cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sowing the seeds for global 'changemaking': teaching international development for a social entrepreneurship major

Social entrepreneurship focuses on building social value, using innovative approaches to tackle global problems. This article presents guidelines for an international development course taught by the author during the spring of 2014. The article discusses course objectives, structure, readings, assignments, assessment tools, the role of student choice, and the inherent challenges in developing and teaching a lower-level course on development for a social entrepreneurship major. It also includes the syllabus. The author concludes that active learning strategies and a focus on development problem-solving encourage both engagement and skill-building among student 'changemakers'.
Serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels in a cohort with cardiovascular disease (1158.2)

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have high serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) are at increased risk of cardiac events. PAPP-A levels have been reported to...
Scattering amplitudes from higher dimensional p-adic world-sheets

Abstract Following a conjecture by Gervais we introduce amplitudes for the scattering of higher dimensional p -adic objects. We study properties of those amplitudes and show their relation to the amplitudes for the one-dimensional p -adic strings. We use product formulas to define the amplitudes for the corresponding real systems. We show that those amplitudes are given in terms of the Riemann and Dedekind zeta functions.
Philosophical concerns regarding cost-effectiveness analyses

Secondary to the confluence of rising health care costs and higher quality data on the effectiveness of various medical interventions, cost-effectiveness analyses are becoming increasingly common. In this paper, we aim to assess the strengths and limitations of these analyses such that their interpretation and implementation can be maximized. The strengths of cost effectiveness analyses rest on the 'bang-for-the-buck' information they provide; allowing considerations of costs to be tied with therapeutic effectiveness - thereby (1) assisting in the decision making process between competing interventions for a particular disease process; and (2) between therapies to be used and diseases to be addressed via rationing. The weaknesses include (1) outcomes which depend greatly upon the methodologies used thereby confounding comparisons across studies; and (2) outcomes which, if used as the primary foundation of decision making, often conflict with societal values and desires. Accordingly, great care is suggested in interpreting the results of these studies and implementing such results in therapeutic or rationing decision making.
An autoimmune antibody from scleroderma patients recognizes a component of the plant cell nucleolus.

An auto-antibody from human serum of patients with the autoimmune disease scleroderma was used to localize the nucleolus in meristematic cells of onion and soybean roots using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Similar lots of antiserum recognized a single 34 kD, nucleolar protein, fibrillarin, in a variety of animal cells (Ochs, et al. 1984, 1985). In both plants, antibody linked fluorescence is associated with the one to several nucleoli present in the interphase nucleus. The fluorescence becomes diffuse around condensing prophase chromosomes and becomes more diffused at metaphase with slightly more intense fluorescence surrounding the chromosomes. At anaphase-telophase the fluorescence is localized in dense areas within the chromosomes, presumably representing prenucleolar bodies which will form the interphase nucleoli of the daughter nuclei. This antiserum provides a new, valuable tool for the study of the nucleolus and the highly conversed nucleolar antigen(s) that it recognizes.
Transmigrant Saudi Arabian Youth and Social Media: Privacy, Intimacy and Freedom of Expression

The diverse ways in which Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are modified and appropriated into local contexts is an important theme in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research. In my dissertation I propose to investigate the use of social media by transmigrant Saudi Arabian youth living between the USA and Saudi Arabia. In particular, I aim to understand how youth conceptualize values such as privacy, intimacy, and freedom of expression across different cultures, and how they appropriate social media during their transnational experience.
Hydrodynamic scaling of a rectangular spouted vessel with a draft duct

Abstract The scaling relationships developed by Glicksman et al. [2] for fluidized beds, have been modified to obtain scaling parameters for a rectangular spouted vessel operated with a draft duct. Similitude included matching the coefficients of restitution and friction of the particles. A CFD model was used to investigate the hydrodynamics of the “standard” model and hypothetical “small” (1/10th standard) and “large” (10× standard) sizes, while matching the dimensionless parameters for the spouted vessel. The results show good similarity at corresponding points for the three different sized vessels. In addition, a correlation is presented that can predict the solids circulation rate to within 17% of the CFD results for units with geometrical similarity to the system investigated.
Effect of Passive Smoking on the Lung of Young Lambs

