cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
County-level factors influence the trajectory of Covid-19 incidence

Abstract With new cases of Covid-19 surging in the United States, we need to better understand how the spread of novel coronavirus varies across all segments of the population. We use hierarchical exponential growth curve modeling techniques to examine whether community social and economic characteristics uniquely influence the incidence of Covid-19 cases in the urban built environment. We show that, as of May 3, 2020, confirmed coronavirus infections are concentrated along demographic and socioeconomic lines in New York City and surrounding areas, the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States. Furthermore, we see evidence that, after the onset of the pandemic, timely enactment of physical distancing measures such as school closures is imperative in order to limit the extent of the coronavirus spread in the population. Public health authorities must impose nonpharmaceutical measures early on in the pandemic and consider community-level factors that associate with a greater risk of viral transmission.
A fiber-optic high-temperature sensor

Abstract A wavelength-encoded high-temperature fiber-optic sensor is described. A 0.77 mm thick single-crystal sapphire flat serves as the sensing element, which can withstand temperatures as high as 2000 °C. The polarization state of the incident white light is modulated by the high birefringence of the sapphire flat and becomes a wavelength-encoded signal on the output of a CCD array receiver. An accuracy of greater than 0.15% full scale has been achieved over the measurement range 30–1340 °C with this sensor. The great advantages of this fiber-optic high-temperature sensor are its simplicity and long-term stability.
Are Superstar Directors Effective in Corporate Governance

In this paper, I hand-collected a sample of prestigious business award-winner directors based on the four types of awards discussed by Chen, Wu, and Zhivotova (2017) and use them to represent reputable board of directors. I examine how awardee directors would influence management monitoring effectiveness and corporate governance by testing with CEO compensation level, pay-performance sensitivity, risk-taking behavior, accounting conservatism, and turnover-performance sensitivity. The results show that with award-winner directors sitting in the boards, CEOs receive more incentive compensation, have higher risk-taking incentives, and the firm adopts higher level of accounting conservatism. The findings suggest that reputable directors are effective in performing monitoring and advising duties.
Dual Role of Adsorbent and Non-monotonic Transfer p-Doping of Diamond

Exposure to oxygen is usually detrimental for materials and devices as it leads to undesirable surface oxidation or even deeper corrosion. However, experiments with hydrogen-terminated H-diamond show that oxygen adsorption plays an instrumental role in inducing the p-type surface conductivity. Using first-principles calculations, we explore how the surface-physisorbed molecular O2 serves as an electron acceptor in the transfer doping of diamond. On the other hand, calculations reveal that in a chemisorbed state, oxygen groups substitute H, which lowers the bands in diamond and inhibits the transfer doping. This explains the non-monotonic carrier density dependence on the exposure to oxygen (or, similarly, other adsorbent-acceptor). We further find that ozone can be more efficient for p-type doping of H-diamond due to O3 having lower LUMO energy levels than in molecular O2.
ATP citrate lyase is a potential therapeutic target for suppression of aberrant metabolic adaptation in glycolytic brain tumors

1208 ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) cleaves citric acid, a tricarboxylic acid that is released from inactive mitochondria, thus moderating cytosolic levels of citric acid. Although ACLY is better known for its role in production of lipids, its control of metabolic acid levels may permit liberation of glycolytic cells from vascular dependence during invasion. The lack of vascular dependence for glycolytic tumor cells is proposed as a malignant feature that is a consequence of ACLYs increased expression and activity. Levels of ACLY expression were increased at least 2-fold in 51 of 163 brain tumors and were associated with significantly decreased survival of the patients, p = 0.0062. Expression of ACLY was increased in 37 of the 87 glioblastomas included in the same group. In glioblastomas there were concordantly increased expressions of one or more growth factors (epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin like growth factor 2 (IGF2), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) A, and PDGFB) in 32 (86.5%) of 37 cases (Respository of Molecular Brain Neoplasia Database (REMBRANDT), NCI, NINDS, NIH). In cell culture, a competitive inhibitor of ACLY, hydroxycitrate, suppressed glycolytic migration of U87 and LN229 glioblastoma cells. When combined with SU11274, an inhibitor of the HGF receptor, Met, hydroxycitrate lowered the IC50 of SU11274 by 48%, a significant (p
Learning Student Interest Trajectory for MOOC Thread Recommendation

