzanilla. ed. New York: Plenum Press, 1997. 301 pp.
Power Heightens Sensitivity to Unfairness Against the Self

Power is accompanied by a sense of entitlement, which shapes reactions to self-relevant injustices. We propose that powerful people more strongly expect to be treated fairly and are faster to perceive unjust treatment that violates these expectations. After preliminary data demonstrated that power leads people to expect fair outcomes for themselves, we conducted four experiments. Participants primed with high (vs. low) power were faster to identify violations of distributive justice in which they were victims (Study 1). This effect was specific to self-relevant injustices (Study 2) and generalized to violations of interpersonal justice (Study 3). Finally, participants primed with high power were more likely to take action against unfair treatment (Study 4). These findings suggest a process by which hierarchies may be maintained: Whereas the powerless are comparatively less sensitive to unfair treatment, the powerful may retain their social standing by quickly perceiving and responding to self-relevant injustices.
Asexual reproduction and segmental regeneration, but not morphallaxis, are inhibited by boric acid in Lumbriculus variegatus (Annelida: Clitellata: Lumbriculidae)

Body fragmentation, in some animal groups, is a mechanism for survival and asexual reproduction. Lumbriculus variegatus (Muller, 1774), an aquatic oligochaete worm, is capable of regenerating into complete individuals from small body fragments following injury and reproduces primarily by asexual reproduction. Few studies have determined the cellular mechanisms that underlie fragmentation, either regenerative or asexual. We utilized boric acid treatment, which blocks regeneration of segments in amputated fragments and blocks architomic fission during asexual reproduction, to investigate mechanistic relationships and differences between these two modes of development. Neural morphallaxis, involving changes in sensory fields and giant fiber conduction, was detected in amputated fragments in the absence of segmental regeneration. Furthermore, neural morphallactic changes occurred as a result of developmental mechanisms of asexual reproduction, even when architomy was prevented. These results show that fragmentation in L. variegatus, during injury or asexual reproduction, employs developmental and morphallactic processes that can be mechanistically dissociated by boric acid exposure. In regeneration following injury, compensatory morphallaxis occurred in response to fragmentation. In contrast, anticipatory morphallaxis was induced in preparation for fragmentation during asexual reproduction. Thus, various forms of regeneration in this lumbriculid worm can be activated independently and in different developmental contexts.
Regulation of the antibody response by the acute phase reactant: mouse serum amyloid P-component (SAP).

Abstract Serum amyloid P-component (SAP) is the major acute phase reactant (APR) of mice. Purified mouse SAP at 0.1 to 10.0 μg/ml selectively suppressed the secondary in vitro IgG antibody plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to the T-dependent antigen TNP-KLH but not to the T-independent antigens TNP-LPS and DNP-Lys-Ficoll. The suppression was antigen nonspecific. The mechanism of suppression occurred primarily through the activation of Lyt-1 + , I-J + suppressor-inducer cells, which in turn activated a Lyt-2 + suppressor T-cell population. The activity of preexisting, antigen-specific Lyt-2 + suppressor T cells was not influenced by SAP. The antigen-nonspecific suppressor T cells generated by SAP were sensitive to cyclophosphamide. Removal of SAP from the culture fluid with rabbit anti-Mo SAP antibody or agarose beads abrogated the suppression. Pentraxin proteins closely related to mouse SAP, such as human SAP and hamster female protein (FP), also displayed immunoregulatory activity of the antibody response by the same cellular mechanism. The results suggest that SAP regulates antibody responses by the activation of suppressor-inducer T cells and that the regulation of the antibody response during the acute stage of inflammation may occur via SAP.
Aging is associated with a rapid decline in frequency, alterations in subset composition, and enhanced Th2 response in CD1d-restricted NKT cells from human peripheral blood