The effect of passive smoking on lung histology, lung mechanics, and airway responsiveness (AR) was studied in 2-month-old lambs. Two groups of lambs were studied; 17 were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) and 13 served as age- and sex-matched controls. Starting at 1 month of age, CS lambs had 25 daily exposures to the smoke generated from eight cigarettes. A smoking machine was constructed for the study using a Bird Ventilator. Two days prior to lung function testing, lambs were anesthetized and a Silastic balloon was placed in the pleural space for later measurement of pleural pressure. At the beginning of each study, lambs were intubated with a nasotracheal tube over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. Lung mechanics (dynamic compliance, resistance of the lung, functional residual capacity) and AR were measured using a whole body plethsymograph. AR to inhaled histamine, carbachol, and citric acid was measured in each lamb on 3 separate days by giving five breaths of increasing concentrations of the aerosol in a noncumulative fashion. AR was measured both within 24 h of the final exposure to CS and at 3-7 days after CS. After the final AR was measured, lambs were anesthetized and an open lung biopsy performed. Control lambs had the same studies as CS lambs performed at an equivalent age. After 25 daily exposures to CS in 17 lambs, mean dynamic compliance was 0.024 +/- 0.009 liter/cm H2O, lung resistance was 2.56 +/- 1.32 cm H2O X liter-1 X s, and functional residual capacity was 0.725 +/- 0.234 liter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Do mothers remember key events during labor

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of maternal recall of key events during their most recent delivery. Study Design: After institutional review board approval, women who were delivered at Loyola University Medical Center were recruited. Patients were asked a maximum of 13 questions about major labor management events that were applicable to the course of their delivery. Patient responses were compared with the delivery records. Results: We interviewed 277 ethnically diverse women with a median interval since delivery of 10 weeks and a mean age at delivery of 26 years. Forty percent of the women answered all questions correctly. Mothers with better recollection were more likely to be white, older, to have had more recent deliveries and were more likely to have had cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Sixty percent of mothers cannot recall accurately at least one major labor management event. Studies that rely on patient recall of obstetric variables are likely to have high error rates. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;189:195-200.)
Nitric oxide production from hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea is a relatively new treatment for sickle cell disease. A portion of hydroxyurea's beneficial effects may be mediated by nitric oxide, which has also drawn considerable interest as a sickle cell disease treatment. Patients taking hydroxyurea show a significant increase in iron nitrosyl hemoglobin and plasma nitrite and nitrate within 2 h of ingestion, providing evidence for the in vivo conversion of hydroxyurea to nitric oxide. Hydroxyurea reacts with hemoglobin to produce iron nitrosyl hemoglobin, nitrite, and nitrate, but these reactions do not occur fast enough to account for the observed increases in these species in patients taking hydroxyurea. This report reviews recent in vitro studies directed at better understanding the in vivo nitric oxide release from hydroxyurea in patients. Specifically, this report covers: (1) peroxidase-mediated formation of nitric oxide from hydroxyurea; (2) nitric oxide production after hydrolysis of hydroxyurea to hydroxylamine; and (3) the nitric oxide-producing structure-activity relationships of hydroxyurea. Results from these studies should provide a better understanding of the nitric oxide donor properties of hydroxyurea and guide the development of new hydroxyurea-derived nitric oxide donors as potential sickle cell disease therapies.
Sentiment and cosmopolitanism in Olaudah Equiano's Narrative

Abstract This essay argues that Olaudah Equiano, author of the famous eighteenth-century slave narrative, displayed an international egalitarianism that was unique at the time. He was an extraordinarily well-travelled and a cosmopolitan man who criss-crossed the Atlantic, visiting every corner of the British Empire and who also endured the horrors and terrors of slavery and even as a freeman, never escaped the indignities of discrimination and racism. As a transnational figure of the African diaspora, Equiano's vision of global trade did not much differ from the tenets of British imperialism and market capitalism, which emphasized the exploitation of natural resources throughout the Empire. At the same time, in the representation of his relationship to Africa Equiano sought to establish more equalized and less exploitative international relations. Using political ideologies drawn from liberalism and republicanism, he extended them into a radical form of cosmopolitanism. Particularly in his depiction of hi...
MO-D-224-01: ABR 2014: Trained for Competence

Medical physicists are the only non‐physician professionals recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties through certification by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The ABR has always set high standards of clinical competency and now with the endorsement of the AAPM, is able to raise these standards by mandating that in 2014, to sit as a candidate for board certification, enrollment in an accredited physics residency program is required. This is an enormous step to elevate our profession, as now we have the means to specify only one method for achieving board certification that is through an accredited residency program, which leads to an increase of clinical competency. This will have a positive impact on our profession's recognition. Most challenges are being met, namely the number of residency positions is increasing exponentially to meet the manpower needs. In addition, funding mechanisms are being sought for government support of such training programs. However, we have to ensure that pathways for a residency and certification do not eliminate strong scientists; if for example, they do not have the prior educational pre‐requisite. Our profession has always, and must continue, to breed strong scientists who have clinical expertise though may not be seeking a clinical career. This requires developing skill sets that prepare scientists to be researchers or residents who can perform research. We will discuss the benefits of the 2014 mandate along with the challenges that still exist. Learning Objectives: 1. The ABR requirements c2014: Why they're needed and how they were established 2. Physics Residency Programs: Importance for our profession and methods to fund 3. Essential elements for competency: didactic, scientific, and clinical.
Structure of Proteasome Ubiquitin Receptor hRpn13 and Its Activation by the Scaffolding Protein hRpn2.