In recent years, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have witnessed immense growth in popularity. Now, due to the recent Covid19 pandemic situation, it is important to push the limits of online education. Discussion forums are primary means of interaction among learners and instructors. However, with growing class size, students face the challenge of finding useful and informative discussion forums. This problem can be solved by matching the interest of students with thread contents. The fundamental challenge is that the student interests drift as they progress through the course, and forum contents evolve as students or instructors update them. In our paper, we propose to predict future interest trajectories of students. Our model consists of two key operations: 1) Update operation and 2) Projection operation. Update operation models the inter-dependency between the evolution of student and thread using coupled Recurrent Neural Networks when the student posts on the thread. The projection operation learns to estimate future embedding of students and threads. For students, the projection operation learns the drift in their interests caused by the change in the course topic they study. The projection operation for threads exploits how different posts induce varying interest levels in a student according to the thread structure. Extensive experimentation on three real-world MOOC datasets shows that our model significantly outperforms other baselines for thread recommendation.
Air pollution, human health and the benefits of trees: a biomolecular and physiologic perspective

It is well accepted that particulate matter (PM) can affect human health detrimentally. Chronic and prolonged exposures to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ranging between 2.5 and 10...
Identifying Fatality Factors of Rural and Urban Safety Cultures

The fatality rate in rural areas is considerably higher than it is in urban areas. In order to better understand the differences and similarities between attitudes and behaviors of drivers in different geographic areas, a large scale survey was conducted in both rural and urban counties within the state of Minnesota. As part of this survey, recipients were asked to rate the frequency and dangerousness of risk factors that play a role in fatal crashes. They were also asked to rate how effective and desirable a number of proposed safety interventions would be in their own communities. Though both urban and rural drivers reported practicing various unsafe driving behaviors, rural drivers engaged in particular factors, such as not wearing a safety belt, and did not recognize the true extent of these risks. Rural drivers also consistently felt that proposed safety interventions were less useful than did drivers from urban areas. It is hoped these results can be used to help instruct research efforts and inform policy decisions of the attitudes and beliefs of drivers who experience differing safety cultures.
The representation of quantifier meanings

This chapter extends the pattern classification analysis of the logical coordinators to the four logical quantifiers, ALL, SOME, NALL, and NO. A suitable generalization of the coordinator space provides a natural space for the statement of quantifier meanings. The main goal of this chapter is to derive a representation of the logical quantifiers that is compatible with the analysis of the logical coordinators from the existing work on quantification, especially from the generalized quantifier theory and its usage of the tree of numbers. The logical quantifiers share the characteristic of being convex subsets of the unit arc, with the logical coordinators. Thus the definitions of the logical quantifiers are isomorphic to those of the logical operators. The basing of quantification on cardinality via QUANT shows that the semantic processing is separated into at least two streams, one of content and the other of location in some space, like the ventral and dorsal pathways of the visual system.
Layoffs and CEO Compensation: Does CEO Power Influence the Relationship?

We examine the association between layoffs and CEO compensation. Because of the public scrutiny and political pressures associated with both CEO compensation and layoffs, we expect firms to alter CEO compensation by reducing bonus pay and increasing equity-based compensation as the magnitude of the layoff increases. Consistent with the predicted substitution, we find that as layoffs intensify, CEOs’ bonus compensation decreases and their equity-based compensation increases. When we consider whether these compensation adjustments vary with CEO power, we find that as layoff magnitude increases, relative to less powerful CEOs, more powerful CEOs experience smaller reductions in bonus pay, a lower likelihood of receiving no bonus, and comparable increases equity compensation. Finally, we report evidence that post-layoff market performance of firms led by more powerful CEOs is not superior to that of firms led by less powerful CEOs. Collectively, the results suggest that the preferential compensation arrangements afforded more powerful CEOs is inconsistent with efficient contracting. The combined results are suggestive of the managerial power theory.
ZINC-BROMINE BATTERY DEVELOPMENT

A 20 kWh electric vehicle battery, Z20-low profile, was assembled and tested as part of a contract sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Cycling included capacity tests, power tests, and standing self-discharge test. A 20 kWH load-leveling module was also designed, assembled, and tested at the recently completed load management test facility at JCI. Two 21 kWh battery systems were constructed and tested in a modified full size Dodge van. This was the first integrated demonstrationof a zinc-bromine battery in a road worthy vehicle. The vehicle was equipped with full instrumentation to study the battery's characteristics under actual driving conditions.
Atomic processes in high-density plasmas

When a solid target is irradiated by an intense pulse of laser light, an inhomogeneous plasma is created (Fig. 1). A low-density ideal plasma (ne 1023 cm−3).
Predictors of Survival and Modes of Failure After Mitroflow Aortic Valve Replacement in 1,003 Adults.