NKT cells are important for initiating and regulating immune responses. We investigated the age-related changes in the CD1d-restricted semi-invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in peripheral blood of healthy adults. The iNKT cell frequency was 2.5- to 10.7-fold less in healthy elderly subjects (61 years and over) compared to the healthy young subjects (20-40 years, p<0.001). This age-related decline in iNKT cells was observed both in freshly isolated PBMC and in cultures where iNKT cells were enriched by alpha-GalCer stimulation using either the Valpha24/Vbeta11 TCR antibody pair or the CD1d-tetramer as the iNKT cell marker. The decline in frequency was associated with an alteration in the iNKT cell subset compositions: an increase in the proportion of CD4+ subset and a decrease in the proportion of CD4/CD8 double-negative (DN) subset. The age-related decline in iNKT cells and changes in subset composition were independent from the age-related changes of conventional T cells/T cell subsets. Additionally, there was a Th1 to Th2 shift in the cytokine response profile from iNKT cells with aging. We conclude that aging is associated with a significant decline in iNKT cell frequency in peripheral blood, accompanied with alterations in subset composition and cytokine response profile.
Influence of Water Activity, Temperature, and Their Interaction on Germination of Verticillium albo-atrum Conidia

Conidia were germinated at three temperatures in media in which available water, expressed as water activity, was controlled at three levels. Rate of germination in the basal medium (0.9964 water activity) was most rapid at 25 C and was inhibited at 15 and 30 C. Lowering the water activity at a particular temperature decreased rates of germination. However, at a low water activity (0.9778) germination rate was greater at 30 C than at 25 C. Thus, the effect of temperature on germination appears to be dependent on the water activity of the medium.
Biomarkers Associated With Pulse Pressure in African-Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites

The blood pressure (BP) waveform consists of the summation of a steady component, mean arterial pressure, and a pulsatile component, the pulse pressure.1 Pulse pressure results from intermittent ejection from the heart, coupled with cushioning properties of the arteries and the timing and intensity of wave reflections.1 The rise in pulse pressure with aging appears to represent different properties of the arterial stiffening process, including central arterial stiffness and increased peripheral wave reflection. Pulse pressure is a readily available albeit indirect marker of arterial stiffness, making it convenient for analyses in large cohort studies. In younger hypertensives (<60 years), systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial BP are each associated with adverse cardiovascular events.2 However, in older hypertensive individuals, isolated systolic hypertension and elevated pulse pressure are more strongly associated with cardiovascular risk than elevated diastolic BP.2 Pulse pressure is associated with increased mortality3 and the risk of myocardial infarction,4 new-onset atrial fibrillation,5 stroke,6 heart failure,7 and cognitive decline.8 Furthermore, the prevalence and severity of hypertension,9 as well as risk of target-organ damage10,11 is greater among African Americans than non-Hispanic whites. Despite this, African-Americans remain an understudied group, and the basis for the ethnic differences in the prevalence and pathophysiology of arterial stiffness remains obscure. There is a significant gap in our knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to arterial stiffening and increase in pulse pressure, their hemodynamic and pathologic consequences, and their differences based on ethnicity. Such knowledge could help identify individuals at higher cardiovascular risk while contributing to the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at arterial “destiffening.” We hypothesized that the pathways of inflammation, lipoprotein metabolism, adipocyte metabolism, calcification, thrombosis, and h emodynamic stress could play a role in the pathophysiology of arterial stiffness. To this end, we undertook an exploratory analysis of the associations of multiple candidate circulating biomarkers in the aforementioned pathways with pulse pressure in a biethnic cohort that included a large proportion of hypertensives and African-Americans.
Taking the Coase Theorem Seriously

It is sometimes believed that technical apects of a theorem have little to do with the policy implications of the theorem. On the contrary, in this paper we argue that for the Coase Theorem, the technical details are very important in understanding the potential policy implications, since the two interact in a way that leads to a dilemma: a formally correct version of the theorem that yields the usual conclusions requires assumptions that are too restrictive to give the theorem much policy relevance. On the other hand, relaxing the assumptions of the theorem to be sufficiently plausible to be applicable in real world settings modifies the conclusions of the theorem.
Tourism and national identity in Uganda