Rpn13 is a subunit of the proteasome that serves as a receptor for both ubiquitin and Uch37, one of the proteasome's three deubiquitinating enzymes. We have determined the structure of full-length human Rpn13 (hRpn13). Unexpectedly, Rpn13's ubiquitin- and Uch37-binding domains pack against each other when it is not incorporated into the proteasome. This intramolecular interaction reduces hRpn13's affinity for ubiquitin. We find that hRpn13 binding to the proteasome scaffolding protein hRpn2/S1 abrogates its interdomain interactions, thus activating hRpn13 for ubiquitin binding. hRpn13's Uch37-binding domain, a previously unknown fold, contains nine alpha helices. We have mapped its Uch37-binding surface to a region rich in charged amino acids. Altogether, our results provide mechanistic insights into hRpn13's functional activities with Uch37 and ubiquitin and suggest that its role as a ubiquitin receptor is finely tuned for proteasome targeting.
The service imperative

Abstract Services dominate the world's established economies (such as those of the US, Germany, and Finland) and are becoming increasingly important in developing economies, including those of China and India. Yet most companies, national governments, and universities do not put much energy into service research, innovation, or education. This ironic juxtaposition of facts has led us, along with others, to promote a focus on service research and service innovation across companies and institutions. We call this the “service imperative.” In this article, we present our view of the service imperative as a burning platform that is giving birth to many hopeful directions for the future of the global economy. We believe that companies and nations that embrace the service imperative will prosper and benefit, as will individuals who do the same. We also contend that widespread embracing of the service imperative can lead to improved quality of life for people worldwide.
A unique proteolytic fragment of alpha1-antitrypsin is elevated in ductal fluid of breast cancer patient.

By comparison of mass spectra from a small cohort of nipple aspiration fluids (NAF), we previously discovered a panel of five candidate breast cancer biomarkers among them an unidentified 4.7 kD peptide BF5. The purposes of the present study were to verify the presence of BF5 in an independent cohort; to determine the protein identity of BF5; and to provide insight into the biology of BF5 production and elevation in tumor-associated NAF. We prospectively collected bilaterally matched NAF from patients with unilateral Stage I/II breast cancer (IBC-31), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS-6), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH-5), and presumed healthy women who came to routine mammography and had a normal exam (31). Following the consolidation of its cancer-associated expression on SELDI-mass spectrometry, BF5 was isolated by gel electrophoresis and sequenced by tandem mass spectrometry. BF5 was elevated in 15–25% of women with IBC, DCIS, or ADH vs. 0% of controls. This elevation was restricted to the affected breasts. BF5 was identified as 41/42-aa C-terminal peptide of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), the principle inhibitor of serine protease neutrophile elastase. The full length AAT showed a consistent expression pattern as C-41/42, and C-41/42 can be generated in vitro by MMP-7 cleavage. In conclusion, elevated C-41/42 is likely the result of elevated AAT synthesis, and the activity of specific MMPs present within the tumor. As other C-terminal fragments of AAT are reported to function as tumor-derived suppressors to the host immune-system, elevated C-41/42 may also be predictive of a poor outcome.
Rare Renal Incidentaloma in Pregnancy: An Unusual Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Presentation

Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNETs) are rare lesions that arise from outside the central nervous system and normally do not affect the genitourinary system. Primary renal presentations are extremely rare but given their aggressive behavior and characteristic cytomorphologic and genetic features should be considered well-defined distinct clinical entities in order to distinguish them from other primary tumors featuring round cells in the kidney. We report one case of PNET involving the kidney and associated with pregnancy.
Algorithms for Computing U(N) Clebsch Gordan Coefficients

If V (m) is an irreducible representation space for the unitary group U(N), then the r-fold tensor product space, $V^{(m)_1}\otimes...\otimes V^{(m)_r}$ is in general reducible. Such a reducible representation can be reduced to a direct sum of irreducible representation spaces, albeit with multiplicity. Clebsch–Gordan coefficients are the overlap coefficients between an orthonormal basis in the tensor product space and an orthonormal basis in the direct sum space. Since such coefficients are basis dependent, bases in the U(N) irrep spaces must be chosen. In this paper we use the Gelfand–Zetlin basis, built out of the chain of subgroups U(N)⊃...⊃U(1). Our first result is to derive algorithms for generating Gelfand–Zetlin bases from Gelfand–Zetlin tableaux. Given these concrete basis realizations we develop algorithms for computing the Clebsch–Gordan coefficients themselves.
Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Congenital Long QT Syndrome