Background Midterm outcomes are unknown for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a Mitroflow bovine pericardial prosthesis (Sorin Group, Inc) and without anticalcification treatment. Recent reports warn of early senescence in younger adults. Methods From January 2004 through December 2011, 1,003 adults underwent Mitroflow AVR. The mean follow-up time was 25.0 (standard deviation [20.6]) months (total, 2,060 patient-years; maximum, 9 years). The patients were stratified for analysis according to age at implantation: group A, Results The mean age was 74.8 years (SD 9.8), and 609 patients (60.7%) were men. Aortic valve stenosis was present in 912 patients (90.9%), and 113 (11.3%) had severe aortic regurgitation. There were 27 (2.7%) early deaths, 15 of 431 (3.5%) underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting while 12 of 572 (2.1%) did not ( p = 0.18), and 151 patients (15.1%) died during follow-up. Nineteen AVRs (1.9%) required re-replacement through August 2013; 12 (63.2%) were associated with structural valve deterioration. The overall rates of freedom from valve-related reoperation at 3 and 5 years were 98.3% and 93.8%, respectively. Group A had the greatest number of reoperations (6/63; p p p = 0.002), and prior cardiac operation (HR, 1.8; p = 0.003). Conclusions Midterm follow-up shows acceptable hemodynamic performance of the Mitroflow biologic aortic valve prosthesis in selected patients 60 years old and older. Ongoing follow-up will be necessary to understand long-term performance and outcomes.
Stability of the Co(II) valence state in aluminophosphate-5 molecular sieve to calcination from low temperature electron spin resonance

Summary As-synthesized CoAPO-5 is blue and it becomes yellow-green after calcination in oxygen. This was interpreted by several research groups as indicating a valence state change from Co(II) to Co(III); however, our electron spin resonance and temperature programmed desorption results provide no evidence for Co(III) and are consistent with all the framework species existing as Co(II) both before and after calcination.
The Space Homestead and Creation of Real Estate and Industry beyond Earth

During the 1970s large habitats were proposed by G. K. O'Neill and studied by NASA that could house 10,000 to 4 million people in Earth/Moon space. These people would be employed in building space solar satellites and more habitats for new settlers. Such a program, the NASA studies concluded, could reach financial break even in 38 years with peak Apollo level expenditures. It was suggested in a previous paper that human settlement of space could begin not by building city size structures but with a minimum technology habitat that could provide subsistence for a more minimal number of people and be capable of producing new habitats with extraterrestrial materials and energy. These habitats would be mostly independent from Earth. The approach could provide a quicker return on investment and lower start‐up costs, and could be of a scale that could be developed and tested within the planned NASA transportation and lunar base architecture. This paper examines the population growth kinetics of humans in space, and the development of space solar power industry using small bolo shaped habitats in comparison to using larger habitat designs as considered in the 1970s.
The role of water quality in large mammal migratory behaviour in the Serengeti

Surface water resources are important components of savanna landscapes, supplying large populations of wildlife with drinking water critical for thermoregulation and digestion. However, little is known about the behavioural or physiological influence of water quality on wildlife health. East African savannas are well known for their migrating populations of ungulates coinciding with seasonal and spatial patterns of forage. In the Serengeti ecosystem, seasonal rainfall, high wildlife abundance and spatially variable soil composition result in temporal and spatial differences in surface water quality. Furthermore, nutrient enrichment from dissolved minerals and animal waste transported in runoff drive bacterial and algal blooms. Previous studies have suggested that water quality may be a factor in the migratory behaviour of wildebeest as poor quality water can have significant health consequences for ungulates, including depressed milk production and reduced food conversion. This paper examines the hypothesis that water quality in the southern Serengeti plains exceeds expected maximum tolerance limits at the end of the wet season – when migratory wildlife move northward, away from this region. Data collected during the migration's movement over 3 years are examined to determine if regional differences in water quality are physiologically meaningful and how the consumption of poor quality water may influence wildebeest nutrient intake. With increased demand for surface water resources from human populations, growing climatic uncertainty and significant changes in land cover outside of protected areas, the influence of water quality on animal behaviour needs to be considered for future management strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manganese Active Transport in Escherichia coli.

Manganese was accumulated by cells of Escherichia coli by means of an active transport system quite independent of the magnesium transport system. When the radioisotope 54Mn was used, manganese transport showed saturation kinetics with a Km of 2 × 10−7m and a Vmax of 1 to 4 nmoles/min per 1012 cells at 25 C. The manganese transport system is highly specific; magnesium and calcium did not stimulate, inhibit, or compete with manganese for cellular uptake. Cobalt and iron specifically interfered with 54Mn uptake, but only when added at concentrations 100 times higher than the Km for manganese. Active transport of manganese is temperature- and energy-dependent: uptake of 54Mn was inhibited by cyanide, dinitrophenol, and m-chlorophenyl carbonylcyanide hydrazone (CCCP). Furthermore, the turnover or exit of manganese from intact cells was inhibited by energy poisons such as dinitrophenol and CCCP.
Integrating unmanned aircraft into NextGen automation systems