Over the last decade, international tourism has grown rapidly in Uganda. This has been planned by a small consortium of tourism officials working with the central government. Through data obtained from interviews with Ugandan tourism officials, this paper critically assesses their understandings of tourism's role in Uganda's development. Officials conceptualise tourism as a means of constructing a positive national identity for foreign consumption, and hope that a positive national identity abroad will increase foreign investment and spark development. This research considers (re)presentations of the nation and the way(s) in which Uganda is being developed as a tourist destination. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research article: organizational sticking points on NK landscapes

Scholars studying human organizations have recently adopted the notion of fitness landscapes, a concept pioneered in the biological and physical sciences. Such scholars have generally assumed that organizations will migrate toward the local peaks of these landscapes, as biological and physical entities do. We use an agentbased simulation to show, to the contrary, that a hierarchical human organization may very well come to rest at a "sticking point" that is not a local peak on the fitness landscape of the overall organization. Three pervasive features of human organizations create the distinction between sticking points and local peaks: the delegation of choices to separate decision makers, interdependencies between sticking points and local peaks: the delegation of choices to separate dicision makers, interdepencies between domains of those decision makers, and differences between local incentives and global incenties. Our results illustrate both that it is valuable to use tools developed to study one type of complex adaptive system in order to examine another type and that researchers must adapt the tools with care as they attempt to do so. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiac subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria display distinct responsiveness to protection by diazoxide.

Objective Cardiac subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) mitochondrial subpopulations possess distinct biochemical properties and differ with respect to their protein and lipid compositions, capacities for respiration and protein synthesis, and sensitivity to metabolic challenge, yet their responsiveness to mitochondrially active cardioprotective therapeutics has not been characterized. This study assessed the differential responsiveness of the two mitochondrial subpopulations to diazoxide, a cardioprotective agent targeting mitochondria. Methods Mitochondrial subpopulations were freshly isolated from rat ventricles and their morphologies assessed by electron microscopy and enzymatic activities determined using standard biochemical protocols with a plate reader. Oxidative phosphorylation was assessed from State 3 respiration using succinate as a substrate. Calcium dynamics and the status of Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed using standard Ca2+ and TPP+ ion-selective electrodes. Results Compared to IFM, isolated SSM exhibited a higher sensitivity to Ca2+ overload-mediated inhibition of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis with decreased ATP production (from 375±25 to 83±15 nmol ATP/min/mg protein in SSM, and from 875±39 to 583±45 nmol ATP/min/mg protein in IFM). In addition, SSM exhibited reduced Ca2+-accumulating capacity as compared to IFM (230±13 vs. 450±46 nmol Ca2+/mg protein in SSM and IFM, respectively), suggestive of increased Ca2+ sensitivity of MPT pore opening. Despite enhanced susceptibility to stress, SSM were more responsive to the protective effect of diazoxide (100 μM) against Ca2+ overload-mediated inhibition of ATP synthesis (67% vs. 2% in SSM and IFM, respectively). Conclusion These results provide evidence for the distinct sensitivity of cardiac SSM and IFM toward Ca2+-dependent metabolic stress and the protective effect of diazoxide on mitochondrial energetics.
The peculiar X-ray and radio star AS431

Einstein observations are reported which reveal that the highly reddened emission-line star AS431 has a highly absorbed X-ray spectrum and a relatively strong intrinsic flux of 5 x 10 to the -12th erg/sq cm/s or more. Observations at 20 cm and 6 cm with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array are also reported which show that AS431 is also a moderately strong radio source (about 35 mJy). These data, together with optical and infrared observations, suggest a model in which both the radio and X-ray emissions arise in a chaotic stellar wind emerging from a single luminous Wolf-Rayet star.
Critical determinants of cancer metastasis: rationale for therapy.