Background: The congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) affecting myocardial repolarization is caused by mutations in different cardiac potassium or sodium channel genes. Adrenergic triggers are known to initiate life-threatening torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardias in LQTS patients, and anti-adrenergic therapy has been shown to be effective in many cases. Despite this well-documented adrenergic component, the data about autonomic modulation of the heart rate in LQTS, as described by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, are very limited. Methods: Conventional time- and frequency-domain and newer nonlinear measures of HRV were compared in resting conditions among 27 LQTS patients with gene mutations at the LQT1 (n = 8), LQT2 (n = 10) or LQT3 (n = 9) loci and 34 LQTS noncarrier family members. Results: None of the conventional time- or frequency-domain or newer nonlinear measures of HRV differed significantly between the LQTS carriers and LQTS noncarriers or between the LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3 carriers. Conclusions: These findings suggest that baseline cardiac autonomic modulation of the heart rate measured in resting conditions by traditional or newer nonlinear measures of HRV is not altered in LQTS patients. Furthermore, no differences are observed in HRV parameters between LQTS patients with potassium (KvLQT1, HERG), and sodium (SCN5A) ion channel gene mutations. HRV analysis in resting conditions does not improve phenotypic characterization of LQTS patients. A.N.E. 2001;6(4):298–304
Special session — Improvisation methods to catalyze engineering creativity

Numerous organizations, including the National Science Board and the National Academy of Engineering recognize the importance of creativity and innovation in the Engineering field. However, there is very little activity focused on systematically inserting these important concepts into engineering design and engineering education. The proposed workshop utilizes a systematic approach that is currently part of an ongoing research project to develop a protocol for engineering innovation and implement this in the engineering classroom. This protocol uses humorous improvisation techniques to generate technical design solutions. It uses improvisation as a random idea generator as a random number generator is often used in stochastic simulation. Unlike previous applications of improvisation to innovation, this protocol is suitable to technical applications because it utilizes an additional step to produce technical solutions from random improvised ideas. The workshop is intended for engineers or engineering students that wish to increase the innovativeness of their engineering design. It is also intended for engineering educators who wish to incorporate this innovation protocol into their design courses.
Integrating image detector for high-energy neutrons

We describe an integrating cathode-pad read-out wire chamber for imaging high energy neutrons. This technology allows construction of a detector with a wide dynamic range, which is gatable, easily read out, and provides millimeter scale resolution. Results from a prototype 48 by 48 pixel array are presented.
Surgical/Orthodontic Treatment of Mandibular Asymmetries

The management of a mandibular asymmetry requires a combined surgical and orthodontic approach. Orthodontic and orthopedic management in a growing patient can sometimes fully correct an emerging minor mandibular asymmetry. Moderate to severe asymmetries can usually be minimized but not fully corrected with early orthodontic and orthopedic intervention. Sometimes the severity of associated dysfunction or the presence of developmental compensations that are occurring with growth require early surgical intervention. Early surgical asymmetry correction (during growth), as well as surgical treatment at growth cessation, has the same requirements with respect to selecting the proper treatment approach. Ideally, the selected treatment should optimize symmetry, while minimizing morbidity and treatment duration and maximizing long-term predictability.
Diabetes: Glycaemia and insulin after acute myocardial infarction.

The long-term outcomes of the DIGAMI 1 study indicate that intensive glucose lowering could be beneficial after an acute myocardial infarction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, questions have been raised about whether it is acute or long-term glycaemic control or insulin that is beneficial.
Update on Infectious Diseases Affecting the Equine Nervous System

EHV-1 infection has received a great deal of attention in the last decade due to several high-profile outbreaks, state-mandated quarantines, and recognition of a “neuroathogenic” strain. This alpha-herpesvirus is ubiquitous throughout the world, and ost horses over the age of 2 years have been exposed. Latent infections involving he trigeminal ganglia and respiratory tract lymph nodes are common, and stressful vents may trigger reactivation. Although primarily a respiratory pathogen, responsile for fever, inappetence, and nasal discharge in young horses, EHV-1 is also ssociated with abortions, neonatal death, and neurologic disease, known as EHV-1 yeloencephalopathy (EHM). Disease is spread via aerosolization of respiratory ecretions or direct contact with infected horses or fomites. Virus moves from espiratory epithelial cells to regional lymph nodes to peripheral blood leukocytes, ausing a cell-associated viremia. When virus crosses from leukocytes into endotheial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), it causes vasculitis with hemorrhage and hrombosis that result in hypoxia and ischemia in surrounding CNS tissue. Typical linical signs include fever, paresis and ataxia (usually worse in pelvic limbs than horacic limbs), urinary bladder paralysis with urine dribbling, and decreased tail and nal tone with fecal retention. Severely affected horses may become recumbent or how evidence of brainstem involvement. Arguably the most important discovery in the last decade of EHV-1 research was he association of a point mutation in the EHV-1 genome with outbreaks of EHM. This mutation results in variation of a single amino acid of the DNA polymerase, such
Forms of engagement: the ethical significance of literacy teaching