The routine integration of unmanned aircraft into non-segregated civil airspace is important to enable a number of current and proposed applications ranging from military and homeland security to a wide variety of research and eventually commercial purposes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of the National Airspace System (NAS) known as Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NextGen will include increased automation systems for both terminal and en-route Air Traffic Control (ATC). Improvements in two-way data communication links between aircraft and ATC will facilitate the use of such automation systems. The robust integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into NextGen automation systems is an integral component to meeting the far-term (2018+) NextGen vision. By determining how UAS flight operations and protocols may be different than those of traditional manned aircraft, informed decisions can be made concerning the data and interfaces required to accommodate routine UAS operations by NextGen automation systems, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient integration of UAS into non-segregated civil airspace. This paper describes many of the challenges associated with such accommodation as well as proposed solutions to address these challenges based upon construction of prototype interfaces using established UAS communication standards and envisioned ATC automation interfaces. Enhanced data formats, communication protocols and algorithms are also researched and discussed.
Monoallelic Amplification of Estrogen Receptor-α Expression in Breast Cancer

Gene amplification and loss of heterozygosity are alterations to chromosomal structure whereby tumor cells alter patterns of gene expression. We have identified a novel mechanism of gene regulation in which cancer cells predominantly express one of the two alleles of a gene. Estrogen receptor (ER)-α is overexpressed in hormone-responsive breast cancer compared with normal breast epithelial cells. Using a polymorphism of codon 10, we examined allele-specific expression of the four different ER promoters in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and primary tumors. Monoallelic amplification of expression (MAX) for all four ER promoters was identified, resulting in an allelic preference of> 100-fold. MAX was the result of an amplification of allele copy number and a preference to transcribe the amplified allele. The effect of MAX was most significant for the promoters clustered near the 1′ exon, whereas the expression from the distant H promoter mirrored template copy number. MAX of the ER gene was not found to occur in normal endometrial or breast tissue. As a novel mechanism in cancer genetics, MAX can result in functional homozygosity at a gene locus.
Febrile seizures after 2010-2011 influenza vaccine in young children, United States: a vaccine safety signal from the vaccine adverse event reporting system.

Abstract During the 2010–2011 influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration conducted enhanced vaccine safety monitoring for possible febrile seizures in all trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) products in the United States using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). We used Empirical Bayesian data mining techniques to assess disproportionate reporting after TIV and reviewed febrile seizure reports in children aged
Wax ester synthesis is required for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to enter in vitro dormancy.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is known to produce wax esters (WE) when subjected to stress. However, nothing is known about the enzymes involved in biosynthesis of WE and their role in mycobacterial dormancy. We report that two putative Mtb fatty acyl-CoA reductase genes (fcr) expressed in E. coli display catalytic reduction of fatty acyl-CoA to fatty aldehyde and fatty alcohol. Both enzymes (FCR1/Rv3391) and FCR2/Rv1543) showed a requirement for NADPH as the reductant, a preference for oleoyl-CoA over saturated fatty acyl-CoA and were inhibited by thiol-directed reagents. We generated Mtb gene-knockout mutants for each reductase. Metabolic incorporation of 14C-oleate into fatty alcohols and WE was severely diminished in the mutants under dormancy-inducing stress conditions that are thought to be encountered by the pathogen in the host. The fatty acyl-CoA reductase activity in cell lysates of the mutants under nitric oxide stress was significantly reduced when compared with the wild type. Complementation restored the lost activity completely in the Δfcr1 mutant and partially in the Δfcr2 mutant. WE synthesis was inhibited in both Δfcr mutants. The Δfcr mutants exhibited faster growth rates, an increased uptake of 14C-glycerol suggesting increased permeability of the cell wall, increased metabolic activity levels and impaired phenotypic antibiotic tolerance under dormancy-inducing combined multiple stress conditions. Complementation of the mutants did not restore the development of antibiotic tolerance to wild-type levels. Transcript analysis of Δfcr mutants showed upregulation of genes involved in energy generation and transcription, indicating the inability of the mutants to become dormant. Our results indicate that the fcr1 and fcr2 gene products are involved in WE synthesis under in vitro dormancy-inducing conditions and that WE play a critical role in reaching a dormant state. Drugs targeted against the Mtb reductases may inhibit its ability to go into dormancy and therefore increase susceptibility of Mtb to currently used antibiotics thereby enhancing clearance of the pathogen from patients.
Withholding Therapy and Anti-Cruelty Policies

Excerpt To the editor: In commenting on the New Jersey Supreme Court decision in the case of Claire Conroy, Lo and Dornbrand (1) point out that the court rejected the distinction between ordinary (...
Common duct stricture associated with hepatic artery infusion of FUDR.