The major cause of death from cancer is metastases that are resistant to conventional therapies. Several reasons account for treatment failure in patients with metastases. First, neoplasms are biologically heterogeneous and contain subpopulations of cells with different angiogenic, invasive, and metastatic properties. Second, the process of metastasis selects a small subpopulation of cells that preexist within a parental neoplasm. Although metastases can have a clonal origin, genetic instability results in rapid biological diversification and the regeneration of heterogeneous subpopulations of cells. Third, and perhaps the most important principle for the design of new cancer therapies, is that the outcome of metastasis depends on multiple interactions (“cross-talk”) of metastatic cells with homeostatic mechanisms which the tumor cells usurp. The organ microenvironment can influence the biology of cancer growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in several different ways. For example, the survival and growth of tumor cells are dependent on angiogenesis, which is mediated by an imbalance between positive and negative regulating molecules released by tumor cells, normal cells surrounding a tumor, and infiltrating lymphoid cells. Many cytokines that stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis are present in different tissues, and thus the organ environment profoundly influences this process. Moreover, the organ microenvironment can also influence the response of metastases to chemotherapy by regulating the expression of different drug resistance genes, such as mdr-1. The finding that the resistance of metastases to some chemotherapeutic agents can be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms has obvious implications for therapy. The identification of organ-specific cytokines that can upregulate expression of mdr-1 (or other resistant mechanisms) may suggest an approach to overcome the resistance of some metastases to particular chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore therapy of metastasis should be targeted not only against metastatic tumor cells, but also the homeostatic factors that are favorable to metastasis, growth, and survival of the metastatic cells.
Peptide targeting of quantum dots to human breast cancer cells

Nanomedical approaches to diseases such as cancer provide great promise with respect to diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The impact of nanomedicine versus conventional therapies will be realized with regard to their specific cell targeting capabilities. Semiconductor nanoparticles have distinct advantages due to their chemical conjugation and detection characteristics. The attachment of a peptide sequence, LTVSPWY, was completed. These nanoparticles successfully targeted in vitro and in vivo systems. This technology can be utilized as a base mechanism for the construction of a multifunctional nanomedical system. Nanomedicine has great potential for impacting the treatment of specific diseases and healthcare delivery methods.
Percolation transition and dissipation in quantum Ising magnets

We study the effects of dissipation on a randomly diluted transverse-field Ising magnet close to the percolation threshold. For weak transverse fields, a percolation quantum phase transition separates a superparamagnetic cluster phase from an inhomogeneously ordered ferromagnetic phase. The properties of this transition are dominated by large frozen and slowly fluctuating percolation clusters. This leads to a discontinuous magnetization-field curve and exotic hysteresis phenomena as well as highly singular behavior of magnetic susceptibility and specific heat. We compare our results to the smeared transition in generic dissipative random quantum Ising magnets. We also discuss the relation to metallic quantum magnets and other experimental realizations.
Electromyographic assessment of ulnar nerve motor block induced by lidocaine