This interpretive study proposes a framework with which to explore the ethical significance of classroom-based literacy practices. Overly narrow views of literature as a source of role models or moral precepts take insufficient account of the complexity of text and experience. Through analyses of telling examples from student writing and discussion in response to literature, the occurrence and interaction of six forms of ethical engagement are documented: judging, distancing, empathizing, affiliating, disclosing and resisting. The study concludes that ethical matters are interwoven with the socially accomplished, situated work of engaging with literature and with specific pedagogical structures.
New mild methodology for the synthesis of α-phenylthio and α-phenylseleno ketones

Abstract Treatment of trimethylsilyl enol ethers with the adduct 1, derived from chloramine-T and (PhS)2, gave good yields of α-phenylthioketones. The selenium version of this reagent 2 gave α-phenylselenoketones.
High-Energy Foot and Ankle Trauma: Principles for Formulating an Individualized Care Plan

Care of the patient with high-energy foot and ankle trauma requires an individualized care plan. Staged treatment respecting the traumatized soft tissue envelope is often advisable. Wound care is a priority, and the vacuum-assisted closure dressing serves an integral role. Before definitive reconstruction, the surgeon needs to develop a treatment plan designed to match the unique personality of the patient and injury. Amputation is considered a rational treatment option for the patient with severe injury and poor host biology. Despite the most appropriate management, many severe foot and ankle injuries have a guarded prognosis.
DIGNITATIS HUMANAE AND THE CATHOLIC HUMAN RIGHTS REVOLUTION

Abstract The promulgation of the Dignitatis Humanae text on religious freedom represented the culmination of a process of transformation of the Catholic Church's stance on human rights. Historically informed by the brutality of totalitarianism and the successful integration of a rich religious life into American democracy, the DH acts as a counterpoint to other highly individualistic and secular conceptions of liberty and democracy. Since the adoption of this text, the Catholic Church has positioned itself as arguably the world's most influential defender of human rights.
Task difficulty modulates young - old differences in network expression

Abstract The extent of task-related fMRI activation can vary as a function of task difficulty. Also the efficiency or capacity of the brain networks underlying task performance can change with aging. We asked whether the expression of a network underlying task performance would differ as a function of task demand in old and young individuals. 26 younger and 23 older healthy adults performed a delayed item recognition task that used the response signal method to parametrically manipulate the extrinsic difficulty of the task by imposing five different deadlines for recognition response. Both age groups showed a speed–accuracy trade-off, but the younger group achieved greater discriminability at the longer deadlines. We identified a spatial pattern of fMRI activation during the probe phase whose expression increased as the response deadline shortened and the task became more difficult. This pattern was expressed to a greater degree by the old group at the long deadlines, when the task was easiest. By contrast, this pattern was expressed to a greater degree by the younger group at the short deadlines, when the task was hardest. This suggests reduced efficiency and capacity of this network in older subjects. These findings suggest that neuroimaging studies comparing task-related activation across groups with different cognitive abilities must be interpreted in light of the relative difficulty of the task for each group.
Correlation of sinus slowing and hyperpolarization caused by adenosine in sinus node

The effect of adenosine on sinus node cells was examined in a preparation that precluded pacemaker shift. It was found that adenosine produced a dose-dependent slowing in rate. In examining the effects on the action potential parameters (n=10), adenosine caused a significant increase in the maximum diastolic potential (control =−62±2 mV, adenosine, 1×10−4 M, =−67±3 mV) and a significant increase in the rate of rise of the action potential (control=3.3±0.6 V/s, adenosine, 1×10−4 M, =7.2±2 V/s). There was only a slight shortening of the action potential duration and a small increase in the action potential overshoot. Adenosine caused a significant decrease in the rate of diastolic depolarization (control=100±19 mV/s, adenosine, 1×10−4 M, =42±5 mV/s). Acetylcholine caused similar effects. The effects of adenosine were not affected by atropine or propranolol but were antagonized by aminophylline, an adenosine competitive antagonist. In another set of experiments (n=12) we sought to understand further the mechanism of sinus slowing caused by adenosine and compare with the effects of acetylcholine. The increase in cycle length due to different doses of adenosine and acetylcholine was measured. The preparation was then arrested with D-600 or NiCl2. The cells were then exposed to the same concentrations of adenosine and acetylcholine and the amount of hyperpolarization from the resting potential ({ie75-1}=−40±4 mV) was measured. The change in cycle length and amount of hyperpolarization were linearly correlated (r=0.86). The interaction between adenosine and acetylcholine on the hyperpolarization was investigated further in another set of experiments. When acetylcholine and adenosine were added together the onset and magnitude of the hyperpolarization was greater than for adenosine alone. If atropine was given, still in presence of acetylcholine and adenosine, the hyperpolarization due to adenosine was revealed. The maximal hyperpolarization obtainable was always greater for acetylcholine than for adenosine. Furthermore, there was no additive effect of the highest dose of adenosine (2×10−4M) on the maximal hyperpolarization caused by acetylcholine. The hyperpolarization caused by adenosine or acetylcholine was not affected by ouabain or cesium. The results suggest that adenosine and acetylcholine slow the SA node rate by a similar mechanism but via different receptors. The data are consistent with adenosine causing an increase in potassium conductance which is not blocked by cesium.
Stennis Space Center test facilities