A case report is presented giving the first detailed description of a benign common duct stricture occurring in a patient receiving hepatic artery infusion of FUDR for metastatic colon cancer. It is postulated that the stricture results from a combination of drug toxicity, and hypoxemia of the duct, with the lesion occurring more often than is recognized. A guide is given for the evaluation of the FUDR-infused patient with suspected nonmalignant duct stricture, and for the methods of alleviating extrahe-patic blockage in these individuals.
Hypothalamic obesity in male rats: comparison of parasagittal, coronal, and combined knife cuts.

The effects of three types of knife cuts on food intake and body weight in males rats are compared: bilateral parasagittal cuts through the medial hypothalamus (medial cuts), bilateral coronal cuts through the posterior hypothalamus (posterior cuts), and a unilateral medial cut combined with a contralateral posterior cut (medial × posterior cuts). The medial and medial × posterior cuts produce similar increases in food intake and body weight in chow-fed rats, whereas the posterior cuts do not alter intake or weight. When fed a high-fat diet, however, the posterior cut rats are mildly hyperphagic and outgain controls, although their weight gain is less than that of the medial and medial × posterior cut rats. All three cut groups display finickiness in additional diet tests. These results are similar to those previously obtained with female rats and indicate that medial parasagittal and posterior coronal hypothalamic cuts sever a common feeding inhibitory system.
Weak-Coupling Theory of the Polaron Energy-Momentum Relation

We present arguments to show that the energy-momentum relation for a polaron is quadratic for small $k$, but bends over and becomes horizontal when the energy approaches the optical-phonon energy above the ground state. We present a calculation for zero temperature based on a thermodynamic Green's-function theory which is especially designed to give a reliable polaron energy-momentum relation.
Intercellular protein crystals from the gametophyte-sporophyte junction of the hornwortPhaeoceros laeris Prosk.

Crystalline bodies, observed within the intercellular spaces of the gametophyte-sporophyte junction of the hornwortPhaeoceros laevis, were composed of alternating light and dark bands about 6 nm in width. They stained positively with all protein stains employed but not with periodic acid-Schiffs reagent suggesting a protein composition. The crystals were degraded during development indicating possible utilization of the protein components. The occurrence of intercellular protein crystals is unusual and further work is necessary to determine the exact nature of these crystals and their function, if any.
Recent advances in the detection of bone marrow micrometastases: A promising area for research or just another false hope? A review of the literature.

The presence of early disseminated tumor cells (DTC), otherwise termed micrometastases or minimal residual disease, in the bone marrow (BM), or other secondary compartments, such as the blood and the lymph nodes, is the main reason for recurrence of patients with early stage epithelial cancers after “curative” resection of the primary tumor. There is increasing evidence, that the detection of DTC in BM aspirates may provide additional and independent prognostic information and aid in the stratification of these patients for adjuvant clinical treatment. However, the clinical relevance of micrometastases has not yet been firmly established. In addition, the molecular events and interactions that prevail in early metastatic disease and determine the formation or not of overt metastases remain poorly understood. The methods currently used for the detection of micrometastatic cells include extremely sensitive immunocytochemical and molecular assays, often in conjunction with enrichment techniques for the purification of tumor cells and additional increase of their sensitivity. Nevertheless, the specificity of these methods is mostly inadequate. After the impressive advances of molecular cytogenetics, a highly accurate and global assessment of the genetic status of tumors is now possible. Therefore, the greatest challenge of our time is the application of these novel technologies for the clarification of the key molecular events that initiate metastatic spread. This will further enable us to identify the highly specific and sensitive diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as the therapeutic targets which are so urgently needed.
Depression and barriers to mental health care in older cancer patients.

Objective To review the literature on depression in cancer patients with a particular focus on depression assessment and barriers to mental health treatment in older cancer patients. Design We conducted a review of the literature on depression and barriers to mental health treatment in older cancer patients. Results Depression is prevalent in cancer patients. However, little is known about prevalence rates of depression in older adults with cancer, assessing depression in older cancer patients and barriers that impede proper mental health treatment in this sample. Conclusion Improved diagnostic clarity and a better understanding of barriers to mental health treatment can help clarify and facilitate mental health referrals and ultimately improve access to care among older cancer patients in need. Continuing to consider the complexities associated with diagnosing depression in older cancer patients is necessary. Further work may be needed to develop new diagnostic measures for such detection, determine the prevalence of depression among older cancer and ways in which to overcome barriers to mental health care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post-training administration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) enhances retention of a spatial memory through a noradrenergic mechanism in male rats.