Abstract Study Objective: To determine the differences in the onset time and duration of motor block produced by lidocaine 1% and lidocaine 2% via a quantitative and objective method, the measurement of compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs). Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Main operating rooms of a university hospital. Patients: 20 consecutive patients undergoing surgery not requiring intraoperative muscle relaxation. Interventions: General anesthesia with unilateral ulnar nerve block was administered. In patients' nondominant (experimental) arms, an insulated block needle was placed adjacent to the ulnar nerve at the wrist while continuous nerve stimulation was delivered to ensure its proper placement. Through this needle, lidocaine 1% or lidocaine 2% was injected. The dominant (control) arm received no injection. Measurements and Main Results: Monitoring of ulnar nerve-evoked CMAPs was performed simultaneously on both arms. Ulnar nerve function was assessed at baseline and then at 10-second intervals by automatically measuring the amplitude of the evoked CMAPs on a two-channel electromyogram. The mean (± SEM) baseline CMAP amplitude prior to injection of lidocaine 1% was 3.10 ± 0.87 mV and 3.06 ± 0.89 mV for the experimental and control ulnar nerves, respectively ( p = NS); for lidocaine 2%, baseline CMAP amplitude was 3.58 ± 1.39 mV and 3.70 ± 1.46 mV, respectively ( p = NS). Over the course of the study, the control CMAP amplitude varied by p = NS), whereas maximal blockade was achieved after 15 ± 3 minutes and 11 ± 5 minutes, respectively ( p = NS). Recovery of CMAP to 90% of baseline occurred 184 ± 31 minutes after injection of lidocaine 1% and 248 ± 30 minutes following lidocaine 2% ( p = NS). Conclusion: The present study describes a technique that can be used in vivo to objectively measure the speed of onset and duration of local anesthetic-induced motor blockade. Although statistically not different, lidocaine 2% demonstrated a faster onset and longer duration of ulnar nerve motor block than lidocaine 1%.
Caloris Basin - An enhanced source for potassium in Mercury's atmosphere

Enhanced abundances of neutral K in the atmosphere of Mercury have been found above the longitude range containing Caloris Basin. Results of a large data set including six elongations of the planet between June 1986 and January 1988 show typical K column abundances of about 5.4 x 10 to the 8th K atmos/sq cm. During the observing period in October 1987, when Caloris Basin was in view, the typical K column was about 2.7 x 10 to the 9th K atoms/sq cm. Another large value was seen over the Caloris antipode in January 1988. This enhancement is consistent with an increased source of K from the well-fractured crust and regolith associated with this large impact basin. The phenomenon is localized because at most solar angles, thermal alkali atoms cannot move more than a few hundred kilometers from their source before being lost to ionization by solar ultraviolet radiation.
Inverter-Less Hybrid Voltage/Var Control for Distribution Circuits With Photovoltaic Generators

This paper proposes a hybrid voltage/var control (VVC) architecture for distribution systems with a high PV penetration. The architecture consists of two control loops: coordinated normal control loop and uncoordinated transient cloud movement control loop. In the first loop, hourly dispatches are scheduled for on-load tap changer (OLTC), capacitor banks (CBs), and static var compensators (SVCs) based on forecasted load and PV power output so as to minimize power losses and voltage deviations. The second loop is triggered when large variations of PV power output caused by rapid cloud movement happen. All SVCs and CBs become self-controlled based on local voltage measurements with the single control objective to minimize voltage deviations. SVCs will operate firstly to flatten the voltage profile. If SVCs fail, CBs will switch to provide reactive power support. A time-adaptive delay is applied to each CB to avoid overcompensation. Case studies show the proposed method can optimize the system operation and is effective in voltage regulation with PV generators.
Hammering out details: regulating metal levels in eukaryotes

The transition metals zinc, iron and copper are common constituents in a wide range of proteins. Although these metals are all essential for life, when present in excess, they are frequently toxic to cell growth and viability. Therefore, all organisms rely on sophisticated mechanisms to maintain optimal levels of each metal. Genes that encode metal transport or storage proteins are often regulated at the transcriptional level in response to changes in metal status. In this review, we focus on what is known about the transcription factors that mediate these metal-dependent changes. Specifically, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which these factors sense metal ions.
Transcending Traditional Group Work: Using the Brazilian Martial Art of Capoeira as a Clinical Therapeutic Group for Culturally Diverse Adolescents

Many culturally diverse populations, such as angry youth, relapse into aggressive behaviors because of poor behavioral self-efficacy and socialization skills. To supplement traditional treatments, there is need for culturally sensitive and effective programs. Martial arts, when integrated with culturally sensitive clinical components, are a viable addendum to therapy. Martial arts represent a paradigm shift from talk therapies to more interactive, socially involving group methods. Combining the movement of martial arts with culturally sensitive therapeutic principles can make a significant difference with culturally diverse populations. Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) is a potential multicultural group approach for behavioral change.