This paper describes the test-related facilities of the NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC), which is a national testing and research center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, with the collocation of 19 federal research agencies for studying the environment, the space, the earth, and the oceans. The SSC test facilities include four large rocket test stands, numerous laboratories and research facilities, and two new facilities being currently build, the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor test facility and the Component Test Facility for testing liquid propulsion components for the Advanced Launch System.
Lapsed donors: an untapped resource

Author(s): Schreiber, George B; Glynn, Simone A; Damesyn, Mark A; Wright, David J; Tu, Yongling; Dodd, Roger Y; Murphy, Edward L; Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study | Abstract: BackgroundThere is a clear need for methods to recruit and retain donors without compromising blood safety. Although prior studies report lower viral prevalence rates in repeat donors than those in first-time donors, it is unknown if this relationship holds after a lapse of several years between donations.Study design and methodsA total of 6.4 million allogeneic donations collected at five US blood centers from 1991 through 1998 were classified by donation history (first-time vs. repeat) and by length of time between donations (lapsed interval length). The prevalence of HCV, HIV, and HBsAg was compared by donation history and lapsed interval length. The relationship between lapsed interval length and donor demographics was explored.ResultsRepeat donors who delayed their return for over 5 years were significantly less likely to test positive for a viral infection than were first-time donors. The likelihood of a positive test result appeared to increase steadily with lapsed interval length for HCV and HBsAg, but not for HIV. Younger, less educated, and nonwhite donors were less likely to return than others.ConclusionsRecruitment of donors who have not returned for several years could be an effective way to increase the blood supply while preserving blood safety. Understanding the relationship of donor demographics to return behavior is important for recruitment efforts.
Unmet Home Care Service Needs of Rural Older Adults With Alzheimer's Disease: A Perspective of Informal Caregivers

This study assessed unmet service needs of rural older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and identified factors that were related to these needs. Data were collected from 109 informal caregivers of AD patients. Over half of the patients experienced unmet service needs in 1 or more areas of activities of daily functioning. Informal caregiver burden and patient's gender and functional status were significantly related to patients' unmet service needs. Patients' use of formal services was marginally related to their unmet service needs. To better address patients' service needs, a comprehensive needs assessment should be conducted with both patients and their caregivers.
Neutron-proton bremsstrahlung calculation: Noncoplanarity effects

Coplanar and noncoplanar $\mathrm{np}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ cross sections and coplanar $\mathrm{np}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ analyzing powers are calculated in the energy region between 130 and 200 MeV for various nucleon scattering angles. Both pseudoscalar and pseudovector $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ couplings have been considered in our calculations. The results are used to investigate noncoplanarity effects. Agreement with available $\mathrm{np}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ data is good for most cases, but discrepancies do exist for some data points. We show that the dependence of the noncoplanar cross sections upon the noncoplanarity angle is significantly different at different photon angles. This suggests that this more general approach should be used to investigate the important noncoplanarity effects. Similar to what has previously been observed in potential-model calculations, the meson-exchange effects dominate the $\mathrm{np}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ process. To the best of our knowledge, results for $\mathrm{np}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ analyzing powers have heretofore not been calculated. As far as we know, no $\mathrm{np}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ analyzing power experimental data are presently available for comparison, but these results should prove useful for future experiments. The differences in either cross sections or analyzing powers calculated using the two couplings are very small for all cases studied, in contradistinction to our previous calculations for the $\mathrm{pp}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ process where the differences were found to be greater.
Crystal Structure of Skp, a Prefoldin-like Chaperone that Protects Soluble and Membrane Proteins from Aggregation

The Seventeen Kilodalton Protein (Skp) is a trimeric periplasmic chaperone that assists outer membrane proteins in their folding and insertion into membranes. Here we report the crystal structure of Skp from E. coli. The structure of the Skp trimer resembles a jellyfish with α-helical tentacles protruding from a β barrel body defining a central cavity. The architecture of Skp is unexpectedly similar to that of Prefoldin/GimC, a cytosolic chaperone present in eukaria and archea, that binds unfolded substrates in its central cavity. The ability of Skp to prevent the aggregation of model substrates in vitro is independent of ATP. Skp can interact directly with membrane lipids and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These interactions are needed for efficient Skp-assisted folding of membrane proteins. We have identified a putative LPS binding site on the outer surface of Skp and propose a model for unfolded substrate binding.
An Intervention to Improve Compliance with Transmission Precautions for Influenza in the Emergency Department: Successes and Challenges