Hormones released in response to stress play important roles in cognition. In the present study, the effects of the stress peptide, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), on spatial reference memory were assessed following post-training administration. Adult Long-Evans male rats were trained for 6 days on a standard water maze task of reference memory in which animals must learn and remember the fixed location of a hidden, submerged platform. Each day, immediately following three training trials, rats received bilateral infusions of CRH into the lateral ventricles over a range of doses (0.1, 0.33, 1.0, 3.3 μg) or a vehicle solution. Post-training infusions of CRH improved retention as indicated by significantly shorter latencies and path lengths to locate the hidden platform on the first training (retention) trial of days 2 and 3. Additionally, post-training administration of CRH increased spatial bias during probe trials as measured by proximity to the platform location. CRH did not enhance performance on retention or probe trials when administered 2 h after daily training indicating that CRH facilitated consolidation specifically. The effects of CRH were attenuated by intraventricular co-administration of the beta-adrenergic antagonist, propanolol, at bilateral doses that had no effect on retention alone (0.1, 1.0 μg). Results indicate that post-training administration of CRH enhanced spatial memory as measured in a water maze, and this effect was mediated, at least partly, by a noradrenergic mechanism.
Estimates and Projections of HIV/AIDS for Yunnan Province, China

Existing national projections of HIV/AIDS in China do not account for the heterogeneity of HIV rates and risks across provinces. This paper takes a first step to better understand the contribution of provincial epidemics to the national epidemic by presenting a set of estimates and projections of HIV/AIDS for Yunnan Province from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing a standard modeling approach, HIV seroprevalence data and data from a 2000 census are used to estimate trends of HIV infections and AIDS deaths in Yunnan. These estimates and projections give important insights into the possible evolution of HIV/AIDS across Chinese provinces and nationwide. They cast doubt on the magnitude of the future impact of HIV/AIDS in China as currently suggested by UNAIDS and other international agencies.
Kerr - Fourier imaging of hidden objects in thick turbid media.

Test bar charts hidden in a 5.5-cm-thick 2.5% Intralipid solution were imaged as a function of phantom depth and size with steady-state Fourier and picosecond Kerr–Fourier imaging systems. With time and space gating, a series of 250-μm bars placed in a thick highly scattering medium were resolved at a signal level of ~10−10 of the illumination intensity.
Global market place and causality

Financial markets in recent years have become linked as never before due to the development of low-cost computer and communication technology and the deregulations which have led to the lessening of the frictions and barriers to international capital flows. Trading takes place continuously around the clock due to telephone and satellite links, and we are moving very fast toward the integration of the world markets. The investor in the stock market has truly become global. For example, pension funds have been investing record sums in foreign stocks-an estimated $120 billion in 1992 as compared to only $10 billion in 1977. Deregulation and restructuring have made the world capital markets more liquid and efficient. However, Black Monday provided an early preview that, while the integration of the markets increase the investors’ flexibility and potential for diversification, integration could as well lead to a chain reaction of the markets that could bring the worlds markets down together. There is an axiom of parallelism which indicates that prices in the NYSE, London, etc. normally move in the same direction. But the remaining questions are the following: Does any one of these centers lead the others? Do the leaders get affected equally by the followers? A priori, there exists a high expectation of correlation among these markets. But correlation does not imply causation. Various aspects of linkages between international financial markets have been the subject of several studies since the early 1970s. Relevant to the theme of this papeG the main thrust of these studies may be categorized in the areas of “international” market:
Expert Testimony Regarding Child Witnesses: Does It Sensitize Jurors to Forensic Interview Quality?

Does expert testimony on forensic interviews with children help adults distinguish between poorly conducted and well-conducted interviews? This study evaluates the effects of social framework expert testimony regarding child witnesses in a case involving allegations of child sexual abuse. A 2 (Expert Testimony: present or absent) × 3 (Child Forensic Interview Quality: poor, typical, or good) × 2 (Child’s Age: 4- or 10-year-old) factorial design was used to examine whether expert testimony is prejudicial or beneficial to jurors (N = 463). The results revealed that, without expert testimony, mock jurors did not consider the forensic interview quality when reaching a verdict. However, with expert testimony, mock jurors were more likely to render guilty verdicts if the interview quality was good versus poor. Further expert testimony increased mock jurors’ knowledge about child witnesses. These findings suggest that expert testimony related to the impact of interview techniques on the reliability of children’s reports may assist fact-finders in evaluating child abuse cases.
171 UTILIZATION OF 2′-DEOXYNAD FOR ADP-RIBOSE TRANSFER REACTIONS