Abstract Background: Concern with the potential for hospital-based transmission of influenza has come to the forefront due to emergency department (ED) crowding and the novel H1N1 pandemic. Compliance with infection control guidelines for influenza in the ED is generally unknown, and effective yet low-resource training is needed to educate staff on the importance of decreasing the potential for ED transmission of the virus. Objectives: This study evaluates compliance with patient assignment and transport precautions for influenza in an urban ED before and after implementation of electronic reminders. Methods: We included patients with a diagnosis of influenza for two consecutive influenza seasons, and retrospectively collected limited patient encounter data on patient location, transport, and compliance with assignment and transport precautions for both years. For the second influenza season we sent monthly reminders to all ED providers via the electronic medical record (EMR), explaining the importance and proper use of infection control precautions in patients with suspected influenza. Compliance between the two seasons was compared using descriptive statistics and chi-squared analysis. Results: Overall compliance with infection control precautions was poor, but increased with the use of electronic reminders from 29% to 45% ( p = 0.015). Compliance with precautions for patients moved to the hallway or Radiology increased from 7% to 24% ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: The EMR may be a useful tool for improving compliance with transmission-based precautions by implementing reminders on order sets and informational mailings, and by tracking compliance. Future study should be undertaken to determine the most effective interventions to prevent ED transmission of influenza.
Mechanisms Contributing to T Cell Receptor Signaling and Assembly Revealed by the Solution Structure of an Ectodomain Fragment of the CD3ϵγ Heterodimer

The T cell receptor (TCR) consists of genetically diverse disulfide-linked alpha and beta chains in noncovalent association with the invariant CD3 subunits. CD3 epsilon and CD3 gamma are integral components of both the TCR and pre-TCR. Here, we present the solution structure of a heterodimeric CD3 epsilon gamma ectodomain complex. A unique side-to-side hydrophobic interface between the two C2-set immunoglobulin-like domains and parallel pairing of their respective C-terminal beta strands are revealed. Mutational analysis confirms the importance of the distinctive linkage as well as the membrane proximal stalk motif (RxCxxCxE) for domain-domain association. These biochemical and structural analyses offer insights into the modular pairwise association of CD3 invariant chains. More importantly, the findings suggest how the rigidified CD3 elements participate in TCR-based signal transduction.
Torsades de pointes and early afterdepolarizations

It is suggested that torsades de pointes may be only one of a group of arrhythmias that are characterized by being pause induced or bradycardia induced. A distinction is made between the cause of the "twisting of the points" and the cause of the action potentials that initiate and sustain the tachycardia. It is pointed out that torsades de pointes and other pause-induced arrhythmias share many features with rhythmic activity arising from early afterdepolarizations. Both are seen after pauses or at low rates, both are seen in quinidine intoxication, and both are seen in hypokalemia. The short-long-short sequence that is seen in torsades de pointes and certain other pause- or bradycardia-induced arrhythmias can be fully explained by the behavior of rhythmic activity initiated and sustained by early afterdepolarizations, as can the abrupt onset and termination of pause-induced arrhythmias and their tendency to show initial warming up and terminal slowing down.
Identification of Spermatozoa and Round Spermatids in the Ejaculates of Men with Spermatogenic Failure