Besides its function as a major electon acceptor, NAD is a substrate for numerous ADP-ribose transfer reactions that are important in the regulation of cell function. The poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins has been shown to modify chromatin structure. The mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of elongation factor-2, catalyzed by diphtheria and psuedomonas toxins, has been demonstrated to block protein synthesis. The mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of G proteins by bacterial toxins can critically modulate transmembrane signalling. We have developed a simple method to distinguish between mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reactions in crude cell extracts. Radioactive 2′-deoxyNAD (dNAD) was prepared enzymatically from [2,8-3H]-dATP and nicotinamide mononucleotide, and was purified by HPLC. Then dNAD and NAD were compared as substrates for purified poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase from calf spleen, and diphtheria toxin mono(ADP-ribose) transferase. The results showed that 2′-dNAD was an efficient substrate for the mono(ADP-ribose) transferase. The transfer of the dADP moiety of dNAD to elongation factor-2 inhibited protein synthesis in reticulocyte lysates. In contrast, dNAD was not a detectable substrate for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, under conditions where NAD was rapidly consumed. These results suggest that dNAD may be a useful tool for the investigation of specific cellular targets of eukaryotic and bacterial mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation reactions.
Detection by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay of Antibodies to West Nile virus in Birds

We adapted an indirect immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to facilitate studies of West Nile virus (WNV) and evaluated its application to taxonomically diverse avian species. Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in 23 bird species, including many exotic species, demonstrating its value in studies of WNV epizootiology.
Sputtering of ices by keV ions

Abstract We have measured the sputtering yields of H 2 O, CO 2 and N 2 O ices at 78 K under Ar + , Ne + , N + , He + and e − bombardment in the keV energy range. The experimental technique involves the determination of the initial ice film thickness by optical interference and the fluence required to sputter through the film by SIMS. The measured yields were compared with predictions using Sigmund's linear cascade theory. The results indicate that processes in addition to the purely ballistic process contribute to the ejection.
Normal and Shear Forces between Mica and Model Membrane Surfaces with Adsorbed Hyaluronan

Using a surface forces apparatus, we have measured the normal and shear forces between surfaces containing physisorbed hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a major component of synovial fluid and which is believed to play a role in joint lubrication. The adsorption mechanisms involved the ionic binding of negatively charged HA (i) to positively charged surfactant bilayers supported on mica substrates and (ii) to negatively charged mica surfaces via Ca2+ bridges. Our results show that physisorbed HA fails as a lubricant when surfaces are pressed strongly together and/or sheared due to the squeezing out of the HA from between the surfaces. On the basis of these and previous studies, we conjecture that HA might function as an effective boundary biolubricant, exhibiting both low friction and low wear, but only if it is chemically or specifically bound exclusively to each surface, but not to both surfaces.
Spin structure of $\bar{p}p\rightarrow\bar{\Lambda}\Lambda$

A complete determination of spin observables for \(\bar{p}p\rightarrow\bar{\Lambda}\Lambda\), at an antiproton lab momentum of 1.637 GeV/c, has been made by the PS185 Collaboration. Results of this experiment disagree strongly with the predictions of calculations which used either meson exchange or quark models for the reaction mechanism. We use a model-independent description of the spin structure of this reaction to show that, in the absence of initial and final state interactions, pure spin singlet or pure spin triplet reaction mechanisms require that depolarization D nn and spin transfer K nn are equal, in disagreement with experiment. We also show that a superposition of singlet and triplet reaction mechanisms allow D nn ≠ K nn , as required by experiment.
The Optical Counterpart of an Ultraluminous X-Ray Source in NGC 5204

Ultraluminous X-ray (ULX) sources are extranuclear point sources in external galaxies with LX = 1039-1041 ergs s-1 and are among the most poorly understood X-ray sources. To help understand their nature, we are trying to identify their optical counterparts by combining images from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Here we report on the optical counterpart for the ULX in NGC 5204, which has average X-ray luminosity of ~3 × 1039 ergs s-1 and has varied by a factor of 50% over the last 10 years. A unique optical counterpart to this ULX is found by carefully comparing the Chandra ACIS images and HST WFPC2 and ACS/HRC images. The spectral energy distribution and the HST/STIS far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectrum of this object show that it is a B0 Ib supergiant star with peculiarities, including the N V λ1240 emission line, which is uncommon in B stellar spectra but has been predicted for X-ray-illuminated accretion disks and seen in some X-ray binaries. Study of its FUV spectrum leads to a binary model for this ULX in which the B0 Ib supergiant is overflowing its Roche lobe and accreting onto the compact primary, probably a black hole. This picture predicts an orbital period of ~10 days for different black hole masses, which can be tested by future observations.
Biosynthesis of aortic collagen and glycosaminoglycan following immunological injury.