Abstract Objectives. As many as 10% of infertile men have azoospermia caused by spermatogenic failure or ductal obstruction. The histologic diagnoses associated with spermatogenic failure—Sertoli cell-only syndrome, maturation arrest, and hypospermatogenesis—do not necessarily represent global changes in the affected testis, as occasional seminiferous tubules may still produce mature germ cells. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows individual sperm that have been isolated from testicular tissue to fertilize oocytes. This study assessed whether mature germ cells (either round spermatids or spermatozoa) were present in the ejaculates of patients with spermatogenic failure. Methods. All semen analyses performed at our tertiary care institution from January 1993 through December 1995 were reviewed to identify azoospermic men with spermatogenic failure. During this period, our laboratory employed Nuclear-Fast Red and picroindigocarmine staining (NF-PICS) of cytospin slides to identify rare spermatozoa and spermatids in otherwise azoospermic ejaculates. Results. Of 3005 analyses reviewed, 20 azoospermic men whose infertility was solely attributable to spermatogenic failure were identified. The histologic diagnoses were germinal cell aplasia (n = 7), complete maturation arrest (n = 6), incomplete maturation arrest (n = 3), and hypospermatogenesis (n = 4). Using the NF-PICS technique, mature germ cells were identified in the ejaculates of 15 men (75%), and 9 men (45%) had fully formed spermatozoa present. Conclusions. In the clinical management of azoospermic infertile men, the NF-PICS technique may be used to identify men who have some degree of testicular spermatogenesis. This might obviate the need for the purely diagnostic testis biopsy that is performed before therapeutic biopsy for testicular sperm extraction in conjunction with ICSI.
Intrinsic innate immunity fails to control herpes simplex virus and vesicular stomatitis virus replication in sensory neurons and fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong latent infections in the sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglia (TG), wherein it retains the capacity to reactivate. The interferon (IFN)-driven antiviral response is critical for the control of HSV-1 acute replication. We therefore sought to further investigate this response in TG neurons cultured from adult mice deficient in a variety of IFN signaling components. Parallel experiments were also performed in fibroblasts isolated concurrently. We showed that HSV-1 replication was comparable in wild-type (WT) and IFN signaling-deficient neurons and fibroblasts. Unexpectedly, a similar pattern was observed for the IFN-sensitive vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Despite these findings, TG neurons responded to IFN-β pretreatment with STAT1 nuclear localization and restricted replication of both VSV and an HSV-1 strain deficient in γ34.5, while wild-type HSV-1 replication was unaffected. This was in contrast to fibroblasts in which all viruses were restricted by the addition of IFN-β. Taken together, these data show that adult TG neurons can mount an effective antiviral response only if provided with an exogenous source of IFN-β, and HSV-1 combats this response through γ34.5. These results further our understanding of the antiviral response of neurons and highlight the importance of paracrine IFN-β signaling in establishing an antiviral state. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a ubiquitous virus that establishes a lifelong latent infection in neurons. Reactivation from latency can cause cold sores, blindness, and death from encephalitis. Humans with deficiencies in innate immunity have significant problems controlling HSV infections. In this study, we therefore sought to elucidate the role of neuronal innate immunity in the control of viral infection. Using neurons isolated from mice, we found that the intrinsic capacity of neurons to restrict virus replication was unaffected by the presence or absence of innate immunity. In contrast, neurons were able to mount a robust antiviral response when provided with beta interferon, a molecule that strongly stimulates innate immunity, and that HSV-1 can combat this response through the γ34.5 viral gene. Our results have important implications for understanding how the nervous system defends itself against virus infections.
Management of constipation

Constipation refers to difficulty in passing stool, accompanied by excessive straining, or complaint of infrequent bowel movements. Caring for patients who experience constipation is a common aspect of working as a healthcare assistant (HCA) or an assistant practitioner (AP). For some patients, the treatment of constipation is essential to their medical management. It is important for HCAs to know that constipation is often caused by underlying anatomical or functional problems.
Primary carcinoid tumor of the prostate with concurrent adenocarcinoma: a case report.

Prostatic adenocarcinomas commonly exhibit neuroendocrine differentiation as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. However, true carcinoids of the prostate are rare. We describe herein a case of a primary carcinoid occurring synchronously with a conventional adenocarcinoma in the prostate of a 66-year-old man. The carcinoid measured 0.2 × 0.2 cm and did not show contiguity with adjacent conventional, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains for chromogranin and neuron-specific enolase were strongly immunoreactive in the carcinoid but not in the adenocarcinoma. Both neoplasms demonstrated positive staining for prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate-specific antigen. Owing to the relatively minute size of the carcinoid, the possibility that this tumor will impact negatively on the patient’s overall prognosis is not anticipated. Int J Surg Pathol 12(2):167‐170, 2004
Reaction rate enhancement by surface diffusion of adsorbates

Ligands can be captured by a surface target through either direct bulk diffusion or surface diffusion following reversible adsorption to the surface. We have solved a steady state boundary value problem for a perfect sink disk target in the surface, taking into account bulk and surface diffusion coefficients D and Ds and adsorption/desorption kinetic rate constants ka and kd at non-target regions. Solutions have been successfully found by numerical computation. The results show that the rate of capture from the surface depends non-linearly on Ds, D, ka, kd and geometrical dimensions. In particular, we demonstrate that not only is the non-target region equilibrium constant Keq (= ka/kd) important in determining the rate of capture from the surface, but so are the kinetic rate constants ka and kd separately. In all cases, the surface adsorption/diffusion combination enhances the total rate of capture. The results should be useful for predicting reaction rates of biological membrane bound receptor clusters and substrate-immobilized enzymes.
Diapause induction in changing photoperiods

A model based on the photoperiodic response curve measured under constant photoperiods does not explain the diapause response under changing photoperiods in the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant). Models presented in this paper formalize a conceptual model proposed by D. S. Saunders (1981) and they are used to describe and predict the process of diapause induction under conditions of gradually decreasing day lengths.
Adhesion improvement of EMC–leadframe interface using brown oxide promoters

Moisture ingression in plastic packages essentially occurs through delaminated interfaces. Hence, package reliability depends on the interfacial integrity between the various materials. In the present work, the adhesion of epoxy-based molding compound and the copper leadframe is discussed. Results show that by the growth of a copper oxide layer, the surface roughness improves which promotes interlocking between the molding compound and leadframe during mold packing stage. Also by controlling the oxide thickness with pore-free structure, the adhesion strength can be significantly improved.