Abstract The effect of immunological injury upon the early in vivo changes in aortic connective tissue metabolism was studied. It was found that a single antigen (bovine serum albumin), when administered in multiple doses, activated collagen synthesis and increased the rate of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in the arterial wall. The degree of stimulation of both connective tissue components was higher in animals receiving a higher dose of antigen.
Nutrient dispersion enhances conventional antibiotic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

Bacterial biofilms cause significant infections in the medical field. Antibiotics commonly used to treat these infections often do not achieve complete bacterial eradication. New approaches to eliminate biofilms have focused on dispersion compounds to entice the bacteria to actively escape or disperse from the biofilm, where the bacteria may become more susceptible to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that combining antibiotics with nutrient dispersion compounds can synergistically decrease the viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. The effects of various co-treatments were studied on mature biofilms through qualitative and quantitative confocal microscopy. Combined treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms with antibiotic and dispersion compounds resulted in a significant reduction in the live bacterial population compared with the untreated control in all cases, with four combinations displaying synergistic action (citrate with amikacin disulphate, colistin methanesulphonate or erythromycin, and succinic acid with colistin methanesulphonate).
Continuous cardiac output monitoring after cardiopulmonary bypass: a comparison with bolus thermodilution measurement

The interchangeability of continuous measurement of cardiac output (CO) with the traditional bolus method in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is uncertain. Prospective observational clinical study. A 20-bed surgical ICU at a university hospital. Fourteen deeply sedated, ventilated, post-cardiac surgery patients, all equipped with a pulmonary artery catheter. Six hours after the end of the CPB, 56 simultaneous bolus and continuous measurements were compared by a linear regression analysis and Bland–Altman analysis. Bolus CO was estimated by averaging triplicate injections of 10 ml room-temperature NaCl 0.9%, delivered randomly during the respiratory cycle. A stringent maximum difference of 0.55 l min—1 (about 10% of the mean bolus measured) was considered as a clinically acceptable agreement between the two types of measurements. To be interchangeable the limits of agreement (± 2 SD of the mean difference between the two methods) should not exceed the chosen acceptable difference. Continuous was correlated with bolus CO, with a correlation coefficient of r2 = 0.68. (p< 0.01). The Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated an objective mean bias of 0.33 ± 0.6 l min–1 (confidence interval of –0.87 – 1.58) with 34% of measured values falling outside of the clinically acceptable limits. Our results suggest that, in the first 6 h after CPB, continuous and bolus CO determinations are not interchangeable; one third of the values obtained by continuous CO fell outside the strict limits of clinically useful precision.
The influence of gating on measurements of myocardium at risk and infarct size during acute myocardial infarction by tomographic technetium 99m-labeled sestamibi imaging

Background Serial perfusion imaging with 99mTc-labeled sestamibi has been useful in the assessment of myocardial salvage from reperfusion therapy during acute myocardial infarction. Studies in animal models have shown that discernible perfusion defects can be created by left ventricular asynergy from partial volume effects in the setting of homogenous perfusion tracer distribution. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of gating on serial perfusion images during acute myocardial infarction to determine the magnitude of potential partial volume effects.
Monitoring cyclical coronary blood flow alterations after coronary angioplasty for stent restenosis with a Doppler guide wire.

Monitoring changes in coronary blood flow during intracoronary interventions has the potential advantage of serving as an early warning of acute closure resulting from persistent or inapparent coronary thrombus, dissection, or vasospasm. These findings currently can be detected only through repeated angiography, which is limited by the quality of the angiograms and the clinical effects of increased amounts of radiographic contrast medium. With the advent of a Doppler-tipped angioplasty guide wire, continuous measurement of coronary blood flow velocity during coronary interventions is now feasible. Determinations of coronary blood flow velocity during routine angioplasty indicate that distal coronary artery blood flow velocity is nearly normal after satisfactory lesion interventione3 In addition, preliminary data suggest that in a branching coronary system reduction of blood flow velocity beyond a critical stenosis correlates with the severity of the translesional pressure gradient.4 In animal models with an artificially created coronary stenosis and intracoronary thrombus, cyclical variations in coronary blood flow have been reported, which may be abolished by different antiplatelet or antithrombotic agents.5-s Recently cyclical flow variations have been reported to occur in humans during coronary angioplasty.g During angioplasty for restenosis within a recently placed balloon-expandable coronary stent, intracoronary thrombus formation was detected by the presence of cyclical variations in the distal coronary artery blood flow velocity measured with a Doppler angioplasty guide wire. Evidence of cyclical flow variations in an artery with the potential for intraluminal thrombus formation was a marker of continued prothrombotic activity, which despite adequate anticoagulation subsequently resulted in an unsuccessful procedure. The use of flow velocity monitoring in this patient represents a first in a series of continuing investigations of patient management with the use of Doppler angioplasty guide wire methodology, which may provide additional safety measures for interventional procedures.
Estimated Cross Section for the Reaction p + p → d + W

The cross section for the reaction $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d+W$ has been recalculated in a relativistic form. The new estimate of the cross section is considerably higher than the one given previously by Bernstein.